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Pituitary tumors can cause an excess or deficiency of anterior pituitary hormones. Functional pituitary neuroendocrine tumors(PitNETs)include growth hormone(GH)-producing tumors, adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-producing tumors, thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)-producing tumors, and prolactin(PRL)-producing tumors. Comprehensive preoperative endocrine evaluation is essential for appropriate therapeutic decision-making and safe surgery. Here, we focus on the diagnosis and evaluation of PitNETs using endocrine function tests and intravascular catheterization for inferior petrosal sinus sampling for pituitary tumors.

Introduction: While it is well known that thyroid function may affect kidney function, the transition of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) status before and after treatment for thyroid disorders, as well as the factors affecting this change, remains to be explored. In the present study, we focused on the change in kidney function and their affecting factors during the treatment for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism., Methods: Eighty-eight patients with hyperthyroidism and fifty-two patients with hypothyroidism were enrolled in a retrospective and longitudinal case series to analyze the changes in kidney function and their affecting factors after treatment for thyroid disorders., Results: Along with the improvement of thyroid function after treatment, there was a significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in hyperthyroidism (an average ΔeGFR of -41.1 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) and an increase in eGFR in hypothyroidism (an average ΔeGFR of 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex, eGFR, free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) could be considered independent explanatory variables for ΔeGFR in hyperthyroidism, while age, eGFR, and FT3 were detected as independent explanatory variables in hypothyroidism. In addition, the stratification by kidney function at two points, pre- and post-treatment for thyroid disorders, revealed that 4.5% of the participants with hyperthyroidism were pre-defined as non-CKD and post-defined as CKD, indicating the presence of "masked" CKD in hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, 13.5% of the participants with hypothyroidism presented pre-defined CKD and post-defined non-CKD, indicating the presence of "reversible" CKD status in hypothyroidism., Conclusions: We uncovered the population of masked CKD in hyperthyroidism and reversible CKD status in hypothyroidism, thereby re-emphasizing the importance of a follow-up to examine kidney function after treatment for hyperthyroidism and the routine evaluation of thyroid function in CKD patients as well as the appropriate hormone therapy if the patient has hypothyroidism., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Uchiyama-Matsuoka, Tsuji, Uchida, Kitamura, Itoh, Nishiyama, Morimoto, Fujisawa, Terasaka, Hara, Ogura-Ochi, Inagaki and Wada.)

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are classified into 3 major categories with distinct driver genes: pseudohypoxia, kinase signaling, and Wnt-altered subtypes. PPGLs in the Wnt-altered subtype are sporadic and tend to be aggressive with metastasis, where somatic gene fusions affecting mastermind-like 3 ( MAML3 ) and somatic mutations in cold shock domain containing E1 ( CSDE1 ) cause overactivation of Wnt-β-catenin signaling. However, the relation between Wnt-β-catenin signaling and the biological behavior of PPGLs remains unexplored. In rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, Wnt3a treatment enhanced cell proliferation and suppressed mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase ( TH ), the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine biosynthesis, and dopamine secretion. We identified the expression of sclerostin in PC12 cells, which is known as an osteocyte-derived negative regulator for Wnt signaling-driven bone formation. Inhibition of endogenous Wnt pathway by XAV939 or sclerostin resulted in attenuated cell proliferation and increased TH expression. Furthermore, Wnt3a pretreatment suppressed bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation whereas BMPs enhanced sclerostin expression in PC12 cells. In the Wnt-altered subtype, the increased Wnt-β-catenin pathway may contribute the aggressive clinical behavior with reduced catecholamine production. Furthermore, upregulated expression of sclerostin by BMPs may explain the osteolytic metastatic lesions observed in metastatic PPGLs., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society.)

