Mancozeb-induced cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes: enhanced generation of reactive species, hemoglobin oxidation, diminished antioxidant power, membrane damage and morphological changes

Mancozeb is an ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate fungicide extensively used in agriculture to safeguard crops from various fungal diseases. The general population is exposed to mancozeb through consumption of contaminated food or water. Here, we have investigated the effect of mancozeb on isolated human erythrocytes under in vitro conditions. Erythrocytes were treated with different concentrations of mancozeb (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 μM) and incubated for 24 h at 37 °C. Analysis of biochemical parameters and cell morphology showed dose-dependent toxicity of mancozeb in human erythrocytes. Mancozeb treatment caused hemoglobin oxidation and heme degradation. Protein and lipid oxidation were enhanced, while a significant decrease was seen in reduced glutathione and total sulfhydryl content. A significant increase in the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species was detected in mancozeb-treated erythrocytes. The antioxidant capacity and the activity of key antioxidant enzymes were greatly diminished, while crucial metabolic pathways were inhibited in erythrocytes. Damage to the erythrocyte membrane on mancozeb treatment was apparent from increased cell lysis and osmotic fragility, along with the impairment of the plasma membrane redox system. Mancozeb also caused morphological alterations and transformed the normal discoid-shaped erythrocytes into echinocytes and stomatocytes. Thus, mancozeb induces oxidative stress in human erythrocytes, impairs the antioxidant defense system, oxidizes cellular components, that will adversely affect erythrocyte structure and function.

Evaluation of single and combined effects of mancozeb and metalaxyl on the transcriptional and biochemical response of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Mancozeb and metalaxyl are fungicidal agents frequently used in combination to control fungi in crops that may affect non-target organisms when entering ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate the environmental effects of Mancozeb (MAN) and Metalaxyl (MET), alone and in combination, on zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an experimental model. The oxidative stress biomarkers and the transcription of genes involved in detoxification in zebrafish (Danio rerio) were assessed after co-exposure to MAN (0, 5.5, and 11 μg L^-1) and MET (0, 6.5, and 13 mg L^-1) for 21 days. Exposure to MAN and MET induced a significant increase in the expression of genes related to detoxification mechanisms (Ces2, Cyp1a, and Mt2). Although Mt1 gene expression increased in fish exposed to 11 μg L^-1 of MAN combined with 13 mg L^-1 of MET, Mt1 expression was down-regulated significantly in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The combined exposure to both fungicides showed synergistic effects in the expression levels that are manifested mainly at the highest concentration. Although a significant (p < 0.05) increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transaminases (AST and ALT), catalase activities, the total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the hepatocytes of fish exposed to MAN and MET alone and in combination was detected, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, and hepatic glycogen content decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Overall, these results emphasize that combined exposure to MET and MAN can synergistically affect the transcription of genes involved in detoxification (except Mt1 and Mt2) and biochemical indicators in zebrafish.

Current progress on in vitro differentiation of ovarian follicles from pluripotent stem cells

Mammalian female reproduction requires a functional ovary. Competence of the ovary is determined by the quality of its basic unit-ovarian follicles. A normal follicle consists of an oocyte enclosed within ovarian follicular cells. In humans and mice, the ovarian follicles are formed at the foetal and the early neonatal stage respectively, and their renewal at the adult stage is controversial. Extensive research emerges recently to produce ovarian follicles in-vitro from different species. Previous reports demonstrated the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into germline cells, termed primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). The germ cell-specific gene expressions and epigenetic features including global DNA demethylation and histone modifications of the pluripotent stem cells-derived PGCLCs were extensively characterized. The PGCLCs hold potential for forming ovarian follicles or organoids upon cocultured with ovarian somatic cells. Intriguingly, the oocytes isolated from the organoids could be fertilized in-vitro. Based on the knowledge of in-vivo derived pre-granulosa cells, the generation of these cells from pluripotent stem cells termed foetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells was also reported recently. Despite successful in-vitro folliculogenesis from pluripotent stem cells, the efficiency remains low, mainly due to the lack of information on the interaction between PGCLCs and pre-granulosa cells. The establishment of in-vitro pluripotent stem cell-based models paves the way for understanding the critical signalling pathways and molecules during folliculogenesis. This article aims to review the developmental events during in-vivo follicular development and discuss the current progress of generation of PGCLCs, pre-granulosa and theca cells in-vitro.

Human embryoids: A new strategy of recreating the first steps of embryonic development in vitro

Molecular mechanisms surrounding early human embryonic events such as blastocyst formation, implantation, and the specification of the body axes are some of the most attractive research questions of developmental biology today. A knowledge on the detailed signaling landscape underlying these critical events in the human could impact the way we treat early pregnancy disorders and infertility, and considerably advance our abilities to make precise human tissues in a lab. However, owing to ethical, technical, and policy restrictions, research on early human embryo development historically stalled behind animal models. The rapid progress in 3D culture of human embryonic stem cells over the past years created an opportunity to overcome this critical challenge. We review recently developed strategies of making 3D models of the human embryo built from embryonic stem cells, which we refer to as embryoids. We focus on models aimed at reconstituting the 3D epithelial characteristics of the early human embryo, namely the intra/extraembryonic signaling crosstalk, tissue polarity, and embryonic cavities. We identify distinct classes of embryoids based on whether they explicitly include extraembryonic tissues and we argue for the merit of compromising on certain aspects of embryo mimicry in balancing the experimental feasibility with ethical considerations. Human embryoids open gates toward a new field of synthetic human embryology, allowing to study the long inaccessible stages of early human development at unprecedented detail.

Pregnancy outcomes and neonatal thyroid function in women with thyroid cancer: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Evidence regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with thyroid cancer has been conflicting, and the effect of thyroid dysfunction caused by thyroid hormone suppression therapy in terms of neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether thyroid cancer was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and had an adverse effect on neonatal thyroid function.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 212 singleton pregnancies with thyroid cancer and 35,641 controls without thyroid cancer. Data on maternal pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median TSH level in the thyroid cancer group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.87 µIU/mL vs. 1.17 µIU/mL; P < 0.001), while the FT4 level was higher than that in the control group (17.16 pmol/L vs. 16.33 pmol/L; P < 0.001). The percentage of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) positive in the thyroid cancer group was significantly higher than that in the control group (25.0% vs. 11.8%; P < 0.001). Pregnancies with thyroid cancer had a higher risk of late miscarriage (OR 7.166, 95% CI: 1.521, 33.775, P = 0.013), after adjusting maternal TPOAb positive, there was no statistical significance (OR 3.480, 95% CI: 0.423, 28.614, P = 0.246). Pregnancies with thyroid cancer had higher gestational weight gain (GWG) (14.0 kg vs. 13.0 kg, P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (20.8% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.194), the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed that fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour value in the thyroid cancer group were higher than those in the control group (P = 0.020 and 0.004, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in TSH between the thyroid cancer group and the control group, regardless of full-term newborns or preterm newborns.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid cancer might not have substantial adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes except for excessive GWG. No adverse effect on neonatal TSH was found, but the effect on long-term thyroid function and neuropsychological function in offspring need further study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Beijing Birth Cohort Study (ChiCTR220058395).

Spermidine Retarded the Senescence of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro and In Vivo through SIRT3-Mediated Antioxidation

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) expand in vitro and undergo replicative senescence, thereby restricting their clinical utilization. Thus, an effective strategy is required to impede MSC senescence. Since spermidine (SPD) supplementation can prolong the lifespan of yeast by inhibiting oxidative stress, spermidine is a potential option for delaying MSC senescence. In this study, to test our hypothesis, we first isolated primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs). Subsequently, the appropriate SPD dose was administered during continuous cell cultivation. Next, we evaluated the antisenescence effects by SA-β-gal staining, Ki67 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, adipogenic or osteogenic ability, senescence-associated markers, and DNA damage markers. The results revealed that early SPD intervention significantly delays the replicative senescence of hUCMSCs and constrains premature H₂O₂-induced senescence. Additionally, by silencing SIRT3, the SPD-mediated antisenescence effects disappear, further demonstrating that SIRT3 is necessary for SPD to exert its antisenescence effects on hUCMSCs. Besides, the findings of this study also suggest that SPD in vivo protects MSCs against oxidative stress and delays cell senescence. Thus, MSCs maintain the ability to proliferate and differentiate efficiently in vitro and in vivo, which reflects the potential clinical utilization of MSCs in the future.

