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Wan HT, Zhao YG, Wong MH, Lee KF, Yeung WSB, Giesy JP, Wong CKC. Testicular signaling is the potential target of perfluorooctanesulfonate-mediated subfertility in male mice. Biol Reprod 2011; 84:1016-23. [PMID: 21209418 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.089219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was produced and used by various industries and in consumer products. Because of its persistence, it is ubiquitous in air, water, soil, wildlife, and humans. Although the adverse effects of PFOS on male fertility have been reported, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Here, for the first time, the effects of PFOS on testicular signaling, such as gonadotropin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor, and inhibins/activins were shown to be directly related to male subfertility. Sexually mature 8-wk-old CD1 male mice were administered by gavages in corn oil daily with 0, 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg PFOS for 7, 14, or 21 days. Serum concentrations of testosterone and epididymal sperm counts were significantly lower in the mice after 21 days of the exposure to the highest dose compared with the controls. The expression levels of testicular receptors for gonadotropin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were considerably reduced on Day 21 in mice exposed daily to 10 or 5 mg/kg PFOS. The transcript levels of the subunits of the testicular factors (i.e., inhibins and activins), Inha, Inhba, and Inhbb, were significantly lower on Day 21 of daily exposure to 10, 5, or 1 mg/kg PFOS. The mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes (i.e., StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 3beta-HSD, and 17beta-HSD) were notably reduced. Therefore, PFOS-elicited subfertility in male mice is manifested as progressive deterioration of testicular signaling.
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Shaw JLV, Wills GS, Lee KF, Horner PJ, McClure MO, Abrahams VM, Wheelhouse N, Jabbour HN, Critchley HOD, Entrican G, Horne AW. Chlamydia trachomatis infection increases fallopian tube PROKR2 via TLR2 and NFκB activation resulting in a microenvironment predisposed to ectopic pregnancy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 178:253-60. [PMID: 21224062 PMCID: PMC3016599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and smoking are major risk factors for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP), but the underlying mechanisms of these associations are not completely understood. Fallopian tube (FT) from women with EP exhibit altered expression of prokineticin receptors 1 and 2 (PROKR1 and PROKR2); smoking increases FT PROKR1, resulting in a microenvironment predisposed to EP. We hypothesize that C. trachomatis also predisposes to EP by altering FT PROKR expression and have investigated this by examining NFκB activation via ligation of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family of cell-surface pattern recognition receptors. PROKR2 mRNA was higher in FT from women with evidence of past C. trachomatis infection than in those without (P < 0.05), and was also increased in FT explants and in oviductal epithelial cell line OE-E6/E7 infected with C. trachomatis (P < 0.01) or exposed to UV-killed organisms (P < 0.05). The ability of both live and dead organisms to induce this effect suggests ligation of a cell-surface-expressed receptor. FT epithelium and OE-E6/E7 were both found to express TLR2 and TLR4 by immunohistochemistry. Transfection of OE-E6/E7 cells with dominant-negative TLR2 or IκBα abrogated the C. trachomatis–induced PROKR2 expression. We propose that ligation of tubal TLR2 and activation of NFκB by C. trachomatis leads to increased tubal PROKR2, thereby predisposing the tubal microenvironment to ectopic implantation.
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Lee KF, Lee KM, Fung TT. Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Hong Kong Med J 2010; 16:434-439. [PMID: 21135419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency, risk factors, clinical features, and management of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunctions. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING A regional hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS Patients who had been prescribed amiodarone for at least 6 months from 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2007. RESULTS A total of 390 patients (mean age, 70 years; standard deviation, 9 years; 54% male) with a median follow-up of 43 (interquartile range, 25-69) months were studied. Hypothyroidism developed in 87 (22%) of the patients (mean age, 72 years; standard deviation, 7 years; 56% male) and thyrotoxicosis in 24 (6%) of the patients (65 years; 11 years; 54% male). Increased baseline thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level appeared to be predictive of amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism, in which a thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 4 mIU/L or above was associated with a 4.7-fold increase in the risk (95% confidence interval, 1.9-11.7; P<0.001). Compared with those who remained euthyroid on amiodarone, thyrotoxicosis developed in younger patients. In these patients, the classical symptoms of thyroid dysfunction were frequently absent, although worsening of underlying arrhythmias, their cardiac condition, weight loss, and over-warfarinisation were suggestive of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. In both amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, the disease course was benign. Patients with the former showed a good response to anti-thyroid drugs and steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is common among our population. As the clinical presentations are usually vague and atypical, regular biochemical monitoring of thyroid function is warranted, particularly in patients with elevated baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level. The disease course of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is usually benign and remits with timely administration of anti-thyroid medications, with or without corticosteroids.
