Pregnane neurosteroids exert opposite effects on GABA and glycine-induced chloride current in isolated rat neurons.

The ability of endogenous neurosteroids (NSs) with pregnane skeleton modified at positions C-3 and C-5 to modulate the functional activity of inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyR) and ionotropic É£-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA R) was estimated. The glycine and GABA-induced chloride current (IGly and IGABA ) were measured in isolated pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus and in isolated rat cerebellar Purkinje cells, respectively. Our experiments demonstrated that pregnane NSs affected IGABA and IGly in a different manner. At low concentrations (up to 5 µM), tested pregnane NSs increased or did not change the peak amplitude of the IGABA , but reduced the IGly by decreasing the peak amplitude and/or accelerating desensitization. Namely, allopregnanolone (ALLO), epipregnanolone (EPI), pregnanolone (PA), pregnanolone sulfate (PAS) and 5ß-dihydroprogesterone (5ß-DHP) enhanced the IGABA in Purkinje cells. Dose-response curves plotted in the concentration range from 1 nM to 100 µM were smooth for EPI and 5ß-DHP, but bell-shaped for ALLO, PA and PAS. The peak amplitude of the IGly was reduced by PA, PAS, and 5α- and 5ß-DHP. In contrast, ALLO, ISO and EPI did not modulate it. Dose-response curves for the inhibition of the IGly peak amplitude were smooth for all active compounds. All NSs accelerated desensitization of the IGly . The dose-response relationship for this effect was smooth for ALLO, PA, PAS and 5ß-DHP, but it was U-shaped for EPI, 5α-DHP and ISO. These results, together with our previous results on NSs with androstane skeleton, offer comprehensive overview for understanding the mechanisms of effects of NSs on IGly and IGABA .

5alpha-dihydroprogesterone promotes proliferation and migration of human glioblastoma cells.

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and deadliest intracranial tumors. Steroid hormones, such as progesterone (P4), at physiological concentrations, promote proliferation, and migration of human GBM cells in vivo and in vitro. Neuronal and glial cells, but also GBMs, metabolize P4 and synthesize different active metabolites such as 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP). However, their contribution to GBM malignancy remains unknown. Here, we determined the 5α-DHP effects on the number of cells, proliferation, and migration of the U87 and U251 human GBM-derived cell lines. Of the tested concentrations (1 nM-1 µM), 5α-DHP 10 nM significantly increased the number of U87 and U251 cells from day 2 of treatment, and proliferation (at day 3) in a similar manner as P4 (10 nM). The treatment with the progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist RU486 (mifepristone), blocked the effects of 5α-DHP on the number of cells and proliferation. Besides, in U251 and LN229 GBM cells, 5α-DHP promoted cell migration (from 12 to 24 h). We also determined that GBM cells expressed the 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases (3α-HSOR), which reversibly reduce 5α-DHP to allopregnanolone (3α-THP). These data indicate that 5α-DHP induces proliferation and migration of human GBM through the activation of PR.

The anti-seizure effects of IV 5α-dihydroprogesterone on amygdala-kindled seizures in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the anti-seizure effects of 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) in an animal model of human drug-resistant focal seizures with impaired awareness. DHP was administered via the intravenous (IV) route. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were implanted with an electrode in the right basolateral amygdala. They were then kindled to 15 stage 5 seizures, stability tested, and cannulated in the jugular vein. Multiple doses of IV DHP were tested against focal electrographic seizures and secondarily generalized convulsions. The time-course of DHP's action was also examined. RESULTS: The dose-response study, done at 5 min after injection, showed a dose-dependent suppression of both generalized and focal seizures, with an ED50 of 1.69 mg/kg for the generalized convulsive seizures and an ED50 of 3.48 mg/kg for the focal electrographic seizures. Ataxia, as rated by the Löscher ataxia scale, was also seen, with a TD50 of 3.57 mg/kg. The time-response study, done at the ED75 for focal seizure suppression, showed suppression of both generalized and focal seizures from immediately after injection to about 60 min post-injection. SIGNIFICANCE: DHP has demonstrated anti-seizure effects in a drug-resistant model of human focal seizures with impaired awareness. Its analogs might be developed as new anti-seizure drugs.