Establishing extended pluripotent stem cells from human urine cells

BACKGROUND

Extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) can contribute to both embryonic and trophectoderm-derived extraembryonic tissues. Therefore, EPSCs have great application significance for both research and industry. However, generating EPSCs from human somatic cells remains inefficient and cumbersome.

RESULTS

In this study, we established a novel and robust EPSCs culture medium OCM175 with defined and optimized ingredients. Our OCM175 medium contains optimized concentration of L-selenium-methylcysteine as a source of selenium and ROCK inhibitors to maintain the single cell passaging ability of pluripotent stem cells. We also used Matrigel or the combination of laminin 511 and laminin 521(1:1) to bypass the requirement of feeder cells. With OCM175 medium, we successfully converted integration-free iPSCs from easily available human Urine-Derived Cells (hUC-iPSCs) into EPSCs (O-IPSCs). We showed that our O-IPSCs have the ability to form both intra- and extra- embryonic chimerism, and could contribute to the trophoblast ectoderm lineage and three germ layer cell lineages.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our novel OCM175 culture medium has defined, optimized ingredients, which enables efficient generation of EPSCs in a feeder free manner. With the robust chimeric and differentiation potential, we believe that this system provides a solid basis to improve the application of EPSCs in regenerative medicine.

Recapitulating porcine cardiac development in vitro: from expanded potential stem cell to embryo culture models

Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) share many genetic, anatomical, and physiological traits with humans and therefore constitute an excellent preclinical animal model. Fundamental understanding of the cellular and molecular processes governing early porcine cardiogenesis is critical for developing advanced porcine models used for the study of heart diseases and new regenerative therapies. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of porcine cardiogenesis based on fetal porcine hearts at various developmental stages and cardiac cells derived from porcine expanded pluripotent stem cells (pEPSCs), i.e., stem cells having the potential to give rise to both embryonic and extraembryonic tissue. We notably demonstrate for the first time that pEPSCs can differentiate into cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs), functional cardiomyocytes (CMs), epicardial cells and epicardial-derived cells (EPDCs) in vitro. Furthermore, we present an enhanced system for whole-embryo culture which allows continuous ex utero development of porcine post-implantation embryos from the cardiac crescent stage (ED14) up to the cardiac looping (ED17) stage. These new techniques provide a versatile platform for studying porcine cardiac development and disease modeling.

Ultrastructural Evaluation of Mouse Oocytes Exposed In Vitro to Different Concentrations of the Fungicide Mancozeb

Mancozeb is a widely used fungicide, considered to be an endocrine disruptor. In vivo and in vitro studies evidenced its reproductive toxicity on mouse oocytes by altering spindle morphology, impairing oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation. Mancozeb also induces dose-dependent toxicity on the ultrastructure of mouse granulosa cells, including chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, and vacuolization. We evaluated the effects on the ultrastructure of mouse oocytes isolated from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of mancozeb. COCs were matured in vitro with or without (control) low fungicide concentrations (0.001-1 μg/mL). All mature oocytes were collected and prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed a preserved ultrastructure at the lowest doses (0.001-0.01 μg/mL), with evident clusters of round-to-ovoid mitochondria, visible electron-dense round cortical granules, and thin microvilli. Mancozeb concentration of 1 μg/mL affected organelle density concerning controls, with a reduction of mitochondria, appearing moderately vacuolated, cortical granules, and microvilli, short and less abundant. In summary, ultrastructural data revealed changes mainly at the highest concentration of mancozeb on mouse oocytes. This could be responsible for the previously described impaired capability in oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation, demonstrating its impact on the reproductive health and fertility.

Environmental pollutants exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus: Evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies

Except for known sociodemographic factors, long-term exposure to environmental pollutants has been shown to contribute to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the conclusions remain controversial. To provide a comprehensive overview of the association between environmental pollutants and GDM, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Several electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline and Cochrane) were searched for related epidemiological and experimental studies up to September 2022. For epidemiological studies, a meta-analysis was carried out to appraise the effect of environmental pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phenols, phthalates (PAEs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and parabens exposure on GDM. Moreover, we also summarized possible biological mechanisms linking pollution exposure and GDM based on the included experimental studies. A total of 80 articles were enrolled, including 38 epidemiological studies and 42 experimental studies. Meta-analysis results showed that exposure to PAEs [OR (95%CI) = 1.07 (1.00, 1.14)], PFASs [OR (95%CI) = 1.10 (1.01, 1.19)], as well as PCBs [OR (95%CI) = 1.18 (1.02, 1.36)] and PBDEs [OR (95%CI) = 1.33 (1.17, 1.50)] significantly increased the risk of GDM, but no significant effects were found for phenols, OCPs, and parabens. In addition, experimental studies suggested that the potential biological mechanisms of environmental pollutants contributing to GDM may involve insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, neurohormonal dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetic modification, and alterations in gut microbiome. In conclusion, long-term environmental pollutants exposure may induce the development of GDM, and there may be a synergistic effect between the homologs. However, studies conducted on the direct biological link between environmental pollutants and GDM were few. More prospective studies and high-quality in vivo and in vitro experiments were needed to investigate the specific effects and mechanisms.

Review: Progress in producing chimeric ungulate livestock for agricultural applications

The progress made in recent years in the derivation and culture of pluripotent stem cells from farm animals opens up the possibility of creating livestock chimeras. Chimeras producing gametes exclusively derived from elite donor stem cells could pass superior genetics on to the next generation and thereby reduce the genetic lag that typically exists between the elite breeding sector and the commercial production sector, especially for industries like beef and sheep where genetics is commonly disseminated through natural service mating. Chimeras carrying germ cells generated from genome-edited or genetically engineered pluripotent stem cells could further disseminate useful genomic alterations such as climate adaptation, animal welfare improvements, the repair of deleterious genetic conditions, and/or the elimination of undesired traits such as disease susceptibility to the next generation. Despite the successful production of chimeras with germ cells generated from pluripotent donor stem cells injected into preimplantation-stage blastocysts in model species, there are no documented cases of this occurring in livestock. Here, we review the literature on the derivation of pluripotent stem cells from ungulates, and progress in the production of chimeric ungulate livestock for agricultural applications, drawing on insights from studies done in model species, and discuss future possibilities of this fast-moving and developing field. Aside from the technical aspects, the consistency of the regulatory approach taken by different jurisdictions towards chimeric ungulate livestock with germ cells generated from pluripotent stem cells and their progeny will be an important determinant of breeding industry uptake and adoption in animal agriculture.

Review: Embryonic stem cells as tools for in vitro gamete production in livestock

The goal of in vitro gametogenesis is to reproduce the events of sperm and oocyte development in the laboratory. Significant advances have been made in the mouse in the last decade, but evolutionary divergence from the murine developmental program has prevented the replication of these advances in large mammals. In recent years, intensive work has been done in humans, non-human primates and livestock to elucidate species-specific differences that regulate germ cell development, due to the number of potential applications. One of the most promising applications is the use of in vitro gametes to optimize the spread of elite genetics in cattle. In this context, embryonic stem cells have been posed as excellent candidates for germ cell platforms. Here, we present the most relevant advances in in vitro gametogenesis of interest to livestock science, including new types of pluripotent stem cells with potential for germline derivation, characterization of the signaling environment in the gonadal niche, and experimental systems used to reproduce different stages of germ cell development in the laboratory.

