Downregulation of male-specific cytochrome P450 by profenofos

The health hazards of individual organophosphorus insecticides have been characterized by their acute toxicity, mainly by investigating their cholinesterase inhibition. However, the chronic effects of most of these toxicants on the drug-metabolizing enzymes have not been investigated. Profenofos (O-4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl O-ethyl S-propyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphorus pesticide widely used in cotton cultivation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of profenofos on male-specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in adult Wistar rats. We orally administered 17.8 mg/kg body weight, twice weekly for 65 days. Profenofos downregulated levels of hepatic and testicular CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 mRNA and protein expression. Testicular aromatase (CYP19A) mRNA was decreased in the profenofos-treated rats compared to controls. Overall, the present study suggests that profenofos acts as an endocrine disruptor of male-specific CYP enzymes and affects testosterone concentration, which implicates its deleterious effects on animal or human males chronically exposed to organophosphorus pesticide.     

Increased abundance of aromatase and follicle stimulating hormone receptor mRNA and decreased insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor mRNA in small ovarian follicles of cattle selected for twin births

Cattle genetically selected for twin ovulations and births (Twinner) exhibit increased ovarian follicular development, increased ovulation rate, and greater blood and follicular fluid IGF-1 concentrations compared with contemporary cattle not selected for twins (Control). Experimental objectives were to 1) assess relationships among aromatase (CYP19A1), IGF-1 (IGF1), IGF-2 receptor (IGF2R), and FSH receptor (FSHR) mRNA expression in small (≤5 mm) antral follicles and 2) determine their association with increased numbers of developing follicles in ovaries of Twinner females. Ovaries were collected from mature, cyclic (d 3 to 6) Twinner (n = 11), and Control (n = 12) cows at slaughter and pieces of cortical tissue were fixed and embedded in paraffin. Expression of mRNA was evaluated by in situ hybridization using (35)S-UTP-labeled antisense and sense probes for CYP19A1, FSHR, IGF1, and IGF2R mRNA. Silver grain density was quantified within the granulosa and theca cells of individual follicles (2 to 7 follicles/cow) by Bioquant image analysis. Follicles of Twinners tended to be smaller in diameter than Controls (1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 2.3 ± 0.1 mm; P = 0.08), but thickness of granulosa layer did not differ (P > 0.1) by genotype. Relative abundance of CYP19A1 (P < 0.01) and FSHR (P < 0.05) mRNA was greater in granulosa cells of Twinners vs. Controls, respectively, whereas IGF2R mRNA expression was less in both granulosa (P < 0.01) and theca (P < 0.05) cells in follicles of Twinners vs. Controls, respectively. Abundance of CYP19A1 mRNA in granulosa cells was correlated negatively with IGF2R mRNA expression in both granulosa (r = -0.33; P < 0.01) and theca (r = -0.21; P = 0.05) cells. Expression of IGF1 mRNA was primarily in granulosa cells, including cumulus cells, and its expression did not differ between Twinners vs. Controls (P > 0.10). Detected increases in CYP19A1 and FSHR, but not IGF1, mRNA expression along with decreases in IGF2R mRNA expression in individual follicles of Twinners support the hypothesis that increased follicular development and steroidogenesis in Twinner females result from increased extra-ovarian IGF-1 production. Furthermore, a reduction in follicular IGF2R mRNA expression accompanied by a reduction in receptor numbers would increase availability of free IGF-2 and its stimulation of follicular development in Twinners.     

Reaction phenotyping of vinblastine metabolism in dogs

Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid used either as a single agent or in combination therapy for the treatment of canine mast cell tumours and lymphomas. The objective of this study was to determine which isoform of cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for the majority of vinblastine metabolism in dogs. A panel of eight recombinant canine cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A12, CYP3A26, CYP2B11, CYP2C41, CYP2C21 and CYP2D15) were incubated in vitro with vinblastine. Findings were confirmed by the use of canine polyclonal antibodies of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP3A12, CYP2B11 and CYP2C21) that were pre‐incubated with individual and pooled hepatic microsomes that were purified from canine liver. Substrate depletion was observed in the presence of recombinant CYP3A12, whereas depletion did not substantially occur when microsomes were pre‐incubated with polyclonal antibodies against CYP3A12. These findings confirmed that CYP3A12 is the major cytochrome P450 isoform responsible for the metabolism of vinblastine in dogs.     

