Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Aleksandra S. S. Stojiljkovic, Zeljko Cupic, Stevan Macesic, Ana Ivanovic-Sasic, Ljiljana Kolar-Anic
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms underlying the effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and reveals the influence of the synergistic action between AVP and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) on the ultradian dynamics of the HPA axis. The extended nonlinear network reaction model incorporates AVP into the HPA axis model and explores the conditions under which the HPA system transitions between oscillatory and stable states. The results demonstrate the importance of the synergy reaction rate constant and highlight the superior stimulatory effect of CRH compared to AVP on ACTH secretion in humans.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yehan Bian, Heidi Hahn, Anja Uhmann
Summary: Hedgehog signaling plays essential roles in embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. Despite its close connection with pituitary embryonic development, the engagement of Hedgehog signaling in the pituitary gland has been underestimated. Dysfunction of this signaling pathway during pituitary development leads to gland malformation. Recent research also suggests a regulatory role of Hedgehog signaling in the adult pituitary, affecting homeostasis, hormone production, and possibly formation of neoplasms. Targeting this pathway with therapeutic strategies shows promise in treating pituitary diseases.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ramadevi Subramani, Adriana Estrada, Madeline Dixon, Maria Parada, Sheryl Rodriguez, Diego A. Pedroza, Matthew D. Ramirez, Alexa Clift, Lilia Garcia, Rajkumar Lakshmanaswamy
Summary: Early pregnancy reduces the lifetime risk of breast cancer by persistently altering the hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal axis, although the exact physiological mechanisms involved are not clear.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pardis Mohammadzadeh, Gregory C. Amberg
Summary: AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is commonly associated with various human cancers. It has been found to play a crucial role in neuroendocrine development and function, along with its ligand Gas6. AXL signaling, triggered by Gas6 binding, affects neuroendocrine structure and function in the brain, pituitary, and gonads. AXL has been identified as an upstream inhibitor of gonadotropin receptor hormone (GnRH) production during development and is also involved in the migration of GnRH neurons. It is implicated in reproductive diseases and spermatogenesis. The research on AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms provides valuable insights into neuroendocrine function in health and disease.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jody A. Rusch, Brian T. Layden, Lara R. Dugas
Summary: Cognitive function in humans relies on the complex interplay between multiple body systems, including the HPA axis. The gut microbiota, which outnumbers human cells and has a greater genetic potential, plays a crucial role through the MGB axis, a bidirectional communication pathway. Stress can affect the MGB axis through the HPA axis and other pathways, and animal research has contributed to a paradigm shift in understanding the influence of microbiota on human health and disease. Preclinical and human trials are currently investigating the applicability of these findings in humans.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiujin Li, Bingjin Lin, Xumeng Zhang, Xu Shen, Hongjia Ouyang, Zhongping Wu, Yunbo Tian, Lingzhao Fang, Yunmao Huang
Summary: This study collected 175 high-quality RNA-seq samples from mammals and poultry to compare gene expression in the HPG axis, revealing significant differences between mammalian and avian species. Two key pathways, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and calcium signaling pathway, were identified to play important roles in animal reproduction.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiujin Li, Bingjin Lin, Xumeng Zhang, Xu Shen, Hongjia Ouyang, Zhongping Wu, Yunbo Tian, Lingzhao Fang, Yunmao Huang
Summary: This study compares the gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis between mammals and birds, revealing significant differences and identifying key pathways, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and calcium signaling pathway, that play important roles in animal reproduction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cynthia N. Ikeji, Isaac A. Adedara, Ebenezer O. Farombi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of myricetin on atrazine-induced reproductive dysfunction and found that myricetin can alleviate the effects of atrazine on the reproductive axis through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Svetlana Minakhina, Vanessa De Oliveira, Sun Young Kim, Haiyan Zheng, Fredric E. Wondisford
Summary: Fasting induces significant changes in the HPT axis, with THRB2 S101 phosphorylation playing a key role in the repression of the axis by TH and AMPK activation. CDK2 is proposed as a direct kinase phosphorylating THRB2 S101, suggesting a common mechanism for acute suppression of the HPT axis by nutritional deprivation and TH.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Huadong Yi, Xiaoli Chen, Shuang Liu, Linqiang Han, Jianhui Liang, Yuqing Su, Han Lai, Sheng Bi, Xuange Liu, Yong Zhang, Xiaopin Zhao, Guifeng Li
