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Relationship: 2582
Title
Increased, Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) leads to Increased, estrogens
Upstream event
Downstream event
AOPs Referencing Relationship
| AOP Name | Adjacency | Weight of Evidence | Quantitative Understanding | Point of Contact | Author Status | OECD Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothalamus estrogen receptors activity suppression leading to ovarian cancer via ovarian epithelial cell hyperplasia | adjacent | High | Moderate | Cataia Ives (send email) | Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite | Under Development |
Taxonomic Applicability
Sex Applicability
| Sex | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Female | High |
| Male | Low |
Life Stage Applicability
| Term | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Adult, reproductively mature | High |
Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein (37-kDa) is synthesized with a mitochondrial leader sequence in response to the cell stimulation to produce steroid and plays a crucial role in steroidogenesis (Hanukoglu, 1992). Research had shown in human ovary StAR protein was produced in response to the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge (Kiriakidou et al., 1996). In particular, StAR protein involved in the transportation of the cholesterol (substrate for steroid hormone) from outer to inner mitochondrial membrane. This step is crucial and rate limiting in steroid biosynthesis. In the inner membrane of the mitochondria with the help of cleaved cholesterol pregnenolone is formed, which is the precursor to the different steroid hormones including estrogen (P. R. Manna et al., 2016). Effects of StAR protein on steroidal biosynthesis had been studied by number of researchers (Pulak R Manna et al., 2002; Pescador et al., 1996; Stocco, 2001).
Estradiol synthesis during menstrual cycle is governed via expression of StAR protein synthesis. Presence of StAR protein allows follicular production of androgens which allows the progesterone dominated microenvironment and help in sexual differentiation, growth, reproduction, development and metabolism. Kusakabe et al., had shown in trout fish (Salvelinus fontinalis) model that peak of StAR protein coincide with the menstrual hormone production peak (Kusakabe et al., 2002). Research had shown some toxic chemicals can caused alteration in steroidal regulation and resulted in the agonist effect on estrogen receptors (Lauretta et al., 2019).
| ID | Experimental Design | Species | Upstream Observation | Downstream Observation | Citation (first author, year) | Notes |
|---|
| Title | First Author | Biological Plausibility |
Dose Concordance |
Temporal Concordance |
Incidence Concordance |
|---|
Biological Plausibility
Dose Concordance Evidence
Temporal Concordance Evidence
Incidence Concordance Evidence
Uncertainties and Inconsistencies
Chang et al., had investigated the effects of antimullerian hormone (AMH) on estradiol production in primary culture of human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. In the control cell estradiol concentration was found 43.2–93.7 ng/mL. Whereas,treatment with AMH (10 ng/mL) significantly reduced the estradiol accumulation in the cells (Chang et al., 2013).
Arukwe had shown nonylphenol (15 µg/L) can induce the StAR protein in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fish (Arukwe, 2005).
Pescador et al., had studied the StAR mRNA levels in the bovine corpus luteum. Result of the study had shown that expression of StAR mRNA was low in developing corpus luteum. In mid to late luteal phase the concentration increased 9- to 15-fold compared to the expression of StAR mRNA during developing stage. Results confirms that StAR mRNA and protein are tightly coupled in the corpus luteum cells and present at low levels during CL development and present elevated concentrations during the midluteal phase (Pescador et al., 1996).
Response-response Relationship
Not specified
Time-scale
Observed for hours
Known Feedforward/Feedback loops influencing this KER
Not specified
Adult