Equine uridine diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, 2A1, 2B4, 2B31: cDNA cloning,expression and initial characterization of morphine metabolism

ObjectiveUridine diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are membrane-bound enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glucuronic acid onto a diverse set of xenobiotics. Horses efficiently and extensively glucuronidate a number of xenobiotics, including opioids, making UGTs an important group of drug-metabolizing enzymes for the clearance of drugs. Recombinant enzymes have allowed researchers to characterize the metabolism of a variety of drugs. The primary objective was to clone, express and characterize equine UGTs using drugs characterized as UGT substrates in other species. A secondary objective was to characterize the in vitro metabolism of morphine in horses.Study designIn vitro drug metabolism study using liver microsomes and recombinant enzyme systems.AnimalsLiver microsomes and RNA from tissue collected from two Thoroughbred mares euthanized for other reasons.MethodsBased on homology to the human UGT2B7, four equine UGT variants were expressed: UGT1A1, UGT2A1, UGT2B31 and UGT2B4. cDNA sequences were cloned and resulting protein expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Functionality of the enzymes was assessed using 4-methylumbelliferone, testosterone, diclofenac and ketoprofen. Recombinant enzyme, control cells, equine liver microsomes and human UGT2B7 supersomes were then incubated with morphine. Concentrations of metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme kinetics determined.Results4-Methylumbelliferone was glucuronidated by all expressed equine UGTs. Testosterone glucuronide was not produced by any of the expressed enzymes, and diclofenac glucuronide and ketoprofen glucuronide were produced by UG2A1 and UGT1A1, respectively. UGT2B31 metabolized morphine to morphine-3-glucuronide and low concentrations of morphine-6-glucuronide.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis is the first successful expression of functional recombinant equine UGTs. UGT2B31 contributes to the glucuronidation of morphine; however, it is probably not the main metabolizing enzyme. These results warrant further investigation of equine UGTs, including expression of additional enzymes and further characterization of UGT2B31 as a contributor to morphine metabolism.     

Effects of fluoroquinolones on CYP4501A and 3A in male broilers

The inhibitory effects of fluoroquinolones on the enzyme activity, protein levels and mRNA expression of liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A and 3A were investigated in male broiler chicks. Enrofloxacin (20 mg/kg), sarafloxacin (8 mg/kg) and marbofloxacin (5.5 mg/kg) were administrated in drinking water for 7 consecutive days. A cocktail of the probe drugs caffeine and dapsone was used to determine CYP1A and 3A activity. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR were used to determine the effects on protein levels of CYP1A and 3A, and on CYP1A4, 1A5, 3A37 mRNA levels. Enrofloxacin increased the half-life of elimination for both caffeine and dapsone, and decreased expression of CYP1A and 3A protein. Marbofloxacin decreased the metabolism of caffeine and expression of CYP1A protein. However, no change in mRNA expression was observed for any treatment group. This suggested that high doses of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin, but not sarafloxacin, inhibit CYP in chick liver raising the possibility of drug-drug interaction when using these compounds.     

Expression of retinoic acid‐metabolizing enzymes,ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH1A3, CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 in canine testis during post‐natal development

Mammalian spermatogenesis involves highly regulated temporal and spatial dynamics, carefully controlled by several signalling processes. Retinoic acid (RA) signalling could have a critical role in spermatogenesis by promoting spermatogonia differentiation, adhesion of germ cells to Sertoli cells, and release of mature spermatids. An optimal testicular RA concentration is maintained by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), which oxidize RA precursors to produce RA, whereas the CYP26 class of enzymes catabolizes (oxidize) RA into inactive metabolites. The objective was to elucidate gene expression of these RA‐metabolizing enzymes (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH1A3, CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1) and their protein presence in testes of young, peripubertal and adult dogs. Genes encoding RA‐synthesizing isozymes ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3 and RA‐catabolizing isomers CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 were expressed in testis at varying levels during testicular development from birth to adulthood in dogs. Based on detailed analyses of mRNA expression patterns, ALDH1A2 was regarded as a primary RA‐synthesizing enzyme and CYP26B1 as a critical RA‐hydrolysing enzyme; presumably, these genes have vital roles in maintaining RA homeostasis, which is imperative to spermatogenesis and other testicular functions in post‐natal canine testis.     

