Objective:To determine the effect of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR) overexpression on the levels of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter...Objective:To determine the effect of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR) overexpression on the levels of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1(ABCG1) in an endothelial cell line(bEnd.3).Methods:The StAR gene was induced in bEnd.3 cells with adenovirus infection.The infection efficiency was detected by fluorescence activated cell sorter(FACS) and fluorescence microscopy.The expressions of StAR gene and protein levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Western blot.The gene and protein levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot after StAR overexpression.Results:The result shows that StAR was successfully overexpressed in bEnd.3 cells by adenovirus infection.The mRNA and protein expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were greatly increased by StAR overexpression in bEnd.3 cells.Conclusion:Overexpression of StAR increases ABCA1 and ABCG1 expressions in endothelial cells.展开更多
This current review highlights adiponectin engagement with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 which subsequently triggers pathways such as AMPK,PPARα,and MAPK,thereby modulating testicular steroidogenesis.Adiponectin's actions ...This current review highlights adiponectin engagement with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 which subsequently triggers pathways such as AMPK,PPARα,and MAPK,thereby modulating testicular steroidogenesis.Adiponectin's actions on Leydig and adrenal cells inhibit androgen secretion by suppressing the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR).Given that StAR facilitates cholesterol to testosterone conversion,AMPK inhibits this process by modulating cholesterol transport and suppressing StAR expression through multiple avenues.Furthermore,adiponectin-induced PPARαactivation impedes mitochondrial cholesterol influx,further modulating androgen biosynthesis.The suppressive influence of PPARαon steroidogenic genes,notably StAR,is evident.Collectively,adiponectin signalling predominantly attenuates androgen production,ensuring metabolic and reproductive equilibrium.Imbalances,as seen in conditions like hypogonadism and obesity-related infertility,highlight their crucial roles and potential clinical interventions for reproductive disorders.展开更多
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of varicocele on the morphology and function of Leydig cells in the rat testis. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups： the experimental group und...The aim of this study was to explore the effects of varicocele on the morphology and function of Leydig cells in the rat testis. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups： the experimental group underwent surgery to create a left varicocele （VC）, and the control group underwent a sham operation. Serum testosterone and intratesticular testosterone levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay after 4 and 8 weeks of operation. Leydig cells were studied for apoptosis and expression of steroidogenetic acute regulatory （STAR） protein mRNA levels. Serum testosterone levels declined after 4 and 8 weeks of operation but were not significant （P〉0.05）. However, the intratesticular testosterone levels after 8 weeks were significantly decreased compared with the control group （P〈0.01）. The mean apoptosis index of Leydig cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group after 4 or 8 weeks （P〈0.01）. StAR mRNA levels in the Leydig cells of the experimental group were significantly lower compared to those of the control group （P〈0.01）. Our data show that varicocele did impair Leydig cell function by increasing apoptosis and suppressing the expression of the StAR protein.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the regulatory function of Cox7a2 on steroidogenesis and the mechanism involved in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Methods： The cDNA of Cox7a2 was cloned from TM3 mouse Leydig cells. It was subcloned to ...Aim： To investigate the regulatory function of Cox7a2 on steroidogenesis and the mechanism involved in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Methods： The cDNA of Cox7a2 was cloned from TM3 mouse Leydig cells. It was subcloned to pDsRed- Express-N 1 and transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells for Cox7a2 overexpression by transient gene transfection. Steroidogenesis affected by overexpressed Cox7a2 was studied by ELISA. To elicit the mechanism of this effect, expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory （STAR） protein and reactive oxygen species （ROS） were examined by Western blot and fluorometer, respectively. Results： The cDNA of Cox7a2 （249 bp） was cloned from Leydig cells and confirmed by DNA sequencing. After constructed pDsRed-Express-N1-Cox7a2 was transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells, Cox7a2 inhibited not only luteinizing hormone （LH）-induced secretion of