Mammary growth hormone and tumorigenesis – lessons from the dog

Abstract

The discovery in the early 1990s that progestin‐induced growth hormone (GH) excess in the dog originates in the mammary gland can be seen as a hallmark in the research on the pathogenesis of mammary cancer in the dog. The local biosynthesis and release of GH may provide a highly proliferative environment in the mammary gland, which contributes to the development and/or progression of mammary tumours.

Before final goals such as prevention of tumour formation or inhibition of tumour promotion can be achieved it is of eminent importance to elucidate the mechanism of progesterone‐induced mammary Gil production and the mechanism of local autocrine/paracrine action of GH. These local GH effects may be achieved through direct growth stimulating effects of GH as well as by indirect effects mediated by the stimulation of the biosynthesis of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I). The biological effects of the IGFs largely depend on the presence of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) which may both enhance or inhibit the activity of the IGFs.

This review concentrates on recent advances in the understanding of the local mammary GH‐IGF axis and the lessons which can be drawn from the dog for mammary cancer research in other species.     

Role of progestin-induced mammary-derived growth hormone in the pathogenesis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia in the bitch

Endogenous progesterone and synthetic progestins may induce hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) of mammary origin, hyperplastic ductular changes in the mammary gland, and the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) in dogs. It was investigated whether progestin-induced mammary GH plays a role in the pathogenesis of CEH in the bitch. During 1 year, bitches with surgically excised mammary glands and healthy control bitches received medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Before and after MPA treatment, uterine and mammary tissues were collected for histological, immunohistochemical, and RT-PCR examination. After MPA administration, the mammary tissue in the control dogs had differentiated into lobulo-alveolar structures and CEH was present in all uteri of both dog groups. In the MPA-exposed mammary tissue of the control dogs, GH could only be demonstrated immunohistochemically in proliferating epithelium. After treatment with MPA the dogs of both groups had immunohistochemically demonstrable GH in the cytoplasm of hyperplastic glandular uterine epithelial cells. RT-PCR analysis of the mammary gland tissue after MPA administration demonstrated a significant higher GH gene, and lower GHR gene expression than before treatment. In the uterus, the expression of the gene encoding for GH was significantly increased in the mastectomized dogs, whereas in the control dogs the expression of the gene encoding for insulin-like growth factor-I had significantly increased with MPA administration. MPA treatment significantly down regulated PR gene expression in the uterus in both dog groups. These results indicate that progestin-induced GH of mammary origin is not an essential component in the development of CEH in the bitch.     

乳腺上皮细胞体外培养的研究进展

乳腺上皮细胞体外培养的成功对研究乳腺的生长发育、泌乳机制、乳腺肿瘤和癌变的发生及乳腺生物反应器的应用等方面的研究都有重要的意义。具体来说．体外培养建立的乳腺上皮细胞系可为克隆和转基因动物生产提供良好的核供体;分泌功能的乳腺上皮细胞系的建立为乳腺发育学、乳腺病理学、泌乳生物学研究提供细胞模型。本文综述了国内外在此领域的研究进展,对乳腺上皮细胞的体外培养技术进行了总结为相关领域的研究提供参考。     

Progestin-induced growth hormone (GH) production in the treatment of dogs with congenital GH deficiency

The recent demonstration of the ability of progestins to induce the expression of the growth hormone (GH) gene in the mammary gland of dogs and cats opens possibilities for the treatment of some forms of GH deficiency with progestins. Therefore, one male and one female German shepherd dog with congenital dwarfism because of a pituitary anomaly were treated with subcutaneous injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in doses of 2.5–5.0 mg per kg body weight, initially at 3-wk intervals and subsequently at 6-wk intervals. In both dogs, body sizes increased and a complete adult hair coat developed. Undesirable side-effects were recurrent periods of pruritic pyoderma in both dogs and cystic endometrial hyperplasia with mucometra in the female dog. Parallel with the physical improvements, plasma insulin-like growth factor I concentrations rose sharply. Plasma GH concentrations tended to rise, but never exceeded the upper limit of the reference range. Nevertheless, one of the dogs developed slight acromegalic features, possibly because mammary GH, unlike pituitary GH, is released evenly throughout the day. Even moderate increases in circulating GH concentration may, therefore, give rise to overexposure. It is concluded that long-term treatment with MPA can be used as an alternative for heterologous GH in the treatment of congenital GH deficiency in the dog.     

