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Journal of Zhejiang University.... May 2024The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) family of peptides is a multifunctional group of neurohormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in insects.... (Review)
Review
The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) family of peptides is a multifunctional group of neurohormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in insects. They have been found in a broad spectrum of species, but the number of isoforms in the precursor molecule varies from one to four. The receptor for sNPF (sNPFR), which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family, has been characterized in various insect orders and was shown to be an ortholog of the mammalian prolactin-releasing peptide receptor (PrPR). The sNPF signaling pathway interacts with other neurohormones such as insulin-like peptides, SIFamide, and pigment-dispersing factors (PDFs) to regulate various processes. The main physiological function of sNPF seems to be involved in the regulation of feeding, but the observed effects are species-specific. sNPF is also connected with the regulation of foraging behavior and the olfactory system. The influence of sNPF on feeding and thus energy metabolism may also indirectly affect other vital processes, such as reproduction and development. In addition, these neurohormones are involved in the regulation of locomotor activity and circadian rhythm in insects. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about the sNPF system in insects.
Topics: Animals; Neuropeptides; Insecta; Signal Transduction; Circadian Rhythm; Feeding Behavior; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Energy Metabolism
PubMed: 38725339
DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B2300355 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Apr 2024Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is the first identified cytokine and its interaction with receptors has been known to shape the immune responses in many lymphoid or non-lymphoid...
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is the first identified cytokine and its interaction with receptors has been known to shape the immune responses in many lymphoid or non-lymphoid tissues for more than four decades. Active T cells are the primary cellular source for IL-2 production and epithelial cells have never been considered the major cellular source of IL-2 under physiological conditions. It is, however, tempting to speculate that epithelial cells could potentially express IL-2 that regulates the intricate interactions between epithelial cells and lymphocytes. Datamining our recently published single-cell RNAseq in the mouse mammary gland identified IL-2 expression in mammary epithelial cells, which is induced by prolactin via the STAT5 signaling pathway. Furthermore, epithelial IL-2 plays a crucial role in maintaining the physiological functions of natural killer (NK) cells within the mammary glands. IL-2 deletion in the mammary epithelial cells leads to a significant reduction in the number and function of NK cells, which in turn results in defective immunosurveillance, expansion of luminal epithelial cells, and tumor development. Interestingly, T cells in the mammary glands are not changed, indicating the specific regulation of NK cells by epithelial IL-2 production. In agreement, we also found that human epithelial cells express IL-2 and NK cells express the highest level of IL2RB among all the immune cells. Here, we provide the first evidence that epithelial cells produce IL-2, which is critical for maintaining the physiological functions of NK cells in immunosurveillance.
PubMed: 38712046
DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591178 -
Domestic Animal Endocrinology Jul 2024Mares resume ovarian activity rapidly after foaling. Besides follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), the pituitary synthesizes prolactin and...
Mares resume ovarian activity rapidly after foaling. Besides follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), the pituitary synthesizes prolactin and growth hormone which stimulate insulin-like growth factor (IGF) synthesis in the liver. We tested the hypothesis that follicular growth is initiated already antepartum, mares with early and delayed ovulation differ in IGF-1 release and that there is an additional IGF-1 synthesis in the placenta. Plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, IGF-1, IGF-2, activin and prolactin. IGF-1, IGF-2, prolactin and their receptors in placental tissues were analyzed at the mRNA and protein level. Follicular growth was determined from 15 days before to 15 days after foaling in 14 pregnancies. Mares ovulating within 15 days postpartum formed group OV (n=5) and mares not ovulating within 15 days group NOV (n=9). Before foaling, follicles with a diameter >1 cm were present in all mares and their number increased over time (p<0.05). Follicle growth after foaling was more pronounced in OV mares (day p<0.001, group p<0.05, day x group p<0.05) in parallel to an increase in LH concentration (p<0.001, day x group p<0.001) while FSH increased (p<0.001) similarly in both groups. Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and prolactin peaked one day after foaling (p<0.001). The IGF-1 mRNA abundance was higher in the allantochorion but lower in the amnion of OV versus NOV mares (group p=0.01, localization x group p<0.01). The IGF-1 receptor mRNA was most abundant in the allantochorion (p<0.001) and IGF-1 protein was expressed in placental tissue without differences between groups. In conclusion, follicular growth in mares is initiated before foaling and placental IGF-1 may enhance resumption of ovulatory cycles.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Female; Postpartum Period; Prolactin; Pregnancy; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Ovary; RNA, Messenger; Placenta; Luteinizing Hormone; Ovarian Follicle; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Ovulation; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Activins; Receptors, Prolactin
PubMed: 38701638
DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106852 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024The development of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells is central to the adaptive immune system as they induce protective and specific antibody responses... (Review)
Review
The development of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells is central to the adaptive immune system as they induce protective and specific antibody responses against invading pathogens. Various studies have shown that, during this process, hormones can play important roles in the lymphopoiesis, activation, proliferation, and differentiation of B cells, and depending on the signal given by the receptor of each hormone, they can have a positive or negative effect. In autoimmune diseases, hormonal deregulation has been reported to be related to the survival, activation and/or differentiation of autoreactive clones of B cells, thus promoting the development of autoimmunity. Clinical manifestations of autoimmune diseases have been associated with estrogens, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) levels. However, androgens, such as testosterone and progesterone (P4), could have a protective effect. The objective of this review is to highlight the links between different hormones and the immune response mediated by B cells in the etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The data collected provide insights into the role of hormones in the cellular, molecular and/or epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the B-cell response in health and disease.
