| 1. |
- Nilsson, Maria E., et al.
(författare)
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Measurement of a comprehensive sex steroid profile in rodent serum by high-sensitive gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Endocrinology. - : The Endocrine Society. - 1945-7170 .- 0013-7227. ; 156:7, s. 2492-502
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Accurate measurement of sex steroid concentrations in rodent serum is essential to evaluate mouse and rat models for sex steroid-related disorders. The aim of the present study was to develop a sensitive and specific gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method to assess a comprehensive sex steroid profile in rodent serum. A major effort was invested in reaching an exceptionally high sensitivity for measuring serum estradiol concentrations. We established a GC-MS/MS assay with a lower limit of detection for estradiol, estrone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone of 0.3, 0.5, 4, 1.6, 8, 4 and 50 pg/ml, respectively, while the corresponding values for the lower limit of quantification were 0.5, 0.5, 8, 2.5, 74, 12 and 400 pg/ml, respectively. Calibration curves were linear, intra- and inter-assay CVs were low and accuracy was excellent for all analytes. The established assay was used to accurately measure a comprehensive sex steroid profile in female rats and mice according to estrus cycle phase. In addition, we characterized the impact of age, sex, gonadectomy, and estradiol treatment on serum concentrations of these sex hormones in mice. In conclusion, we have established a highly sensitive and specific GC-MS/MS method to assess a comprehensive sex steroid profile in rodent serum in a single run. This GC-MS/MS assay has, to the best of our knowledge, the best detectability reported for estradiol. Our method therefore represents an ideal tool to characterize sex steroid metabolism in a variety of sex steroid-related rodent models and in human samples with low estradiol levels.
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| 2. |
- Benrick, Anna, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Electroacupuncture mimics exercise-induced changes in skeletal muscle gene expression in polycystic ovary syndrome women.
- 2020
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Ingår i: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. - : The Endocrine Society. - 1945-7197 .- 0021-972X. ; 105:6, s. 2027-2041
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autonomic nervous system activation mediates the increase in whole-body glucose uptake in response to electroacupuncture but the mechanisms are largely unknown.To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in insulin-resistant overweight/obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Participants: In a case-control study, skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from 15 women with PCOS and 14 controls before and after electroacupuncture. Gene expression and methylation was analyzed using Illumina BeadChips arrays.A single bout of electroacupuncture restores metabolic and transcriptional alterations and induces epigenetic changes in skeletal muscle. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 180 unique genes (q<0.05) whose expression was changed by electroacupuncture, with 95% of the changes towards a healthier phenotype. We identified DNA methylation changes at 304 unique sites (q<0.20), and these changes correlated with altered expression of 101 genes (p<0.05). Among the 50 most upregulated genes in response to electroacupuncture, 38% were also upregulated in response to exercise. We identified a subset of genes that were selectively altered by electroacupuncture in women with PCOS. For example, MSX1 and SRNX1 were decreased in muscle tissue of women with PCOS and were increased by electroacupuncture and exercise. siRNA-mediated silencing of these two genes in cultured myotubes decreased glycogen synthesis, supporting a role for these genes in glucose homeostasis.Our findings provide evidence that electroacupuncture normalizes gene expression in skeletal muscle in a manner similar to acute exercise. Electroacupuncture might therefore be a useful way of assisting those who have difficulties performing exercise.
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| 3. |
- Benrick, Anna, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Electroacupuncture mimics exercise-induced changes in skeletal muscle gene expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : Oxford University Press. - 0021-972X .- 1945-7197. ; 105:6, s. 2027-2041
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ContextAutonomic nervous system activation mediates the increase in whole-body glucose uptake in response to electroacupuncture but the mechanisms are largely unknown.ObjectiveTo identify the molecular mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in insulin-resistant overweight/obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Design/ParticipantsIn a case-control study, skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from 15 women with PCOS and 14 controls before and after electroacupuncture. Gene expression and methylation was analyzed using Illumina BeadChips arrays.ResultsA single bout of electroacupuncture restores metabolic and transcriptional alterations and induces epigenetic changes in skeletal muscle. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 180 unique genes (q < 0.05) whose expression was changed by electroacupuncture, with 95% of the changes towards a healthier phenotype. We identified DNA methylation changes at 304 unique sites (q < 0.20), and these changes correlated with altered expression of 101 genes (P < 0.05). Among the 50 most upregulated genes in response to electroacupuncture, 38% were also upregulated in response to exercise. We identified a subset of genes that were selectively altered by electroacupuncture in women with PCOS. For example, MSX1 and SRNX1 were decreased in muscle tissue of women with PCOS and were increased by electroacupuncture and exercise. siRNA-mediated silencing of these 2 genes in cultured myotubes decreased glycogen synthesis, supporting a role for these genes in glucose homeostasis.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence that electroacupuncture normalizes gene expression in skeletal muscle in a manner similar to acute exercise. Electroacupuncture might therefore be a useful way of assisting those who have difficulties performing exercise.