孕激素诱导的生长激素与犬的乳腺肿瘤

乳腺肿瘤是犬的最常见的肿瘤，约占母犬肿瘤总数的一半；乳腺肿瘤约有一半是恶性肿瘤，发生转移的比率很高。犬乳腺肿瘤的发病原因还不很明确，它的形成都受哪些因子调节还未完全确定。孕激素能够诱导乳腺组织生成并蓄积生长激素，使乳腺增生，最终导致犬乳腺肿瘤的形成。在此过程中，雌激素受体、孕激素受体、生长激素结合蛋白和生长激素受体在乳腺癌的形成、发展中起关键作用。从内分泌的角度对犬乳腺肿瘤发病机理作了简单综述，以期为激素治疗乳腺肿瘤提供一些理论依据。     

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins initiate cell death and extracellular matrix remodeling in the mammary gland

We have demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) production by mammary epithelial cells increases dramatically during forced involution of the mammary gland in rats, mice and pigs. We proposed that growth hormone (GH) increases the survival factor IGF-I, whilst prolactin (PRL) enhances the effects of GH by decreasing the concentration of IGFBP-5, which would otherwise inhibit the actions of IGFs. To demonstrate a causal relationship between IGFBP-5 and cell death, we created transgenic mice expressing IGFBP-5, specifically, in the mammary gland. DNA content in the mammary glands of transgenic mice was decreased as early as day 10 of pregnancy. Mammary cell number and milk synthesis were both decreased by approximately 50% during the first 10 days of lactation. The concentrations of the pro-apoptotic molecule caspase-3 was increased in transgenic animals whilst the concentrations of two pro-survival molecules Bcl-2 and Bcl-x were both decreased. In order to examine whether IGFBP-5 acts by inhibiting the survival effect of IGF-I, we examined IGF receptor- and Akt-phoshorylation and showed that both were inhibited. These studies also indicated that the effects of IGFBP-5 could be mediated in part by IGF-independent effects involving potential interactions with components of the extracellular matrix involved in tissue remodeling, such as components of the plasminogen system, and the matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs). Mammary development was normalised in transgenic mice by R3-IGF-I, an analogue of IGF-I which binds weakly to IGFBPs, although milk production was only partially restored. In contrast, treatment with prolactin was able to inhibit early involutionary processes in normal mice but was unable to prevent this in mice over-expressing IGFBP-5, although it was able to inhibit activation of MMPs. Thus, IGFBP-5 can simultaneously inhibit IGF action and activate the plasminogen system thereby coordinating cell death and tissue remodeling processes. The ability to separate these properties, using mutant IGFBPs, is currently under investigation.     

Involvement of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF1) stimulation of proliferation of a bovine mammary epithelial cell line

The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism by which insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF1) stimulates proliferation of mammary epithelial cells, using the bovine mammary epithelial cell line MAC-T as a model. IGF1 significantly up- or down-regulated the expression of 155 genes in MAC-T cells. Among the most significantly suppressed was the gene for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a secretory protein that has both proliferative and apoptotic effects and is also a low-affinity binding protein of IGF1. IGF1 inhibited CTGF expression through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Administration of growth hormone (GH), a strong stimulator of IGF1 production in vivo, decreased mammary CTGF mRNA in cattle; however, GH did not affect CTGF expression in MAC-T cells, suggesting that IGF1 may also inhibit CTGF expression in the mammary gland. Added alone CTGF stimulated proliferation of MAC-T cells, but in combination with IGF1 it attenuated IGF1's stimulation of proliferation of MAC-T cells. Excess IGF1 reversed this attenuating effect of CTGF. Despite being an IGF binding protein, CTGF did not affect IGF1-induced phosphorylation of IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) or IGF1R expression in MAC-T cells, indicating that the attenuating effect of CTGF on IGF1 stimulated proliferation of MAC-T cells was not mediated by decreasing IGF1's ability to bind to IGF1R or by decreasing IGF1R expression. Overall, these results suggest a novel biochemical and functional relationship between CTGF and IGF1 in the bovine mammary gland, where IGF1 may inhibit CTGF expression to reduce the attenuating effect of CTGF on IGF1 stimulated proliferation of epithelial cells.     

Growth hormone receptor (GHR) RNAi decreases proliferation and enhances apoptosis in CMT-U27 canine mammary carcinoma cell line

Canine mammary gland has been identified as a major site of the extrapituitary growth hormone (GH) production. This finding is linked to its role in tumourigenesis of the mammary gland. Our previous studies indicated the role of GH and GH receptor (GHR) in regulation of proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, we have optimized the ghr RNA interference method in canine mammary carcinoma cell line CMT-U27. We have analysed the effect of GHR reduction on the intracellular signalling and the cell cycle and apoptosis. The results showed that GHR reduction decreased the p-ERK1/2 expression and caused increase of apoptosis and decrease in number of cells at S and G2M phases. This study indicates that GHR besides proliferative effect promotes growth by increasing cell survival. It can tilt the balance between proliferation and death in cancer cells.     