The importance of the chemical structure of pregnanes in the concurrent inhibition of estrous behavior in the female rat.

An investigation of aspects ranging from behavior to molecular electronic structure and physicochemical properties was performed to explore the role of 5α-pregnanedione (5α-DHP), 5ß-pregnanedione (5ß-DHP) and their precursor progesterone (P) on the concurrent inhibition of the sexual lordosis response in female rats. The concurrent inhibition of lordosis behavior occurs when ovariectomized rodents are primed simultaneously with estradiol (E2) and P. Thus, a second administration of P 40h later fails to induce the expected sexual response that takes place when E2 and P are administered sequentially 40h apart. In this study, it is hypothesized that the modulation of the sexual behavior display depends to some extent on the molecular structure and associated physicochemical properties of steroid hormones such as P and its metabolites. Therefore, these molecules must be studied chemically and structurally to explain their role in sexual behavior, including the concurrent inhibition effect. Analysis of the electronic structure and physicochemical properties demonstrated striking differences in the A-ring region of P, 5α-DHP and 5ß-DHP, particularly in atomic charges, dipole moment (DM) and electrostatic potentials. Similarly, the structural differences between the trans (5α-DHP) and cis (5ß-DHP) configurations were remarkable. 5α-DHP most significantly promoted the concurrent inhibition of the lordosis behavior, followed by P and 5ß-DHP. These data indicate that variations in pregnane structure are related to the extent of the concurrent inhibition effect and also suggest that P may act as a prehormone in certain functions of the central nervous system.

Developmentally regulated neurosteroid synthesis enhances GABAergic neurotransmission in mouse thalamocortical neurones.

KEY POINTS: During neuronal development synaptic events mediated by GABAA receptors are progressively reduced in their duration, allowing for rapid and precise network function. Here we focused on ventrobasal thalamocortical neurones, which contribute to behaviourally relevant oscillations between thalamus and cortex. We demonstrate that the developmental decrease in the duration of inhibitory phasic events results predominantly from a precisely timed loss of locally produced neurosteroids, which act as positive allosteric modulators of the GABAA receptor. The mature thalamus retains the ability to synthesise neurosteroids, thus preserving the capacity to enhance both phasic and tonic inhibition, mediated by synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively, in physiological and pathophysiological scenarios associated with perturbed neurosteroid levels. Our data establish a potent, endogenous mechanism to locally regulate the GABAA receptor function and thereby influence thalamocortical activity. During brain development the duration of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs) progressively reduces, to accommodate the temporal demands required for precise network activity. Conventionally, this synaptic plasticity results from GABAA R subunit reorganisation. In particular, in certain developing neurones synaptic α2-GABAA Rs are replaced by α1-GABAA Rs. However, in thalamocortical neurones of the mouse ventrobasal (VB) thalamus, the major alteration to mIPSC kinetics occurs on postnatal (P) day 10, some days prior to the GABAA R isoform change. Here, whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from VB neurones of mouse thalamic slices revealed that early in postnatal development (P7-P8), the mIPSC duration is prolonged by local neurosteroids acting in a paracrine or autocrine manner to enhance GABAA R function. However, by P10, this neurosteroid 'tone' rapidly dissipates, thereby producing brief mIPSCs. This plasticity results from a lack of steroid substrate as pre-treatment of mature thalamic slices (P20-24) with the GABAA R-inactive precursor 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP) resulted in markedly prolonged mIPSCs and a greatly enhanced tonic conductance, mediated by synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA Rs, respectively. In summary, endogenous neurosteroids profoundly influence GABAergic neurotransmission in developing VB neurones and govern a transition from slow to fast phasic synaptic events. Furthermore, the retained capacity for steroidogenesis in the mature thalamus raises the prospect that certain physiological or pathophysiological conditions may trigger neurosteroid neosynthesis, thereby providing a local mechanism for fine-tuning neuronal excitability.

