Abstract
Background: Prolactin is a hormone with multiple neuroendocrine functions, its most studied role is in reproductive function, it remains unclear why deficiency of this hormone causes sexual dysfunction, however it has been related with gonadal function.
Purpose: Provide current information on the structure and molecular aspects of PRL, the role of serotonin, and the pathophysiological relationship of hypoprolactinemia and male sexual dysfunction.
Methodology: Literature review in PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus and Scielo databases, Google Scholar and gray literature using the MeSH, DeCS and Emtree controlled vocabulary.
Results: There is little evidence about hypoprolactinemia and sexual dysfunction, nonetheless they seem to be manifestations of a serotonergic alteration and its metabolic effects, thus, it is important to know the basic pathophysiological and clinical aspects that make this entity one of the causes associated with this syndrome.
Conclusions: Hypoprolactinemia is one of the factors of less given distinction due to the scarce information available regarding its role in sexual dysfunction, this motivates the development of research to deepen the understanding of the disease.
References
Ponce AJ, Galván-Salas T, Lerma-Alvarado RM, Ruiz-Herrera X, Hernández-Cortés T, Valencia-Jiménez R, et al. Low prolactin levels are associated with visceral adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance in humans. Endocrine. 2020;67(2):331-43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-019-02170-x
Giuliano F. Neurophysiology of erection and ejaculation. J Sex Med. 2011.;8(supl. 4):310-5. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02450.x
Yabut JM, Crane JD, Green AE, Keating DJ, Khan WI, Steinberg GR. Emerging roles for serotonin in regulating metabolism: new implications for an ancient molecule. Endocr Rev. 2019 ;40(4):1092-107. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2018-00283
Macotela Y, Triebel J, Clapp C. Time for a new perspective on prolactin in metabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2020;31(4):276-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2020.01.004
Irwin GM. Erectile dysfunction. Prim Care. 2019;46(2):249-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2019.02.006
Ceballos M del P, Álvarez Villarraga JD, Silva Herrera JM, Uribe JF, Mantilla D. Guía de disfunción eréctil. Sociedad Colombiana de Urología. Rev Urol Colomb. 2015;XXIV(3):185.E2-185.E22. https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/1491/149143142010.pdf
Marceau L, Kleinman K, Goldstein I, Mckinlay J. Does bicycling contribute to the risk of erectile dysfunction? results from The Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS). Int J Impot Res. 2001;13(5):298-302. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900733
Morillo LE, Díaz J, Estevez E, Costa A, Méndez H, Dávila H, et al. Prevalence Of erectile dysfunction in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela: a population-based study (DENSA). Int J Impot Res. 2002;14(2):S10-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900893
Binart N. Chapter 5 - Prolactin. En: Melmed S, editor. The Pituitary (4.a edición). Academic Press; 2017. P. 129-61. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/b9780128041697000052
Pérez JM. Fisiología de la prolactina. En: Fernández-Tresguerres JA, Cachofeiro V, Cardinali DP, Delpón E, Díaz-Rubio ER, Escriche EE, et al., editores. Fisiología Humana. Nueva York: Mcgraw-Hill Education; 2020.