Review: A barnyard in the lab: prospect of generating animal germ cells for breeding and conservation

In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) offers broad opportunities for gaining detailed new mechanistic knowledge of germ cell biology that will enable progress in the understanding of human infertility, as well as for applications in the conservation of endangered species and for accelerating genetic selection of livestock. The realisation of this potential depends on overcoming key technical challenges and of gaining more detailed knowledge of the ontogeny and developmental programme in different species. Important differences in the molecular mechanisms of germ cell determination and epigenetic reprogramming between mice and other animals have been elucidated in recent years. These must be carefully considered when developing IVG protocols, as cellular kinetics in mice may not accurately reflect mechanisms in other mammals. Similarly, diverse stem cell models with potential for germ cell differentiation may reflect alternative routes to successful IVG. In conclusion, the fidelity of the developmental programme recapitulated during IVG must be assessed against reference information from each species to ensure the production of healthy animals using these methods, as well as for developing genuine models of gametogenesis.

Low complement levels are related to poor obstetric outcomes in women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. The EUROAPS Registry Study Group

INTRODUCTION

Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) is an autoimmune disease related to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with primaryinflammatory injury followed by clot cascade activation and thrombus formation. Complement system activation and their participation in aPL-related thrombosis is unclosed.

METHODS

We haveanalysed adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) related to low complement (LC) levels in a cohort of 1048 women fulfilling classification criteria for OAPS.

RESULTS

Overall, 223 (21.3%) women presented LC values, during pregnancy. The length of pregnancy was shorter in OAPS women with LC compared to those with normal complement (NC) (median: 33 weeks, interquartile range: [24-38] vs. 35 weeks [27-38]; p = 0.022). Life new-born incidence was higher in patients with NC levels than in those with LC levels (74.4% vs. 67.7%; p = 0.045). Foetal losses were more related to women with triple or double aPL positivity carrying LC than NC values (16.3% vs. 8.0% NC; p = 0.027). Finally, some placental vasculopathies were affected in OAPS patients with LC as late Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR >34 weeks) rise to 7.2% in women with LC vs. 3.2% with NC (p = 0.007).

DISCUSSION

Data from our registry indicate that incidence of APO was higher in OAPS women with LC levels and some could be reverted by the correct treatment.

Prediction of Early- and Late-Onset Pre-Eclampsia in the Preclinical Stage via Placenta-Specific Extracellular miRNA Profiling

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the severe complications of pregnancy in 3-8% of all cases and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality. The fundamental role in the pathogenesis of PE is assigned to maternal and/or placental factors, whereby the combination and manifestation of which determines the time of onset of the clinical symptoms of PE (before or after 34 weeks of gestation) and their severity. It is known that the expression level of miRNAs, the regulators of signaling cascades in the cell, depends on gestational age. In the present study, we focused on the identification of the placenta-specific miRNAs that differentiate between early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia (ePE and lPE) throughout pregnancy, from the first to the third trimester. A total of 67 patients were analyzed using small RNA deep sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR, which resulted in a core list of miRNAs (let-7b-5p, let-7d-3p, let-7f-5p, let-7i-5p, miR-22-5p, miR-451a, miR-1246, miR-30e-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-1307-3p, and miR-320e), which in certain combinations can predict ePE or lPE with 100% sensitivity and 84-100% specificity in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. According to the literature data, these miRNA predictors of PE control trophoblast proliferation, invasion, migration, syncytialization, the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response, immune tolerance, angiogenesis, and vascular integrity. The simultaneous detection of let-7d-3p, miR-451a, and miR-1307-3p, resistant to the repeated freezing/thawing of blood serum samples, in combination with biochemical (b-hCG and PAPP-A) and ultrasound (UAPI) parameters, allowed us to develop a universal model for the prediction of ePE and lPE onset (FPR = 15.7% and FNR = 9.5%), which was validated using a test cohort of 48 patients and demonstrated false-positive results in 26.7% of cases and false negatives in 5.6% of cases. For comparison, the use of the generally accepted Astraia program in the analysis of the test cohort of patients led to worse results: FPR = 62.1% and FNR = 33.3%.

Induction and application of human naive pluripotency

Over the past few decades, many attempts have been made to capture different states of pluripotency in vitro. Naive and primed pluripotent stem cells, corresponding to the pluripotency states of pre- and post-implantation epiblasts, respectively, have been well characterized in mice and can be interconverted in vitro. Here, we summarize the recently reported strategies to generate human naive pluripotent stem cells in vitro. We discuss their applications in studies of regulatory mechanisms involved in early developmental processes, including identification of molecular features, X chromosome inactivation modeling, transposable elements regulation, metabolic characteristics, and cell fate regulation, as well as potential for extraembryonic differentiation and blastoid construction for embryogenesis modeling. We further discuss the naive pluripotency-related research, including 8C-like cell establishment and disease modeling. We also highlight limitations of current naive pluripotency studies, such as imperfect culture conditions and inadequate responsiveness to differentiation signals.

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and epigenetic regulation of ET-1 gene in endothelial cells

Introduction: Hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction and the subsequent increase of oxidative stress could lead to aberrant regulation of various genes which are responsible for a range of functions. This study aims to find out how hyperglycemia affect oxidative stress and then the expression and methylation of endothelin 1 (ET-1) gene in in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Methods: Cells were cultured in growth medium and exposed to low and high glucose concentrations to mimic normal and diabetic condition respectively. Computational analysis were performed using UCSC genome browser and eukaryotic promoter database (EPD). The expression of ET-1 gene was investigated by real time PCR. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were determined by MTT and DCFH-DA assays respectively. Promoter methylation was assessed by the bisulfite sequencing method. Results: DCFH-DA assay showed that hyperglycemia can significantly increase the regulation of reactive oxygen species synthesis. The relative expression of ET-1 gene was increased due to exposure to high glucose concentration. MTT assay revealed reduced viability of cells due to the glucose induced damage. Methylation analysis revealed hypomethylation of the promoter of ET-1 however the difference was not significant. Out of 175 CpGs at 25 CpG sites, only 36 CpGs were methylated (20.5% methylation) in cell treated with normal glucose. Upon exposure to high glucose only 30 CpGs were methylated in 175 CpGs at 25 CpG sites (17.1% methylation). Discussion: Our study concludes a significantly high expression of ET-1 gene in response to high glucose exposure in HUVECs. It also reports that hyperglycemic condition leads to elevated oxidative stress. No significant change was found in methylation when cells were treated with high and low glucose concentrations.

Sperm selection by the oviduct: perspectives for male fertility and assisted reproductive technologies†

The contribution of sperm to embryogenesis is gaining attention with up to 50% of infertility cases being attributed to a paternal factor. The traditional methods used in assisted reproductive technologies for selecting and assessing sperm quality are mainly based on motility and viability parameters. However, other sperm characteristics, including deoxyribonucleic acid integrity, have major consequences for successful live birth. In natural reproduction, sperm navigate the male and female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg. During transport, sperm encounter many obstacles that dramatically reduce the number arriving at the fertilization site. In humans, the number of sperm is reduced from tens of millions in the ejaculate to hundreds in the Fallopian tube (oviduct). Whether this sperm population has higher fertilization potential is not fully understood, but several studies in animals indicate that many defective sperm do not advance to the site of fertilization. Moreover, the oviduct plays a key role in fertility by modulating sperm transport, viability, and maturation, providing sperm that are ready to fertilize at the appropriate time. Here we present evidence of sperm selection by the oviduct with emphasis on the mechanisms of selection and the sperm characteristics selected. Considering the sperm parameters that are essential for healthy embryonic development, we discuss the use of novel in vitro sperm selection methods that mimic physiological conditions. We propose that insight gained from understanding how the oviduct selects sperm can be translated to assisted reproductive technologies to yield high fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy rates.