Oxidative actions of hydrogen peroxide in human gingival and oral periosteal fibroblasts: responses to glutathione and nicotine, relevant to healing in a redox environment.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to validate pro-oxidant actions of nicotine (N), using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the antioxidant glutathione (G) in an in vitro model of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and human oral periosteal fibroblasts (HPF); radiolabelled androgens are used as biomarkers of redox status. Oxidative stress is an important mediator of inflammatory repair. The androgen metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an effective biomarker of oxidative stress and healing. METHODS: 6 Cell-lines of HGF and HPF established in confluent monolayer culture were incubated in Eagle's MEM using 14C-testosterone and 14C-4-androstendione as substrate; in conjunction with effective concentrations of N, G and H2O2 established at N250, G3 µg/ml and 3%H2O2 w/w, 0.5 µl/ml. Combinations of H2O2G and H2O2GN were used in order to compare the oxidative effects of N/H2O2 and their responses to glutathione. At 24 h, the medium was solvent extracted, evaporated to dryness and subjected to TLC in a benzene/acetone solvent system 4:1 v/v for the separation of metabolites. The separated metabolites were quantified using a radioisotope scanner. RESULTS: The mean trends of 6 cell-lines for both substrates and each cell type demonstrated that the yield of the main metabolite DHT was significantly reduced by N and H2O2 alone (2-fold, n=6; p<0.01). The inhibition caused by H2O2 was overcome by the antioxidant glutathione in the combination H2O2G, to values similar to those of controls (n=6; p<0.01). It is relevant that when N was added to this neutralized combination, the decrease in yields of DHT triggered by N were comparable to those induced by H2O2; and retaining the positive effect of G. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress mediated by H2O2 was overcome by glutathione and recurred when nicotine was added, suggestive of a pro- oxidant role for nicotine. Androgen biomarkers are a sensitive index of oxidative stress which affects wound healing.

Neuroprotection by steroids after neurotrauma in organotypic spinal cord cultures: a key role for progesterone receptors and steroidal modulators of GABA(A) receptors.

Progesterone is neuroprotective after spinal cord injury, however its mechanism of action remains unexplored. Here we used organotypic spinal cord slice cultures from 3 weeks-old mice to evaluate the mechanisms of neuroprotection by progesterone and its 5α-reduced metabolites. In vitro spinal cord injury, using a weight drop model, induced a decrease in the number of motoneurons. This was correlated with an increase in the number of dying cells (PI⁺ cells) and in LDH release. Addition of 10 µM of progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP) or allopregnanolone (3α, 5α-tetrahydroprogesterone) to the medium at the time of injury rescued the spinal cord slices from the effects of damage. Progesterone prevented membrane cell damage, motoneuron loss and cell death. These effects were not due to its bioconversion to 5α-DHP nor to allopregnanolone, as supported by the finasteride, an inhibitor of 5α-reductase enzymes, and by the absence of 5α-reduced progesterone metabolites in the slices analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The neuroprotective effects of progesterone required PR as they could not be observed in slices from homozygous knockout PR(-/-) mice. Allopregnanolone treatment was also neuroprotective. Its effects were not due to its bioconversion back to 5α-DHP, which can activate gene transcription via PR, because they were still observed in slices from knockout PR(-/-) mice. Allopregnanolone effects involved GABA(A) receptors, as they were inhibited by the selective GABA(A) receptor antagonist Gabazine, in both PR(+/+) and PR(-/-) mice. Altogether, these findings identify both PR and GABA(A) receptors as important targets for neuroprotection by progestagens after spinal cord injury.