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of bladder cancer patients harboring genetic alterations in FGFR3. We identified pyrimidine derivative ASP5878 (27) with improved metabolic stability and suppressed human ether-á-go-go related gene (hERG) channel inhibitory activity by the optimization of lead compound 1. Based on prediction of the metabolites of 1, an ether linker was introduced in place of the ethylene linker to improve metabolic stability. Moreover, conversion of the phenyl moiety into the pyrazole ring resulted in the suppression of hERG channel inhibitory activity, possibly due to the weaker π-π stacking interaction with Phe656 in the hERG channel by a reduction in π-electrical density of the aromatic ring. ASP5878 showed potent in vitro FGFR3 enzyme and cell growth inhibitory activity, and in vivo FGFR3 autophosphorylation inhibitory activity. Moreover, ASP5878 did not affect the hERG current up to 10 µM by in vitro patch-clamp assay, and a single oral dose of ASP5878 at 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg did not induce serious adverse effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems in dogs. Furthermore, ASP5878 exhibited lower total clearance than hepatic blood flow and high oral bioavailability in rats and dogs, and moderate brain penetration in rats., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with bladder cancer harboring genetic alterations in FGFR3. We identified pyrimidine derivative 20b, which induced tumor regression following oral administration to a bladder cancer xenograft mouse model. Compound 20b was discovered by optimizing lead compound 1, which we reported previously. Specifically, reducing the molecular size of the substituent at the 4-position and replacing the linker of the 5-position in the pyrimidine scaffold resulted in an increase in systemic exposure. Furthermore, introduction of two fluorine atoms into the 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl ring enhanced FGFR3 inhibitory activity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of 20b suggested that the fluorine atom interacts with the main chain NH moiety of Asp635 via a hydrogen bond., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Androgens can affect the reproductive axis of both sexes. In healthy women, as in men, elevated exogenous androgens decrease gonad function and lower gonadotropin levels; such circumstances occur with anabolic steroid abuse or in transgender men (genetic XX individuals) taking androgen supplements. The neuroendocrine mechanisms by which endogenous or exogenous androgens regulate gonadotropin release, including aspects of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, remain unknown. Because animal models are valuable for interrogating neural and pituitary mechanisms, we studied effects of androgens in the normal male physiological range on in vivo LH secretion parameters in female mice and in vitro LH secretion patterns from isolated female pituitaries. We also assessed androgen effects on hypothalamic and gonadotrope gene expression in female mice, which may contribute to altered LH secretion profiles. We used a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to isolate effects occurring specifically via androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Compared with control females, DHT-treated females exhibited markedly reduced in vivo LH pulsatility, with decreases in pulse frequency, amplitude, peak, and basal LH levels. Correlating with reduced LH pulsatility, DHT-treated females also exhibited suppressed arcuate nucleus Kiss1 and Tac2 expression. Separate from these neural effects, we determined in vitro that the female pituitary is directly inhibited by AR signaling, resulting in lower basal LH levels and reduced LH secretory responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses, along with lower gonadotropin gene expression. Thus, in normal adult females, male levels of androgen acting via AR can strongly inhibit the reproductive axis at both the neural and pituitary levels., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The mechanisms mediating suppression of reproduction in response to decreased nutrient availability remain undefined, with studies suggesting regulation occurs within the hypothalamus, pituitary, or gonads. By manipulating glucose utilization and GLUT1 expression in a pituitary gonadotrope cell model and in primary gonadotropes, we show GLUT1-dependent stimulation of glycolysis, but not mitochondrial respiration, by the reproductive neuropeptide GnRH. GnRH stimulation increases gonadotrope GLUT1 expression and translocation to the extracellular membrane. Maximal secretion of the gonadotropin Luteinizing Hormone is supported by GLUT1 expression and activity, and GnRH-induced glycolysis is recapitulated in primary gonadotropes. GLUT1 expression increases in vivo during the GnRH-induced ovulatory LH surge and correlates with GnRHR. We conclude that the gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary sense glucose availability and integrate this status with input from the hypothalamus via GnRH receptor signaling to regulate reproductive hormone synthesis and secretion.

A defining characteristic of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad reproductive endocrine axis is the episodic secretion of the pituitary gonadotropin hormones LH and FSH by the anterior pituitary gonadotropes. Hormone secretion is dictated by pulsatile stimulation, with GnRH released by hypothalamic neurons that bind and activate the G protein-coupled GnRH receptor expressed by gonadotropes. Hormone secretion and synthesis of gonadotropins are influenced by the amplitude and frequency of GnRH stimulation; variation in either affects the proportion of LH and FSH secreted and the differential regulation of hormone subunit gene expression. Therefore, proper decoding of GnRH signals is essential for appropriate gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. The GnRH receptor robustly activates downstream signaling cascades to facilitate exocytosis and stimulate gene expression and protein synthesis. It is necessary to rapidly quench signaling to preserve sensitivity and adaptability to changing pulse patterns. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by receptor-activated oxidases fulfill the role of rapid signaling intermediates that facilitate robust and transient signaling. However, excess ROS can be detrimental and, unchecked, can confuse signal interpretation. We demonstrate that sulfiredoxin (SRXN1), an ATP-dependent reductase, is essential for normal responses to GnRH receptor signaling and plays a central role in resolution of ROS induced by GnRH stimulation. SRXN1 expression is mitogen-activated protein kinase dependent, and knockdown reduces Lhb and Fshb glycoprotein hormone subunit mRNA and promoter activity. Loss of SRXN1 leads to increased basal and GnRH-stimulated ROS levels. We conclude that SRXN1 is essential for normal responses to GnRH stimulation and plays an important role in ROS management., (Copyright © 2019 Endocrine Society.)