Ontogeny of mRNA abundance of nuclear receptors and nuclear receptor target genes in young cattle

After birth the development of appropriate detoxification mechanisms is important. Nuclear receptors (NR), such as constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha), retinoid receptors (RAR, RXR), and NR target genes are involved in the detoxification of exogenous and endogenous substances. We quantified abundances of hepatic mRNA of NR and several NR target genes (cytochromes, CYP; cytochrome P450 reductase, CPR; UDP-glucuronosyl transferase, UDP) in calves at different ages. Gene expression was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Abundance of mRNA of CAR and PXR increased from low levels at birth in pre-term calves (P0) and full-term calves (F0) to higher levels in 5-day-old calves (F5) and in 159-day-old veal calves (F159), whereas mRNA levels of PPARalpha did not exhibit significant ontogenetic changes. RARbeta mRNA levels were higher in F5 and F159 than in F0, whereas no age differences were observed for RARalpha levels. Levels of RXRalpha and RXRbeta mRNA were lower in F5 than in P0 and F0. Abundance of CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 increased from low levels in P0 and F0 to higher levels in F5 and to highest levels in F159. Abundance of CPR was transiently decreased in F0 and F5 calves. Levels of UGT1A1 mRNA increased from low levels in P0 and F0 to maximal level in F5 and F159. In conclusion, mRNA levels of NR and NR target genes exhibited ontogenetic changes that are likely of importance for handling of xeno- and endobiotics with increasing age.     

Raf‐ERK1/2 signalling pathways mediate steroid hormone synthesis in bovine ovarian granulosa cells

Steroid hormones are required for normal reproductive function of female. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Raf‐ERK1/2 on steroid hormone synthesis in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. Immunohistochemistry assay showed that both B‐Raf and C‐Raf were expressed in granulosa cells, theca cells and Sertoli cells. The protein expression of Raf or ERK1/2 was clearly decreased by Raf inhibitor GSK2118436 or ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, western blotting was performed for investigating the crosstalk between Raf and ERK1/2, the data showed that Raf positively regulated ERK1/2, whereas ERK1/2 had a negative feedback effect on Raf. The biosynthesis of oestradiol or testosterone was significantly decreased by treatment with GSK2118436 or SCH772984 (p < 0.05). Conversely, the progesterone biosynthesis was clearly increased by treatment with those inhibitors (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of STAR, aromatase and CYP17 was blocked by Raf‐ERK1/2 signalling inhibition, which oppositely induced the mRNA expression of CYP11. Together, these findings suggested that Raf‐ERK1/2 signalling pathways mediate steroid hormone synthesis via affecting the expression of steroidogenic enzymes.     

皮质酮处理对产蛋鸡肝脏胆固醇代谢的影响

为研究慢性应激对产蛋鸡肝脏胆固醇代谢的影响,试验选用48只158日龄如皋黄鸡,随机分成2个处理组,每组8个重复,每个重复3只鸡。对照组注射等体积的生理盐水(含15%酒精),试验组注射4 mg/kg的皮质酮,连续注射7 d建立慢性应激模型。试验结束后对其血浆和肝脏中胆固醇含量以及肝脏中胆固醇代谢相关基因的mRNA和蛋白表达进行分析。结果显示:皮质酮处理显著促进了产蛋鸡肝脏重以及肝脏和血浆中总胆固醇含量(P<0.01),显著促进了产蛋鸡肝脏中胆固醇合成基因SREBP2和HMGCR的mRNA和蛋白表达水平(P<0.05),胆固醇降解基因CYP7A1的蛋白表达、CYP27A1和转运基因LDLR的mRNA和蛋白表达水平在皮质酮处理后亦显著上调(P<0.05)。研究表明,皮质酮通过上调肝脏中胆固醇合成基因SREBP2和HMGCR以及转运基因LDLR的mRNA和蛋白表达,进而造成产蛋鸡肝脏中胆固醇累积。     