Expression and significance of PTEN and VEGF in canine mammary gland tumours

To investigate the relationship between the expression of the PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosometen) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and the clinicopathological features in canine mammary gland tumours, the expression levels of PTEN and VEGF protein were assessed in 50 cases of canine mammary gland tumours tissues and 4 cases of normal mammary gland tissues with using immunohistochemical method. The over-expression rate of PTEN protein was 100% in normal and well-differentiated mammary gland tissues and 67% in breast cancer cases respectively with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). Expression of PTEN was not related to age and tumour size, but closely correlated to lymph node metastasis (P<0.01). The over-expression rate of VEGF protein was 33.3% in normal mammary gland tissues, and 78% in canine mammary gland tumours with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01).Expression of VEGF was not related to age or tumour size, but closely correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (P<0.05).Therefore the combination detection of PTEN and VEGF could serve as an important index to estimate the biological behavior and prognosis of canine mammary gland tumours. Reduced expression of PTEN might be involved in carcinogenesis and progression of canine breast cancer by up-regulating the VEGF expression to enhance angiogenesis.     

Effects of maternal nutrition and porcine growth hormone (pGH) treatment during gestation on endocrine and metabolic factors in sows, fetuses and pigs, skeletal muscle development, and postnatal growth

Prenatal growth is very complex and a highly integrated process. Both maternal nutrition and the maternal somatotropic axis play a significant role in coordinating nutrient partitioning and utilization between maternal, placental and fetal tissues. Maternal nutrition may alter the nutrient concentrations and in turn the expression of growth regulating factors such as IGFs and IGFBPs in the blood and tissues, while GH acts in parallel via changing IGFs/IGFBPs and nutrient availability. The similarity in the target components implies that maternal nutrition and the somatotropic axis are closely related to each other and may induce similar effects on placental and fetal growth. Severe restriction of nutrients throughout gestation has a permanent negative effect on fetal and postnatal growth, whereas the effects of both temporary restriction and feeding above requirements during gestation seem to be of transitional character. Advantages in fetal growth gained by maternal growth hormone treatment during early to mid-gestation are not maintained to term, whereas treatment during late or greatest part of gestation increases progeny size at birth, which could be of advantage for postnatal growth. This review summarizes the available knowledge on the effects of different maternal feeding strategies and maternal GH administration during pregnancy and their interactions on metabolic and hormonal (especially IGFs/IGFBPs) status in the feto-maternal unit, skeletal muscle development and growth of the offspring in pigs.     

母体营养及猪生长激素处理对猪胎儿及仔猪出生后的影响

妊娠期母体营养的改变可能使血液与组织中的营养成分及胰岛素样生长因子系统(IGFs)和胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白(IGFBPs)等一些生长调节因子的基因表达发生变化,猪生长激素(porcine growth hormone,pGH)也有类似的作用。文章综述了母猪妊娠期营养及母体生长激素(GH)处理对母体和胎儿内分泌、激素水平(尤其是IGFs和IGFBPs)及其对子代骨骼肌生长的影响。     

棘腹蛙生长激素/类胰岛素样生长因子轴关键基因的克隆与序列特征分析

机体的生长激素(GH)/类胰岛素样生长因子(IGFs)轴由GH系统和IGFs系统构成,可促进细胞增殖、调节生长发育、调控生理代谢,在机体生长发育调控方面有着重要作用。为明确棘腹蛙GH/IGFs轴的功能结构和进化特征,为棘腹蛙生长发育调控方面的研究提供理论依据,本试验对棘腹蛙GH、类胰岛素生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)和类胰岛素生长因子-Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ)进行克隆并对其序列特征进行分析。结果显示:1)与两栖类模式动物的多重序列比对发现,棘腹蛙GH、IGF-Ⅰ和IGF-Ⅱ的功能结构域严格保守,具有一定的遗传多态性;IGF-Ⅱ的N端呈简缩进化趋势。2)遗传进化聚类分析发现,棘腹蛙IGFs与两栖动物聚为一支,并与硬骨鱼相对近缘,说明IGF-Ⅰ和IGF-Ⅱ进化地位相对原始;棘腹蛙GH则与蛙类、鱼类等水生动物相对近缘,暗示该基因具有趋同进化趋势。3)为进一步明确上述基因的特异性功能位点,利用Swiss-model server软件解析其蛋白质结构,最终确定IGF-Ⅰ的THR52、LEU53、PHE72、PHE73、SER74为潜在的功能分化位点,IGF-Ⅱ的TYR81、LYS82、LYS83为潜在的功能分化位点,GH的PHE208为潜在的功能分化位点。由此可知,棘腹蛙GH/IGFs轴的主要基因相对保守,但与已知模式物种相比,存在潜在的功能分化位点,可作为后期棘腹蛙GH/IGF轴功能研究和遗传进化特征分析的分子靶标。     

