Relationship between edaravone-induced inhibition of pressure overload-induced myocardial remodeling and AT1R/MAPKs/StAR signaling pathway in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between edaravone-induced inhibition of pressure overload-induced myocardial remodeling and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R)/mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) signaling pathway in rats.Methods:Thirty-six clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2 months, weighing 200-220 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), pressure overload group (POL group) and edaravone group (E group). The cardiac pressure overload was induced by ligation of thoracic aorta for 8 weeks.After the model preparation, 0.9% sodium chloride 10 ml/kg was intraperitoneally injected daily in group POL, and edaravone 10 mg/kg was given instead in group E for 8 consecutive weeks.After the model was successfully established, the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and ventricular shortening fraction (FS) were measured by two-dimensional ultrasound.The animals were sacrificed by bloodletting, and the heart weight/body weight ratio (HW/BW ratio) was calculated.Myocardial tissues were obtained for determination of the cross-sectional area (MSA) after HE staining, the collagen volume fraction (CVF) (using Masson′s staining), the expression of AT1R and StAR (by immunohistochemistry), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK phosphorylation levels (p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio) (by Western blot) and the aldosterone content (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with group S, the HW/BW ratio, MSA and CVF were significantly increased, EF and FS were decreased, AT1R and StAR expression was up-regulated, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and aldosterone content were increased in group POL ( P<0.05). Compared with POL group, the HW/BW ratio, MSA and CVF were significantly decreased, EF and FS were increased, AT1R and StAR expression was down-regulated, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and aldosterone content were decreased in group E ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism of edaravone-induced inhibition of pressure overload-induced myocardial remodeling is probably associated with inhibiting the activation of AT1R/MAPKs/StAR signaling pathway in rats.

A study of congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia in two pedigrees / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The clinical features and laboratory data of two patients with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH)were collected. The genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood white cells in the two patients and their family members and the STAR gene was screened for mutations by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Patient 1 was a girl aged 2 years and 8 months,and she visited us because of continual cyanosis for more than two years. Physical examination showed no obvious pigmentation or clitoral hypertrophy,and Tanner stage was B1P1. Clinical examination revealed serum ACTH 1 284.1 pg/ml and 17α-hydoxyprogesterone(17-OHP)0.54 ng/ml, with Karyotype 46, XX. Genetic analysis showed compound heterozygous mutations of c.201_202delCT and c.229C>T in the STAR gene. Her father carried heterozygous c.201_202delCT mutation, and her mother showed heterozygous c.229C>T mutation. Patient 2 was a girl aged 22 years and referred to us because of dark skin for more than 21 years. Physical examination revealed generalized hyperpigmentation,with Tanner stage B5P2. Hormone examination showed ACTH>2 000 pg/ml and serum cortisol 0.77μg/dl. Karyotype analysis revealed 46,XX. Genetic analysis found compound heterozygous mutations of c.64+1G>C and c.707_708delinsCTT in the STAR gene,which descended from her father and mother respectively. Of note,c.64+1G>C is a novel splicing mutation of STAR gene.

Protective effect of Momordica cochinchinensis (L. ) spreng aril extract on essential testicular markers in rats induced with valproic acid / Efecto protector de Momordica cochinchinensis (L. ) extracto de aril en marcadores testiculares esenciales en ratas inducidas con ácido valproico

Valproic acid (VPA), an anti-epileptic drug, has been reported to cause male sub/infertility. Together with searching for alternative treatments, the degrees to which testosterone levels and sperm quality are decreased under VPA treatment also need to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Momordica cochinchinensis (MC) aril extract containing antioxidant capacity on adverse reproductive parameters induced with VPA. Rats were divided into 6 groups (control, VPA, 200 mg kg-1 of MC only, 50, 100, 200 mg kg-1 MC+VPA, respectively, n=8 in each). Animals were pretreated with MC extract for 23 days before co-administration with VPA (500 mg kg-1, i.p.) for 10 consecutive days. All reproductive parameters including histology, and expression of androgen receptor (AR), Ki-67, tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, and steroidogenic proteins in testis were examined. The results showed that MC could prevent all reproductive parameters in VPA-treated rats. Moreover, MC+VPA groups showed significant declining of testicular histopathologies compared to VPA group. It also decreased the malondialdehyde level and changes of the testicular StAR, AR, and tyrosine phosphorylated protein expressions. In conclusion, M. cochinchinensis aril extract can prevent adverse male reproductive parameters and essential testicular proteins damages induced with VPA.

