Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114736
Hanlin Liu , Ruixue Li , Zhihua Yu , Huapu Chen , Bin Wang
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is one of the members of RF-amide peptide family, which has been implicated in diverse physiological processes across mammals. However, there is scarce information regarding the biological function of NPFF in fish reproduction. In the current study, npff was identified and characterized in the half-smooth tongue sole. The NPFF precursor consisted of one signal peptide and two mature peptides, designated as NPFF and NPAF. Analysis of tissue distribution indicated that npff exhibited high expression levels in the brain and pituitary, while its mRNA levels were much lower in other peripheral tissues. Subsequently, the possible function of NPFF and NPAF on the brain-pituitary-gonad reproductive axis was studied in this species by intraperitoneal injection. At the brain level, both NPFF and NPAF had an inhibitory influence on the levels of transcripts corresponding to kiss1, kiss1r, kiss2, gnrh3, spx1, pnx, gpr173a, and gpr173b. NPFF reduced gnrh2 mRNA levels, but promoted gnihr expression. Moreover, NPAF down-regulated gnih and tac3 expression. At the pituitary levels, gh, gthα, and fshβ mRNA levels were suppressed by NPFF and NPAF, whereas lhβ mRNA levels were elevated. In the ovary, these two peptides stimulated expression of star, p450c17, and fshr. Likewise, NPFF increased 17β-hsd and lhr mRNA levels, and NPAF stimulated p450arom transcript levels. However, 3β-hsd was inhibited by NPFF. Overall, our results suggest that NPFF and NPAF may play distinct roles in control of reproduction of half-smooth tongue sole at multiple levels of the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis.
{"title":"In vivo effects of NPFF and NPAF peptides on gene expression in the brain-pituitary–gonadal axis of female half-smooth tongue soles","authors":"Hanlin Liu , Ruixue Li , Zhihua Yu , Huapu Chen , Bin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is one of the members of RF-amide peptide family, which has been implicated in diverse physiological processes across mammals. However, there is scarce information regarding the biological function of NPFF in fish reproduction. In the current study, <em>npff</em> was identified and characterized in the half-smooth tongue sole. The NPFF precursor consisted of one signal peptide and two mature peptides, designated as NPFF and NPAF. Analysis of tissue distribution indicated that <em>npff</em> exhibited high expression levels in the brain and pituitary, while its mRNA levels were much lower in other peripheral tissues. Subsequently, the possible function of NPFF and NPAF on the brain-pituitary-gonad reproductive axis was studied in this species by intraperitoneal injection. At the brain level, both NPFF and NPAF had an inhibitory influence on the levels of transcripts corresponding to <em>kiss1</em>, <em>kiss1r</em>, <em>kiss2</em>, <em>gnrh3</em>, <em>spx1</em>, <em>pnx</em>, <em>gpr173a</em>, and <em>gpr173b</em>. NPFF reduced <em>gnrh2</em> mRNA levels, but promoted <em>gnihr</em> expression. Moreover, NPAF down-regulated <em>gnih</em> and <em>tac3</em> expression. At the pituitary levels, <em>gh</em>, <em>gthα</em>, and <em>fshβ</em> mRNA levels were suppressed by NPFF and NPAF, whereas <em>lhβ</em> mRNA levels were elevated. In the ovary, these two peptides stimulated expression of <em>star</em>, <em>p450c17</em>, and <em>fshr</em>. Likewise, NPFF increased <em>17β-hsd</em> and <em>lhr</em> mRNA levels, and NPAF stimulated <em>p450arom</em> transcript levels. However, <em>3β-hsd</em> was inhibited by NPFF. Overall, our results suggest that NPFF and NPAF may play distinct roles in control of reproduction of half-smooth tongue sole at multiple levels of the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 114736"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143863348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114729
Chenpeng Zuo , Yonghang Zhang , Xuanhan Zhang , Jiaqi Liu , Likang Lyu , Teng Ma , Lingming Chen , Weimin Yu , Yun Li , Haishen Wen , Xin Qi
Oogenesis, encompassing folliculogenesis, development, and maturation, is a complex physiological process that is not solely regulated by gonadotropins but is also actively influenced by multiple growth factors produced by the oocyte and its surrounding follicular cells. The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) has a complex life history, resulting in many uncertainties regarding its growth, development, and reproduction. Under artificial culture conditions, oocyte development in the Japanese eel is arrested and can only progress to the vitellogenic stage through artificial induction. In the present study, we observed that, despite receiving the same hormone treatment as normally developing individuals, a small proportion of female eels exhibited oocytes arrested at the perinucleolar stage. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes are involved in multiple reproductive-related physiological processes and functional pathways, such as tachykinin system, MAPK signaling pathway, steroid-related pathways, oocyte meiosis, Wnt signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. The abnormal expression of the two follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) subunit genes may be a key factor contributing to this phenomenon. This study reveals the underlying causes of ovarian developmental arrest in hormonally induced female Japanese eels from the perspective of the brain–pituitary–gonad (BPG) axis, providing a research foundation for the artificial reproduction of Japanese eels.