Exploitation of In Vivo-Emulated In Vitro System in Advanced Food Science

Reasonable model construction contributes to the accuracy of experimental results. Multiple in vivo models offer reliable choices for effective evaluation, whereas their applications are hampered due to adverse features including high time-consumption, high cost and ethical contradictions. In vivo-emulated in vitro systems (IVE systems) have experienced rapid development and have been brought into food science for about two decades. IVE systems' flexibly gathers the strengths of in vitro and in vivo models into one, reflecting the results in an efficient, systematic and interacted manner. In this review, we comprehensively reviewed the current research progress of IVE systems based on the literature published in the recent two decades. By categorizing the IVE systems into 2D coculture models, spheroids and organoids, their applications were systematically summarized and typically exemplified. The pros and cons of IVE systems were also thoroughly discussed, drawing attention to present challenges and inspiring potential orientation and future perspectives. The wide applicability and multiple possibilities suggest IVE systems as an effective and persuasive platform in the future of advanced food science.

Crotonylation of GAPDH regulates human embryonic stem cell endodermal lineage differentiation and metabolic switch

BACKGROUND

Post-translational modifications of proteins are crucial to the regulation of their activity and function. As a newly discovered acylation modification, crotonylation of non-histone proteins remains largely unexplored, particularly in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

METHODS

We investigated the role of crotonylation in hESC differentiation by introduce crotonate into the culture medium of GFP tagged LTR7 primed H9 cell and extended pluripotent stem cell lines. RNA-seq assay was used to determine the hESC transcriptional features. Through morphological changes, qPCR of pluripotent and germ layer-specific gene markers and flow cytometry analysis, we determined that the induced crotonylation resulted in hESC differentiating into the endodermal lineage. We performed targeted metabolomic analysis and seahorse metabolic measurement to investigate the metabolism features after crotonate induction. Then high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed the target proteins in hESCs. In addition, the role of crotonylated glycolytic enzymes (GAPDH and ENOA) was evaluated by in vitro crotonylation and enzymatic activity assays. Finally, we used knocked-down hESCs by shRNA, wild GAPDH and GAPDH mutants to explore potential role of GAPDH crotonylation in regulating human embryonic stem cell differentiation and metabolic switch.

RESULT

We found that induced crotonylation in hESCs resulted in hESCs of different pluripotency states differentiating into the endodermal lineage. Increased protein crotonylation in hESCs was accompanied by transcriptomic shifts and decreased glycolysis. Large-scale crotonylation profiling of non-histone proteins revealed that metabolic enzymes were major targets of inducible crotonylation in hESCs. We further discovered GAPDH as a key glycolytic enzyme regulated by crotonylation during endodermal differentiation from hESCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Crotonylation of GAPDH decreased its enzymatic activity thereby leading to reduced glycolysis during endodermal differentiation from hESCs.

Complex mixtures of pesticides and metabolites modulate the malignant phenotype of murine melanoma B16-F1 cells

Pesticides use increased worldwide with a record in Brazil. Although several works addressed the effects of pesticides on living organisms, only a few considered their mixture, and even fewer tried to unravel their role in tumoral progression. Due to the relevance of cancer, in the present study, the effects of the mixture of pesticides widely used in Brazil (Glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Mancozeb, Atrazine, Acephate, and Paraquat) and their main metabolites (Aminomethylphosphonic Acid, 2,4-diclorophenol, Ethylenethiourea, Desethylatrazine, Methamidophos, and Paraquat) were investigated on the malignancy phenotype of murine melanoma B16-F1 cells after acute (24 h) and chronic (15 days) exposures. The tested concentrations were based on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value established by Brazilian legislation. The set of results showed that these chemicals modulate important parameters of tumor progression, affecting the expression of genes related to tumor aggressiveness (Mmp14 and Cd44) and multidrug resistance (Abcb1, Abcc1, and Abcc4), as well as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (Timp1, Timp2, and Timp3). These findings revealed an absence of cytotoxicity but showed modulation of migration, invasion, and colonization capacity of B16-F1 cells. Together, the results point to some negative ways that exposure to pesticides can affect the progression of melanoma and raise a concern related to the increasing trend in pesticide use in Brazil, as the country is one of the major world food suppliers.

Expanded Potential Stem Cells from Human Embryos Have an Open Chromatin Configuration with Enhanced Trophoblast Differentiation Ability

Human expanded potential stem cells (hEPSC) have been derived from human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Here direct derivation of hEPSC from human pre-implantation embryos is reported. Like the reported hEPSC, the embryo-derived hEPSC (hEPSC-em) exhibit a transcriptome similar to morula, comparable differentiation potency, and high genome editing efficiency. Interestingly, the hEPSC-em show a unique H3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) open chromatin conformation; they possess a higher proportion of H3K4me3 bound broad domain (>5 kb) than the reported hEPSC, naive, and primed embryonic stem cells. The open conformation is associated with enhanced trophoblast differentiation potency with increased trophoblast gene expression upon induction of differentiation and success in derivation of trophoblast stem cells with bona fide characteristics. Hippo signaling is specifically enriched in the H3K4me3 broad domains of the hEPSC-. Knockout of the Hippo signaling gene, YAP1 abolishes the ability of the embryo-derived EPSC to form trophoblast stem cells.

Changes in the gut microbiota of rats after exposure to the fungicide Mancozeb

Mancozeb is a fungicide commonly used in pest control programs, especially to protect vineyards. Its toxicity has already been evidenced in several studies. However, its influence on the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota remains unknown. In this work, the adverse impact of Mancozeb on the intestinal microbiota was investigated using a rodent model. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: Control (standard diet), MZ1 (Mancozeb dose: 250 mg/kg bw/day), and MZ2 (Mancozeb dose: 500 mg/kg bw/day). After 12 weeks of experiment, animals were euthanized, and feces present in the intestine were collected. After fecal DNA extraction, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified followed by sequencing in an Ion S5™ System. Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed significant differences between Control and Mancozeb groups (MZ1 e MZ2), but no difference between MZ1 and MZ2 was observed. Seven genera significantly increased in abundance following Mancozeb exposure, while five genera decreased. Co-occurrence analyses revealed that the topological properties of the microbial networks, which can be used to infer co-occurrence interaction patterns among microorganisms, were significantly lower in both groups exposed to Mancozeb when compared to Control. In addition, 23 differentially abundant microbial metabolic pathways were identified in Mancozeb-treated groups mainly related to a change in energy metabolism, LPS biosynthesis, and nucleotide biosynthesis. In conclusion, the exposure to Mancozeb presented side effects by changing the composition of the microbiota in rats, increasing bacterial diversity regardless of the dose used, reducing the interaction patterns of the microbial communities, and changing microbial metabolic pathways.

Temperature-induced embryonic diapause in chickens is mediated by PKC-NF-κB-IRF1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Embryonic diapause (dormancy) is a state of temporary arrest of embryonic development that is triggered by unfavorable conditions and serves as an evolutionary strategy to ensure reproductive survival. Unlike maternally-controlled embryonic diapause in mammals, chicken embryonic diapause is critically dependent on the environmental temperature. However, the molecular control of diapause in avian species remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we evaluated the dynamic transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic profiles of chicken embryos in pre-diapause, diapause, and reactivated states.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated a characteristic gene expression pattern in effects on cell survival-associated and stress response signaling pathways. Unlike mammalian diapause, mTOR signaling is not responsible for chicken diapause. However, cold stress responsive genes, such as IRF1, were identified as key regulators of diapause. Further in vitro investigation showed that cold stress-induced transcription of IRF1 was dependent on the PKC-NF-κB signaling pathway, providing a mechanism for proliferation arrest during diapause. Consistently, in vivo overexpression of IRF1 in diapause embryos blocked reactivation after restoration of developmental temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that embryonic diapause in chicken is characterized by proliferation arrest, which is the same with other spices. However, chicken embryonic diapause is strictly correlated with the cold stress signal and mediated by PKC-NF-κB-IRF1 signaling, which distinguish chicken diapause from the mTOR based diapause in mammals.