Progesterone metabolites regulate induction, growth, and suppression of estrogen- and progesterone receptor-negative human breast cell tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Of the nearly 1.4 million new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year, a large proportion is characterized as hormone receptor negative, lacking estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PR). Patients with receptor-negative tumors do not respond to current steroid hormone-based therapies and generally have significantly higher risk of recurrence and mortality compared with patients with tumors that are ER- and/or PR-positive. Previous in vitro studies had shown that the progesterone metabolites, 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5αP) and 3α-dihydroprogesterone (3αHP), respectively, exhibit procancer and anticancer effects on receptor-negative human breast cell lines. Here in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the ability of 5αP and 3αHP to control initiation, growth, and regression of ER/PR-negative human breast cell tumors. METHODS: ER/PR-negative human breast cells (MDA-MB-231) were implanted into mammary fat pads of immunosuppressed mice, and the effects of 5αP and 3αHP treatments on tumor initiation, growth, suppression/regression, and histopathology were assessed in five separate experiments. Specific radioimmunoassays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to measure 5αP, 3αHP, and progesterone in mouse serum and tumors. RESULTS: Onset and growth of ER/PR-negative human breast cell tumors were significantly stimulated by 5αP and inhibited by 3αHP. When both hormones were applied simultaneously, the stimulatory effects of 5αP were abrogated by the inhibitory effects of 3αHP and vice versa. Treatment with 3αHP subsequent to 5αP-induced tumor initiation resulted in suppression of further tumorigenesis and regression of existing tumors. The levels of 5αP in tumors, regardless of treatment, were about 10-fold higher than the levels of 3αHP, and the 5αP:3αHP ratios were about fivefold higher than in serum, indicating significant changes in endogenous synthesis of these hormones in tumorous breast tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The studies showed that estrogen/progesterone-insensitive breast tumors are sensitive to, and controlled by, the progesterone metabolites 5αP and 3αHP. Tumorigenesis of ER/PR-negative breast cells is significantly enhanced by 5αP and suppressed by 3αHP, the outcome depending on the relative concentrations of these two hormones in the microenvironment in the breast regions. The findings show that the production of 5αP greatly exceeds that of 3αHP in ER/PR-negative tumors and that treatment with 3αHP can effectively block tumorigenesis and cause existing tumors to regress. The results provide the first hormonal theory to explain tumorigenesis of ER/PR-negative breast tissues and support the hypothesis that a high 3αHP-to-5αP concentration ratio in the microenvironment may foster normalcy in noncancerous breast regions. The findings suggest new diagnostics based on the relative levels of these hormones and new approaches to prevention and treatment of breast cancers based on regulating the levels and action mechanisms of anti- and pro-cancer progesterone metabolites.

Cellular and functional evidence for a protective action of neurosteroids against vincristine chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy.

Painful neuropathy is a major side-effect limiting cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, novel strategies are required to suppress the neuropathic effects of anticancer drugs without altering their chemotherapeutic effectiveness. By combining biochemical, neuroanatomical/neurochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral methods, we demonstrated that progesterone-derived neurosteroids including 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone suppressed neuropathic symptoms evoked in naive rats by vincristine. Neurosteroids counteracted vincristine-induced alterations in peripheral nerves including 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, neurofilament-200 kDa and intraepidermal nerve fiber repression, nerve conduction velocity, and pain transmission abnormalities (allodynia/hyperalgesia). In skin-tumor rats generated with carcinosarcoma-cells, vincristine, which suppressed the skin tumor and restored normal blood concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), reproduced neuropathic side-effects. Administered alone, neurosteroids did not affect the tumor and VEGF level. Combined with vincristine, neurosteroids preserved vincristine anti-tumor action but counteracted vincristine-induced neural side-effects. Together, these results provide valuable insight into the cellular and functional mechanisms underlying anticancer drug-induced neuropathy and suggest a neurosteroid-based strategy to eradicate painful neuropathy.

Opposing actions of the progesterone metabolites, 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alphaP) and 3alpha-dihydroprogesterone (3alphaHP) on mitosis, apoptosis, and expression of Bcl-2, Bax and p21 in human breast cell lines.