Summary: The 40-day experiment explored the effects of different salinities on the growth and physiological responses of juvenile largemouth bass. The results suggest that salinities above 10 ppt are not suitable for largemouth bass culture, with 5 ppt being better than 0 ppt.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Skand Shekhar, Raven McGlotten, Sunyoung Auh, Kristina Rother, Lynnette K. Nieman
Summary: The study revealed that abnormal thyroid function, likely mediated by subnormal nocturnal TSH levels, is prevalent in patients with Cushing syndrome. This abnormality can be reversed after cure.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
You Lee Son, Takayoshi Ubuka, Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
Summary: Under stressful conditions, the GnIH neuropeptide may play a key role in regulating reproductive function. Different types and durations of stress can modulate the GnIH system, impacting the activity of the HPG axis. GnIH appears to be a potential novel mediator responsible for stress-induced reproductive dysfunction.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krisztina Csabafi, Katalin Eszter Ibos, Eva Bodnar, Kata Filkor, Julia Szakacs, Zsolt Bagosi
Summary: Intracerebroventricular administration of KP-13 induces anxiety-like behavior and activates the HPA axis in rats. The study found that KP-13 alters the AVP and CRF signaling, which may be responsible for its effect on the HPA axis and anxiety-like behavior.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Martin Werdermann, Ilona Berger, Laura D. Scriba, Alice Santambrogio, Pia Schlinkert, Heike Brendel, Henning Morawietz, Andreas Schedl, Mirko Peitzsch, Aileen J. F. King, Cynthia L. Andoniadou, Stefan R. Bornstein, Charlotte Steenblock
Summary: This study investigated the impact of metabolic diseases on progenitor cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, showing that insulin enhances proliferation and differentiation of these cells, while chronic metabolic stress leads to hyperactivation of the axis. This suggests a potential link between early life stress and the development of metabolic syndrome in adulthood.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Yang, Zhicai Zuo, Zhuangzhi Yang, Heng Yin, Ling Wei, Jing Fang, Hongrui Guo, Hengmin Cui, Ping Ouyang, Xia Chen, Jian Chen, Yi Geng, Zhengli Chen, Chao Huang, Yanqiu Zhu, Wentao Liu
Summary: Nickel chloride has adverse effects on reproductive function in male mice, including reducing sperm concentration and motility while increasing sperm malformation rates. It also causes damage to testis and epididymis tissues, decreases serum testosterone levels, and down-regulates the expression of certain testis-related genes. These findings suggest that nickel chloride disrupts spermatogenesis through testicular damage and disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Lei Han, Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu, Pui-Yi Kwan, Oscar Wing-Ho Chua, Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum, Ying-Shing Chan
Summary: Chemogenetic activation of 5-HT neurons projecting to the medial vestibular nucleus led to deficits in vestibular-related tasks in rats. The effects were mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor and were attenuated through a presynaptic mechanism in the vestibular nucleus. These results highlight the role of the 5-HT1A receptor as a gain controller in vestibular-related brainstem circuits for posture and balance.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shawn Zheng Kai Tan, Chi Him Poon, Ying-Shing Chan, Lee Wei Lim
Summary: The study identified the critical time point during memory consolidation stage to disrupt fear memory via prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation. The disruption was partially modulated by the inactivation of the ventral hippocampus and the transient changes in ventral hippocampus dopamine (D-2) receptors expression upon prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation. Wide-scale changes of various neurotransmitters and their metabolites in ventral hippocampus were also observed, confirming its important role in response to prelimbic cortex deep brain stimulation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Karthi Duraisamy, Kailash Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Benjamin Lefranc, Elsa Bonnafe, Michel Treilhou, Jerome Leprince, Billy K. C. Chow
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of action and immunomodulatory effects of P17 mediated through MRGPRX2. The results show that P17 activates MRGPRX2 in a dose-dependent manner and induces various immune responses, including cell migration and differentiation. These findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune modulation.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lamei Xue, Juan Sun, Jinxin Liu, Chaoping Hu, Dandan Wu, Chenzhipeng Nie, Kuiliang Zhang, Yu Wang, Lei Zhao, Xihua Li, Yan Lu, Li Zhang, Duo Zhang, Mingcong Fan, Haifeng Qian, Haowen Jiang, Jiemin Wong, Yuying Li, Hao Ying, Billy K. C. Chow, Li Wang, Yan Li
Summary: Our study reveals that overnutrition downregulates the expression of secretin (SCT), a brain-gut peptide, in pregnant mice and women. Loss of maternal SCT results in undesirable phenotypes in offspring, such as obesity and attenuated browning of iWAT. Mechanistically, SCT facilitates degradation of DNMT1 through AMPK alpha activation, leading to alterations in offspring's genome methylation pattern.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jason S. W. On, Liuru Su, Hong Shen, Aloysius W. R. Arokiaraj, Joao C. R. Cardoso, Guang Li, Billy K. C. Chow