Qian S, Yang Y, Li N, Cheng T, Wang X, Liu J, et al. Prolactin variants in human pituitaries and pituitary adenomas identified with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Front Endocrinol. 2018;9. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00468
Freeman ME, Kanyicska B, Lerant A, Nagy G. Prolactin: structure, function, and regulation of secretion. Physiol Rev. 2000;80(4):1523-631. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/11015620
Saleem M, Martin H, Coates P. Prolactin biology and laboratory measurement: an update on physiology and current analytical issues. Clin Biochem Rev. 2018;39(1):3-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30072818/
Emiliano ABF, Fudge JL. From galactorrhea to osteopenia: rethinking serotonin-prolactin interactions. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2004;29(5):833-46. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1300412
Pernasetti F, Caccavelli L, Van de Weerdt C, Martial JA, Muller M. Thyroid hormone inhibits the human prolactin gene promoter by interfering with activating protein-1 and estrogen stimulations. Mol Endocrinol. 1997;11(7):986-96. https://doi.org/10.1210/mend.11.7.9945
Marano RJ, Ben-Jonathan N. Minireview: extrapituitary prolactin: an update on the distribution, regulation, and functions. Mol Endocrinol. 2014;28(5):622-33. https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2013-1349
Raut S, Deshpande S, Balasinor NH. Unveiling the role of prolactin and its receptor in male reproduction. Horm Metab Res. 2019;51(4):215-9. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0859-1144
Moriyama S, Oda M, Takahashi A, Sower SA, Kawauchi H. Genomic structure of the sea lamprey growth hormone-encoding gene. Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2006;148(1):33-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.09.023
Binart N, Bachelot A, Bouilly J. Impact of prolactin receptor isoforms on reproduction. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2010;21(6):362-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2010.01.008
Hu X, Li J, Fu M, Zhao X, Wang W. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway: from bench to clinic. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2021;6(1):402. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-021-00791-1
Radhakrishnan A, Raju R, Tuladhar N, Subbannayya T, Thomas JK, Goel R, et al. A pathway map of prolactin signaling. J Cell Commun Signal. 2012;6(3):169-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12079-012-0168-0
Dardenne M, Do C De Moraes M, Kelly PA, Gagnerault MC. Prolactin receptor expression in human hematopoietic tissues analyzed by flow cytofluorometry. Endocrinology. 1994;134(5):2108-14. https://doi.org/10.1210/endo.134.5.8156910
Blanco-Favela F, Legorreta-Haquet MV, Huerta-Villalobos YR, Chávez-Rueda K, Montoya-Díaz E, Chávez-Sánchez L, et al. Participación de la prolactina en la respuesta inmune. Bol Méd Hosp Infant Méx. 2012;69(5):329-36 https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1665-11462012000500003
Helena CV, Mckee DT, Bertram R, Walker AM, Freeman ME. The rhythmic secretion of mating-induced prolactin secretion is controlled by prolactin acting centrally. Endocrinology. 2009;150(7):3245-51. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2009-0095
Javorsky BR, Aron DC, Findling JW, Tyrrell JB. Chapter 4. Hypothalamus And Pituitary Gland. En: Gardner DG, Shoback D, editores. Greenspan’s Basic & Clinical Endocrinology. 9.a edición. Nueva York: The Mcgraw-Hill Companies; 2011.
Mukherjee A, Murray RD, Columb B, Gleeson HK, Shalet SM. Acquired prolactin deficiency indicates severe hypopituitarism in patients with disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Clin Endocrinol. 2003;59(6):743-8. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2265.2003.01916.x
Toledano Y, Lubetsky A, Shimon I. Acquired prolactin deficiency in patients with disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. J Endocrinol Invest. 2007;30(4):268-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03346292
Ayoola OO, Oladejo FA, Dattani M, Clayton PE. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency caused by pit-i mutation and the challenges of management in a developing country. Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2008;6(2):21-6. https://doi.org/10.4314/aipm.v6i2.64047