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| 4. |
- Benrick, Anna, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Adiponectin protects against development of metabolic disturbances in a PCOS mouse model
- 2017
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 114:34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adiponectin, together with adipocyte size, is the strongest factor associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study investigates the causal relationship between adiponectin levels and metabolic and reproductive functions in PCOS. Prepubertal mice overexpressing adiponectin from adipose tissue (APNtg), adiponectin knockouts (APNko), and their wild-type (WT) littermate mice were continuously exposed to placebo or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to induce PCOS-like traits. As expected, DHT exposure led to reproductive dysfunction, as judged by continuous anestrus, smaller ovaries with a decreased number of corpus luteum, and an increased number of cystic/atretic follicles. A two-way between-groups analysis showed that there was a significant main effect for DHT exposure, but not for genotype, indicating adiponectin does not influence follicle development. Adiponectin had, however, some protective effects on ovarian function. Similar to in many women with PCOS, DHT exposure led to reduced adiponectin levels, larger adipocyte size, and reduced insulin sensitivity in WTs. APNtg mice remained metabolically healthy despite DHT exposure, while APNko-DHT mice were even more insulin resistant than their DHT-exposed littermate WTs. DHT exposure also reduced the mRNA expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways in gonadal adipose tissue of WT and APNko, but this effect of DHT was not observed in APNtg mice. Moreover, APNtg-DHT mice displayed increased pancreatic mRNA levels of insulin receptors, Pdx1 and Igf1R, suggesting adiponectin stimulates beta cell viability/hyperplasia in the context of PCOS. In conclusion, adiponectin improves metabolic health but has only minor effects on reproductive functions in this PCOS-like mouse model.
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| 5. |
- Benrick, Anna, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Enhanced insulin sensitivity and acute regulation of metabolic genes and signaling pathways after a single electrical or manual acupuncture session in female insulin-resistant rats.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Acta Diabetologica. - 0940-5429 .- 1432-5233. ; 51:6, s. 963-972
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: To compare the effect of a single session of acupuncture with either low-frequency electrical or manual stimulation on insulin sensitivity and molecular pathways in the insulin-resistant dihydrotestosterone-induced rat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model. Both stimulations cause activation of afferent nerve fibers. In addition, electrical stimulation causes muscle contractions, enabling us to differentiate changes induced by activation of sensory afferents from contraction-induced changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Control and PCOS rats were divided into no-stimulation, manual-, and electrical stimulation groups and insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Manually stimulated needles were rotated 180° ten times every 5 min, or low-frequency electrical stimulation was applied to evoke muscle twitches for 45 min. Gene and protein expression were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The glucose infusion rate (GIR) was lower in PCOS rats than in controls. Electrical stimulation was superior to manual stimulation during treatment but both methods increased GIR to the same extent in the post-stimulation period. Electrical stimulation decreased mRNA expression of Adipor2, Adrb1, Fndc5, Erk2, and Tfam in soleus muscle and increased ovarian Adrb2 and Pdf. Manual stimulation decreased ovarian mRNA expression of Erk2 and Sdnd. Electrical stimulation increased phosphorylated ERK levels in soleus muscle. CONCLUSIONS: One acupuncture session with electrical stimulation improves insulin sensitivity and modulates skeletal muscle gene and protein expression more than manual stimulation. Although electrical stimulation is superior to manual in enhancing insulin sensitivity during stimulation, they are equally effective after stimulation indicating that it is activation of sensory afferents rather than muscle contraction per se leading to the observed changes.
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| 6. |
- Benrick, Anna, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Resveratrol Is Not as Effective as Physical Exercise for Improving Reproductive and Metabolic Functions in Rats with Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- 2013
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Ingår i: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1741-427X .- 1741-4288.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with obesity and insulin resistance that often precedes the development of type-2 diabetes. Rats continuously exposed to dihydrotestosterone from prepuberty display typical reproductive and metabolic PCOS characteristics including anovulation, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, and obesity. Our aim was to investigate if resveratrol improves reproductive and metabolic functions in PCOS rats. The effect was compared to exercise. Control and PCOS rats were treated with vehicle or resveratrol (400mg·kg−1·day−1) for 5-6 weeks. Another group of PCOS rats received vehicle treatment and exercised for 5-6 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was determined by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. The glucose infusion rate was lower in the PCOS-vehicle group compared to control-vehicle rats (). Exercise increased insulin sensitivity compared with PCOS-vehicle rats (), but resveratrol did not. Resveratrol treatment and exercise resulted in smaller adipocytes, upregulated estrogen-related receptor α gene expression in subcutaneous fat, and improved estrus cyclicity in the previously acyclic PCOS rats. Although resveratrol had positive effects on adiposity and cyclicity in a similar manner to exercise, resveratrol does not seem to be a good candidate for treating insulin resistance associated with PCOS because no improvement in insulin sensitivity was observed in PCOS rats on normal chow.