{"title":"Using transcriptome analysis to investigate the induction of vitellogenesis in female Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica)","authors":"Chenpeng Zuo , Yonghang Zhang , Xuanhan Zhang , Jiaqi Liu , Likang Lyu , Teng Ma , Lingming Chen , Weimin Yu , Yun Li , Haishen Wen , Xin Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114729","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114729","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oogenesis, encompassing folliculogenesis, development, and maturation, is a complex physiological process that is not solely regulated by gonadotropins but is also actively influenced by multiple growth factors produced by the oocyte and its surrounding follicular cells. The Japanese eel (<em>Anguilla japonica</em>) has a complex life history, resulting in many uncertainties regarding its growth, development, and reproduction. Under artificial culture conditions, oocyte development in the Japanese eel is arrested and can only progress to the vitellogenic stage through artificial induction. In the present study, we observed that, despite receiving the same hormone treatment as normally developing individuals, a small proportion of female eels exhibited oocytes arrested at the perinucleolar stage. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes are involved in multiple reproductive-related physiological processes and functional pathways, such as tachykinin system, MAPK signaling pathway, steroid-related pathways, oocyte meiosis, Wnt signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. The abnormal expression of the two follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) subunit genes may be a key factor contributing to this phenomenon. This study reveals the underlying causes of ovarian developmental arrest in hormonally induced female Japanese eels from the perspective of the brain–pituitary–gonad (BPG) axis, providing a research foundation for the artificial reproduction of Japanese eels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 114729"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maintaining the proper balance between granulosa cells (Gc) proliferation and apoptosis is crucial for folliculogenesis and female fertility. Our previous study showed expression of omentin-1 (intelectin-1, ITLN1) in the porcine ovarian follicles; however, its impact on Gc functions remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the in vitro effects of ITLN1 on Gc proliferation and apoptosis in Large White (LW) and Meishan (MS) pigs. These breeds were chosen due to their distinct reproductive characteristics: MS pigs are known for maintaining a higher number of follicles during the follicular phase and exhibiting greater estradiol synthesis compared to LW pigs. Porcine Gc were incubated with ITLN1 (10–100 ng/mL) for 24–72 h, and the viability/proliferation (alamarBlue/BrdU assays), cell cycle progression (flow cytometry) and the gene and protein expression of proliferation/apoptotic markers (PCNA, cyclins A1, B2, D1, E1, caspases-3, −9, BCL-2, BAX, FAS, FADD, XIAP) (real-time PCR, western blotting) were assessed. Next, the effect of ITLN1 on the phosphorylation of several kinases (AKT, AMPK, ERK1/2, STAT3, PKA) and the gene and protein expression of the insulin receptor (INSR) were studied (real-time PCR, western blotting). Then, using pharmacological inhibitors of ERK1/2 (PD98059, 5 μM), AKT (LY294002, 10 μM) and INSR (1 μM), treated alone or with ITLN1 (S961, 50 ng/mL), we analyzed its involvement in the effects of ITLN1 on Gc proliferation/apoptosis. We demonstrated that ITLN1 had a mitogenic effect on Gc by enhancing cell cycle progression and modulating the levels of PCNA, cyclins and apoptotic factors via ERK1/2, AKT, and INSR, suggesting that ITLN1 is a newly identified regulator in ovarian folliculogenesis, regardless of the fatness degree of pigs.