Topics: Humans; B-Lymphocytes; Autoimmunity; Animals; Hormones; Autoimmune Diseases; Cell Differentiation; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
PubMed: 38680484
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385501 -
Nutrients Apr 2024The burden of cardiovascular disease and the percentage of frail patients in the aging population will increase. This study aims to assess the circulating levels of...
The burden of cardiovascular disease and the percentage of frail patients in the aging population will increase. This study aims to assess the circulating levels of several cytokines in frail patients. This is an ancillary analysis of the FRAPICA trial. The ratio of men/women changed from robust through frail groups from 3:1 to 1:2. The groups are comparable in terms of age and body measurements analysis (weight, height, and BMI), yet the frail patients have significantly reduced fat-free mass, and more often have been diagnosed with diabetes. Frail patients have higher fibroblast growth factor basic (FGF basic) and follistatin levels (borderline significance). In multiple linear regression modeling of fat-free mass, we identified FGF basic, osteopontin, stem cell factor, soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2, soluble epidermal growth factor receptor, soluble human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, follistatin, prolactin, soluble interleukin 6 receptor alfa, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, soluble vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 1, leptin, soluble angiopoietin/tyrosine kinase 2, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. We have identified a few cytokines that correlate with fat-free mass, a hallmark of frailty. They comprise the kinins implicated in bone and muscle metabolism, fibrosis, vascular wall function, inflammation, endocrine function, or regulation of bone marrow integrity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cytokines; Body Composition; Frail Elderly; Aged, 80 and over; Frailty; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38674917
DOI: 10.3390/nu16081227 -
Biomedicines Mar 2024There is ample evidence on the benefit of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) in heart failure, yet data regarding the potential protective action of...
There is ample evidence on the benefit of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) in heart failure, yet data regarding the potential protective action of ARNIs in hypertensive heart disease are sparse. The aim of this study was to show whether an ARNI exerts a protective effect in a model of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension with a hypertensive heart and to compare this potential benefit with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril. Five groups of adult male were studied (14 per group) for four weeks: untreated controls; ARNI (68 mg/kg/day); L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day); L-NAME treated with ARNI; and L-NAME treated with captopril (100 mg/kg/day). L-NAME administration induced hypertension, accompanied by increased left ventricular (LV) weight and fibrotic rebuilding of the LV in terms of increased concentration and content of hydroxyproline in insoluble collagen and in total collagen and with a histological finding of fibrosis. These alterations were associated with a compromised systolic and diastolic LV function. Treatment with either an ARNI or captopril reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), alleviated LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, and prevented the development of both systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction. Moreover, the serum levels of prolactin and prolactin receptor were reduced significantly by ARNI and slightly by captopril. In conclusion, in L-NAME-induced hypertension, the dual inhibition of neprilysin and AT1 receptors by ARNI reduced SBP and prevented the development of LV hypertrophy, fibrosis, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction. These data suggest that ARNI could provide protection against LV structural remodeling and functional disorders in hypertensive heart disease.
PubMed: 38672089
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040733 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024Unlike other poultry, parent pigeons produce "pigeon milk" in their crops to nurture their squabs, which is mainly controlled by prolactin (PRL). Exception for PRL, the...