testosterone but also the expression of StAR protein. At the same time, Cox7a2 increased the activity of ROS in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Conclusion： Cox7a2 inhibited LH-induced StAR protein expression, and consequent testosterone production, at least in part, by increasing ROS activity in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract prepared from the seeds of Blepharis(B.)persica on testosterone biosynthesis and also to elucidate the underlying m...Objective:To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract prepared from the seeds of Blepharis(B.)persica on testosterone biosynthesis and also to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups(n=6 per group).GroupⅠreceived 0.3%w/w gum acacia suspension p.o.and served as the normal control group.GroupⅡwas administered testosterone propionate in arachis oil i.m.as the positive control group.GroupⅢtoⅣreceived B.persica methanolic extract p.o.at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight.GroupⅥtoⅦreceived B.persica ethyl acetate fraction p.o.at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight.The testis was used for biochemical estimation and histological studies.The effects of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica on testicular testosterone,mRNA expression corresponding to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR)and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(3β-HSD)along with 3β-HSD enzyme assay were evaluated in testicular tissues and sperm concentration.Ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica was subjected to column chromatography.Invitro studies were performed using TM3 cell line at three dose levels(50,100,200μg/mL),each for methanolic extract,ethyl acetate fraction and 2-benzoxazolinone for evaluation of their comparative effect on testosterone production.Results:Ethyl acetate fraction and methanolic extract of B.persica could elevate the testicular testosterone content compared to the normal control group.The treatment with methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica increased the expression of mRNA corresponding to StAR by 6.7 fold and 10.6 fold,respectively,whereas the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD increased by 5.7 fold and 7.3 fold,respectively.Moreover,fraction and extract treatment exhibited increased 3β-HSD activity in the testicular tissues and were found to elevate sperm concentration in seminal fluid.The spermatogenic potential was further ensured by histological observations.2-benzoxazolinone was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction and identified using spectral studies.It showed the ability to increase the testosterone content in the TM3 Leydig cells.Conclusions:Methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica are able to increase the testicular testosterone in rats by elevating mRNA expression of StAR and 3β-HSD in testicular tissues,leading to increase the sperm concentration.展开更多
基金Project (Nos 30871021 and 30900716) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Objective:To determine the effect of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR) overexpression on the levels of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1(ABCG1) in an endothelial cell line(bEnd.3).Methods:The StAR gene was induced in bEnd.3 cells with adenovirus infection.The infection efficiency was detected by fluorescence activated cell sorter(FACS) and fluorescence microscopy.The expressions of StAR gene and protein levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Western blot.The gene and protein levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot after StAR overexpression.Results:The result shows that StAR was successfully overexpressed in bEnd.3 cells by adenovirus infection.The mRNA and protein expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were greatly increased by StAR overexpression in bEnd.3 cells.Conclusion:Overexpression of StAR increases ABCA1 and ABCG1 expressions in endothelial cells.
文摘This current review highlights adiponectin engagement with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 which subsequently triggers pathways such as AMPK,PPARα,and MAPK,thereby modulating testicular steroidogenesis.Adiponectin's actions on Leydig and adrenal cells inhibit androgen secretion by suppressing the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR).Given that StAR facilitates cholesterol to testosterone conversion,AMPK inhibits this process by modulating cholesterol transport and suppressing StAR expression through multiple avenues.Furthermore,adiponectin-induced PPARαactivation impedes mitochondrial cholesterol influx,further modulating androgen biosynthesis.The suppressive influence of PPARαon steroidogenic genes,notably StAR,is evident.Collectively,adiponectin signalling predominantly attenuates androgen production,ensuring metabolic and reproductive equilibrium.Imbalances,as seen in conditions like hypogonadism and obesity-related infertility,highlight their crucial roles and potential clinical interventions for reproductive disorders.