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Liu WM, Pang RT, Chiu PC, Wong BP, Lao K, Lee KF, Yeung WS. Zygotic Increase in microRNA-34c Is Required for the First Cleavage Division in Mouse. Biol Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/83.s1.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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80
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Lee KF, Liu WM, Tsang H, Cheung TY, Kodithuwakku SP, Yeung WS, Wong CK. The Endocrine Disruptor TCDD Modulates microRNA Expression in Preimplantation Mouse Embryos and Spheroids Attachment on Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells In Vitro. Biol Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/83.s1.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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81
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Yeung WS, Chiu PC, Lee KF, Wong BS. Glycodelin-A Primes Zona Pellucida-Induced Acrosome Reaction of Human Spermatozoa via Downregulation of Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinases and Enhancement of Zona Pellucida-Induced Calcium Influx. Biol Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/83.s1.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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82
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Gao J, Zuo Y, Yeung WS, Lee KF. Disruption of the Vad1.3 Gene Causes Defective Spermatogenesis and Loss of Preimplantation Embryo. Biol Reprod 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/83.s1.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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83
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Chan SK, Lai PB, Li PT, Wong J, Karmakar MK, Lee KF, Gin T. The analgesic efficacy of continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine after open hepatic surgery. Anaesthesia 2010; 65:1180-6. [PMID: 20958277 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2010.06530.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The analgesic efficacy of continuous local anaesthetic wound instillation after open hepatic surgery was evaluated. Forty-eight patients scheduled for elective liver surgery were assigned to receive either ropivacaine 0.25% or saline infusion at 4 ml.h(-1) for 68 h via two multi-orifice indwelling catheters placed within the musculo-fascial layer before skin closure; plasma ropivacaine concentrations were measured during the infusion. Supplemental analgesia was provided by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine. Patients in the ropivacaine group had decreased mean (SD) total morphine consumption (58 (30) mg vs 86 (44) mg, p = 0.01) and less pain at rest as well as after spirometry at 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forced vital capacity was reduced postoperatively in both groups, but the reduction was greater in the saline group at 12 and 24 h (p = 0.03). The mean plasma concentration of ropivacaine increased to 2.05 (0.78) μg.ml(-1) at the point when the infusion was terminated.
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Shaw JLV, Oliver E, Lee KF, Entrican G, Jabbour HN, Critchley HOD, Horne AW. Cotinine exposure increases Fallopian tube PROKR1 expression via nicotinic AChRalpha-7: a potential mechanism explaining the link between smoking and tubal ectopic pregnancy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:2509-15. [PMID: 20864676 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy; however, its etiology is uncertain. In EP, embryo retention within the Fallopian tube (FT) is thought to be due to impaired smooth muscle contractility (SMC) and alterations in the tubal microenvironment. Smoking is a major risk factor for EP. FTs from women with EP exhibit altered prokineticin receptor-1 (PROKR1) expression, the receptor for prokineticins (PROK). PROK1 is angiogenic, regulates SMC, and is involved in intrauterine implantation. We hypothesized that smoking predisposes women to EP by altering tubal PROKR1 expression. Sera/FT were collected at hysterectomy (n=21). Serum levels of the smoking metabolite, cotinine, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FTs were analyzed by q-RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting for expression of PROKR1 and the predicted cotinine receptor, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α-7 (AChRα-7). FT explants (n=4) and oviductal epithelial cells (cell line OE-E6/E7) were treated with cotinine and an nAChRα-7 antagonist. PROKR1 transcription was higher in FTs from smokers (P<0.01). nAChRα-7 expression was demonstrated in FT epithelium. Cotinine treatment of FT explants and OE-E6/E7 cells increased PROKR1 expression (P<0.05), which was negated by cotreatment with nAChRα-7 antagonist. Smoking targets human FTs via nAChRα-7 to increase tubal PROKR1, leading to alterations in the tubal microenvironment that could predispose to EP.