Modulation of the inflammatory reaction and neutrophil defense of the bovine lactating mammary gland by growth hormone.

This review is focused on the possible interactions of prolactin and somatotrope hormone in the modulation of inflammation of the mammary gland. Several different models are examined: Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, and endotoxin mastitis. Subsequently, the release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor during fever and mastitis, the immunophysiological effects of GH on E. coli mastitis, S. uberis and endotoxin mastitis, the galactopoietic action of rBST on healthy and mastitis cows as well as the immunologic effects of GH on leukocytes in healthy and diseased cows are discussed. It can be concluded that the underlying regulation of the neuro-endocrine network is fundamental in the normal function of the immune system.     

一例犬乳腺导管乳头状癌的诊断与治疗

犬乳腺导管乳头状癌是犬乳腺肿瘤的一种,为恶性肿瘤,多发于中老年未绝育母犬。临床症状为乳腺出现肿块,大小不等,生长快速,肿瘤可以在一个或多个腺体中发展。在晚期转移的情况下,癌变会扩散到淋巴结,肺,结肠,肾脏,有时还会扩散到骨骼,及早施行手术通常预后良好。本文对一例8岁母犬的乳腺导管内乳头状癌病例的临床诊断与手术治疗情况作详细介绍,以期为犬乳腺肿瘤的临床诊治提供参考。     

Juvenile-onset hypothyroidism in a dog

Juvenile-onset hypothyroidism was diagnosed in an adult mixed-breed dog examined because of quadraparesis. Unusual clinical signs attributable to juvenile-onset or congenital hypothyroidism included disproportionate dwarfism; enlarged, protruding tongue; mental dullness; and retention of a "puppy" coat, which was soft and fluffy, without guard hairs. Radiography of the vertebral column and long bones revealed multiple areas of delayed epiphyseal closure and epiphyseal dysgenesis. Myelography demonstrated several intervertebral disk protrusions in the cervical and lumbar regions. Hypothyroidism was confirmed on the basis of a low basal serum thyroxine concentration that failed to increase after the administration of thyroid stimulating hormone. Other laboratory abnormalities included nonregenerative, normocytic, normochromic anemia; mild hypercalcemia; and an impaired growth hormone (GH) secretory response after xylazine administration. At necropsy, the thyroid gland was small and weighed only 0.2g. Microscopic examination of the thyroid gland revealed a loss of glandular tissue, which was replaced by adipose tissue along its periphery. Gross or microscopic abnormalities were not noted in the pituitary gland, and immunohistochemical staining of the pituitary gland revealed a normal number of GH-containing acidophils. This suggests that primary hypothyroidism may result in an impaired secretion of growth hormone, and that pituitary dwarfism or GH deficiency may be difficult to differentiate from hypothyroid dwarfism on the basis of provocative GH testing alone.     

Perioperative desmopressin prolongs survival in surgically treated bitches with mammary gland tumours: a pilot study

Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin, also known as DDAVP) is a safe haemostatic compound capable of inhibiting lymph node and lung metastasis in a mouse model of mammary tumour manipulation and surgical excision. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy and safety of perioperative DDAVP (1microg/kg) in surgically treated bitches with mammary gland tumours (MGT). Twenty-one, otherwise healthy, intact bitches, with malignant MGT stage III or IV were randomly allocated to DDAVP (n=11) or placebo (n=10) groups. En bloc mastectomy of the affected gland/s was performed. DDAVP had a significant beneficial effect on disease-free period (P<0.01) and overall survival time (P<0.05). No side effects were seen in any of the cases. Whatever the mechanism of action, it seems that DDAVP may have a novel use in cancer surgery to minimise spread or survival of residual malignant cells. Additional, large scale controlled trials are required to fully evaluate this adjuvant pharmacological protocol.