Inhibition of TGF-β pathway improved the pluripotency of porcine pluripotent stem cells

Porcine pluripotent stem cells had been derived from different culture systems. PeNK6 is a porcine pluripotent stem cell line that we established from an E5.5 embryo in a defined culture system. Signaling pathways related with pluripotency had been assessed in this cell line, and TGF-β signaling pathway-related genes were found upregulated significantly. In this study, we elucidated the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in PeNK6 through adding small molecule inhibitors, SB431542 (KOSB) or A83-01 (KOA), into the original culture medium (KO) and analyzing the expression and activity of key factors involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. In KOSB/KOA medium, the morphology of PeNK6 became compact and the nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio was increased. The expression of the core transcription factor SOX2 was significantly upregulated compared with cell lines in the control KO medium, and the differentiation potential became balanced among three germ layers rather than bias to neuroectoderm/endoderm as the original PeNK6 did. The results indicated that inhibition of TGF-β has positive effects on the porcine pluripotency. Based on these results, we established a pluripotent cell line (PeWKSB) from E5.5 blastocyst by employing TGF-β inhibitors, and the cell line showed improved pluripotency.

Thyroid Autoimmunity Is Not Associated with Embryo Quality or Pregnancy Outcomes in Euthyroid Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology in China

Background: Studies have shown that thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between TAI and embryo quality in euthyroid women undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included euthyroid infertile women with and without TAI (defined as a serum thyroperoxidase concentration ≥34 IU/mL or a thyroglobulin concentration ≥115.0 IU/mL) who underwent their first complete IVF/ICSI treatment cycles at a tertiary referral center between April 2016 and February 2022. Embryo quality measurements and clinical outcomes were compared between women with (TAI positive) and without TAI (TAI negative). The high-quality cleavage embryo rate and cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) were the primary outcomes. Results: A total of 499 TAI-positive and 2945 TAI-negative women were included in this study, and their mean (standard deviation) ages were 31.6 (4.5) and 30.9 (4.4) years, respectively (p = 0.001). The overall analysis showed no significant differences between TAI-negative and TAI-positive women in the high-quality cleavage embryo rate (n/N: 11,139/22,553 vs. 1971/3820; adjusted rate: 52.8% vs. 53.4%, p = 0.66) and cLBR (1917/2945 vs. 327/499; 53.4% vs. 56.2%, p = 0.31). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between TAI-negative and TAI-positive women in the rates of oocyte retrieval (35,078/51,978 vs. 5853/8628; 69.1% vs. 69.4%; p = 0.65), fertilization (23,067/34,197 vs. 3902/5728; 61.1% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.34), embryo utilization (18,233/22,553 vs. 3156/3820; 80.2% vs. 80.8%, p = 0.61), blastocyst formation (7051/13,721 vs. 1192/2330; 48.5% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.97), and high-quality blastocysts (4819/13,721 vs. 799/2330; 29.9% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.73). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between TAI-negative and TAI-positive women in the clinical pregnancy rate (1524/2808 vs. 248/482; 46.7% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.40), early pregnancy loss rate (156/1524 vs. 23/248; 13.5% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.44), and LBR (1338/2808 vs. 218/482; 37.4% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.55) of the first transfer cycle. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TAI in women was not associated with embryo quality or the cLBR following IVF/ICSI. Future large studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Optimization of bovine embryonic fibroblast feeder layer prepared by Mitomycin C

Feeder cells play important roles in In-vitro culture of stem cells. However, the preparation protocol of feeder cells produced by bovine embryonic fibroblast cells (bEFs) is still lack. In this study, the preparation of bEF-feeder by Mitomycin C was optimized with different concentrations and treatment time. The cell viability of bEFs was detected by CCK8 and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine. The growth of bESCs in each bEFs-feeder group was assessed by alkaline phosphatase staining and CCK8. Quantitative real time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of pluripotency-related genes of bESCs. Results showed that the proliferation of bEFs was significantly repressed while bEFs were treated with 14 ug/mL or 16 ug/mL Mitomycin C for 3 h, and the cell viability within 2-4 days after treatment was consistent with the 1st day. The numbers of bESCs clones in bEF-feeder treated with 14 μg/mL Mitomycin C for 3 h or 16 μg/mL Mitomycin C for 3 h were significantly higher than that in bEF-feeder treated with 8 μg/mL Mitomycin C for 8 h or bEFs treated with 6 μg/mL Mitomycin C for 9 h. The mRNA expression of pluripotency-related genes in bESCs cultured by bEF-feeder were higher than the MEF-feeder, the clone morphology of bESCs cultured in bEF-feeder was rounder and sharper than the MEF-feeder. In conclusion, the bEF-feeder prepared with 14 μg/mL Mitomycin C for 3 h or 16 μg/mL Mitomycin C for 3 h could effectively maintains the growth of bESCs, and bEF-feeder is more suitable for bESCs culture than the MEF-feeder.

Epidermal growth factor represses differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells into spongiotrophoblast cells via epidermal growth factor receptor

The mouse placenta is composed of three different trophoblast layers that are occupied by particular trophoblast subtypes to maintain placental function and pregnancy. Accurate control of trophoblast differentiation is required for proper placental function; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying cell fate decisions in trophoblast stem cells remain poorly understood. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling is involved in multiple biological processes including cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. The effect of EGF on trophoblast function has been reported in various species; however, the role of EGF signaling in mouse trophoblast specification remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of EGF signaling in mouse trophoblast differentiation using mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs) in an in vitro culture system. EGF stimulation at the early stage of differentiation repressed mTSC differentiation into spongiotrophoblast cells (SpT). Gene deletion and inhibitor experiments showed that the effect of EGF exposure went through epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) activity in mTSCs. EGF stimuli induced acute downstream activation of MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and JNK pathways, and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway, but not others, alleviated EGF-mediated repression of SpT differentiation. Moreover, expression of Mash2, a master regulator of SpT differentiation, was repressed by EGF stimulation, and MAPK/ERK inhibition counteracted this repression. The Mash2 overexpression recovered SpT marker expression, indicating that the decrease in Mash2 expression was due to abnormal SpT differentiation in EGF-treated mTSCs. Our findings suggest that the EGF-Egfr-MAPK/ERK-Mash2 axis is a core regulatory mechanism for the EGF-mediated repression of SpT differentiation.

Exosomes: New regulators of reproductive development

Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a size range between 30 and 150 ​nm, which can be released by the majority of cell types and circulate in body fluid. They function as a long-distance cell-to-cell communication mechanism that modulates the gene expression profile and fate of target cells. Increasing evidence has indicated exosomes' central role in regulating various complex reproductive processes. However, to our knowledge, a review that focally and vividly describes the role of exosomes in reproductive development is still lacking. This review highlights our knowledge about the contribution of exosomes to early mammalian reproduction, such as gametogenesis, fertilization, early embryonic development, implantation, placentation and pregnancy. The discussion is primarily drawn from literature pertaining to the mammalian lineage with emphasis on the roles of exosomes in human reproduction and laboratory and livestock models.

TMT-based proteomics analysis of growth advantage of triploid Apostichopus japonicus

Polyploid breeding can produce new species with a faster growth rate, higher disease resistance, and higher survival rate, and has achieved significant economic benefits. This study investigated the protein differences in the body wall of triploid Apostichopus japonicus and diploid A. japonicus using isotope-labeled relative and absolute quantitative Tandem Mass Tag technology. A total of 21,096 independent peptides and 4621 proteins were identified. Among them, there were 723 proteins with significant expression differences, including 413 up-regulated proteins and 310 down-regulated proteins. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched in 4519 Gene Ontology enrichment pathways and 320 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathways. Twenty-two key DEPs related to important functions such as growth and immunity of triploid A. japonicus were screened from the results, among which 20 were up-regulated, such as cathepsin L2 cysteine protease and fibrinogen-like protein A. Arylsulfatase A and zonadhesin were down-regulated. The up-regulated proteins were mainly involved in oxidative stress response, innate immune response, and collagen synthesis in triploid A. japonicus, and the down-regulated proteins were mainly associated with the sterility of triploid A. japonicus. In addition, the transcriptome and proteome were analyzed jointly to support proteome data. In this study, the differences in protein composition between triploid and diploid A. japonicus were analyzed for the first time, and the results revealed the underlying reasons for the growth advantage of triploid A. japonicus.