孕鼠暴露双酚A对仔鼠存活率、生殖激素及相关基因的影响

为了研究孕鼠在孕期暴露双酚A（bisphenol A,BPA）对仔鼠生殖激素及相关基因的影响,试验将40只昆明孕鼠随机分为A、B、C、D共4组,每组10只。其中A组为对照组,饲喂普通鼠粮;B、C、D组孕鼠整个妊娠期（妊娠1 d至分娩）分别按每只鼠每天50、500、2 500 mg/kg体重给予BPA,待孕鼠自然分娩,观察记录仔鼠死亡情况。至仔鼠性成熟（56日龄）剖杀仔鼠,摘取睾丸或卵巢称重并计算脏器指数,HE染色观察卵巢或睾丸组织结构的变化,ELISA试剂盒分析仔鼠血清睾酮（T）、促卵泡素（FSH）及雌二醇（E₂）水平,免疫组织化学方法检测仔鼠睾丸或卵巢Bax、Bcl-2蛋白的表达,实时荧光定量PCR检测仔鼠睾丸StAR、CYP11a或卵巢AMH、Kitlg mRNA表达。结果显示,孕鼠暴露BPA极显著增加了仔鼠死亡率（P<0.01）,显著降低了仔鼠睾丸重（P<0.05）。ELISA检测结果表明,孕鼠暴露BPA极显著降低了仔鼠T（♂）及FSH（♀）含量（P<0.01）,极显著升高了仔鼠（♀） E₂水平（P<0.01）。HE染色结果显示,随BPA剂量增加,仔鼠睾丸组织损伤严重,间质细胞减少;卵巢组织结构随BPA剂量增大,空泡逐渐增多,黄体颗粒数量逐渐减少。免疫组化结果显示,孕鼠暴露BPA增加了仔鼠睾丸或卵巢组织中Bax阳性蛋白表达,减少了Bcl-2阳性蛋白表达,显著降低了雄性仔鼠StAR mRNA表达量（P<0.05）;B、D组雄性仔鼠CYP11a mRNA表达量极显著降低（P<0.01）,而C组CYP11a mRNA表达量极显著升高（P<0.01）;C、D组雌鼠Kitlg mRNA表达极显著降低（P<0.01）,AMH mRNA表达量显著升高（P<0.05）。本试验结果表明,孕鼠妊娠期暴露不同剂量BPA增加了仔鼠死亡率,扰乱了生殖激素平衡和睾丸/卵巢中相关凋亡蛋白及生殖基因表达。     

Effects of Maternal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Survival Rate,Reproductive Hormones and Relative Genes of Offspring Mice

This study was aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) exposed to the mother on the offsprings mice. Forty pregnant Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e. groups A, B, C and D with 10 mice in each group. Group A was the control group and the mice received conventional feeds, mice in groups B, C and D were given 50,500 and 2 500 mg/kg BW BPA in feedstuffs during the whole gestation period (from 1 d to parturition), respectively. The death rates of the offsprings were calculated every week. The offspring mice were sacrificed at 56 days of age (at puberty). The morphology of ovary and testicular tissues were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of estradiol (E₂), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) in mice serum were detected with ELISA Kit. The protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 in ovary or testicular tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry, and the StAR,CYP11a mRNA levels in testicular tissues, the AMH, Kitlg mRNA levels in ovary were measured using Real-time PCR. The results showed that exposure of BPA to the mother extremely significantly increased the mortality (P<0.01),and significantly reduced the testicular weight of offspring mice (P<0.05). Maternal exposure to BPA extremely significantly reduced the levels of T (♂) and FSH(♀) (P<0.01),and extremely significantly elevated E₂ (♀) level in offspring mice (P<0.01). BPA exposure damaged the testicular with less leydig cells and ovarian tissues with more vacuoles and less corpus granules in offspring mice. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that maternal exposure to BPA increased the Bax protein level and decreased the Bcl-2 protein level of testicular and ovary tissues in offspring mice. BPA significantly reduced the StAR mRNA expression in male offsprings (P<0.05). However, the mRNA level of CYP11a in groups B and D extremely significantly decreased while group C showed an significant elevation in male offsprings (P<0.01). The expression levels of Kitlg mRNA in groups C and D were decreased extremely significantly in female offsprings (P<0.01), the AMH mRNA expression in groups C and D increased significantly (P<0.05). The conclusion indicated that pregnant mice exposed to different doses of BPA had harmful effects on survival rate in offspring mice, and impact the reproductive hormones, proteins and genes expression.     