{"title":"Intelectin-1 promotes granulosa cells proliferation and modulates apoptosis via ERK1/2, AKT, and insulin receptor signaling pathways in Large White and Meishan pigs","authors":"Karolina Pich , Natalia Respekta-Długosz , Patrycja Kurowska , Małgorzata Opydo , Nina Smolińska , Joëlle Dupont , Agnieszka Rak","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Maintaining the proper balance between granulosa cells (Gc) proliferation and apoptosis is crucial for folliculogenesis and female fertility. Our previous study showed expression of omentin-1 (intelectin-1, ITLN1) in the porcine ovarian follicles; however, its impact on Gc functions remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the <em>in vitro</em> effects of ITLN1 on Gc proliferation and apoptosis in Large White (LW) and Meishan (MS) pigs. These breeds were chosen due to their distinct reproductive characteristics: MS pigs are known for maintaining a higher number of follicles during the follicular phase and exhibiting greater estradiol synthesis compared to LW pigs. Porcine Gc were incubated with ITLN1 (10–100 ng/mL) for 24–72 h, and the viability/proliferation (alamarBlue/BrdU assays), cell cycle progression (flow cytometry) and the gene and protein expression of proliferation/apoptotic markers (PCNA, cyclins A1, B2, D1, E1, caspases-3, −9, BCL-2, BAX, FAS, FADD, XIAP) (real-time PCR, western blotting) were assessed. Next, the effect of ITLN1 on the phosphorylation of several kinases (AKT, AMPK, ERK1/2, STAT3, PKA) and the gene and protein expression of the insulin receptor (INSR) were studied (real-time PCR, western blotting). Then, using pharmacological inhibitors of ERK1/2 (PD98059, 5 μM), AKT (LY294002, 10 μM) and INSR (1 μM), treated alone or with ITLN1 (S961, 50 ng/mL), we analyzed its involvement in the effects of ITLN1 on Gc proliferation/apoptosis. We demonstrated that ITLN1 had a mitogenic effect on Gc by enhancing cell cycle progression and modulating the levels of PCNA, cyclins and apoptotic factors <em>via</em> ERK1/2, AKT, and INSR, suggesting that ITLN1 is a newly identified regulator in ovarian folliculogenesis, regardless of the fatness degree of pigs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 114722"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS), present in all jawed vertebrates, except sarcopterygians, is considered a major site of urotensin II (UII) secretion. UII, a 12-amino acid peptide with a conserved hexapeptide ring structure, is also secreted by other tissues and found in sarcopterygians. UII has been associated with endocrine regulation, osmoregulation, and several pathophysiological conditions. In this study, CDS of GIFT Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) UII (tUII) and its receptors UT1 (tUT1) and UT2 (tUT2) were cloned from the CNSS and cerebellum, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that tUII, tUT1, and tUT2 shared a high homology with the ones of cichlid species, Haplochromis burtoni and Neolamprologus brichardi. Despite variations in precursor peptide sequences, the core sequence of the mature UII peptide remains highly conserved. tUII was predominantly expressed in the CNSS, while tUT1 and tUT2 were widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues of male and female tilapia. Functional studies revealed that synthetic tUII significantly activated luciferase activity in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with pNFAT-TA-Luc vectors and tUT1 or tUT2. In vitro studies in male GIFT Nile tilapia showed that tUII stimulated mRNA expression of gnrh1, gnrh2, and gnrh3 in a dose-dependent manner by brain fragments, as well as fshβ, lhβ, and gthα by primary culture of pituitary cells. Furthermore, tUII promoted the expression of gnrhr1, gnrhr2, and gnrhr3 in pituitary cells and stimulated mRNA levels of fshr, lhr, arα, cyp11b2, and dmrt1 in testicular tissue. All these stimulatory effects of tUII on gene expression mentioned above were blocked by the non-selective UT antagonist urantide, suggesting for the first time that the actions of tUII were mediated via tUT1 or tUT2. In addition, tUII could significantly stimulate the secretion of testosterone by testis fragments. Taken together, these results suggest that tUII may play a role in reproductive regulation in male GIFT Nile tilapia.
{"title":"Urotensin II in GIFT Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): CDS cloning, tissue distribution, and in vitro regulation of male reproduction","authors":"Ying Bai, Xusheng Zhang, Xiaozheng Yu, Yingying Lian, Kingwai Lai, Xiaoxia Chen, Wensheng Li, Caiyun Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS), present in all jawed vertebrates, except sarcopterygians, is considered a major site of urotensin II (UII) secretion. UII, a 12-amino acid peptide with a conserved hexapeptide ring structure, is also secreted by other tissues and found in sarcopterygians. UII has been associated with endocrine regulation, osmoregulation, and several pathophysiological conditions. In this study, CDS of GIFT Nile tilapia (<em>Oreochromis niloticus</em>) UII (tUII) and its receptors UT1 (tUT1) and UT2 (tUT2) were cloned from the CNSS and cerebellum, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that tUII, tUT1, and tUT2 shared a high homology with the ones of cichlid species, <em>Haplochromis burtoni</em> and <em>Neolamprologus brichardi</em>. Despite variations in precursor peptide sequences, the core sequence of the mature UII peptide remains highly conserved. tUII was predominantly expressed in the CNSS, while tUT1 and tUT2 were widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues of male and female tilapia. Functional studies revealed that synthetic tUII significantly activated luciferase activity in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with pNFAT-TA-Luc vectors and tUT1 or tUT2. In vitro studies in male GIFT Nile tilapia showed that tUII stimulated mRNA expression of <em>gnrh1</em>, <em>gnrh2</em>, and <em>gnrh3</em> in a dose-dependent manner by brain fragments, as well as <em>fshβ</em>, <em>lhβ</em>, and <em>gthα</em> by primary culture of pituitary cells. Furthermore, tUII promoted the expression of <em>gnrhr1</em>, <em>gnrhr2</em>, and <em>gnrhr3</em> in pituitary cells and stimulated mRNA levels of <em>fshr</em>, <em>lhr</em>, <em>arα</em>, <em>cyp11b2</em>, and <em>dmrt1</em> in testicular tissue. All these stimulatory effects of tUII on gene expression mentioned above were blocked by the non-selective UT antagonist urantide, suggesting for the first time that the actions of tUII were mediated via tUT1 or tUT2. In addition, tUII could significantly stimulate the secretion of testosterone by testis fragments. Taken together, these results suggest that tUII may play a role in reproductive regulation in male GIFT Nile tilapia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 114720"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114721