Perspectives on frailty as a total life-course disease with consideration of the fetal environment

Frailty attracts research as it represents a significant target for intervention to extend the healthy life span. An unanswered question in this field is the time point during the life-course at which an individual becomes predisposed to frailty. Here, we propose that frailty has a fetal origin and should be regarded as part of the spectrum of the developmental origins of health and disease. The developmental origins of health and disease theory originated from findings linking the fetal environment to lifestyle-related disorders such as hypertension and diabetes. Coincidentally, a recent trend in frailty research also centers on vascular dysfunction and metabolic alterations as the causality of lifestyle-related disorders such as sarcopenia and dementia. Here, we explore the relationship between fetal programming, frailty-related disorders (sarcopenia and dementia), and other age-related diseases mainly based on reports on intrauterine growth restriction. We propose a "total" life-course approach to combat frailty. With this viewpoint, not only physicians and gerontologists but also obstetricians and pediatricians should team up to overcome age-related diseases in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.

Impact of Antithyroperoxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO) on Ovarian Reserve and Early Embryo Development in Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is one of the most common endocrinopathies and is more prevalent in women. It becomes evident that the circulating antithyroid antibodies that often follow AITD have effects on many tissues, including ovaries, and therefore that this common morbidity might have an impact on female fertility, the investigation of which is the aim of the present research. Ovarian reserve, ovarian response to stimulation and early embryo development in infertile patients with thyroid autoimmunity were assessed in 45 women with thyroid autoimmunity and 45 age-matched control patients undergoing infertility treatment. It was demonstrated that the presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies is associated with lower serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count. Further investigation revealed the higher prevalence of sub-optimal response to ovarian stimulation in TAI-positive women, lower fertilization rate and lower number of high-quality embryos in this group of patients. The cut-off value for follicular fluid anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody affecting the above-mentioned parameters was determined to be 105.0 IU/mL, highlighting the necessity of closer monitoring in couples seeking infertility treatment with ART.

Critical Overview on Endocrine Disruptors in Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in all countries due to its high human and economic burden. Major metabolic alterations are associated with the chronic hyperglycemia that characterizes diabetes and causes devastating complications, including retinopathy, kidney failure, coronary disease and increased cardiovascular mortality. The most common form is type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for 90 to 95% of the cases. These chronic metabolic disorders are heterogeneous to which genetic factors contribute, but so do prenatal and postnatal life environmental factors including a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and obesity. However, these classical risk factors alone cannot explain the rapid evolution of the prevalence of T2D and the high prevalence of type 1 diabetes in particular areas. Among environmental factors, we are in fact exposed to a growing amount of chemical molecules produced by our industries or by our way of life. In this narrative review, we aim to give a critical overview of the role of these pollutants that can interfere with our endocrine system, the so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in the pathophysiology of diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Preconceptual thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity in women with recurrent pregnancy losses may contribute to an increased risk for another miscarriage

OBJECTIVE

To investigate preconceptual thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-ab) positivity and/or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the upper range of normal as risk factors for recurrent unexplained first-trimester miscarriage.

DESIGN

A post-hoc study of a randomized trial, in which acetylsalicylic acid did not affect the risk of a new miscarriage.

PATIENTS

Women (n = 483) with at least three unexplained recurrent first-trimester miscarriages investigated at a Swedish secondary referral center.

MEASUREMENTS

The levels of TPO-ab and TSH were determined before pregnancy. The occurrence of a new first-trimester miscarriage was analyzed by logistic regression with adjustments when applicable, for age, number of previous miscarriages, obesity and the investigated covariates levels of TPO-ab and TSH.

RESULTS

Including all first trimester miscarriages, odds ratio (OR) according to presence of TPO-ab was 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.99-2.57), after adjustment 1.54 (95% CI; 0.94-2.53). Very early (biochemical) pregnancy losses occurred more often in women with than without preconceptual TPO-ab (6.8% vs. 2.0%), OR 3.51 (95% CI; 1.15-10.71), after adjustment 2.91 (95% CI; 0.91-9.29). There was no association between TSH in the upper range of normal and a new miscarriage, adjusted OR 0.76 (95% CI; 0.32-1.83). A prediction model for a new miscarriage included number of previous miscarriages, woman's age and presence of TPO-ab.

CONCLUSION

In women with at least three recurrent unexplained pregnancy losses, the presence of TPO-ab may contribute to an increased risk of a first-trimester miscarriage, possibly more pronounced in very early pregnancy. TSH levels 2.5-4.0 mU/L do not seem to increase the miscarriage risk.

Increased expression of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase-3 is required for growth of mouse embryonic stem cells that are undergoing differentiation

The unlimited proliferation capacity of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) coupled with their capability to differentiate into several cell types makes them an attractive candidate for studying the molecular mechanisms regulating self-renewal and transition from pluripotent state. Although the roles of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase family (PFKFB1-4) in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in tumor cells have been studied, their role in mouse ESC (mESC) biology is currently unkown. In the current study, Pfkfb isoenzyme expressions were analyzed in R1 and J1 mESCs that were cultured in the presence and absence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). We report that expression of the Pfkfb3 isoenzyme was markedly increased when mESCs were promoted to differentiate upon LIF removal. We then demonstrated that Pfkfb3 silencing induced the differentiation marker Brachyury suggesting that Pfkfb3 may be required for the regulation of mesodermal differentiation of mESCs. Furthermore, we show that the increase in Pfkfb3 expression is required for the growth of early differentiated mESCs. Although these results provide important insights into the early differentiation of mESCs with regard to Pfkfb expressions, further mechanistic studies will be needed for understanding the pathways and mechanisms involved in regulation of proliferation and early differentiation of mESCs through Pfkfb3.

Comparative proteome profiling of seminal components reveal impaired immune cell signalling as paternal contributors in recurrent pregnancy loss patients

PROBLEM

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is usually evaluated from a women's perspective, however, recent evidence implies involvement of male factors as paternally expressed genes predominate placenta. During fertilization, prior to implantation the immune system purposefully produces early pregnancy factors with potent immunomodulatory properties for adaptation to antigenically dissimilar embryo. Therefore, it is hypothesized that paternal immunological factors play a role in RPL.

METHOD OF STUDY

Comparative proteome profiling (label free liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy: LC-MS/MS) of the seminal extracellular vesicles (SEVs), extracellular vesicle free seminal plasma (EVF-SP) and spermatozoa was carried out in semen of RPL patients (n = 21) and fertile donors (n = 21). This was followed by pathway and protein-protein interaction analysis, and validation of key proteins' expression (western blot).

RESULTS

A total of 68, 28 and 49 differentially expressed proteins in SEVs, EVF-SP and spermatozoa of RPL patients, respectively, were found to be involved in inflammatory response, immune cell signalling and apoptosis. In SEVs, underexpressed GDF-15 and overexpressed C3 imply distorted maternal immune response to paternal antigens leading to impaired decidualization. Dysregulated TGFβ signalling in EVF-SP surmises defective modulation of inflammatory response and induction of immune tolerance to seminal antigens in the female reproductive tract through generation of regulatory T cells. Retained histone variants in spermatozoa construe defective expression of early paternal genes, while underexpressed PTN may inflict defective angiogenesis resulting in expulsion of decidua.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired modulation of immune response and improper placental development due to altered cytokine levels in seminal components may be the contributing paternal factors in RPL.