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| 7. |
- Hu, Min, et al.
(författare)
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Maternal testosterone exposure increases anxiety-like behavior and impacts the limbic system in the offspring.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 1091-6490. ; 112:46, s. 14348-53
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During pregnancy, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) display high circulating androgen levels that may affect the fetus and increase the risk of mood disorders in offspring. This study investigated whether maternal androgen excess causes anxiety-like behavior in offspring mimicking anxiety disorders in PCOS. The PCOS phenotype was induced in rats following prenatal androgen (PNA) exposure. PNA offspring displayed anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, which was reversed by flutamide [androgen receptor (AR) blocker] and tamoxifen [selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator]. Circulating sex steroids did not differ between groups at adult age. The expression of serotonergic and GABAergic genes associated with emotional regulation in the amygdala was consistent with anxiety-like behavior in female, and partly in male PNA offspring. Furthermore, AR expression in amygdala was reduced in female PNA offspring and also in females exposed to testosterone in adult age. To determine whether AR activation in amygdala affects anxiety-like behavior, female rats were given testosterone microinjections into amygdala, which resulted in anxiety-like behavior. Together, these data describe the anxiety-like behavior in PNA offspring and adult females with androgen excess, an impact that seems to occur during fetal life, and is mediated via AR in amygdala, together with changes in ERα, serotonergic, and GABAergic genes in amygdala and hippocampus. The anxiety-like behavior following testosterone microinjections into amygdala demonstrates a key role for AR activation in this brain area. These results suggest that maternal androgen excess may underpin the risk of developing anxiety disorders in daughters and sons of PCOS mothers.
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| 8. |
- Kataoka, Josefin, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of weight loss intervention on anxiety, depression and quality of life in women with severe obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome
- 2024
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 14:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression and with a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PCOS is closely associated with obesity, which per se can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower HRQoL. The first-line treatment for PCOS is weight loss through lifestyle intervention, which has been shown to improve all symptoms of the syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL in women with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35) with and without PCOS, and to evaluate the effect of a one-year structured weight loss intervention. A total of 246 women with severe obesity (PCOS n = 63, non-PCOS n = 183) were included. The comprehensive psychopathological rating scale self-rating scale for affective symptoms (CPRS-S-A) and the short form-36 (SF-36) were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL. In total 72 women of the 246 women with severe obesity completed a one-year weight loss programme and were followed up and compared with baseline data. In women with severe obesity, there were no differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression and HRQoL between women with and without PCOS at baseline. Clinically relevant anxiety symptoms were present in 71.3% (PCOS) and 65.6% (non-PCOS), and depression symptoms were present in 56.4% (PCOS) and 52.2% (non-PCOS). Significant weight loss improved physical HRQoL in all women, but reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression only in women without PCOS. There were no differences when comparing the changes between the groups. Women with severe obesity are severely affected by symptoms of anxiety and depression, independent of PCOS. Weight loss improved symptoms of anxiety and depression in women without PCOS, but there were no differences between groups in change from baseline to follow-up.Trial registration number: Clinical trial.gov: NCT01319162, March 18, 2011. Date of registration and enrolment of the first subject September 2011.
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| 9. |
- Kokosar, Milana, et al.
(författare)
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Epigenetic and Transcriptional Alterations in Human Adipose Tissue of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Genetic and epigenetic factors may predispose women to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common heritable disorder of unclear etiology. Here we investigated differences in genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation in adipose tissue from 64 women with PCOS and 30 controls. In total, 1720 unique genes were differentially expressed (Q < 0.05). Six out of twenty selected genes with largest expression difference (CYP1B1, GPT), genes linked to PCOS (RAB5B) or type 2 diabetes (PPARG, SVEP1), and methylation (DMAP1) were replicated in a separate case-control study. In total, 63,213 sites (P < 0.05) and 440 sites (Q < 0.15) were differently methylated. Thirty differentially expressed genes had corresponding changes in 33 different DNA methylation sites. Moreover, a total number of 1913 pairs of differentially expressed "gene-CpG" probes were significantly correlated after correction for multiple testing and corresponded with 349 unique genes. In conclusion, we identified a large number of genes and pathways that are affected in adipose tissue from women with PCOS. We also identified specific DNA methylation pathways that may affect mRNA expression. Together, these novel findings show that women with PCOS have multiple transcriptional and epigenetic changes in adipose tissue that are relevant for development of the disease.
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| 10. |
- Kokosar, Milana, et al.
(författare)
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Erratum: Epigenetic and Transcriptional Alterations in Human Adipose Tissue of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22883; Published online: 15 March 2016; Updated: 09 May 2016 This Article contains errors. In Table 3, the text in the first row ‘Down-regulated genes’ was incorrectly given as ‘Up-regulated genes’. In addition, Fig. 2E was incorrectly labeled as Fig. 2ES. The correct Fig.
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