Limiao Zhao , Yuru Li , Jiajun Li , Weiqi Jin , Jun Chen , Bin Wang
Limited data are available regarding reproductive endocrinology of seahorse. Here, we reported the potential function of spexin (SPX1) in the reproduction of seahorse. SPX1, also known as neuropeptide Q (NPQ), is a novel neuropeptide that coevolved with galanin and kisspeptin. In the current study, the entire open reading frame (ORF) sequence of spx1 of the big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) was cloned and characterized, which is 360 base pairs in length, encoding a 119-amino acid precursor peptide, with a 26-aa signaling peptide and a 14-aa C-terminal amidated mature peptide. Tissue distribution expression profiles of spx1 transcripts were analyzed and revealed that spx1 mRNA could be detected in a variety of tissues, with the highest abundance in the mixture tissues of brain and pituitary. The expression profile of spx1 mRNA in the mixture of brain and pituitary during the first reproductive cycle of the big-belly seahorse was evaluated, which showed that the expression level of spx1 mRNA was highest during the critical period of ovarian and testicular transition from stage II to stage III at 3.5-month old, and high in females with IV-stage, V-stage and VI-stage, as well as in males with the early-stage brood pouch, suggesting that SPX1 may play a crucial role at these stages of gonadal and brood pouch development. Intraperitoneal injection of SPX1 can suppress the mRNA expressions of galr2b and fshβ in female seahorses, however, it promoted the mRNA expressions of spx1, gal, kiss2, gnrh2, kiss2r, galr1a, galr2b, gnrh3 and gnihr in males, besides, low doses of SPX1 enhanced lhβ mRNA expression, while high dose of SPX1 suppressed it. Intraperitoneal injection of SPX1 did not alter the mRNA levels of spx1, gal, kiss2, galr1a, galr2a, gnihr or plasma 17β-E2 in females, nor did it change the mRNA levels of galr2a, gthα, fshβ or plasma 11-KT in males. These results revealed that SPX1 may participate in regulating reproduction of the big-belly seahorse by controlling production of GnRH2, GnRH3, FSH and LH of HPG axis, as well as some key hypothalamic neuropeptides including Kiss and GAL. Above all, our results indicate the presence of a functional SPX1 system in the big-belly seahorse, as well as reveal its potential significance in the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction in this species, which also lay a foundation for future research on optimizing fish reproductive performance through the regulation of SPX1.
{"title":"Molecular identification and reproductive function of spexin in the big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)","authors":"Limiao Zhao , Yuru Li , Jiajun Li , Weiqi Jin , Jun Chen , Bin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Limited data are available regarding reproductive endocrinology of seahorse. Here, we reported the potential function of spexin (SPX1) in the reproduction of seahorse. SPX1, also known as neuropeptide Q (NPQ), is a novel neuropeptide that coevolved with galanin and kisspeptin. In the current study, the entire open reading frame (ORF) sequence of <em>spx1</em> of the big-belly seahorse (<em>Hippocampus abdominalis</em>) was cloned and characterized, which is 360 base pairs in length, encoding a 119-amino acid precursor peptide, with a 26-aa signaling peptide and a 14-aa C-terminal amidated mature peptide. Tissue distribution expression profiles of <em>spx1</em> transcripts were analyzed and revealed that <em>spx1</em> mRNA could be detected in a variety of tissues, with the highest abundance in the mixture tissues of brain and pituitary. The expression profile of <em>spx1</em> mRNA in the mixture of brain and pituitary during the first reproductive cycle of the big-belly seahorse was evaluated, which showed that the expression level of <em>spx1</em> mRNA was highest during the critical period of ovarian and testicular transition from stage II to stage III at 3.5-month old, and high in females with IV-stage, V-stage and VI-stage, as well as in males with the early-stage brood pouch, suggesting that SPX1 may play a crucial role at these stages of gonadal and brood pouch development. Intraperitoneal injection of SPX1 can suppress the mRNA expressions of <em>galr2b</em> and <em>fshβ</em> in female seahorses, however, it promoted the mRNA expressions of <em>spx1</em>, <em>gal</em>, <em>kiss2</em>, <em>gnrh2</em>, <em>kiss2r</em>, <em>galr1a</em>, <em>galr2b, gnrh3</em> and <em>gnihr</em> in males, besides, low doses of SPX1 enhanced <em>lhβ</em> mRNA expression, while high dose of SPX1 suppressed it. Intraperitoneal injection of SPX1 did not alter the mRNA levels of <em>spx1</em>, <em>gal</em>, <em>kiss2</em>, <em>galr1a</em>, <em>galr2a</em>, <em>gnihr</em> or plasma 17β-E2 in females, nor did it change the mRNA levels of <em>galr2a</em>, <em>gthα</em>, <em>fshβ</em> or plasma 11-KT in males. These results revealed that SPX1 may participate in regulating reproduction of the big-belly seahorse by controlling production of GnRH2, GnRH3, FSH and LH of HPG axis, as well as some key hypothalamic neuropeptides including Kiss and GAL. Above all, our results indicate the presence of a functional SPX1 system in the big-belly seahorse, as well as reveal its potential significance in the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction in this species, which also lay a foundation for future research on optimizing fish reproductive performance through the regulation of SPX1.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 114721"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143810966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114719