Attempts for deriving extended pluripotent stem cells from common marmoset embryonic stem cells

Extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) derived from mice and humans showed an enhanced potential for chimeric formation. By exploiting transcriptomic approaches, we assessed the differences in gene expression profile between extended EPSCs derived from mice and humans, and those newly derived from the common marmoset (marmoset; Callithrix jacchus). Although the marmoset EPSC-like cells displayed a unique colony morphology distinct from murine and human EPSCs, they displayed a pluripotent state akin to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as confirmed by gene expression and immunocytochemical analyses of pluripotency markers and three-germ-layer differentiation assay. Importantly, the marmoset EPSC-like cells showed interspecies chimeric contribution to mouse embryos, such as E6.5 blastocysts in vitro and E6.5 epiblasts in vivo in mouse development. Also, we discovered that the perturbation of gene expression of the marmoset EPSC-like cells from the original ESCs resembled that of human EPSCs. Taken together, our multiple analyses evaluated the efficacy of the method for the derivation of marmoset EPSCs.

Uterine Flushing Fluid-Derived Let-7b Targets CXCL10 to Regulate Uterine Receptivity in Goats during Embryo Implantation

Exosomes have the ability to carry a wide range of chemicals, convey them to target cells or target regions, and act as "messengers." For the purpose of investigating embryo attachment, it is helpful to comprehend the range of exosomal mRNAs and miRNAs derived from the uterine flushing fluid before and after embryo attachment. In this study, we recovered exosomes from goat uterine rinsing fluid at 5, 15, and 18 days of gestation and used RNA-Seq to identify the mRNA and miRNA profiles of exosomes obtained from uterine rinsing fluid before and after embryo implantation. In total, 91 differently expressed miRNAs and 27,487 differentially expressed mRNAs were found. The target genes predicted by the differentially expressed miRNAs and the differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly membrane-related organelles with catalytic activity, binding activity, transcriptional regulation activity, and involved in metabolism, biological regulation, development, and other processes. This was revealed by GO analysis. Furthermore, KEGG analysis revealed that they were abundant in signaling pathways associated with embryo implantation, including the "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway," "Toll-like receptor signaling pathway," "TGF-beta signaling route," "Notch signaling pathway," and others. Moreover, our research has demonstrated, for the first time, that chi-let-7b-5p specifically targets the 3'UTR of CXCL10. Our research offers a fresh viewpoint on the mechanics of embryo attachment.

Sirtuins and redox signaling interplay in neurogenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, and neural cell reprogramming

Since the discovery of Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) there are still mechanism to be clarified, such as the role of mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of endogenous adult neurogenesis and its implication in neurodegeneration. Although stem cells require glycolysis to maintain their stemness, they can perform oxidative phosphorylation and it is becoming more and more evident that mitochondria are central players, not only for ATP production but also for neuronal differentiation's steps regulation, through their ability to handle cellular redox state, intracellular signaling, epigenetic state of the cell, as well as the gut microbiota-brain axis, upon dietary influences. In this scenario, the 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) repair system would link mitochondrial DNA integrity to the modulation of neural differentiation. On the other side, there is an increasing interest in NSCs generation, from induced pluripotent stem cells, as a clinical model for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), although this methodology still presents several drawbacks, mainly related to the reprogramming process. Indeed, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), associated with telomere shortening, genomic instability, and defective mitochondrial dynamics, lead to pluripotency limitation and reprogramming efficiency's reduction. Moreover, while a physiological or moderate ROS increase serves as a signaling mechanism, to activate differentiation and suppress self-renewal, excessive oxidative stress is a common feature of NDs and aging. This ROS-dependent regulatory effect might be modulated by newly identified ROS suppressors, including the NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase enzymes family called Sirtuins (SIRTs). Recently, the importance of subcellular localization of NAD synthesis has been coupled to different roles for NAD in chromatin stability, DNA repair, circadian rhythms, and longevity. SIRTs have been described as involved in the control of both telomere's chromatin state and expression of nuclear gene involved in the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression, as well as in several NDs and aging. SIRTs are ubiquitously expressed in the mammalian brain, where they play important roles. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on how SIRTs-dependent modulation of mitochondrial metabolism could impact on neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, focusing mainly on ROS function and their role in SIRTs-mediated cell reprogramming and telomere protection.

The Abundance and Function of Neutrophils in the Endometriosis Systemic and Pelvic Microenvironment

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory illness in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity. Immune dysfunction is now widely acknowledged as the primary cause of endometriosis. The immune cell population represented by neutrophils is thought to play an essential role in the etiology, pathophysiology, and associated clinical outcome. There is growing evidence that neutrophils have a role in chronic and aseptic inflammatory diseases, and endometriosis patients have increased levels of neutrophils in plasma, peritoneal fluid, and ectopic endometrium. Here, we sought to review the function of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, with an emphasis on the role of neutrophils in regulating endometrial angiogenesis and the local inflammatory microenvironment.

Emerging trends in the methodology of environmental toxicology: 3D cell culture and its applications

Human diseases and health concerns caused by environmental pollutants are globally emerging. Therefore, rapid and efficient evaluation of the effects of environmental pollutants on human health is essential. Due to the significant differences between humans and animals and the lack of physiologically related environments, animal models and two-dimensional (2D) culture cannot accurately describe toxicological effects and predict actual in vivo responses. To make up for the limitations of traditional environmental toxicology screening, three-dimensional (3D) culture has been developed. The 3D culture could provide a good organizational structure comparable to the complex internal environment of humans and produce a more realistic response to environmental pollutants, which has been used in drug development, toxicity evaluation, personalized therapy and biological mechanism research. The goal of environmental toxicology is to provide clues and support for the risk assessment and management of environmental pollutants. With the development of 3D culture that can reproduce specific physiological aspects loaded with specific cells that reflect human biology, interactions between pollutants and target tissues and organs can be explored to assess the acute and chronic adverse health effects of exposure to various environmental toxins. The 3D culture with great potential shows broad prospects in toxicology research and is expected to bridge the gap between 2D culture and animal models eventually. In this sense, we strongly recommend that 3D culture be used to identify and understand environmental toxins, which will greatly facilitate the public's comprehensive understanding of environmental toxins.

Towards human organ generation using interspecies blastocyst complementation: Challenges and perspectives for therapy

Millions of people suffer from end-stage refractory diseases. The ideal treatment option for terminally ill patients is organ transplantation. However, donor organs are in absolute shortage, and sadly, most patients die while waiting for a donor organ. To date, no technology has achieved long-term sustainable patient-derived organ generation. In this regard, emerging technologies of chimeric human organ production via blastocyst complementation (BC) holds great promise. To take human organ generation via BC and transplantation to the next step, we reviewed current emerging organ generation technologies and the associated efficiency of chimera formation in human cells from the standpoint of developmental biology.

Establishment of Bactrian Camel Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Prediction of Their Unique Pluripotency Genes

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into all types of cells and can be used in livestock for research on biological development, genetic breeding, and in vitro genetic resource conservation. The Bactrian camel is a large domestic animal that inhabits extreme environments and holds value in the treatment of various diseases and the development of the local economy. Therefore, we transferred four mouse genes (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) into Bactrian camel fetal fibroblasts (BCFFs) using retroviruses with a large host range to obtain Bactrian camel induced pluripotent stem cells (bciPSCs). They were comprehensively identified based on cell morphology, pluripotency gene and marker expression, chromosome number, transcriptome sequencing, and differentiation potential. The results showed the pluripotency of bciPSCs. However, unlike stem cells of other species, late formation of stem cell clones was observed; moreover, the immunofluorescence of SSEA1, SSEA3, and SSEA4 were positive, and teratoma formation took four months. These findings may be related to the extremely long gestation period and species specificity of Bactrian camels. By mining RNA sequence data, 85 potential unique pluripotent genes of Bactrian camels were predicted, which could be used as candidate genes for the production of bciPSC in the future. Among them, ASF1B, DTL, CDCA5, PROM1, CYTL1, NUP210, Epha3, and SYT13 are more attractive. In conclusion, we generated bciPSCs for the first time and obtained their transcriptome information, expanding the iPSC genetic information database and exploring the applicability of iPSCs in livestock. Our results can provide an experimental basis for Bactrian camel ESC establishment, developmental research, and genetic resource conservation.