文摘The aim of this study was to explore the effects of varicocele on the morphology and function of Leydig cells in the rat testis. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups： the experimental group underwent surgery to create a left varicocele （VC）, and the control group underwent a sham operation. Serum testosterone and intratesticular testosterone levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay after 4 and 8 weeks of operation. Leydig cells were studied for apoptosis and expression of steroidogenetic acute regulatory （STAR） protein mRNA levels. Serum testosterone levels declined after 4 and 8 weeks of operation but were not significant （P〉0.05）. However, the intratesticular testosterone levels after 8 weeks were significantly decreased compared with the control group （P〈0.01）. The mean apoptosis index of Leydig cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group after 4 or 8 weeks （P〈0.01）. StAR mRNA levels in the Leydig cells of the experimental group were significantly lower compared to those of the control group （P〈0.01）. Our data show that varicocele did impair Leydig cell function by increasing apoptosis and suppressing the expression of the StAR protein.
文摘Aim： To investigate the regulatory function of Cox7a2 on steroidogenesis and the mechanism involved in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Methods： The cDNA of Cox7a2 was cloned from TM3 mouse Leydig cells. It was subcloned to pDsRed- Express-N 1 and transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells for Cox7a2 overexpression by transient gene transfection. Steroidogenesis affected by overexpressed Cox7a2 was studied by ELISA. To elicit the mechanism of this effect, expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory （STAR） protein and reactive oxygen species （ROS） were examined by Western blot and fluorometer, respectively. Results： The cDNA of Cox7a2 （249 bp） was cloned from Leydig cells and confirmed by DNA sequencing. After constructed pDsRed-Express-N1-Cox7a2 was transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells, Cox7a2 inhibited not only luteinizing hormone （LH）-induced secretion of testosterone but also the expression of StAR protein. At the same time, Cox7a2 increased the activity of ROS in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Conclusion： Cox7a2 inhibited LH-induced StAR protein expression, and consequent testosterone production, at least in part, by increasing ROS activity in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.
基金supported by Charotar University of Science and Technology through CHARUSAT Research Grant sanctioned to Dr.Manan Raval[CHARUSAT SEED RESEARCH GRANT/RPCP/MAR/12].
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract prepared from the seeds of Blepharis(B.)persica on testosterone biosynthesis and also to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups(n=6 per group).GroupⅠreceived 0.3%w/w gum acacia suspension p.o.and served as the normal control group.GroupⅡwas administered testosterone propionate in arachis oil i.m.as the positive control group.GroupⅢtoⅣreceived B.persica methanolic extract p.o.at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight.GroupⅥtoⅦreceived B.persica ethyl acetate fraction p.o.at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight.The testis was used for biochemical estimation and histological studies.The effects of methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica on testicular testosterone,mRNA expression corresponding to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR)and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(3β-HSD)along with 3β-HSD enzyme assay were evaluated in testicular tissues and sperm concentration.Ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica was subjected to column chromatography.Invitro studies were performed using TM3 cell line at three dose levels(50,100,200μg/mL),each for methanolic extract,ethyl acetate fraction and 2-benzoxazolinone for evaluation of their comparative effect on testosterone production.Results:Ethyl acetate fraction and methanolic extract of B.persica could elevate the testicular testosterone content compared to the normal control group.The treatment with methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica increased the expression of mRNA corresponding to StAR by 6.7 fold and 10.6 fold,respectively,whereas the mRNA expression of 3β-HSD increased by 5.7 fold and 7.3 fold,respectively.Moreover,fraction and extract treatment exhibited increased 3β-HSD activity in the testicular tissues and were found to elevate sperm concentration in seminal fluid.The spermatogenic potential was further ensured by histological observations.2-benzoxazolinone was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction and identified using spectral studies.It showed the ability to increase the testosterone content in the TM3 Leydig cells.Conclusions:Methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of B.persica are able to increase the testicular testosterone in rats by elevating mRNA expression of StAR and 3β-HSD in testicular tissues,leading to increase the sperm concentration.