Gonadotropin secretion, which is elicited by GnRH stimulation of the anterior pituitary gonadotropes, is a critical feature of reproductive control and the maintenance of fertility. In addition, activation of the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) regulates transcription and translation of multiple factors that regulate the signaling response and synthesis of gonadotropins. GnRH stimulation results in a broad redistribution of mRNA between active and inactive polyribosomes within the cell, but the mechanism of redistribution is not known. The RNA-binding protein embryonic lethal, abnormal vision, Drosophila-like 1 (ELAVL1) binds to AU-rich elements in mRNA and is one of the most abundant mRNA-binding proteins in eukaryotic cells. It is known to serve as a core component of RNA-binding complexes that direct the fate of mRNA. In LβT2 gonadotropes, we showed that ELAVL1 binds to multiple mRNAs encoding factors that are crucial for gonadotropin synthesis and release. Association with some mRNAs is GnRH sensitive but does not correlate with abundance of binding. We also showed MAPK-dependent changes in intracellular localization of ELAVL1 in response to GnRH stimulation. Knockdown of ELAVL1 gene expression resulted in reduced Lhb and Gnrhr mRNA levels, reduced cell surface expression of GnRHR, and reduced LH secretion in response to GnRH stimulation. Overall, these observations not only support the role of ELAVL1 in GnRHR-mediated regulation of gene expression and LH secretion but also indicate that other factors may contribute to the precise fate of mRNA in response to GnRH stimulation of gonadotropes., (Copyright © 2019 Endocrine Society.)

An emerging body of evidence supports the concept that the pituitary is a site for integration of multiple physiological and metabolic signals that inform and modulate endocrine pathways. Multiple endocrine mediators of energy balance and adiposity are known to impinge on the neuroendocrine axis regulating reproduction. Observations in humans show that obesity is correlated with decreased gonadotropin secretion, and studies have also suggested that pituitary sensitivity to stimulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is decreased in obese individuals. Free fatty acids are a potential mediator of adiposity and energy balance, but their impact as an endocrine modulator of pituitary function has not been closely examined. We evaluated the impact of free fatty acids on a pituitary gonadotrope cell line and in primary pituitary cultures of female mice. We show that increasing physiologically relevant doses of the monounsaturated ω-9 fatty acid oleate induces cellular stress and increases production of reactive oxygen species in a mouse gonadotrope cell line. In contrast, the unsaturated ω-3 α-linolenic and ω-6 linoleic fatty acids do not have this effect. Additionally, oleate can activate immediate-early gene expression independent of GnRH stimulation but has a negative impact on GnRH induction and expression of the gonadotropin subunit gene Lhb. Further, oleate suppresses gonadotropin secretion in response to pulsatile stimulation by GnRH. These results indicate that free fatty acids can directly alter gonadotropin gene expression and secretion in response to GnRH and may provide a link between energy sensing and reproduction., (Copyright © 2018 Endocrine Society.)

Biological rhythms lie at the center of regulatory schemes that control many aspects of living systems. At the cellular level, meaningful responses to external stimuli depend on propagation and quenching of a signal to maintain vigilance for subsequent stimulation or changes that serve to shape and modulate the response. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad endocrine axis that controls reproductive development and function relies on control through rhythmic stimulation. Central to this axis is the pulsatile stimulation of the gonadotropes by hypothalamic neurons through episodic release of the neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Alterations in pulsatile stimulation of the gonadotropes result in differential synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropins LH and FSH and changes in the expression of their respective hormone subunit genes. The requirement to amplify signals arising from activation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor and to rapidly quench the resultant signal to preserve an adaptive response suggests the need for rapid activation and feedback control operating at the level of intracellular signaling. Emerging data suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can fulfill this role in the GnRH receptor signaling through activation of MAP kinase signaling cascades, control of negative feedback, and participation in the secretory process. Results obtained in gonadotrope cell lines or other cell models indicate that ROS can participate in each of these regulatory cascades. We discuss the potential advantage of reactive oxygen signaling for modulating the gonadotrope response to GnRH stimulation and the potential mechanisms for this action. These observations suggest further targets of study for regulation in the gonadotrope.

Objective To analyze the clinical and endocrine characteristics of patients with primary adrenal lymphoma. Patients We retrospectively reviewed the cases of five patients with primary adrenal lymphoma who were treated in our hospital between April 2004 and March 2015. We investigated the characteristics of the clinical and pathological findings, treatment, prognosis and complications of adrenal insufficiency. Results Adrenal insufficiency, which was confirmed by the laboratory data at the initial presentation, was observed in two cases. One case was complicated by relative adrenal insufficiency during a course of chemotherapy. The plasma adrenaline and urinary adrenaline levels were decreased in four cases and three cases, respectively. Diffusion MRI was radiologically diagnostic. In all of the cases, the patients were pathologically diagnosed with diffuse large-B cell lymphoma and were treated with rituximab and CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone)-like chemotherapy. Two patients received central nervous system prophylaxis with high-dose methotrexate. Four of the patients survived and one patient died during the follow-up period. Conclusion The early detection of adrenal insufficiency and the administration of an appropriate dose of hydrocortisone are necessary during the course of chemotherapy as well as at the initial manifestation. The exclusion of adrenal dysfunction prior to invasive diagnostic procedures, such as CT-guided needle biopsy, is also critical.