Altered Expression of 3β‐HSD,CYP17 and 17β‐HSD in the Foetal Porcine Gonads in Response to Anti‐androgen Flutamide Exposure

We investigated whether the limited access to androgens during late prenatal period alters expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen production: 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐Δ4 isomerase (3β‐HSD), cytochrome P450 17α‐hydroxylase/17,20‐lyase (CYP17) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β‐HSD1) or type 3 (17β‐HSD3) in the foetal porcine gonads. Pregnant gilts were injected with anti‐androgen flutamide (for seven days, 50 mg/day/kg bw) or corn oil (control) starting at 83 (GD90) or 101 (GD108) gestational day. To assess 3β‐HSD, CYP17 and 17β‐HSD1 or 17β‐HSD3 expression, real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. In testes from flutamide‐treated foetuses, increased 3β‐HSD and CYP17 mRNA expression was observed in the GD90 group, while decreased 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD3 mRNA expression and increased CYP17 mRNA expression were found in the GD108 group. CYP17 and 17β‐HSD3 were localized in Leydig cells. Following flutamide administration, the intensity of CYP17 immunostaining was higher in both treated groups, while 17β‐HSD3 intensity was lower in the GD108 group. In ovaries from flutamide‐treated foetuses in the GD90 group, mRNA level for 3β‐HSD was elevated, but it was diminished for CYP17 and 17β‐HSD1. In the GD108 group, flutamide treatment led to lower mRNA level for 3β‐HSD but higher for CYP17. 3β‐HSD was found in granulosa cells, while CYP17 was localized within egg nests and oocytes of forming follicles. Following flutamide treatment, the intensity of 3β‐HSD and CYP17 immunostaining was higher in the GD90 and GD108 groups, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for 3β‐HSD was restricted to the ovary. Concluding, diminished androgen action in the porcine foetal gonads during late gestation induces changes in steroidogenic enzymes expression, which may led to changes in gonadal function. However, it seems that androgens exert diverse biological effects depending on the gestational period.     

猪睾丸中脂联素受体与LHR、CYP11A1、StAR基因表达的发育变化及其相关性研究

旨在了解皖南花猪睾丸组织脂联素受体mRNA与睾酮合成相关因子mRNA表达的发育性变化及其相关性,探讨脂联素与睾酮生成的关系.本研究用荧光实时定量PCR法检测0、30、45、90和180 d等不同日龄(各日龄样本数5头)皖南花猪睾丸组织脂联素受体(AdpR1、AdpR2)和LHR、CYP11A1、StAR mRNA的表达水平.结果,AdpR1、CYP11 A1和StAR mRNA的表达有极显著的发育性变化(P＜0.01),AdpR1 mRNA的表达先增加后降低,45 d达到最大值;CYP11A1和StAR mRNA的表达先升高后降低再升高,45 d达到最大表达量.LHR mRNA的表达也有显著的发育性变化(P＜0.05),整体表现为先升高后降低.AdpR1与CYP11A1 mRNA的表达量显著相关(r=0.587,P＜0.05);LHR与CYP11A1、StAR mRNA的表达量分别显著相关(r=0.528,P＜0.05;r=0.552,P＜0.05);CYP11 A1与StAR mRNA表达量极显著相关(r=0.709,P＜0.01).AdpR1mRNA在睾丸组织的高表达提示脂联素可能通过AdpR1介导对睾丸的调节作用,其发育性变化和CYP11A1 mRNA呈正相关,提示脂联素对睾酮的生成有一定的促进作用.     

褪黑素对牦牛黄体细胞生长及功能影响的研究

本试验旨在探究褪黑素(melatonin,MT)对牦牛黄体细胞生长、抗氧化性及功能的影响.本试验以健康牦牛二代黄体细胞为研究对象,比较了不同浓度MT(0(Control组)、25、125、250、500 pg·mL-1)对牦牛黄体细胞生长和功能的影响.通过CCK-8法检测黄体细胞的生长情况,并采用qRT-PCR检测增殖...     

低氧对水牛卵泡内膜细胞雄激素合成能力的影响

本研究采用低氧(5％O2)条件培养水牛内膜细胞,探讨低氧对水牛内膜细胞雄激素合成的影响.结果 显示,低氧能显著提高水牛内膜细胞雄激素合成相关基因(CYP11A1、CYP17A1和3β-HSD)表达和睾酮分泌水平(P＜0.05);低氧能显著增强水牛内膜细胞对促黄体素(LH)的敏感性(P＜0.05).结果 表明,低氧(5％...