Pekic S, Popovic V. Diagnosis of endocrine disease: expanding the cause of hypopituitarism. Eur J Endocrinol. 2017;176(6):R269-82. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje-16-1065
Romero CJ, Pine-Twaddell E, Radovick S. Novel mutations associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency. J Mol Endocrinol. 2011;46(3):R93-102. https://jme.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/jme/46/3/r93.xml
Regal M, Páramo C, Sierra JM, García-Mayor RV. Prevalence and incidence of hypopituitarism in an adult caucasian population in northwestern Spain. Clin Endocrinol. 2001;55(6):735-40. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2265.2001.01406.x
Cullingford DJ, Siafarikas A, Choong CS, Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al. Genetic etiology of congenital hypopituitarism. Endotext. South Dartmouth: MDText.com, Inc.; 2000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36356173/
Krysiak R, Kowalcze K, Okopie? B. Sexual function and depressive symptoms in men with hypoprolactinaemia secondary to overtreatment of prolactin excess: a pilot study. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr. 2022;69(4):279-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.endien.2021.03.004
Corona G, Wu FC, Rastrelli G, Lee DM, Forti G, O’Connor DB, et al. Low prolactin is associated with sexual dysfunction and psychological or metabolic disturbances in middle-aged and elderly men: The European Male Aging Study (EMAS). J Sex Med. 2014;11(1):240-53. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12327
Catt KJ, Harwood JP, Clayton RN, Davies TF, Chan V, Katikineni M, et al. Regulation of peptide hormone receptors and gonadal steroidogenesis. En: Royo G., editor. Proceedings of the 1979 Laurentian Hormone Conference. Boston: Academic Press; 1980. P. 557-622. Https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/b9780125711364500218
Gunasekar PG, Kumaran B, Govindarajulu P. Role of prolactin on leydig, sertoli and germ cellular neutral lipids in bonnet monkeys, Macaca radiata. Endocrinol Jpn. 1991;38(1):1-8. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj1954.38.1
Xu ZH, Pan D, Liu TY, Yuan MZ, Zhang JY, Jiang S, et al. Effect of prolactin on penile erection: a cross-sectional study. Asian J Androl. 2019;21(6):587-91. https://journals.lww.com/ajandrology/fulltext/2019/21060/effect_of_prolactin_on_penile_erection__a.10.aspx
Gonzales GF, Garcia-Hjarles M, Velazquez G, Coyotupa J. Seminal prolactin and its relationship to sperm motility in men. Fertil Steril. 1989;51(3):498-503. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)60561-7
Aiman J, Mcasey M, Harms L. Serum and seminal plasma prolactin concentrations in men with normospermia, oligospermia, or azoospermia. Fertil Steril. 1988;49(1):133-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)59664-2
Eggert-Kruse W, Schwalbach B, Gerhard I, Tilgen W, Runnebaum B. Influence of serum prolactin on semen characteristics and sperm function. Int J Fertil. 1991;36(4):243-51.
Rastrelli G, Corona G, Maggi M. The role of prolactin in andrology: what is new? Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2015;16(3):233-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-015-9322-3
Corona G, Mannucci E, Jannini EA, Lotti F, Ricca V, Monami M, et al. Hypoprolactinemia: a new clinical syndrome in patients with sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2009;6(5):1457-66. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01206.x
Ata Sedik IE, Azab EA, Rabia MY. The Role Of Oxytocin, Prolactin, And Estrogen In Male Sexual Functions. J Clin Res Rep. 2022;10(3). https://doi.org/10.31579/2690-1919/228
Spaggiari G, Costantino F, Granata ARM, Tagliavini S, Canu G, Varani M, et al. Prolactin and spermatogenesis: new lights on the interplay between prolactin and sperm parameters. Endocrine. 2023;81(2):330-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-023-03375-x
Tritos N, Klibanski A. Prolactin disorders from basic science to clinical management: from basic science to clinical management. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2019.