Previous studies have shown that breast tissues and breast cell lines convert progesterone (P) to 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alphaP) and 3alpha-dihydroprogesterone (3alphaHP) and that 3alphaHP suppresses, whereas 5alphaP promotes, cell proliferation and detachment. The objectives of the current studies were to determine if the 5alphaP- and 3alphaHP-induced changes in cell numbers are due to altered rates of mitosis and/or apoptosis, and if 3alphaHP and 5alphaP act on tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cells, regardless of estrogen (E) and P receptor status. The studies were conducted on tumorigenic (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, T47D) and non-tumorigenic (MCF-10A) human breast cell lines, employing several methods to assess the effects of the hormones on cell proliferation, mitosis, apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2, Bax and p21. In all four cell lines, 5alphaP increased, whereas 3alphaHP decreased cell numbers, [(3)H]thymidine uptake and mitotic index. Apoptosis was stimulated by 3alphaHP and suppressed by 5alphaP. 5alphaP resulted in increases in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, indicating decreased apoptosis; 3alphaHP resulted in decreases in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, indicating increased apoptosis. The effects of either 3alphaHP or 5alphaP on cell numbers, [(3)H]thymidine uptake, mitosis, apoptosis, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio, were abrogated when cells were treated simultaneously with both hormones. The expression of p21 was increased by 3alphaHP, and was unaffected by 5alphaP. The results provide the first evidence that 5alphaP stimulates mitosis and suppresses apoptosis, whereas 3alphaHP inhibits mitosis and stimulates apoptosis. The opposing effects of 5alphaP and 3alphaHP were observed in all four breast cell lines examined and the data suggest that all breast cancers (estrogen-responsive and unresponsive) might be suppressed by blocking 5alphaP formation and/or increasing 3alphaHP. The findings further support the hypothesis that progesterone metabolites are key regulatory hormones and that changes in their relative concentrations in the breast microenvironment determine whether breast tissues remain normal or become cancerous.

The anti-aromatase effect of progesterone and of its natural metabolites 20alpha- and 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone in the MCF-7aro breast cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND: Progesterone is metabolized in the normal breast mainly into 4-ene-pregnenes (e.g. 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, 20alphaDHP) but, in contrast, in breast cancer tissue the 5alpha-dihydropregnanes (e.g. 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone, 5alphaDHP) are prevalent. In the present study the effect of progesterone and its main metabolites 20alphaDHP and 5alphaDHP on the aromatase activity in a stable aromatase-expressing estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7aro, was explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MCF-7aro cells were stripped of endogenous steroids and incubated with physiological concentrations of [3H]-testosterone ([3H]-testos: 5 x 10(-9)M) alone or in the presence of progesterone, 20alphaDHP or 5alphaDHP (5 x 10(-6) or 5 x 10(-8)M) for 24 h at 37 degrees C. The cellular radioactivity uptake was determined in the ethanolic supernatant and the DNA content in the remaining pellet. [3H]-Estradiol (E2), [3H]-estrone (E1) and [3H]-testos were characterized by thin layer chromatography and quantified using the corresponding standard. RESULTS: Aromatase activity was present at a high level in the MCF-7aro cells after incubation with [3H]-testos when the concentration of [3H]-E2 was 3.70 pmol/mg DNA; 20alphaDHP at concentrations of 5 x 10(-6)M or 5 x 10(-8)M significantly inhibited this conversion by 50.3% and 36.5%, respectively. No significant effect was found with the metabolite 5alphaDHP or the parent hormone, progesterone. CONCLUSION: The MCF-7aro cell line shows high detectable aromatase activity. The present data indicate that the progesterone metabolite 20alphaDHP, found mainly in normal breast tissue, can act as an anti-aromatase agent.

GABA(A) receptor properties in catastrophic infantile epilepsy.

Catastrophic epilepsy due to cortical dysplasia is often intractable to anticonvulsant treatment. Many of the medications used unsuccessfully in treating this disorder are thought to exert at least a portion of their action through enhancement of inhibitory GABA(A) neurotransmission. In the present study, GABA(A) receptor properties in resected brain tissue from four infants with infantile spasms and intractable epilepsy due to cortical dysplasia were measured to determine if this clinical resistance to pharmacologic treatment correlates with alterations in receptor function. Results from epileptic cortex were compared with those from autopsy control samples. To perform these studies, we utilized the technique of injection of brain cellular membrane preparations into the Xenopus oocyte, which results in the incorporation of human GABA(A) receptors in their native configuration into the oocyte plasma membrane. Two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology analysis was then performed to assess GABA(A) receptor pharmacologic properties. The intrinsic properties of affinity, reversal potential, current decay, and current rundown were unchanged in the epileptic infants. Current enhancement by benzodiazepines was also unaltered, as was the response to barbiturates. However, a significant decrease was found in the degree of GABA(A) current enhancement by neurosteroids in the epileptic infants, along with an increase in current inhibition by zinc. These findings may contribute to the mechanisms of intractability in catastrophic infantile epilepsy due to cortical dysplasia, and suggest alternative therapeutic approaches.