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Zuo Y, Gao J, Yeung WSB, Lee KF. The testis-specific VAD1.3/AEP1 interacts with β-actin and syntaxin 1 and directs peri-nuclear/Golgi expression with bipartite nucleus localization (BNL) sequence. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 401:275-80. [PMID: 20850414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
VAD1.3 (AEP1), a novel testis-specific gene, was first isolated from the testis of a retinol-treated vitamin-A-deficient (VAD) rat model. It is expressed at the acrosomal region of spermatids from postnatal day 25. VAD1.3 immunoreactivity is present in rat, human, monkey and porcine spermatids and spermatozoa, suggesting that VAD1.3 may play a role in acrosome formation. However, direct evidence on the detailed sub-cellular localization of the VAD1.3 protein in the acrosome and how VAD1.3 is involved in acrosome formation remains largely unknown. Here, we isolated and identified VAD1.3 interacting proteins by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, and determined the functional motifs of VAD1.3 that were important for its specific sub-cellular location in vitro. We found that VAD1.3 bound to syntaxin 1 and β-actin proteins in vitro. Immunogold electron microscopic study localized VAD1.3 immunoreactivity to the acrosome membranes and matrix, and colocalized it with the β-actin protein. The full-length GFP-VAD (1-3601) and GFP-VAD (1-730) fusion proteins that contain the bipartite nucleus localization (BNL) signal were located in the peri-nucleus/Golgi of the transfected cells. In addition, the GFP signal colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum marker and the syntaxin 1 protein in the transfected HeLa and GC-2spd cells. The C-terminal GFP-VAD (1770-3601) was expressed in the nucleus. Taken together, VAD1.3 interacts with β-actin and syntaxin 1 in vitro. The BNL signal may mediate the peri-nuclei localization of the protein that may interact with syntaxin 1 and β-actin for acrosome formation in spermatogenesis.
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Chiu PCN, Wong BST, Lee CL, Lam KKW, Chung MK, Lee KF, Koistinen R, Koistinen H, Gupta SK, Seppälä M, Yeung WSB. Zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa is potentiated by glycodelin-A via down-regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and up-regulation of zona pellucida-induced calcium influx. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:2721-33. [PMID: 20843776 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycodelin-A interacts with spermatozoa before fertilization, but its role in modulating sperm functions is not known. Zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction is crucial to fertilization and its dysfunction is a cause of male infertility. We hypothesized that glycodelin-A, a glycoprotein found in the female reproductive tract, potentiates human spermatozoa for zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction. METHODS Glycodelin isoforms were immunoaffinity purified. The sperm intracellular cAMP concentration, protein kinase-A (PKA) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activities, and intracellular calcium were measured by ELISA, kinase activity assay kits and Fluo-4AM technique, respectively. The phosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate type-1 receptor (IP3R1) mediated by ERK was determined by western blotting. Zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction was detected by Pisum sativum staining. RESULTS Pretreatment of spermatozoa with glycodelin-A significantly up-regulated adenylyl cyclase/PKA activity and down-regulated the activity of ERK and its phosphorylation of IP3R1, thereby enhancing zona pellucida-induced calcium influx and zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction. Glycodelin-F or deglycosylated glycodelin-A did not have these actions. Treatment of spermatozoa with a protein kinase inhibitor abolished the priming activity of glycodelin-A, whilst ERK pathway inhibitors mimic the stimulatory effect of glycodelin-A on zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction. CONCLUSIONS Glycodelin-A in the female reproductive tract sensitizes spermatozoa for zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction in a glycosylation-specific manner through activation of the adenylyl cyclase/PKA pathway, suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and up-regulation of zona pellucida-induced calcium influx. The action of glycodelin-A may be important in vivo to ensure full responsiveness of human spermatozoa to the zona pellucida.