Chéhensse C, Facchinetti P, Bahrami S, Andrey P, Soler JM, Chrétien F, et al. Human spinal ejaculation generator. Ann Neurol. 2017;81(1):35-45. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.24819
Corona G, Jannini EA, Vignozzi L, Rastrelli G, Maggi M. The hormonal control of ejaculation. Nat Rev Urol. 2012;9(9):508-19. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2012.147
Birge CA, Jacobs LS, Hammer CT, Daughaday WH. Catecholamine inhibition of prolactin secretion by isolated rat adenohypophyses. Endocrinology. 1970;86(1):120-30. https://doi.org/10.1210/endo-86-1-120
Buhimschi CS. Endocrinology of lactation. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2004;31(4):963-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2004.08.002
Christian HC, Chapman LP, Morris JF. Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide, prolactin-releasing peptide and dopamine regulation of prolactin secretion by different lactotroph morphological subtypes in the rat. J Neuroendocrinol. 2007;19(8):605-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2007.01567.x
Kaji H, Chihara K, Kita T, Kashio Y, Okimura Y, Fujita T. Administration of antisera to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and peptide histidine isoleucine attenuates ether-induced prolactin secretion in rats. Neuroendocrinology. 2008;41(6):529-31. https://doi.org/10.1159/000124231
Kennett JE, Mckee DT. Oxytocin: an emerging regulator of prolactin secretion in the female rat. J Neuroendocrinol. 2012;24(3):403-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02263.x
Clapp C, Martínez de la Escalera G. Peripheral regulation of prolactin by oxytocin: focus on “systemic oxytocin induces a prolactin secretory rhythm via the pelvic nerve in ovariectomized rats”. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2011;301(3):R674-5. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00331.2011
Lyons DJ, Ammari R, Hellysaz A, Broberger C. Serotonin and antidepressant ssris inhibit rat neuroendocrine dopamine neurons: parallel actions in the lactotrophic axis. J Neurosci. 2016;36(28):7392-406. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.4061-15.2016
Lyons DJ, Broberger C. Tidal waves: network mechanisms in the neuroendocrine control of prolactin release. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2014;35(4):420-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.02.001
Coker F, Taylor D. Antidepressant-induced hyperprolactinaemia. CNS Drugs. 2010;24(7):563-74. https://doi.org/10.2165/11533140-000000000-00000
Phillipps HR, Yip SH, Grattan DR. Patterns of prolactin secretion. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2020;502:110679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2019.110679
Chimde L. Role of serotonin in mammary gland development and lactation regulation in dairy animals: a review. applied sciences research periodicals. 2023;1(1):10-8.
Calabrò RS, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, Milardi D, Quattrini F, Sciarrone F, et al. Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: a neglected or unknown issue? Brain Behav . 2019;9(12):e01389. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1389
Snoeren EMS, Veening JG, Olivier B, Oosting RS. Serotonin 1A receptors and sexual behavior in male rats: a review. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2014;121:102-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.007
Shen Y, Yang Q, Hu T, Wang Y, Chen L, Gao F, et al. Association of prolactin with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes: a real-world study. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2023;30(14):1439-47. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad112
Albu A, Florea S, Fica S. Is prolactin the missing link in adipose tissue dysfunction of polycystic ovary syndrome patients? Endocrine. 2016;51(1):163-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-015-0655-1
Ruiz-Herrera X, de los Ríos EA, Díaz JM, Lerma-Alvarado RM, Martínez de la Escalera L, López-Barrera F, et al. Prolactin promotes adipose tissue fitness and insulin sensitivity in obese males. Endocrinology. 2017;158(1):56-68. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2016-1444
Pirchio R, Graziadio C, Colao A, Pivonello R, Auriemma RS. Metabolic effects of prolactin. Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:1015520. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1015520
Fleseriu M, Hashim IA, Karavitaki N, Melmed S, Murad MH, Salvatori R, et al. Hormonal replacement in hypopituitarism in adults: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(11):3888-921. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2016-2118
Macotela Y, Ruiz-Herrera X, Vázquez-Carrillo DI, Ramírez-Hernandez G, Martínez de la Escalera G, Clapp C. The beneficial metabolic actions of prolactin. Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:1001703. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1001703
Rieder M, Gauchel N, Bode C, Duerschmied D. Serotonin: a platelet hormone modulating cardiovascular disease. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2021;52(1):42-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11239-020-02331-0