FGF/FGFR gene aberrations such as amplification, mutation and fusion are associated with many types of human cancers including urothelial cancer. FGFR kinase inhibitors are expected to be a targeted therapy for urothelial cancer harboring FGFR3 gene alternations. ASP5878, a selective inhibitor of FGFR1, 2, 3 and 4 under clinical investigation, selectively inhibited cell proliferation of urothelial cancer cell lines harboring FGFR3 point mutation or fusion (UM-UC-14, RT-112, RT4 and SW 780) among 23 urothelial cancer cell lines. Furthermore, ASP5878 inhibited cell proliferation of adriamycin-resistant UM-UC-14 cell line harboring MDR1 overexpression and gemcitabine-resistant RT-112 cell line. The protein expression of c-MYC, an oncoprotein, in gemcitabine-resistant RT-112 cell line was higher than that in RT-112 parental cell line and ASP5878 decreased the c-MYC expression in both RT-112 parental and gemcitabine-resistant RT-112 cell lines. Once-daily oral administration of ASP5878 exerted potent antitumor activities in UM-UC-14, RT-112 and gemcitabine-resistant RT-112 xenograft models without affecting body weight. These findings suggest that ASP5878 has the potential to be an oral targeted therapy against urothelial cancer harboring FGFR3 fusion or FGFR3 point mutation after the acquisition of gemcitabine- or adriamycin-resistance., (© 2016 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.)

Osteoblasts undergo differentiation in response to various factors, including growth factors and steroids. Bone mass is diminished in androgen- and/or growth hormone (GH)-deficient patients. However the functional relationship between androgen and GH, and their combined effects on bone metabolism, remains unclear. Here we investigated the mutual effects of androgen and GH on osteoblastic marker expression using mouse myoblastic C2C12 and osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Combined treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and GH enhanced BMP-2-induced expression of Runx2, ALP, and osteocalcin mRNA, compared with the individual treatments in C2C12 cells. Co-treatment with DHT and GH activated Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, Id-1 transcription, and ALP activity induced by BMP-2 in C2C12 cells but not in MC3T3-E1 cells. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) mRNA level was amplified by GH and BMP-2 treatment and was restored by co-treatment with DHT in C2C12 cells. The mRNA level of the IGF-I receptor was not significantly altered by GH or DHT, while it was increased by IGF-I. In addition, IGF-I treatment increased collagen-1 mRNA expression, whereas blockage of endogenous IGF-I activity using an anti-IGF-I antibody failed to suppress the effect of GH and DHT on BMP-2-induced Runx2 expression in C2C12 cells, suggesting that endogenous IGF-I was not substantially involved in the underlying GH actions. On the other hand, androgen receptor and GH receptor mRNA expression was suppressed by BMP-2 in both cell lines, implying the existence of a feedback action. Collectively the results showed that the combined effects of androgen and GH facilitated BMP-2-induced osteoblast differentiation at an early stage by upregulating BMP receptor signaling., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Fibroblast growth factor 19, a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, is a ligand for fibroblast growth factor receptor 4. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. ASP5878 is a novel inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1, 2, 3, and 4 that is under development. It inhibits fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 kinase activity with an IC 50 of 3.5 nmol/L. ASP5878 potently suppressed the growth of the fibroblast growth factor 19-expressing hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Hep3B2.1-7, HuH-7, and JHH-7. In the Hep3B2.1-7 cell line, ASP5878 inhibited the phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 and its downstream signaling molecules as well as induced apoptosis. Oral administration of ASP5878 at 3 mg/kg induced sustained tumor regression in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model using Hep3B2.1-7. In HuH-7, an orthotopic xenograft mouse model, ASP5878 induced complete tumor regression and dramatically extended the survival of the mice. These results suggest that ASP5878 is a potentially effective therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with tumors expressing fibroblast growth factor 19. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(1); 68-75. ©2016 AACR., (©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Background: A link between IgA nephropathy and Crohn's disease has recently been reported. Other researchers hypothesize that intestine-derived IgA complexes deposit in glomerular mesangial cells, eliciting IgA nephropathy. Intestinal mucosal plasma cells mainly secrete IgA2. Nevertheless, IgA1 deposition is strongly implicated as being the primary cause of IgA nephropathy., Case Presentation: A 46-year-old Japanese man developed IgA nephropathy 29 years ago, following tonsillectomy. As a result, a normal urinalysis was obtained. The patient previously suffered Crohn's disease followed by urinary occult blood and proteinuria six years ago. Exacerbation of IgA nephropathy was highly suspected. Therefore a renal biopsy was performed. A diagnosis of exacerbation of IgA nephropathy with mesangial cell proliferation and fibrotic cellular crescent was based upon the pathological findings. The patient exhibited a positive clinical course and eventually achieved a remission with immunosuppressive therapy including prednisolone treatment. Immunostaining for the detection of IgA subtypes was performed on both of his kidney and excised ileum. The results revealed IgA1 and IgA2 deposition by submucosal cells in intestine. Furthermore, IgA1 deposition of mesangial areas in the patient's kidney, indicated an association of IgA1 with the exacerbation of IgA nephropathy., Conclusion: This case represents the possibility that the intestine-derived IgA1 can be the origin of galactose-deficient IgA which is known to cause IgA nephropathy exacerbation.

