The intake of an extract from seeds of modulates the endocrine function of adult male mice under a high fat diet.

TBP is a natural product from seeds used as a natural remedy in India. This product is an antioxidant and may have beneficial effects on endocrine and metabolic functions. However, the regulatory mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated.

Transcriptomic analysis of overexpressed SOX4 and SOX8 in TM4 Sertoli cells with emphasis on cell-to-cell interactions.

Sertoli cells are localized in seminiferous tubules within the testis. They are the first testicular cells to differentiate during male sex determination. In the adult, Sertoli cells provide nutrients to germ cells, control factors for spermatogenesis and protection by establishing the blood-testis barrier (BTB).

Modulation of the transcriptomic profile of the R2C tumor Leydig cell line by the adipose tissue derived hormone leptin.

Leptin is an important adipose derived hormone being secreted by adipocytes and involved in appetite regulation. Disruption of normal plasma levels of leptin has been associated with the pathogenesis of obesity. It is now well established that obesity is associated to an increased risk of cancer development, including testicular cancers.

Gja1 expression is regulated by cooperation between SOX8/SOX9 and cJUN transcription factors in TM4 and 15P-1 Sertoli cell lines.

Within the seminiferous tubules of the testis, Gja1-encoded connexin43 plays a critical role in intercellular communication between Sertoli cells. These cells nurture, protect and stimulate the developing germ cells and spermatids. SOX transcription factors are known to play an important role in male fertility and sex determination; however, their physiological function and the identity of their target genes in postnatal Sertoli cells remain to be defined.

Expression profiles of Sox transcription factors within the postnatal rodent testes.

SRY-related box (Sox) transcription factors are conserved among vertebrate species. These proteins regulate multiple processes including sex determination and testis differentiation of the male embryo. Members of the Sox family have been identified in pre- and postnatal testis and are known to play an important role in sex determination (Sry, Sox9), male gonadal development, and fertility (Sox4, Sox8, Sox30).

Influence of flavonols and quercetin derivative compounds on MA-10 Leydig cells steroidogenic genes expressions.

Androgen are mainly synthesized and secreted from testicular Leydig cells and play critical roles in testis development, normal masculinization, spermatogenesis, and male fertility. The rate-limiting step in testosterone biosynthesis involves the import of cholesterol inside mitochondria by the steroidogenic acute regulatory (Star) protein. Cholesterol is then converted to pregnenolone by the steroidogenic enzyme Cyp11a1, followed by a chemical transformation to testosterone using other steroidogenic enzymes.

Influences of flavones on cell viability and cAMP-dependent steroidogenic gene regulation in MA-10 Leydig cells.

Testicular Leydig cells are major contributors of androgen synthesis and secretion, which play an important role in testis development, normal masculinization, maintenance of spermatogenesis, and general male fertility. The rate-limiting step in testosterone biosynthesis involves the transfer of cholesterol to the mitochondrial inner membrane by the steroidogenic acute regulatory (Star) protein, a critical factor in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Once inside the mitochondria, cholesterol is metabolized by the steroidogenic enzyme Cyp11a1 to pregnenolone, which is further converted to testosterone by the action of other steroidogenic enzymes.

Steroidogenic genes expressions are repressed by high levels of leptin and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in MA-10 Leydig cells.

The adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ secreting numerous peptide hormones, including leptin. Increased circulating levels of leptin, as a result of hormonal resistance in obese individuals, may contribute to lower androgen production in obese males. However, the molecular mechanisms involved need to be better defined.

Transcription factors SF1 and cJUN cooperate to activate the Fdx1 promoter in MA-10 Leydig cells.

The Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) protein supports steroid biosynthesis in steroidogenic cells through electron transfer to the rate-limiting steroidogenic enzyme, CYP11A1. The latter catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone through side chain cleavage inside the mitochondria. Thus far, only several transcription factors have been implicated in the regulation of mouse Fdx1 promoter activity in Leydig cells.

Roles of leptin, adiponectin and resistin in the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic genes contributing to decreased Leydig cells function in obesity.

The increase in obesity rate is a major public health issue associated with increased pathological conditions such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Obesity also contributes to decreased testosterone levels in men. Indeed, the adipose tissue is an endocrine organ which produces hormones such as leptin, adiponectin and resistin.

Expressions of Sox9, Sox5, and Sox13 transcription factors in mice testis during postnatal development.

SRY-related box (Sox) transcription factors are conserved among vertebrate species. These proteins regulate multiple processes including sex determination and testis differentiation of the male embryo. Although members of the Sox family have been identified in pre- and postnatal Sertoli cells, they have never been characterized in adult Leydig cells.