Vanwong N, Puangpetch A, Unaharassamee W, Jiratjintana N, Na Nakorn C, Hongkaew Y, et al. Effect of 5-HT2C receptor gene polymorphism (HTR2C?759C/T) on metabolic adverse effects in thai psychiatric patients treated with risperidone. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2021;30(6):806-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.5224
Paderina DZ, Boiko AS, Pozhidaev IV, Bocharova AV, Mednova IA, Fedorenko OY, et al. Genetic polymorphisms of 5-HT receptors and antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. J Pers Med. 2021;11(3):181. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11030181
Muldoon MF, Mackey RH, Korytkowski MT, Flory JD, Pollock BG, Manuck SB. The metabolic syndrome is associated with reduced central serotonergic responsivity in healthy community volunteers. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(2):718-21. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2005-1654
Muldoon MF, Mackey RH, Williams K V, Korytkowski MT, Flory JD, Manuck SB. Low central nervous system serotonergic responsivity is associated with the metabolic syndrome and physical inactivity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(1):266-71. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-031295
Sondermeijer BM, Klein Twennaar CF, Kastelein JJP, Franssen EJF, Hutten BA, Dallinga-Thie GM, et al. Infusion of a lipid emulsion in healthy men decreases the serotonergic response. Neuroendocrinology. 2012;95(4):325-31. https://doi.org/10.1159/000333038
Fuentes E, Venegas B, Muñoz-Arenas G, Moran C, Vazquez-Roque RA, Flores G, et al. High-carbohydrate and fat diet consumption causes metabolic deterioration, neuronal damage, and loss of recognition memory in rats. J Chem Neuroanat. 2023;129:102237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102237
Tritos NA, Klibanski A. Chapter 3 - Prolactin and its role in human reproduction. In: Strauss JF, Barbieri RL, editores. Yen and Jaffe’s reproductive endocrinology (8.a edición). Filadelfia: Elsevier; 2019. P. 58-74.E8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/b9780323479127000032
Cordes J, Kahl KG, Werner C, Henning U, Regenbrecht G, Larisch R, et al. Clomipramine-induced serum prolactin as a marker for serotonin and dopamine turnover: results of an open label study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011;261(8):567-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-011-0201-y
Corona G, Rastrelli G, Boddi V, Monami M, Melani C, Balzi D, et al. Prolactin levels independently predict major cardiovascular events in patients with erectile dysfunction. Int J Androl . 2011;34(3):217-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01076.x
Biagetti B, Ferrer Costa R, Alfayate Guerra R, Álvarez García E, Berlanga Escalera E, Casals G, et al. Macroprolactina: del laboratorio a la práctica clínica. recomendaciones del grupo de trabajo de laboratorio de la SEEN y de la comisión de hormonas de la SEQCML sobre la medición e informe del resultado de la macroprolactina. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr. 2022;69(1):63-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.endinu.2020.12.002
Salazar-López-Ortiz CG, Hernández-Bueno JA, González-Bárcena D, López-Gamboa M, Ortiz-Plata A, Porias-Cuéllar HL, et al. Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hiperprolactinemia. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2014;82:123-42.
Wang T, Lu J, Xu Y, Li M, Sun J, Zhang J, et al. Circulating prolactin associates with diabetes and impaired glucose regulation: a population-based study. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(7):1974-80. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc12-1893
Powe CE, Allen M, Puopolo KM, Merewood A, Worden S, Johnson LC, et al. Recombinant human prolactin for the treatment of lactation insufficiency. Clin Endocrinol. 2010;73(5):645-53. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2265.2010.03850.x
Gul M, Bocu K, Serefoglu EC. Current and emerging treatment options for premature ejaculation. Nat Rev Urol. 2022;19(11):659-80. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-022-00639-5
Althof SE, McMahon CG, Waldinger MD, Serefoglu EC, Shindel AW, Ganesan Adaikan P, et al. An update of the international society of sexual medicine’s guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). J Sex Med. 2014;11(6):1392-422. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12504
Trinchieri M, Trinchieri M, Perletti G, Magri V, Stamatiou K, Cai T, et al. Erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction associated with use of psychotropic drugs: a systematic review. J Sex Med. 2021;18(8):1354-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.016
Tarchi L, Merola GP, Baccaredda-Boy O, Arganini F, Cassioli E, Rossi E, et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, post-treatment sexual dysfunction and persistent genital arousal disorder: a systematic review. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2023;32(10):1053-67. https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.5653
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2024 Revista Colombiana de Endocrinología, Diabetes & Metabolismo