Laís Jaqueline de Souza , Eveline dos Santos Zanetti , José Maurício Barbanti Duarte
The influence of glucocorticoids on reproductive hormones and antler cycles in cervids remains poorly understood, particularly in tropical species. Most Neotropical deer, like the marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), lack a defined breeding season or a clear link between antler stage and reproductive status. Furthermore, conflicting data regarding stress impacts on androgen levels and antler development underscore the need for further research. We evaluated the effects of stress on fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), fecal androgen metabolites (FAMs) and antler status in captive marsh deer. Nineteen males underwent a quarantine after being transferred to a new breeding site, with antler status monitored weekly. Daily fecal samples from 17 individuals were analyzed using EIA to measure FAM and FGM concentrations. Among 12 animals with fully developed antlers, nearly 60 % (n = 7) experienced antler casting, an unusual synchrony for this species. A positive correlation was found between FAM and FGM levels (p < 0.001; r = 0.40). We compared FAM and FGM levels between juveniles and adults, as well as among the antler categories. Adults exhibited 1.2-fold higher FGM levels than juveniles, with no differences in FAM levels. Males with hard antlers showed the highest FAM levels, while FGM levels were highest in males with velvet antlers. We hypothesize that intense stress negatively affected antler retention, leading to antler casting. Our findings suggest that stressful stimuli may trigger adrenal secretion of glucocorticoids and androgens, providing insights into the relationship between stress and antler dynamics in marsh deer.
{"title":"Effect of stress on profiles of fecal glucocorticoid and androgen metabolites and antler status in marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)","authors":"Laís Jaqueline de Souza , Eveline dos Santos Zanetti , José Maurício Barbanti Duarte","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The influence of glucocorticoids on reproductive hormones and antler cycles in cervids remains poorly understood, particularly in tropical species. Most Neotropical deer, like the marsh deer (<em>Blastocerus dichotomus</em>), lack a defined breeding season or a clear link between antler stage and reproductive status. Furthermore, conflicting data regarding stress impacts on androgen levels and antler development underscore the need for further research. We evaluated the effects of stress on fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), fecal androgen metabolites (FAMs) and antler status in captive marsh deer. Nineteen males underwent a quarantine after being transferred to a new breeding site, with antler status monitored weekly. Daily fecal samples from 17 individuals were analyzed using EIA to measure FAM and FGM concentrations. Among 12 animals with fully developed antlers, nearly 60 % (n = 7) experienced antler casting, an unusual synchrony for this species. A positive correlation was found between FAM and FGM levels (p < 0.001; r = 0.40). We compared FAM and FGM levels between juveniles and adults, as well as among the antler categories. Adults exhibited 1.2-fold higher FGM levels than juveniles, with no differences in FAM levels. Males with hard antlers showed the highest FAM levels, while FGM levels were highest in males with velvet antlers. We hypothesize that intense stress negatively affected antler retention, leading to antler casting. Our findings suggest that stressful stimuli may trigger adrenal secretion of glucocorticoids and androgens, providing insights into the relationship between stress and antler dynamics in marsh deer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 114719"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-04-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114730
Annika Lindstrom, Helene Volkoff
Tiger barbs are popular tropical aquarium fish but despite their economic importance, nothing is known about their feeding physiology, in particular their endocrine regulation of feeding. The tiger barb has also been used to make genetically modified fluorescent fish but the influence of this genetic modification on their physiology is poorly understood. In this study, we submitted both non-transgenic (NT) and transgenic fluorescent orange (T) fish to 2 weeks of fasting or different temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) and assessed food intake and the expression of appetite regulators in brain, intestine and liver. Fasting had no effect on appetite regulators in the intestine, and decreased liver leptin expression in NT fish only. Fasting caused an overall increase and decrease in brain orexigenic and anorexigenic factors, respectively. The nature of peptides affected by this response differed between strains (MCH, ghrelin, POMCb in both NT and T, orexin in NT only, CRF and CCK in T only). In both T and NT fish, increasing temperatures increased food intake. Temperature affected the expression of most of the peptides examined, but the effects differed between the two fish strains. A shift from 25 to 20 °C increased hepatic leptin in NT and T, and intestine ghrelin in NT and had no effect on brain expression. A shift from 25 to 30 °C did not affect intestine or liver expressions, increased orexin, MCH and CRF brain expression in NT and T, and increased POMCb and CCKa expressions in T. Our study presents new information on the endocrine regulation of feeding in tiger barb, and provides insights on how transgenesis might affect feeding physiology of fish.