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Yau JSY, Li JKY, Tam VHK, Fung LM, Yeung CK, Chan KW, Lee KM, Lee KF, Cheung WS, Yeung VTF, Yuen YP, Kwan WK. Phaeochromocytoma in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Hong Kong Med J 2010; 16:252-256. [PMID: 20683066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the clinical manifestations of phaeochromocytoma in a Hong Kong Chinese population. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING. Five public hospitals in Hong Kong. PATIENTS Seventeen patients with operated phaeochromocytoma between 1994 and 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Six patients (35%) were men, 11 (65%) were women. The mean age at presentation was 47 (range, 17-72) years. The diagnosis post-presentation was delayed by 1 to 132 months. Over 70% of the patients had hypertension. The most frequent symptoms were headache (53%), palpitations (53%), and sweating (41%); all these symptoms were present in 24% of the patients. Four (24%) had hereditary phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndrome. The sensitivity of 24-hour urinary catecholamine measurements was 82%. Mean urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations were respectively 7- and 8-fold greater than the upper reference limits. Computed tomography and metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy were the most widely used means for tumour localisation (sensitivity, 100% and 87% respectively). Approximately 65% of the patients had intra-adrenal tumours; 53% were on right side, 18% were bilateral. All the patients were prescribed phenoxybenzamine (dosage range, 20-120 mg/day) preoperatively. Two thirds of the patients had improved blood pressure 1 year after the operation. No malignancy was reported after a mean follow-up period of 7 years. CONCLUSION Our series of patients with phaeochromocytomas commonly had a high frequency of normotension and extra-adrenal tumours. A high index of clinical suspicion and appropriate biochemical investigations are necessary to make the diagnosis, especially for patients manifesting adrenal incidentaloma and extra-adrenal lesion.
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88
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Lee CL, Chiu PC, Lam KK, Chan RW, Chu IK, Koistinen R, Koistinen H, Seppälä M, Lee KF, Yeung WS. Glycodelin-A modulates cytokine production of peripheral blood natural killer cells. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:769-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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89
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Lai LH, Chan FKL, Sung JJY, Chan AWH, Lee KF. EUS-guided transduodenal biliary drainage. Gastrointest Endosc 2010; 72:186-7; discussion 187. [PMID: 20430382 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2010.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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90
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Wong VWY, Cheung YS, Wong J, Lee KF, Lai PBS. A community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscess. Hong Kong Med J 2010; 16:227-229. [PMID: 20519761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver abscesses caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are rarely reported. We report such a case in a 25-year-old man who presented with an intermittent fever. He had a history of prolonged antibiotic use for acne and skin abscesses. The liver abscess was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and a prolonged course of linezolid. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscess in Hong Kong, demonstrating the increasing threat posed by this multidrug-resistant organism. This case also suggests that a different epidemiology and route of infection may apply to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscesses in contrast to the more common pyogenic liver abscesses.
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Pang RTK, Leung CON, Ye TM, Liu W, Chiu PCN, Lam KKW, Lee KF, Yeung WSB. MicroRNA-34a suppresses invasion through downregulation of Notch1 and Jagged1 in cervical carcinoma and choriocarcinoma cells. Carcinogenesis 2010; 31:1037-44. [PMID: 20351093 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgq066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of other genes by transcriptional inhibition or translational repression. miR-34a is a known tumor suppressor gene and inhibits abnormal cell growth. However, its role in other tumorigenic processes is not fully known. This study aimed to investigate the action of miR-34a on cell invasion. We found that miR-34a is expressed at various levels in cervical cancer (HeLa, SiHa, C4I, C33a and CaSki) and trophoblast (BeWo and JAR) cell lines. Transient forced expression of miR-34a did not affect the proliferation of these cell lines. Computational miRNA target prediction suggested that Notch1 and Jagged1 were targets of miR-34a. By using functional assays, miR-34a was demonstrated to bind to the 3' untranslated regions of Notch1 and Jagged1. Forced expression of miR-34a altered the expression of Notch1 and Jagged1 protein as well as Notch signaling as shown by the response of Hairy Enhancer of Split-1 protein to these treatments using western blot analysis. Forced expression of miR-34a suppressed the invasiveness of HeLa and JAR cells. By using gamma-secretase inhibitor (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester) that interfered Notch signaling and RNA interference that knockdown Notch1 expression, we confirmed that downregulation of Notch1 reduced the invasiveness of the cells. Transfection of intracellular domain of Notch nullifies the effect of miR-34a on the invasiveness of the cells. Besides, we identified that miR-34a affected cell invasion by regulating expression of urokinase plasminogen activator through Notch. Our results provide evidence that miR-34a inhibits invasiveness through regulation of the Notch pathway and its downstream matrix degrading enzyme.