Progesterone metabolism in bovine endometrial cells and the effect of metabolites on the responsiveness of the cells to OT-stimulation of PGF2alpha.

Oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression is suppressed by progesterone (P4) during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle and then it increases at the time of luteolysis, but its regulation is still not completely understood. The objective of this work was to characterize P4 metabolism by endometrial cells in vitro and determine if metabolites were able to modify prostaglandin secretion in response to oxytocin (OT). Endometrial epithelial and stromal cells were incubated with 3H-P4 or 3H-pregnenolone (P5) for 6 or 24 h. Metabolites in the medium were separated by HPLC. The results showed that P4 and P5 were converted to two major polar metabolites and a less polar metabolite that was identified as 5alpha- or 5beta-pregnanedione by LC/MS. Progesterone metabolism was similar in both stromal and epithelial cells. To determine if 5alpha- or 5beta-pregnanedione were able to modify PGF(2)alpha synthesis, cells were cultured with P4, 5alpha- or 5beta-pregnanedione (100 ng ml(-1)) for 48 h and then each group of cells was incubated for a further 4-6 h with or without OT (200 ng ml(-1)). Results showed that only P4 caused significant (P<0.001) increase in basal, but not OT-stimulated, PGF(2)alpha synthesis. OT binding assays showed no significant effect of progesterone or its metabolites on OTR concentration. In conclusion, bovine endometrial cells are able to metabolize pregnenolone and progesterone but neither 5alpha- nor 5beta-pregnanedione altered prostaglandin synthesis or OTR number in endometrial epithelial cells. These data suggest that 5-pregnanediones do not play a role in the regulation OT-stimulated PGF(2)alpha secretion during the bovine estrous cycle.

Androgen decreases osteoprotegerin expression in prostate cancer cells.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a key regulator of bone resorption, is hypothesized to have a role in prostate cancer (CaP) bone metastasis. As advanced CaP is treated by androgen ablation, we examined if androgen modulates OPG expression by CaP cell lines in vitro. Basal levels of secreted OPG protein were significantly greater in androgen-independent PC-3 cells compared with androgen-responsive LNCaP-FGC cells (P<0.001); OPG was not detected in the androgen-responsive CaP cell lines LAPC-4 or DuCaP. Treatment with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5alpha-DHT) significantly decreased OPG protein levels in both PC-3 and LNCaP-FGC, with maximal suppression using 10(-9)-10(-7) M 5alpha-DHT in PC-3 (P<0.01; day 3), and using 10(-10)-10(-9) M 5alpha-DHT in LNCaP-FGC cells (P<0.01; day 6). OPG messenger RNA levels were not significantly altered by this 5alpha-DHT treatment. Co-treatment with 10(-6) M flutamide blocked 5alpha-DHT inhibition of OPG protein expression in LNCaP-FGC cells. These data suggest that androgen may modulate OPG protein levels in CaP cell lines in vitro using a post-transcriptional mechanism.

Regulation of vascular tone during pregnancy: a novel role for the pregnane X receptor.