{"title":"Endocrine regulation of feeding in non-transgenic and transgenic fluorescent orange tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)","authors":"Annika Lindstrom, Helene Volkoff","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tiger barbs are popular tropical aquarium fish but despite their economic importance, nothing is known about their feeding physiology, in particular their endocrine regulation of feeding. The tiger barb has also been used to make genetically modified fluorescent fish but the influence of this genetic modification on their physiology is poorly understood. In this study, we submitted both non-transgenic (NT) and transgenic fluorescent orange (T) fish to 2 weeks of fasting or different temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) and assessed food intake and the expression of appetite regulators in brain, intestine and liver. Fasting had no effect on appetite regulators in the intestine, and decreased liver leptin expression in NT fish only. Fasting caused an overall increase and decrease in brain orexigenic and anorexigenic factors, respectively. The nature of peptides affected by this response differed between strains (MCH, ghrelin, POMCb in both NT and T, orexin in NT only, CRF and CCK in T only). In both T and NT fish, increasing temperatures increased food intake. Temperature affected the expression of most of the peptides examined, but the effects differed between the two fish strains. A shift from 25 to 20 °C increased hepatic leptin in NT and T, and intestine ghrelin in NT and had no effect on brain expression. A shift from 25 to 30 °C did not affect intestine or liver expressions, increased orexin, MCH and CRF brain expression in NT and T, and increased POMCb and CCKa expressions in T. Our study presents new information on the endocrine regulation of feeding in tiger barb, and provides insights on how transgenesis might affect feeding physiology of fish.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 114730"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-03-27DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114718
Víctor Hugo Caña-Bozada , Ahmed A.Z. Dawoud , Ivana Ramos-de la Cruz , Lizeth C. Flores-Méndez , Josué Barrera-Redondo , Jesús Briones-Mendoza , Luis A. Yañez-Guerra
Ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) are critical for neurotransmission, mediating responses to neurotransmitters and hormones, and influencing diverse physiological processes. This study identifies and classifies LGICs across Platyhelminthes, with a particular focus on parasitic neodermatans, which impact human and animal health. Using bioinformatics tools, we analyzed LGICs from 41 neodermatan species and expanded our investigation to encompass vertebrates, other invertebrates, and non-bilaterians to trace LGIC evolutionary pathways across Metazoa. We identified 2,269 putative LGICs within neodermatan species, which we classified into the cys-loop, ASIC/Deg/ENaC, iGluR, and P2X families. Our phylogenetic and clustering analyses reveal lineage-specific patterns with distinct evolutionary trajectories for each LGIC family in neodermatans compared to free-living platyhelminths and other taxa. Notably, the ASIC/Deg/ENaC family displayed the greatest degree of neodermatan-specific divergence, while cys-loop and P2X families were more conserved across taxa. To provide insight into their potential physiological roles, we analyzed LGIC expression patterns in Schistosoma mansoni, revealing widespread expression across neuronal and muscle cell types. The distribution of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in both neurons and muscles suggests a role in neuromuscular signalling, while the P2X receptor (Smp_333600) exhibited sex-specific expression, potentially indicating distinct functional roles in males and females. Additionally, several cys-loop acetylcholine and GABA receptors showed differential neuronal and muscle expression, highlighting their likely contributions to cholinergic and inhibitory neurotransmission. These findings underscore the relevance of LGICs in parasite physiology, particularly in neuromuscular and sensory processes, and suggest potential targets for antiparasitic interventions.