Summary: Based on anatomy and gene expression, the Hatschek's pit in the cephalochordate amphioxus is suggested to be the functional homolog of the vertebrate adenohypophysis. This study explored the distribution and potential function of the amphioxus PACAP/GCG precursor, which is the ortholog of the hypothalamic PACAP neuropeptide in vertebrates. The results support the hypothesis that the amphioxus Hatschek's pit is likely the functional homolog of the vertebrate pituitary gland.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wing Shan Yu, Luca Aquili, Kah Hui Wong, Amy Cheuk Yin Lo, Leanne Lai Hang Chan, Ying-Shing Chan, Lee Wei Lim
Summary: Noninvasive visual stimulation is a novel concept that may be applicable for treating dementia. This study found that transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) improved memory performance in aged mice and a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, and reduced plaque deposition in the hippocampus of male 5XFAD mice. The findings suggest that TES shows promise as a potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fengwei Zhang, Sarah O. K. Mak, Yuchu Liu, Ya Ke, Feng Rao, Wing Ho Yung, Li Zhang, Billy Kwok Chong Chow
Summary: This study reveals the neural mechanism of secretin in managing thirst in the central nervous system. The results demonstrate that the local ablation of SCT receptor (SCTR) in the subfornical organ (SFO) reduces water intake in dehydrated mice, while salt intake remains unaffected. Furthermore, it is found that SCT elicits inward currents in the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (SFOnNOS) neurons via SCTR in the presence of glutamate receptor antagonists.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kailash Singh, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Li Zhang, Hani El-Nezami, Rajasekar Reddy Annapureddy, Billy KC. Chow
Summary: Recent studies have identified a small compound-based Secretin receptor modulator with potential anti-hypertensive effects through structure based drug design strategy. The modulator has shown similar blood pressure lowering effect as SCT peptide, with a longer half-life and oral bioavailability.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Toxicology
S. A. Nawabjan, H. S. El-Nezami, B. K. Chow
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ji-an Wei, Qing Han, Zhihua Luo, Linglin Liu, Jing Cui, Jiahui Tan, Billy K. C. Chow, Kwok-Fai So, Li Zhang
Summary: This study identifies secretin as a regulator of social investigation behaviors and suggests potential strategies for addressing social deficits. Secretin expression in a subset of excitatory neurons in the basolateral amygdala promotes social interest, while other neurons in this region hinder social behaviors. Exogenous secretin application effectively enhances social interest in both healthy and autism spectrum disorder model mice.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Mukesh Kumar, Karthi Duraisamy, Rajasekar Reddy Annapureddy, Chi Bun Chan, Billy K. C. Chow
Summary: The research team designed and synthesized a series of novel small molecule antagonists for the treatment of MRGPRX2-mediated allergies and inflammation. These small molecules showed high binding affinity and inhibitory activity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, effectively inhibiting mast cell activation and related signaling pathways. Therefore, these small molecules may hold significant therapeutic promise for MRGPRX2-mediated allergies and inflammation.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Peder Berg, Tobias Jensen, Jesper Frank Andersen, Samuel L. Svendsen, Ida Maria Modvig, Tobias Wang, Sebastian Frische, Billy K. C. Chow, Hans Malte, Jens Juul Holst, Mads Vaarby Sorensen, Jens Leipziger
Summary: This study found that loss of SCTR impairs renal base excretion during acute metabolic alkalosis, and KO mice develop prolonged metabolic alkalosis after acute base loading. Additionally, the study found that increased blood alkalinity promotes secretin release from the small intestine and secretin is critical for bicarbonate homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kin-Wai Tam, Cheuk-Yin Wong, Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu, Guy Lam, Xiaotong Liang, Wai-Ting Wong, Maximilian Tak-Sui Li, Wing-Yui Liu, Sa Cai, Graham Ka-Hon Shea, Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum, Ying-Shing Chan
Summary: The in vitro derivation of Schwann cells from human bone marrow stromal cells offers a potential therapy for neural regeneration. In experiments with rats, Schwann-cell-like cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived sensory neurons were used to bridge nerve injuries. This approach resulted in significant improvement in motor function and myelinated axons in both peripheral and central nervous systems.
Meeting Abstract
Physiology
P. Berg, T. Jensen, J. F. Andersen, M. V. Sorensen, T. Wang, H. Malte, B. K. Chow, J. Leipziger
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yujie Sun, Zhijun Wang, Chenzhipeng Nie, Lamei Xue, Yu Wang, Jinxin Liu, Mingcong Fan, Duo Zhang, Ruikun He, Xuguang Zhang, Haifeng Qian, Billy K. C. Chow, Yan Li, Li Wang
Summary: Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main bioactive component of safflower, triggers fast-to-slow myofiber-type shift by regulating gene expression and mitochondrial biosynthesis.