During pregnancy, maternal vascular function is altered through mechanisms that remain unclear. Progesterone synthesis and metabolism are also increased. Progesterone metabolites are potent endogenous ligands for the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a nuclear receptor that induces the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cytochrome P450 enzymes located in the vasculature can metabolize arachidonic acid to produce epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, known vasodilators. We hypothesized that PXR is present in vascular tissue and contributes to vascular adaptations to pregnancy. PXR mRNA was detected in mouse mesenteric arteries by quantitative RT-PCR. Constrictor and relaxation responses in wildtype (PXR(+/+)) and PXR-deficient (PXR(-/-)) mice were compared by wire myography. Relative to nonpregnant controls, arteries from pregnant PXR(+/+) mice had reduced sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced constriction (EC(50): 2.77+/-0.32 mumol/L versus 5.13+/-0.36 mumol/L; P=0.009) and enhanced maximal vasorelaxation to bradykinin (26+/-3% versus 44+/-16%; P=0.013). However, these pregnancy adaptations were absent in PXR(-/-) mice. We also hypothesized that PXR is activated by progesterone metabolites. Treatment of PXR(+/+) and PXR(-/-) nonpregnant mice with 5beta-dihydroprogesterone for 7 days enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation in only the PXR(+/+) mice, similarly to that seen in pregnancy. In treated mice, inhibition of cytochrome P450 epoxygenase activity with N-methylsulphonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide attenuated vasorelaxation in arteries from PXR(+/+) but not PXR(-/-) mice. We conclude that PXR contributes to the development of vascular adaptations to pregnancy, likely in response to activation by progesterone metabolites, and that PXR-dependent increases in vasorelaxation may be because of activation of cytochrome P450 epoxygenases.

Progesterone and its metabolites 5-dihydroprogesterone and 5-3-tetrahydroprogesterone decrease LPS-induced NO release in the murine microglial cell line, BV-2.

OBJECTIVE: Microglial cells, important immunosurveillance cells in the nervous system, respond to pathogens with an increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) release. Because excessive release of NO may be neurotoxic, tight regulation of nitrosative stress is required. DESIGN AND SETTING: We cultured the murine microglial cell-line, BV-2, with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce NO synthesis and quantified the impact of progesterone and its metabolites, 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and 5alpha-3alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (THP), on NO release. RESULTS: Our in vitro experiments showed that in BV-2 cells LPS-induced NO release is suppressed by progesterone and THP. Both neurosteroids decreased NO release by about 40% when used at a concentration of 10 microM. NO release was less sensitive to DHP. This neurosteroid decreased NO release only by 20% when used at a concentration of 10 microM. NO release was sensitive to N(G)-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a completive inhibitor of NOS, indicating that LPS-induced NO release is mediated by NOS activity. Trypan blue exclusion experiments showed that the ratio of viable to dead cells did not vary using different concentrations of progesterone. Furthermore, progesterone did not increase apoptosis or necrosis when estimated by the distribution of DAPI-labelled condensed chromatin. CONCLUSION: These experiments indicate that the decline in NO release is mainly due to modulation of NOS activity or expression. Because progesterone, DHP, and THP are synthesized in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, these neurosteroids may locally suppress an immune response.

[Transcriptional regulation of placental transforming growth factor-beta by calcitriol in prostate cancer cells is androgen-independent].

Calcitriol (1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) inhibits prostate cancer cell growth. It has been shown that inhibition of growth of prostate cancer LNCaP cells by calcitriol is androgen-dependent. Using cDNA microarray we showed that calcitriol induced expression of placental transforming growth factor-beta (PTGF-beta), which is known to suppress cell growth. We studied regulation of PTGF-beta gene expression by calcitriol and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and analyzed whether induction of PTGF-beta transcription by calcitriol is androgen-dependent. Using real-time PCR we demonstrate that 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone up-regulates PTGF-beta mRNA. We do not find an effect of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone or antiandrogen Casodex on calcitriol-induced PTGF-beta mRNA level and conclude that induction of PTGF-beta transcription by calcitriol is androgen-independent.

Testicular zinc finger protein recruits histone deacetylase 2 and suppresses the transactivation function and intranuclear foci formation of agonist-bound androgen receptor competitively with TIF2.

We previously reported that testicular zinc finger protein (TZF) is a corepressor for androgen receptor (AR). The present study demonstrated that a central portion (amino acids 512-663) of TZF, TZF(512-663), is responsible for both binding to AR and repressing the transactivation. TZF recruited endogenous histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and formed a complex with agonist-bound AR. Imaging analyses showed that TZF and TZF(512-663) were recruited by AR and simultaneously impaired distinct AR foci formation. Quantification of the foci number using a three-dimensional imaging method revealed that the number of intranuclear AR foci was related to its transactivation activity. Moreover, increased levels of TZF dissociated a coactivator, TIF2, from the AR foci and vice versa. These results indicate that the ligand-dependent transactivation function of AR is quantitatively related to its intranuclear foci formation, and suggest that corepressors, such as TZF, act on these intranuclear events competitively with coactivators.