{"title":"Global analysis of ligand-gated ion channel conservation across Platyhelminthes","authors":"Víctor Hugo Caña-Bozada , Ahmed A.Z. Dawoud , Ivana Ramos-de la Cruz , Lizeth C. Flores-Méndez , Josué Barrera-Redondo , Jesús Briones-Mendoza , Luis A. Yañez-Guerra","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) are critical for neurotransmission, mediating responses to neurotransmitters and hormones, and influencing diverse physiological processes. This study identifies and classifies LGICs across Platyhelminthes, with a particular focus on parasitic neodermatans, which impact human and animal health. Using bioinformatics tools, we analyzed LGICs from 41 neodermatan species and expanded our investigation to encompass vertebrates, other invertebrates, and non-bilaterians to trace LGIC evolutionary pathways across Metazoa. We identified 2,269 putative LGICs within neodermatan species, which we classified into the cys-loop, ASIC/Deg/ENaC, iGluR, and P2X families. Our phylogenetic and clustering analyses reveal lineage-specific patterns with distinct evolutionary trajectories for each LGIC family in neodermatans compared to free-living platyhelminths and other taxa. Notably, the ASIC/Deg/ENaC family displayed the greatest degree of neodermatan-specific divergence, while cys-loop and P2X families were more conserved across taxa. To provide insight into their potential physiological roles, we analyzed LGIC expression patterns in <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em>, revealing widespread expression across neuronal and muscle cell types. The distribution of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in both neurons and muscles suggests a role in neuromuscular signalling, while the P2X receptor (Smp_333600) exhibited sex-specific expression, potentially indicating distinct functional roles in males and females. Additionally, several cys-loop acetylcholine and GABA receptors showed differential neuronal and muscle expression, highlighting their likely contributions to cholinergic and inhibitory neurotransmission. These findings underscore the relevance of LGICs in parasite physiology, particularly in neuromuscular and sensory processes, and suggest potential targets for antiparasitic interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"366 ","pages":"Article 114718"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143742767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-02-28DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114698
Shuangyi Zhang , Hiroyuki Kaiya , Takio Kitazawa
Ghrelin is known to be a multifunctional peptide hormone that stimulates not only growth hormone secretion and feeding but also gastrointestinal (GI) functions, including motility, secretion and mucosa proliferation. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on the physiological roles of ghrelin in the regulation of GI motility from a comparative perspective. The effects of ghrelin on GI motility differ depending on the species, and ghrelin is a possible regulator of gastric migrating motor complexes (MMCs) in rodents, dogs and house musk shrew (suncus). However, the role of ghrelin has not been clarified in detail in other mammals, including humans and rabbits. Ghrelin is also effective to cause contraction in the GI tract of some non-mammals, but its physiological role is also not clarified at present. Distribution of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR, ghrelin receptor) in the GI tract might be connected with the regulatory role of ghrelin in vertebrates. Comparative studies of ghrelin among animals and identification of knowledge gaps must lead us to the functional transition and importance of ghrelin in the GI tract.
{"title":"Physiological roles of ghrelin in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility in vertebrates","authors":"Shuangyi Zhang , Hiroyuki Kaiya , Takio Kitazawa","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ghrelin is known to be a multifunctional peptide hormone that stimulates not only growth hormone secretion and feeding but also gastrointestinal (GI) functions, including motility, secretion and mucosa proliferation. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on the physiological roles of ghrelin in the regulation of GI motility from a comparative perspective. The effects of ghrelin on GI motility differ depending on the species, and ghrelin is a possible regulator of gastric migrating motor complexes (MMCs) in rodents, dogs and house musk shrew (<em>suncus</em>). However, the role of ghrelin has not been clarified in detail in other mammals, including humans and rabbits. Ghrelin is also effective to cause contraction in the GI tract of some non-mammals, but its physiological role is also not clarified at present. Distribution of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR, ghrelin receptor) in the GI tract might be connected with the regulatory role of ghrelin in vertebrates. Comparative studies of ghrelin among animals and identification of knowledge gaps must lead us to the functional transition and importance of ghrelin in the GI tract.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 114698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-03-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114707
Sean C. Lema, Kseniya A. Krayeva, Zoey A. Dale, Teresa E. Guerre
