A novel function of geranylgeraniol in regulating testosterone production. Issue 6 (3rd June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ho, Hsin-Jung; Shirakawa, Hitoshi; Giriwono, Puspo E.; Ito, Asagi; Komai, Michio
• Is Part Of: Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry. Volume 82:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 956
• Page End: 962
• Publication Date: 2018-06-03
• Subjects: Geranylgeraniol -- cAMP/PKA -- steroidogenesis -- testosterone -- progesterone; AC: adenylate cyclase -- FOH: farnesol -- GGOH: geranylgeraniol -- GGPP: geranylgeranyl diphosphate -- GOH: geraniol -- IBMX: 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine -- MDL: MDL-12, 330A -- PDE: phosphodiesterase -- PKA: protein kinase A -- StAR: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2017.1415129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0916-8451

Abstract

Abstract: Isoprenoids play widely differing roles in various physiological processes in animals and plants. Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) is an isoprenoid found in plants, and is an important metabolic derivative in the isoprenoid/cholesterol synthesis pathway. Earlier studies focused on GGOH's ability to improve the side effects of bisphosphonate therapy by regulating the mevalonate pathway. More recently, the mevalonate pathway-independent effects of GGOH have been described, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and neuroprotective activities. It is noteworthy that GGOH regulates the steroidogenesis pathway in testis-derived I-10 tumor cells. Testosterone is a hormone produced via steroidogenesis in testicles and plays a role in fetal development and the male reproductive system. GGOH enhanced testosterone and progesterone (its precursor) levels in I-10 cells by activating adenylate cyclase via cAMP/PKA signaling, without altering phosphodiesterase activity. These findings highlight the potential benefits of GGOH as a therapeutic agent for low testosterone levels, such as late-onset hypogonadism in men. Abstract : Geranylgeraniol enhances testosterone production.