The use of navigation systems is safe and reliable for neurological surgery. We performed endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery to totally resect an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing pituitary adenoma associated with oculomotor nerve palsy. A 70-year-old woman developed right ptosis 4 months before admission. She developed anisocoria 2 months later and was referred to the department of neurology from clinic. Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)showed an intrasellar tumor that partially invaded the right cavernous sinus, and she was then referred to our department. She exhibited a round face ("moon face") and central obesity. Laboratory test results showed a high urinary cortisol level and high serum ACTH level, and neither the serum cortisol nor ACTH level was suppressed by a low-dose dexamethasone test. We performed transsphenoidal surgery using high-dimensional endoscopy under electromagnetic navigation. The tumor invading the cavernous sinus was visualized via endoscopy and confirmed on navigation using a flexible needle probe. Postoperative MRI showed total removal of the tumor, and the serum ACTH level recovered to the normal range. The patient's right oculomotor palsy resolved within 1 week postoperatively. In summary, electromagnetic navigation was useful for total resection of a pituitary tumor invading the cavernous sinus, contributing to normalization of the ACTH level and improvement in neurological symptoms.

The effects of somatostatin analogs and roles of BMP-6 in the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion were investigated using mouse gonadotrope LβT2 cells. LH mRNA expression and LH secretion induced by GnRH were suppressed by treatments with somatostatin analogs, including octreotide and pasireotide, in LβT2 cells. Of note, the inhibitory effects of somatostatin analogs on LH secretion were enhanced by the action of BMP-6. BMP-6 increased the expression levels of somatostatin receptor (SSTR)5, suggesting that BMP-6 upregulates SSTR activity that leads to reduction of GnRH-induced LH secretion. In addition, GnRH-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs including ERK, but not P38 or SAPK, was suppressed by pasireotide in the presence of BMP-6. Given that each inhibitor of ERK, JNK or P38 signaling suppressed GnRH-induced LH transcription, MAPKs are individually involved in the induction of LH production by LβT2 cells. Somatostatin analogs also impaired BMP-6-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation by suppressing BMPRs and augmenting Smad6/7 expression. Collectively, the results indicate that somatostatin analogs have dual effects on the modulation of GnRH-induced MAPK signaling and BMP activity. The pituitary BMP system may play a regulatory role in GnRH-induced LH secretion by tuning the responsiveness to somatostatin analogs in gonadotrope cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