Female fish experiencing atypically high or prolonged elevations in temperature during oogenesis can suffer impaired oocyte development with fewer or smaller eggs, eggs with reduced yolk content or thinner envelopes, and lower egg viability. These changes in oocyte quality and quantity are in part caused by diminished liver synthesis of egg yolk (vitellogenin, Vtg) and egg envelope (choriogenin) proteins at anomalously high temperatures. Those declines in liver Vtg and choriogenin production are commonly paralleled by reduced blood concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2). However, it is unclear whether declines in liver vitellogenin and choriogenin production at elevated temperatures result solely from lower circulating E2 or if other aspects of E2 signaling are also altered to diminish liver synthesis of oogenesis proteins. In this study, adult female Amargosa River pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae), a species with asynchronous follicular development, were maintained at 20 °C, 28 °C, or 36 °C and then administered E2 or vehicle solution. Ovarian gonadosomatic index (GSI) values and plasma E2 were lower in females at 36 °C compared to those at cooler temperatures. Females at 36 °C also had reduced plasma Vtg protein, lower liver abundances for mRNAs encoding vitellogenin genes (vtgAa, vtgAb, vtgc), choriogenin genes (cgh, cghm, cgl), and estrogen receptor α (esr1). Supplemental E2 increased plasma E2 in females at all temperatures, but only upregulated liver vitellogenin and choriogenin mRNAs at 36 °C, despite E2 upregulation of hepatic esr1 receptor transcripts at all temperatures. Females at 36 °C also exhibited higher liver mRNA abundances for sex hormone-binding globulin (shbg) and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (cyp1a1), an estrogen-metabolizing monooxygenase enzyme that converts E2 to 2-hydroxyestradiol. Together, these findings indicate elevated temperatures diminish E2 stimulation of liver Vtg and choriogenin expression in pupfish via effects on several aspects of E2 signaling including circulating E2 concentrations and liver esr1 expression as well as shbg and cyp1a1 expression, which may result in changes to free:bound E2 and the rate of hepatic E2 inactivation. These results also demonstrate that E2 replacement can help compensate for high temperature-induced declines in hepatic oogenesis gene expression in female pupfish.
{"title":"Temperature modulates 17β-estradiol regulation of oogenesis protein expression in the liver of the eurythermal pupfish Cyprinodon nevadensis","authors":"Sean C. Lema, Kseniya A. Krayeva, Zoey A. Dale, Teresa E. Guerre","doi":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Female fish experiencing atypically high or prolonged elevations in temperature during oogenesis can suffer impaired oocyte development with fewer or smaller eggs, eggs with reduced yolk content or thinner envelopes, and lower egg viability. These changes in oocyte quality and quantity are in part caused by diminished liver synthesis of egg yolk (vitellogenin, Vtg) and egg envelope (choriogenin) proteins at anomalously high temperatures. Those declines in liver Vtg and choriogenin production are commonly paralleled by reduced blood concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E<sub>2</sub>). However, it is unclear whether declines in liver vitellogenin and choriogenin production at elevated temperatures result solely from lower circulating E<sub>2</sub> or if other aspects of E<sub>2</sub> signaling are also altered to diminish liver synthesis of oogenesis proteins. In this study, adult female Amargosa River pupfish (<em>Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae</em>), a species with asynchronous follicular development, were maintained at 20 °C, 28 °C, or 36 °C and then administered E<sub>2</sub> or vehicle solution. Ovarian gonadosomatic index (GSI) values and plasma E<sub>2</sub> were lower in females at 36 °C compared to those at cooler temperatures. Females at 36 °C also had reduced plasma Vtg protein, lower liver abundances for mRNAs encoding vitellogenin genes (<em>vtgAa</em>, <em>vtgAb</em>, <em>vtgc</em>), choriogenin genes (<em>cgh, cghm, cgl</em>), and estrogen receptor α (<em>esr1</em>). Supplemental E<sub>2</sub> increased plasma E<sub>2</sub> in females at all temperatures, but only upregulated liver vitellogenin and choriogenin mRNAs at 36 °C, despite E<sub>2</sub> upregulation of hepatic <em>esr1</em> receptor transcripts at all temperatures. Females at 36 °C also exhibited higher liver mRNA abundances for sex hormone-binding globulin (<em>shbg</em>) and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (<em>cyp1a1</em>), an estrogen-metabolizing monooxygenase enzyme that converts E<sub>2</sub> to 2-hydroxyestradiol. Together, these findings indicate elevated temperatures diminish E<sub>2</sub> stimulation of liver Vtg and choriogenin expression in pupfish via effects on several aspects of E<sub>2</sub> signaling including circulating E<sub>2</sub> concentrations and liver <em>esr1</em> expression as well as <em>shbg</em> and <em>cyp1a1</em> expression, which may result in changes to free:bound E<sub>2</sub> and the rate of hepatic E<sub>2</sub> inactivation. These results also demonstrate that E<sub>2</sub> replacement can help compensate for high temperature-induced declines in hepatic oogenesis gene expression in female pupfish.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12582,"journal":{"name":"General and comparative endocrinology","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 114707"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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