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Lee KF, Lee YL, Chan RW, Cheong AW, Ng EH, Ho PC, Yeung WS. Up-regulation of endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor but not vascular endothelial growth factor in human ectopic endometriotic tissue. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:1052-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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93
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Liu Y, Kodithuwakku SP, Ng PY, Chai J, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Ho PC, Lee KF. Excessive ovarian stimulation up-regulates the Wnt-signaling molecule DKK1 in human endometrium and may affect implantation: an in vitro co-culture study. Hum Reprod 2009; 25:479-90. [PMID: 19955106 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High serum estradiol (E2) levels following ovarian stimulation lead to reduced implantation and pregnancy rates, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated if aberrant expression of genes in the Wnt-signaling pathway may be involved. METHODS Microarray and real-time PCR analysis were performed to analyze gene expression profiles of endometrial samples taken at day hCG + 7 in stimulated cycles, and days LH + 7 and LH + 10 in natural cycles. Expression of several Wnt-signaling transcripts, including Dickkopf homolog 1 (DKK1), DKK2 and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4), was analyzed throughout the menstrual cycle. JAr spheroid/Ishikawa endometrial cell co-culture experiments were established to study effects of DKK1 on spheroid attachment in vitro. RESULTS We identified 351 differentially expressed genes. Endometrial samples taken at hCG + 7 had similar expression profiles to those at LH + 10. DKK1 transcripts were up-regulated and DKK2 and sFRP4 were down-regulated in the stimulated compared with LH + 7 group (all P < 0.05). DKK1 transcripts were low in proliferative phase (PS) and increased in late-secretory phase (LS, P < 0.05), although DKK2 peaked in mid-secretory phase (P < 0.05). sFRP4 transcripts were high in PS. Treatment of spheroid with recombinant human DKK-1 protein dose-dependently suppressed (P < 0.05 versus control) spheroids attachment onto endometrial cells (associated with decreased beta-catenin protein): this suppression was nullified by anti-DKK1 antibody. CONCLUSION Gene expression patterns in stimulated cycles resembled those of LS in natural cycles, when the implantation window is about to close, suggesting high serum E2 and/or progesterone concentrations may advance endometrial development, altering the implantation window and possibly decreasing pregnancy rate. Aberrant expression of DKK1 might impair embryo attachment and implantation in vivo.
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Chow WN, Lee YL, Wong PC, Chung MK, Lee KF, Yeung WSB. Complement 3 deficiency impairs early pregnancy in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:647-55. [PMID: 19205046 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Human oviductal cells produce complement-3 (C3) and its derivative, iC3b. These molecules are important in immune responses. Our recent study suggested that iC3b also possessed embryotrophic activity and it stimulates the blastulation and hatching rates of in vitro cultured mouse embryos. The objective is to study the impact of C3 deficiency on early pregnancy in vivo using homozygous C3-deficient (C3KO) and wild-type (C3WT) mice. C3 protein was undetectable in the reproductive tissues of C3KO mice. Deficiency in C3 is associated with significantly longer estrous cycle (P = 0.037). No significant difference was found in the ovulation rate, total cell count in blastocysts and implantation rate between the wild-type and the C3KO mice, though C3KO mice tended to have lower values in the latter two parameters. On day 15 of pregnancy, C3KO mice had fewer conceptus (P < 0.001) and higher resorption rate (P < 0.001) than that of C3WT mice. The fetal and placental weights (P < 0.001) were lower in the C3KO mice. The placenta of C3KO mice had smaller spongiotrophoblast (P = 0.001) and labyrinth (P = 0.037). Deficiency in C3 is associated with mild impairment in early pregnancy including longer estrous cycle and higher resorption rates after implantation. The impairment may be related to compromised placental development leading to under-developed fetuses.