BMP induces osteoblast differentiation, whereas a key proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, causes inflammatory bone damage shown in rheumatoid arthritis. FGF molecules are known to be involved in bone homeostasis. However, the effects of FGF-8 on osteoblast differentiation and the interaction between FGF-8, BMPs and TNF-α have yet to be clarified. Here we investigated the effects of FGF-8 in relation to TNF-α actions on BMP-2-induced osteoblast marker expression using myoblast cell line C2C12, osteoblast precursor cell line MC3T3-E1 and rat calvarial osteoblasts. It was revealed that FGF-8 inhibited BMP-2-induced expression of osteoblast differentiation markers, including Runx2, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, type-1 collagen and osterix, in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of FGF-8 on BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation and Smad1/5/8 activation were enhanced in the presence of TNF-α action. FGF-8 also inhibited BMP-2-induced expression of Wnt5a, which activates a non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway. FGF-8 had no significant influence on the expression levels of TNF receptors, while FGF-8 suppressed the expression of inhibitory Smad6 and Smad7, suggesting a possible feedback activity through FGF to BMP receptor (BMPR) signaling. Of note, inhibition of ERK activity and FGF receptor (FGFR)-dependent protein kinase, but not JNK or NFκB pathway, suppressed the FGF-8 actions on BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation. FGF-8 was revealed to suppress BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation through the ERK pathway and the effects were enhanced by TNF-α. Given the finding that FGF-8 expression was increased in synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis, the functional interaction between FGFR and BMPR signaling may be involved in the development process of inflammatory bone damage., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Melatonin has been reported to suppress adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion in the anterior pituitary and cortisol production in the adrenal by different mechanisms. However, the effect of melatonin on aldosterone production has remained unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of melatonin in the regulation of aldosterone production using human adrenocortical H295R cells by focusing on the activin system expressed in the adrenal. Melatonin receptor MT1 mRNA and protein were expressed in H295R cells and the expression levels of MT1 were increased by activin treatment. Activin increased ACTH-induced, but not angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced, aldosterone production. Melatonin alone did not affect basal synthesis of either aldosterone or cortisol. However, melatonin effectively enhanced aldosterone production induced by co-treatment with ACTH and activin, although melatonin had no effect on aldosterone production induced by Ang II in combination with activin. These changes in steroidogenesis became apparent when the steroid production was evaluated by the ratio of aldosterone/cortisol. Melatonin also enhanced dibutyryl-AMP-induced aldosterone/cortisol levels in the presence of activin, suggesting a functional link to the cAMP-PKA pathway for induction of aldosterone production by melatonin and activin. In accordance with the data for steroids, ACTH-induced, but not Ang II-induced, cAMP synthesis was also amplified by co-treatment with melatonin and activin. Furthermore, the ratio of ACTH-induced mRNA level of CYP11B2 compared with that of CYP17 was amplified in the condition of treatment with both melatonin and activin. In addition, melatonin increased expression of the activin type-I receptor ALK-4 but suppressed expression of inhibitory Smads6/7, leading to the enhancement of Smad2 phosphorylation. Collectively, the results showed that melatonin facilitated aldosterone production induced by ACTH and activin via the cAMP-PKA pathway. The results also suggested that mutual enhancement of melatonin and activin receptor signaling is involved in the induction of aldosterone output by adrenocortical cells., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Functional interaction of clock genes and pituitary hormones was investigated by focusing on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 and melatonin actions in anterior pituitary cells. A significant correlation between the mRNA expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and Per2 was revealed in serial cultures of corticotrope AtT20 cells. Knockdown of Per2 expression by siRNA in AtT20 cells resulted in a significant reduction of POMC mRNA level with or without corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation. Treatments with BMP-4 and melatonin, both of which suppress POMC expression, reduced Per2 mRNA as well as protein levels in AtT20 cells. On the other hand, in lactosomatotrope GH3 cells, an expressional correlation was found between prolactin (PRL) and Clock mRNA levels, which was attenuated in the presence of forskolin treatment. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of Clock expression, but not that of Bmal1, significantly reduced PRL mRNA levels in GH3 cells. Interestingly, Clock mRNA and protein levels did not fluctuate with melatonin, BMP-4 or forskolin treatment, although Bmal1 expression was significantly increased by forskolin treatment. Collectively, a significant correlation between the expression of POMC and Per2 and that between PRL and Clock were uncovered in corticotrope and lactosomatotrope cells, respectively. Per2 expression was inhibited by POMC modulators including melatonin and BMP-4, while Clock expression was steadily maintained. Thus, the effects of melatonin and BMP-4 on clock gene expression may imply differential stability of circadian rhythms of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and PRL secreted from the anterior pituitary., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

BMPs expressed in the ovary differentially regulate steroidogenesis by granulosa cells. BMP-9, a circulating BMP, is associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation in various tissues. However, the effects of BMP-9 on ovarian function have yet to be elucidated. Here we investigated BMP-9 actions on steroidogenesis using rat primary granulosa cells. BMP-9 potently suppressed FSH-induced progesterone production, whereas it did not affect FSH-induced estradiol production by granulosa cells. The effects of BMP-9 on FSH-induced steroidogenesis were not influenced by the presence of oocytes. FSH-induced cAMP synthesis and FSH-induced mRNA expression of steroidogenic factors, including StAR, P450scc, 3βHSD2 and FSHR, were suppressed by treatment with BMP-9. BMP-9 mRNA expression was detected in granulosa cells but not in oocytes. BMP-9 readily activated Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and Id-1 transcription in granulosa cells. Analysis using ALK inhibitors indicated that BMP-9 actions were mediated via type-I receptors other than ALK-2, -3 and -6. Furthermore, experiments using extracellular domains (ECDs) for BMP type-I and -II receptor constructs revealed that the effects of BMP-9 were reversed by ECDs for ALK-1 and BMPRII. Thus, the functional receptors for BMP-9 in granulosa cells were most likely to be the complex of ALK-1 and BMPRII. Collectively, the results of the present study showed that BMP-9 can affect luteinization and that there are two possible sources of BMP-9, serum and granulosa cells in the ovary., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report the case of a 46-year-old hypertensive Japanese female with renal insufficiency related to unilateral renal hypoplasia. The patient was found to have developed paraganglioma in the retroperitoneal space over a 5-year period. Catecholamine-producing tumors are not usually recognized as conditions associated with renal hypoplasia. Our long-term observation of the patient eventually led us to the diagnosis of paraganglioma. In hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease, not only the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system but also catecholamine activity may be involved, particularly in the patients whose cases are complicated with unilateral renal hypoplasia.

An 81-year-old Japanese male with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) developed a low-grade fever and productive cough which were refractory to antibiotic therapy. Based on the high level of eosinophils observed in his bronchial alveolar lavage, he was diagnosed with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) and successfully treated by oral prednisolone. Interstitial lung diseases associated with pSS (pSS-ILDs) usually present as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia or usual interstitial pneumonia; therefore, the present case is extremely unique in that the patient's condition was complicated with CEP. A diagnosis of advanced gallbladder cancer was made in the patient's clinical course, suggesting the advisability of a whole-body workup in cases of pSS, especially in elderly patients.