Se ha informado que el ácido valproico (VPA), un fármaco antiepiléptico, causa infertilidad masculina. Junto con la búsqueda de tratamientos alternativos, los grados a los que los niveles de testosterona y la calidad del esperma son disminuidos bajo el tratamiento de VPA también necesitan ser aclarados. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos protectores del extracto aril de Momordica cochinchinensis (MC) que contiene capacidad antioxidante sobre parámetros reproductivos adversos inducidos con VPA. Las ratas se dividieron en 6 grupos (control, VPA, 200 mg kg-1 de MC solamente, 50, 100, 200 mg kg-1 de MC + VPA, respectivamente; n = 8 en cada uno). Los animales fueron pretratados con extracto de MC durante 23 días antes de la coadministración con VPA (500 mg kg-1, i.p.) durante 10 días consecutivos. Se examinaron todos los parámetros reproductivos, incluyendo la histología, y la expresión de receptor de andrógenos (AR), Ki-67, proteínas fosforiladas con tirosina y proteínas esteroidogénicas en los testículos. Los resultados mostraron que MC podría prevenir todos los parámetros reproductivos en las ratas tratadas con VPA. Además, los grupos MC + VPA mostraron una disminución significativa de las histopatologías testiculares en comparación con el grupo VPA. También disminuyó el nivel de malondialdehído y los cambios de las expresiones testiculares de las proteínas StAR, AR y tirosina fosforiladas. En conclusión, el extracto de aril de M. cochinchinensis puede prevenir los parámetros reproductivos masculinos adversos y los daños esenciales de proteínas testiculares inducidos con VPA.

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH) is the most fatal form of CAH, as it disrupts adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. Most cases of lipoid CAH are caused by recessive mutations in the gene encoding steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Affected patients typically present with signs of severe adrenal failure in early infancy and 46,XY genetic males are phenotypic females due to disrupted testicular androgen secretion. The StAR p.Q258X mutation accounts for about 70% of affected alleles in most patients of Japanese and Korean ancestry. However, it is more prevalent (92.3%) in the Korean population. Recently, some patients have been showed that they had late and mild clinical findings. These cases and studies constitute a new entity of 'nonclassic lipoid CAH'. The cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc (CYP11A1), plays an essential role converting cholesterol to pregnenolone. Although progesterone production from the fetally derived placenta is necessary to maintain a pregnancy to term, some patients with P450scc mutations have recently been reported. P450scc mutations can also cause lipoid CAH and establish a recently recognized human endocrine disorder.

p.R182C mutation in Korean twin with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH) is the most severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia which is caused by mutations in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The mutations in StAR gene resulted in failure of the transport cholesterol into mitochondria for steroidogenesis in the adrenal gland. Twin sisters (A, B) with normal 46, XX were born at 36+2 gestational week, premature to nonrelated parents. They had symptoms as hyperpigmentation, slightly elevated potassium level and low level of sodium. Laboratory finding revealed normal 17-hydroxyprogesterone level, elevated adrenocorticotropin hormone (A, 4,379.2 pg/mL; B, 11,616.1 pg/mL), and high plasma renin activity (A, 49.02 ng/mL/hr; B, 52.7 ng mL/hr). However, the level of plasma cortisol before treatment was low (1.5 microg/dL) in patient B but normal (8.71 microg/dL) in patient A. Among them, only patient A was presented with adrenal insufficiency symptoms which was suggestive of CLAH and prompted us to order a gene analysis in both twin. The results of gene analysis of StAR in twin revealed same heterozygous conditions for c.544C>T (Arg182Cys) in exon 5 and c.722C>T (Gln258*) in exon 7. We report the first case on the mutation of p.R182C in exon 5 of the StAR gene in Korea.

The effect of environmental endocrine disruptors on gene regulative networks related to steroidogenesis / 国际儿科学杂志

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EED) are pollutants of many exogenous chemicals,which have the potential to disrupt endocrine functions in exposed organisms.The enzymes increasingly involved in the steroid biosynthesis pathway are being recognized as important targets for the actions of various endocrine disrupting chemicals.Interferences with steroid biosynthesis may result in impaired reproduction,alterations in sexual differentiation,sexual development and the development of certain cancers.Aromatase ( CYP19 ) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein regulated by some transcriptional factors and signalling pathway are considered as the key and rate-limiting enzymes.Given their key role in the formation of steroid hormones,gene regulatory networks of enzymes related to steroidogenesis are gaining interest as molecular targets.Differences in genetic background can affect body's sensitivity to EED.This review will provide an overview of the enzymes involved in steroidogenesis,their cellular and molecular regulation,as well as the adverse effect of EED on them.

Expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein following with age and serum lipids levels in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To detect steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice at different ages and serum lipid levels. Methods Nighty-six C57BL/6J and apoE-/- mice were enrolled, which were divided into 16 groups with 6 mice per group according to age (1 day, 1, 3, 5 months), sex and genotype (C57BL/6J and apoE-/-). The serum lipid levels in C57BL/6J and apoE-/- mice were detected by commercial kits. StAR mRNA and protein expressions in liver were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot respectively. Results ApoE-/- mice had higher LDL-cholesterol and lower HDL-cholesterol compared with C57BL/6J mice of the same age and sex. StAR mRNA and protein expressions were decreased following with aging in C57BL/6J mice. However, in apoE-/- mice with higher lipid levels, StAR mRNA and protein expressions were changed with the lipid levels other than ages. StAR mRNA and protein increased in the early stage, and then decreased with the increasement of lipids levels. Conclusions StAR could affect lipids levels and may be an effective regulator for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Decreased protein expressions of PBR and StAR of Leydig cells in rats with chronic ethanol feeding / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of peripheral type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) of testis in rats with chronic ethanol feeding.Methods Forty rats were treated with different ethanol dosages for twenty weeks, the morphology of testis and protein expressions of PBR and StAR were observed.Results In the ethanol-feeding rats, seminiferous tubular wall of testes became thin and the layer of germ cells was significantly reduced, moreover, the broken spermatozoon′s flagella were frequently observed and few integrated spermatozoa were produced.Compared with control group, the protein expressions of PBR and StAR protein were reduced by 13.8%, 20.9%, 50.4% and 34.5%, 37.7%, 95.2% in low-, middle- and high-dose ethanol feeding group respectively by immunoprecipitation.Similarly, both locating at interstitial cells in testes were also decreased by 33.27 %, 37.71 %, 63.59 % and 27.12 %, 51.84 %, 58.41% in the same ethanol feeding groups respectively by immunohistochemistry.Conclusion Both PBR and StAR protein expressions are decreased in interstitial cells of testes in chronic ethanol-feeding rats, which shows positive correlation with ethanol dosage.

Expression of StAR mRNA in the Early Piglet Testes / 中国生物工程杂志

The expressions of StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) mRNA in testes from 7,14,23 and 37 day-old piglets were studied by tissue in situ hybridization. The results indicated that in the testes of piglets, StARmRNA was expressed in Leydig cells of pig testes. The expression level of StARmRNA was lower in 7 days piglets but higher in 14,23,37 days. The results indicated that StAR gene played an important role in steroid biosynthesis.

A Molecular Genetic Study with EcoRII Restriction Enzyme on the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) Gene / 대한소아내분비학회지

The molecular defect of congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia has been discovered to be in the transport of cholesterol into mitochondria due to defective regulatory protein called "Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR)", while the enzyme P450scc itself is normal. This study with EcoRII restriction enzyme aimed at elucidating more conveniently the molecular defect in the StAR gene. The genomic DNAs were extracted from their peripheral blood. We amplified the exon 7, hot spot, of the StAR gene with 1 set of primers by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Subsequently, a PCR product corresponding to target sequence (~437 bps) from the patient and her father have been sequenced by automatic sequence analyzer. The PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis after restriction digestion with EcoRII restriction enzyme was also performed on 12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mutation was identified in the exon 7 of the StAR gene, substituting C for T at codon 258, consequently replacing glutamine by stop codon. This mutation alters EcoRII restriction site. In addition, we obtained the good result of PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis on 12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Therefore, the PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis with EcoRII restriction enzyme can be easily utilized to screen carrier, diagnose the patient prenatally or postnatally.

Detection of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory(StAR) Protein in Human Testicular Tissue / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: A crucial event in the acute regulation of steroidogenesis by tropic hormone is the delivery of cholesterol from cytosol into the mitochondrial inner membrane where it is converted to pregnenolone by the cytochrome P45O cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme. Recently, it has been observed that the acute production of steroid hormone depends on a rapidly synthesized, cycloheximide sensitive and highly labile protein that appeared in response to tropic hormone. This protein was named as Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory(StAR) protein. The purpose of this experiment was to detect the StAR protein in human testicular tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human testicular tissues were obtained during the surgery in patients with cryptorchidism, infertility, and prostate cancer Northern blotting hyridization and RT-PCR were performed to detect the StAR mRNA in human testicular tissues. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed to test the presence of the StAR protein in human testicular tissues. RESULTS: The StAR mRNA was detected as a weak band in prostate cancer and infertility patients, but not detected in cryptorchidism patients by Northern blotting hybridization. In RT-PCR of human testicular tissues for StAR mRNA, RT-PCR products(about 2000p) were shown to have in cryptorchidism, infertility, and prostate cancer patients. In immunohistochemical staining of human StAR protein, immunoreactivity of human StAR protein was positive in the interstitial tissues of human testis. CONCLUSIONS: The StAR protein that plays a key role in the steroidogenesis was detected in human testicular tissues and this protein will be effective in pathogenesis and treatment of the diseases that are associated with steroid hormones.

Effects of aging on testicular steroidogenic function in rats / 第二军医大学学报

Objective:To study the changes of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 17?-hydroxys-teroid dehydrogenase (17?-HSD) and aromatase (P450arom) in elder SD rats, exploring the effects of aging on testicular steroidogenic function. Methods:The young male rats and old male rats were treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 3 times and then rat serum testosterone(T) and estradiol(E2) levels were determined by chemiluminescentenzyme immunoassay(CLIA) and the mRNA levels of StAR, 17?-HSD Ⅲ and P450arom were determined by RT-PCR. Results: (1) The levels of serum T and 17?-HSD Ⅲ mRNA of old SD rats were significantly lower than those of young rats before and after hCG stimulation (P