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Shi YQ, Li YC, Hu XQ, Liu T, Liao SY, Guo J, Huang L, Hu ZY, Tang AYB, Lee KF, Yeung WSB, Han CS, Liu YX. Male germ cell-specific protein Trs4 binds to multiple proteins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 388:583-8. [PMID: 19706271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Temperature-related sequence 4 (Trs4) has been identified as a testis-specific gene with expression sensitive to the abdominal temperature changes induced by artificial cryptorchidism. In murine testes, Trs4 mRNA was detected in round spermatids and its protein was localized mainly in the elongating spermatids as well as in the acrosomes and tails of mature spermatozoa. Using a yeast two-hybrid screening system, we identified Rshl-2, Gstmu1, and Ddc8 as putative binding partners of the Trs4 protein in mouse testes. Their interactions were confirmed by in vivo and in vitro binding assays. Further studies demonstrated that Ddc8, a newly identified gene with unknown functions, displayed a similar expression pattern with Trs4 in mouse testes. In particular, Trs4, Ddc8, and Rshl-2 proteins were co-localized to the tails of mature spermatozoa. These results suggested that Trs4 might be involved in diverse processes of spermiogenesis and/or fertilization through interactions with its multiple binding partners.
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Chung MK, Chiu PCN, Lee CL, Pang RTK, Ng EHY, Lee KF, Koistinen R, Koistinen H, Seppala M, Yeung WSB. Cumulus-associated alpha2-macroglobulin derivative retains proconceptive glycodelin-C in the human cumulus matrix. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:2856-67. [PMID: 19625311 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycodelin-C is a glycodelin isoform isolated from the cumulus matrix. It stimulates spermatozoa-zona pellucida binding. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel glycodelin interacting protein (GIP) from human cumulus matrix. METHODS GIP was purified by liquid chromatograph and identified by mass spectrometry. The interaction of GIP with glycodelin, matrix molecule and spermatozoa were investigated. RESULTS Mass spectrometry analysis suggested that GIP contained the N-terminal region of alpha2-macroglobulin, confirmed by western blot with anti-alpha2-macroglobulin antibody. GIP bound to native but not deglycosylated glycodelin-C in native gel electrophoresis, suggesting that the binding was glycosylation-dependent. GIP did not bind to capacitated and uncapacitated human spermatozoa. The cumulus cells could convert exogenous labeled alpha2-macroglobulin into GIP in vitro. GIP interacted with hyaluronic acid, a major component of the cumulus matrix. Glycodelin-C bound to hyaluronic acid-coated agarose beads in the presence of GIP. Human spermatozoa acquired the hyaluronic acid-GIP-bound glycodelin-C during incubation in vitro. CONCLUSION The hyaluronic acid-GIP complex formed in the cumulus matrix retains and concentrates glycodelin-C in the cumulus matrix for displacing sperm-bound glycodelin-A and -F and stimulating the zona binding activity of the spermatozoa traversing through the cumulus mass.
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Abstract
Fertilization and development of mouse embryos occur in the oviduct. Accumulating data suggested that embryo-maternal communication exists in the preimplantation period, with the female reproductive tract providing the optimal microenvironment conducive to the development of embryos. Signals produced from the developing embryos not only affect their own transport in the oviduct, but the physiology and gene expression patterns of the oviduct. As a step towards understanding the action of embryos on oviductal physiology, both genomics and proteomics approaches are being used to unveil the underlying mechanism of embryo-maternal interaction at the preimplantation stage. Results from recent studies allow us to better understand the roles and the use of oviductal secretory proteins or factors that affect embryo development in vivo and in vitro. It has been shown that in vitro culture alters gene expression of the cultured embryos and may predispose the embryo to certain disease. Therefore, the interaction between gamete/embryo and oviduct in vitro and in vivo, and the long-term effects of embryo culture on foetal development warrant further investigation.
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Lee KF, Lee YL, Cheong AW, Yeung WS. Roles of Oviductal Proteins on Preimplantation Embryo Development. Kai-Fai Lee, Ph.D. Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Cheong A, Lee YL, Yeung WS, Lee KF. Paracrine Regulation of the Production of Embryotrophic Oviductal Complement Component-3 and the Expression of Embryonic Complement Receptor-3 in a Human Oviductal Cells-Mouse Embryo Coculture System. Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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100
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Lee YL, Chan YL, Chow WN, Ng EHY, Lee KF, Yeung WS, Ho PC. Endocrine gland–derived vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates proliferation and tube formation in human uterine microvascular endothelial cell through the mitogen-activated protein kinase but not through the Akt pathway. Fertil Steril 2009; 91:2163-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2007] [Revised: 03/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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