A 34-year-old man with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge syndrome) concurrently suffered from myopathy and eosinophilic pneumonia shortly after receiving daptomycin (DAP) for right-sided infective endocarditis. The simultaneous occurrence of these phenomena in relation to DAP therapy has not been previously well described. An allergic reaction was suspected as a possible etiology of these DAP-related complications. This case highlights the need for close observation in order to detect both musculoskeletal and respiratory disorders from the start of DAP therapy. Physicians should pay more attention to this new drug, which is expected to be frequently used in various clinical settings.

A 53-year-old man with a past medical history of total arch replacement surgery and severe aortic regurgitation presented with a 1-month history of persistent general malaise, anorexia, body weight loss and night sweats. His recent history included gingival hyperplasia for 6 years, gingivitis after tooth extraction 3 years before, prolonged inflammatory status for 4 months, fundal hemorrhage and leg tenderness for 2 months. A pathogen was detected from blood culture, but conventional microbiological examination failed to identify the pathogen. The organism was eventually identified as Cardiobacterium valvarum by 16S rRNA analysis, and the patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis and prosthetic vascular graft infection. The patient received intravenous antibiotic therapy using a combination of ceftriaxone and levofloxacin for 5 weeks and was discharged with a good clinical course. C. valvarum is a rare human pathogen in clinical settings. Only 10 cases have been reported to date worldwide, and therefore, the clinical characteristics of C. valvarum infection are not fully known. This is a first well-described case of C. valvarum infection in Japan, and further, a first report of aortic prosthetic vascular graft infection worldwide. Identification of C. valvarum is usually difficult due to its phenotypic characteristics, and molecular approaches would be required for both clinicians and microbiologists to facilitate more reliable diagnosis and uncover its clinical picture more clearly., (Copyright © 2014 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The ovarian bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) system is a physiological inhibitor of luteinization in growing ovarian follicles. BMP-6, which is expressed in oocytes and granulosa cells of healthy follicles, specifically inhibits FSH actions by suppressing adenylate cyclase activity. In the present study, we studied the role of melatonin in ovarian steroidogenesis using rat primary granulosa cells of immature female rat ovaries by focusing on the interaction with BMP-6 activity. Treatment with melatonin had no direct effect on FSH-induced progesterone or estradiol production by granulosa cells, and the results were not affected by the presence of co-cultured oocytes. In addition, synthesis of cAMP by granulosa cells was not significantly altered by melatonin treatment. To elucidate the interaction between activities of melatonin and BMPs, the effect of melatonin treatment on suppression of progesterone synthesis by BMP-6 was investigated. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of BMP-6 on FSH-induced progesterone production was impaired by co-treatment with melatonin. Granulosa cells express higher levels of MT1 than MT2, and BMP-6 had no significant effect on MT1 expression in granulosa cells. However, BMP-6-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and Id-1 transcription were suppressed by melatonin, suggesting that melatonin has an inhibitory effect on BMP receptor signaling in granulosa cells. Although the expression levels of ALK-2, -6, ActRII and BMPRII were not affected by melatonin, inhibitory Smad6, but not Smad7, expression was upregulated by melatonin. Thus, melatonin plays a role in the regulation of BMP-6 signal intensity for controlling progesterone production in the ovary. These findings suggest that the effect of melatonin on maintenance of ovarian function is, at least in part, due to the regulation of endogenous BMP activity in granulosa cells., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A 64-year-old man suffering polyarthralgia and bone pain was referred to our hospital. Renal dysfunction, hypophosphatemia and increased levels of bone alkaline phosphatase were found. The patient's serum creatinine level had gradually increased after the initiation of adefovir dipivoxil administration for hepatitis B. In agreement with multifocal uptakes of bone scintigraphy, iliac bone biopsy revealed an abnormal increase in osteoid tissues. Reducing the dose of adefovir and initiating the administration of eldecalcitol were effective for reducing proteinuria and glucosuria, and for ameliorating bone pain with an increase in serum phosphate level. This case first showed a clinical course of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia caused by secondary Fanconi's syndrome for 8 years after adefovir administration. Early diagnosis is important for the reversibility of bone damage and for a better renal prognosis.

We herein describe a case of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in a previously healthy 37-year-old Nepalese man. The patient presented with a history of milky urine with subsequent acute urinary retention lasting for a few days. The presence of microfilariae was confirmed on both peripheral blood and urine smears obtained at midnight. He was conservatively treated with diethylcarbamazine combined with doxycycline. Filariasis was previously endemic in southern parts of Japan, although it has been eradicated. Clinicians should remember filariasis as a potential etiology of urinary retention, especially in cases that may be associated with imported infectious disease.