Membrane 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (5alphaP) receptors in MCF-7 and MCF-10A breast cancer cells are up-regulated by estradiol and 5alphaP and down-regulated by the progesterone metabolites, 3alpha-dihydroprogesterone and 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, with associated changes in cell proliferation and detachment.

Previous studies have shown that the progesterone metabolite, 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (5alphaP), exhibits mitogenic and metastatic activity in breast cell lines and that specific, high affinity receptors for 5alphaP are located in the plasma membrane fractions of tumorigenic (ER/PR-positive) MCF-7 cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the mitogenic (estradiol; 5alphaP) and anti-mitogenic (3alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 3alphaHP; 20alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 20alphaHP) endogenous steroid hormones on 5alphaP receptor (5alphaP-R) numbers and on cell proliferation and adhesion of MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. Exposure of MCF-7 cells for 24h to estradiol or 5alphaP resulted in significant (p < 0.05-0.001) dose-dependent increases in 5alphaP-R levels. Conversely, treatment with 3alphaHP or 20alphaHP resulted in significant (p < 0.05-0.01) dose-dependent decreases in 5alphaP-R levels. Treatment with one mitogenic and one anti-mitogenic hormone resulted in inhibition of the mitogen-induced increases, whereas treatment with two mitogenic or two anti-mitogenic hormones resulted in additive effects on 5alphaP-R numbers. Treatments with cycloheximide and actinomycin D indicate that changes in 5alphaP-R levels depend upon transcription and translation. The non-tumorigenic breast cell line, MCF-10A, was also shown to posses specific, high affinity plasma membrane receptors for 5alphaP that were up-regulated by estradiol and 5alphaP and down-regulated by 3alphaHP. Estradiol binding was demonstrated in MCF-10A cell membrane fractions and may explain the estradiol action in these cells that lack intracellular ER. In both MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells, the increases in 5alphaP-R due to estradiol or 5alphaP, and decreases due to 3alphaHP or 20alphaHP correlate with respective increases and decreases in cell proliferation as well as detachment. These results show distribution of 5alphaP-R in several cell types and they provide further evidence of the significance of progesterone metabolites and their novel membrane-associated receptors in breast cancer stimulation and control. The findings that 3alphaHP and 20alphaHP down-regulate 5alphaP-R and suppress mitogenic and metastatic activity suggest that these endogenous anti-mitogenic progesterone metabolites deserve considerations in designing new breast cancer therapeutic agents.

Evidence for specific TRPM8 expression in human prostate secretory epithelial cells: functional androgen receptor requirement.

TRPM8 (melastatine-related transient receptor potential member 8), a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of cation channels, has been shown to be a calcium-channel protein. TRPM8 mRNA has also been shown to be overexpressed in prostate cancer and is considered to play an important role in prostate physiology. This study was designed to determine the androgen-regulation mechanisms for TRPM8 mRNA expression and to identify the phenotype of TRPM8-expressing cells in the human prostate. Our findings show that trpm8 gene expression requires a functional androgen receptor. Furthermore, this article argues strongly in favour of the fact that the trpm8 gene is a primary androgen-responsive gene. Single-cell reverse transcriptase PCR and immunohistochemical experiments also showed that the trpm8 gene was mainly expressed in the apical secretory epithelial cells of the human prostate and trpm8 down-regulation occurred during the loss of the apical differentiated phenotype of the primary cultured human prostate epithelial cells. The androgen-regulated trpm8 expression mechanisms are important in understanding the progression of prostate cancer to androgen-independence. These findings may contribute to design a strategy to predict prostate cancer status from the TRPM8 mRNA level. Furthermore, as the TRPM8 channel is localized in human prostate cells, it will be interesting to understand its physiological function in the normal prostate and its potential role in prostate cancer development.