Unlike other poultry, parent pigeons produce "pigeon milk" in their crops to nurture their squabs, which is mainly controlled by prolactin (PRL). Exception for PRL, the pituitary gland may also release various other peptide and protein hormones. However, whether these hormones change during pigeon crop lactation and their potential physiological functions remain unclear. Here, to identify potential peptide or protein hormone genes that regulate crop lactation, we conducted transcriptome analysis of pigeon pituitary glands at 3 different breeding stages (the ceased stage-nonincubation and non-nurturing stage, the 11th d of the incubation, and the 1st d of the nurturing stage) using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Our analysis identified a total of 15,191 mRNAs and screened out 297 differentially expressed genes (DEG), including PRL, VIP, etc. The expression abundance of PRL mRNA on the 1st d of the nurturing stage was respectively 4.93 and 3.62 folds higher when compared to the ceased stage and the 11th d of the incubation stage. Additionally, the expression abundance of VIP is higher in the 1st d of the nurturing stage than in the ceased stage. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) analysis identified several vital DEGs (e.g., GHRHR, VIP, etc.), being closely linked with hormone and enriched in neuropeptide signaling pathway and response to the hormone. Expression pattern analysis revealed that these DEGs exhibited 4 distinct expression patterns (profile 10, 16, 18, 19). Genes in profile 10 and 19 presented a trend with the highest expression level on 1st d of the nurturing stage, and functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are involved in neuropeptide hormone activity, receptor-ligand activity, and the extracellular matrix, etc. Taken together, being consistent with PRL, some genes encoding peptide and protein hormones (e.g., VIP) presented differentially expressed in different breeding stages. It suggests that these hormones may be involved in regulation of the crop lactation process or corresponding behavior in domestic pigeons. The results of this study help to gain new insights into the role of pituitary gland in regulating pigeon lactation.
Topics: Animals; Columbidae; Pituitary Gland; Gene Expression Profiling; Female; Avian Proteins; Peptide Hormones; Transcriptome; Lactation; Prolactin
PubMed: 38670056
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103742 -
Animal Bioscience Apr 2024The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prolactin (PRL) on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and the secretion...
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prolactin (PRL) on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and the secretion of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4), as well as to explore the effects of PRL on related genes and proteins.
METHODS
We isolated ovarian GCs from 1-year-old small-tail Han sheep and identified PRL receptor (PRLR) on ovaries and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) on ovarian GCs, respectively, using immunohistochemistry. PRL (0, 0.05, 0.50, 5.00 μg/mL) were added to GCs in vitro along with FSH, cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and apoptosis by flow cytometry. The measurement of E2 and P4 content by ELISA after 24h and 48h. The expression of functional genes and proteins was identified by RT-qPCR and Western-blot after 24h.
RESULTS
PRLR was expressed in both follicular GCs and corpus luteum, whereas FSHR was expressed specifically. The proliferative activity was lower on day 1 while higher on day 4 and day 5. The apoptosis rate of GCs in the 0.05 μg/mL group was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment with PRL for 24 h (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the secretion of E2 in GCs was reduced significantly (p<0.05) in PRL treatment for 24h and 48h, while the secretion of P4 was significantly increased (p<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of PRLR, FSHR, LHR, CYP11A1, HSD3B7 and STAR were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.01), and the relative abundance of BCL2 in all PRL group were increased after PRL treatment.
CONCLUSION
PRL promoted the proliferation of GCs and supraphysiological concentrations inhibited apoptosis caused by down-regulation of BAX and up-regulation of BCL2. PRL inhibited E2 by down-regulating CYP19A1 and promoted P4 by up-regulating CYP11A1, STAR and HSD3B7.
PubMed: 38665071
DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0448 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Apr 2024Sexual dimorphism has been revealed for many neurological disorders including chronic pain. Prelicinal studies and post-mortem analyses from male and female human donors... (Review)
Review
Sexual dimorphism has been revealed for many neurological disorders including chronic pain. Prelicinal studies and post-mortem analyses from male and female human donors reveal sexual dimorphism of nociceptors at transcript, protein and functional levels suggesting different mechanisms that may promote pain in men and women. Migraine is a common female-prevalent neurological disorder that is characterized by painful and debilitating headache. Prolactin is a neurohormone that circulates at higher levels in females and that has been implicated clinically in migraine. Prolactin sensitizes sensory neurons from female mice, non-human primates and humans revealing a female-selective pain mechanism that is conserved evolutionarily and likely translationally relevant. Prolactin produces female-selective migraine-like pain behaviors in rodents and enhances the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neurotransmitter that is causal in promoting migraine in many patients. CGRP, like prolactin, produces female-selective migraine-like pain behaviors. Consistent with these observations, publicly available clinical data indicate that small molecule CGRP-receptor antagonists are preferentially effective in treatment of acute migraine therapy in women. Collectively, these observations support the conclusion of qualitative sex differences promoting migraine pain providing the opportunity to tailor therapies based on patient sex for improved outcomes. Additionally, patient sex should be considered in design of clinical trials for migraine as well as for pain and reassessment of past trials may be warranted.
Topics: Migraine Disorders; Humans; Female; Animals; Sex Characteristics; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Prolactin; Male
PubMed: 38658853
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01771-w