We herein report a case of persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia that was successfully treated with combination therapy consisting of high-dose daptomycin (DAP, 10 mg/kg) and rifampicin. The patient's condition was complicated with multiple infectious foci, including an iliopsoas abscess and epidural abscess, as well as discitis and spondylitis at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels. Monotherapy treatments with vancomycin, linezolid and usual-dose DAP were all ineffective. It has been shown that usual-dose DAP administration may result in the emergence of a resistant strain and treatment failure. We would like to emphasize the importance of high-dose DAP therapy for MRSA bacteremia, a condition with a potentially high mortality rate.

A 69-year-old man with diabetes mellitus was diagnosed with a prostate abscess. Although the pathogen was fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and the oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was initiated, the infection recurred after three months. The antibiotic therapy was subsequently changed to intravenous fosfomycin, and the patient's condition promptly improved. Four weeks of fosfomycin therapy was successfully continued without any adverse events. In the era of antibiotic resistance, revival of forgotten drugs is an important issue for clinicians. Fosfomycin can be applied as an alternative option for prostate infections, considering the remaining susceptibility of multidrug-resistant pathogens to fosfomycin and the good pharmacokinetics of this drug in prostatic tissue.

We describe a rare case of recurrent Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia in a previously healthy 45-year-old man. The infection was caused by osteomyelitis at the site of an iliac crest bone graft harvest. A genetic analysis using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) revealed that the blood isolates and pathogens obtained from the surgical wound were identical. Initial treatment with levofloxacin and cefozopran was ineffective, but the patient's infection was successfully treated by long-term administration of latamoxef and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The present case suggests that attention should be given to the possibility of S. maltophilia infection in any situations.

Reproduction is integrated by interaction of neural and hormonal signals converging on hypothalamic neurons for controlling gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Kisspeptin, the peptide product of the kiss1 gene and the endogenous agonist for the GRP54 receptor, plays a key role in the regulation of GnRH secretion. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between kisspeptin, estrogen and BMPs in the regulation of GnRH production by using mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells. Treatment with kisspeptin increased GnRH mRNA expression and GnRH protein production in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression levels of kiss1 and GPR54 were not changed by kisspeptin stimulation. Kisspeptin induction of GnRH was suppressed by co-treatment with BMPs, with BMP-4 action being the most potent for suppressing the kisspeptin effect. The expression of kisspeptin receptor, GPR54, was suppressed by BMPs, and this effect was reversed in the presence of kisspeptin. It was also revealed that BMP-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and Id-1 expression were suppressed and inhibitory Smad6/7 was induced by kisspeptin. In addition, estrogen induced GPR54 expression, while kisspeptin increased the expression levels of ERα and ERβ, suggesting that the actions of estrogen and kisspeptin are mutually enhanced in GT1-7 cells. Moreover, kisspeptin stimulated MAPKs and AKT signaling, and ERK signaling was functionally involved in the kisspeptin-induced GnRH expression. BMP-4 was found to suppress kisspeptin-induced GnRH expression by reducing ERK signaling activity. Collectively, the results indicate that the axis of kisspeptin-induced GnRH production is bi-directionally controlled, being augmented by an interaction between ERα/β and GPR54 signaling and suppressed by BMP-4 action in GT1-7 neuron cells., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The role of melatonin, a regulator of circadian rhythm, in adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production by corticotrope cells has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of melatonin on ACTH production in relation to the biological activity of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 using mouse corticotrope AtT20 cells that express melatonin type-1 (MT1R) but not type-2 (MT2R) receptors. We previously reported that BMP-4 inhibits corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-induced ACTH production and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription by inhibiting MAPK signaling. Both melatonin and an MT1R/MT2R agonist, ramelteon, suppressed CRH-induced ACTH production, POMC transcription and cAMP synthesis. The inhibitory effects of ramelteon on basal and CRH-induced POMC mRNA and ACTH levels were more potent than those of melatonin. Treatment with melatonin or ramelteon in combination with BMP-4 additively suppressed CRH-induced ACTH production. Of note, the level of MT1R expression was upregulated by BMP-4 stimulation. The suppressive effects of melatonin and ramelteon on POMC transcription and cAMP synthesis induced by CRH were not affected by an MT2R antagonist, luzindole. On the other hand, BMP-4-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and the expression of a BMP target gene, Id-1, were augmented in the presence of melatonin and ramelteon. Considering that the expression levels of BMP receptors, ALK-3/BMPRII, were increased by ramelteon, MT1R action may play an enhancing role in BMP-receptor signaling. Among the MT1R signaling pathways including AKT, ERK and JNK pathways, inhibition of AKT signaling functionally reversed the MT1R effects on both CRH-induced POMC transcription and BMP-4-induced Id-1 transcription. Collectively, MT1R signaling and BMP-4 actions were mutually augmented, leading to fine-tuning of ACTH production by corticotrope cells., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)