The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer

Gap junctions (GJs), which are composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. Cx expression has a strong spatial specificity; however, its influence on cell behavior and information exchange between cells cannot be ignored. A variety of factors in organisms can modulate Cxs and subsequently trigger a series of responses that have important effects on cellular behavior. The expression and function of Cxs and the number and function of GJs are in dynamic change. Cxs have been characterized as tumor suppressors in the past, but recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis. The complex mechanism underlying Cx and GJ involvement in cancer development is a major obstacle to the evolution of therapy targeting Cxs. In this paper, we review the post-translational modifications of Cxs, the interactions of Cxs with several chaperone proteins, and the effects of Cxs and GJs on cancer. Video Abstract.

The gestational age-specific difference in birthweight between singletons born after fresh and frozen embryo transfer: A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Accumulating studies have suggested singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) were higher than those born after fresh embryo transfer (Fre-ET). However, fewer studies had investigated the gestational age-specific between-group difference in birthweight. This study aimed to investigate the gestational week-specific difference in singleton birthweight after FET vs Fre-ET and explore potential factors that impact the difference.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 25 863 singletons were included. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the between-group differences in mean birthweight and the incidences of large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA), respectively.

RESULTS

Multivariable regression analyses showed a statistically significant interaction between types of embryo transfer (ie FET vs Fre-ET) and the gestational week on mean birthweight (P < 0.001) and on the risks of large for gestational age (P = 0.001) and small for gestational age (P < 0.001). When stratified by gestational week, the differences in mean birthweight and the risks of LGA and SGA were only observed in singletons born at 37 gestational weeks or later. After adjusting for confounders, full-term but not preterm singletons born after FET had a higher birthweight (3497.58 ± 439.73 g vs 3445.67 ± 450.24 g; adjusted mean difference 58.35 g; 95% confidence interval [CI] 38.72-77.98 g), a higher risk of LGA (24.3% vs 21.1%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.15-1.42) and a lower risk of SGA (3.1% vs 4.8%; adjusted OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.70) compared with those born after Fre-ET.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in birthweight between FET and Fre-ET were observed in full-term singletons but not preterm singletons.

Species origin of exogenous transcription factors affects the activation of endogenous pluripotency markers and signaling pathways of porcine induced pluripotent stem cells

The incomplete silencing of exogenous transcription factors (TFs) and the lack of endogenous counterpart activation hampers the application of porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs). We used porcine, bovine and murine TFs to reprogram porcine fetal fibroblasts. Porcine TFs-derived piPSCs (ppiPSCs) showed the highest levels of endogenous pluripotency markers activation, were able to differentiate into three germ layers and primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) and integrated into neural ectoderm of E7.5 mouse embryos in vitro. The bovine TFs derived piPSCs (bpiPSCs) expressed endogenous pluripotency markers higher than murine TFs derived piPSCs (mpiPSCs), but both had limited differentiation ability in vitro and depended on continuous expression of exogenous TFs for the maintenance. RNA sequencing confirmed ppiPSCs had distinct global transcriptional profiling, upregulated Hippo, PI3K-Akt, MAPK and relevant pluripotency signaling pathways as porcine blastocyst inner cell mass and expressed PGC early related genes. In addition, a positive and a negative correlation between exogenous and endogenous TFs' expression level were observed in ppiPSCs and bpiPSCs lines, respectively. The TFs' protein structures in pig were more similar to cattle than to mouse. In conclusion, the species affinity of the exogenous TFs is a key element, and the own species origin of TFs is optimal for iPSCs generation and application.

Alternative pathway activation in pregnancy, a measured amount "complements" a successful pregnancy, too much results in adverse events

During pregnancy, the maternal host must adapt in order to enable growth of the fetus. These changes affect all organ systems and are designed both to protect the fetus and to minimize risk to the mother. One of the most prominent adaptations involves the immune system. The semi-allogenic fetoplacental unit has non-self components and must be protected against attack from the host. This requires both attenuation of adaptive immunity and protection from innate immune defense mechanisms. One of the key innate immune players is complement, and it is important that the fetoplacental unit is not identified as non-self and subjected to complement attack. Adaptation of the complement response must, however, be managed in such a way that maternal protection against infection is not compromised. As the complement system also plays a significant facilitating role in many of the stages of a normal pregnancy, it is also important that any necessary adaptation to accommodate the semi-allogenic aspects of the fetoplacental unit does not compromise this. In this review, both the physiological role of the alternative pathway of complement in facilitating a normal pregnancy, and its detrimental participation in pregnancy-specific disorders, are discussed.

Genome Editing in Pigs

The generation of genetically engineered (GE) pigs for disease modeling and xenotransplantation has been massively facilitated by the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. For livestock, genome editing is a powerful tool when used in combination with either somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) or microinjection (MI) into fertilized oocytes. To generate either knockout or knock-in animals using SCNT, genome editing is carried out in vitro. This has the advantage that fully characterized cells are being employed to generate cloned pigs, predetermining their genetic makeups. However, this technique is labor-intensive and, hence, SCNT is better suited for more challenging projects such as the generation of multi-knockout- and knock-in pigs. Alternatively, CRISPR/Cas9 is introduced directly into fertilized zygotes via microinjection to produce knockout pigs more rapidly. Finally, the embryos are each transferred into recipient sows to deliver GE piglets.Both techniques, SCNT and MI, are technically challenging and therefore require skilled expertise, especially when applied for porcine embryos. Here, we present a detailed laboratory protocol for the generation of knockout and knock-in porcine somatic donor cells for SCNT and knockout pigs via microinjection. We describe the state-of-the-art method for isolation, cultivation, and manipulation of porcine somatic cells, which can then be used for SCNT. Moreover, we describe the isolation and maturation of porcine oocytes, their manipulation by microinjection, and the embryo transfer into surrogate sows.

The role of thyroid function in female and male infertility: a narrative review

PURPOSE

We herein aimed to review the new insights into the impact of impaired thyroid function on male and female fertility, spacing from spontaneous pregnancy to ART, with the objective of providing an updated narrative revision of the literature.

METHODS

This narrative review was performed for all available prospective, retrospective and review articles, published up to 2021 in PubMed. Data were extracted from the text and from the tables of the manuscript.

RESULTS

Thyroid dysfunction is frequently associated with female infertility, whereas its link with male infertility is debated. Female wise, impaired function is detrimental to obstetric and fetal outcomes both in spontaneous pregnancies and in those achieved thanks to assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Furthermore, the reference range of TSH in natural pregnancy and ART procedures has recently become a matter of debate following recent reports in this field. On the other hand, the impact of thyroid function on the male reproductive system is less clear, although a possible role is suggested via modulation of Sertoli and Leydig cells function and spermatogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid function should be carefully monitored in both male and female, in couples seeking spontaneous pregnancy as well as ART, as treatment is generally immediate and likely to improve chances of success.

Inactivation of Yes-Associated Protein Mediates Trophoblast Dysfunction: A New Mechanism of Pregnancy Loss Associated with Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies?

Pregnancy morbidity induced by anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL+/PM+) is mainly thought to arise from placental abnormalities. We attempted to investigate the effect of aPL on the activity of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the trophoblast and how YAP regulated human trophoblasts function. Thus, HTR-8 cells were treated with IgG purified from aPL+/PM+ women or normal controls. We found that aPL+/PM+ IgG impacted YAP activity via abrogating YAP expression. Further investigation of the anti-β2GPI-IgG/β2GPI complex showed an inhibition of nuclear YAP level and translocation in a dose-dependent manner, which might be rescued by progesterone in HTR-8 cells. YAP overexpression or knockdown HTR-8 cells were established for the evaluation of cell function and related gene expression in vitro. Loss of YAP arrested cell cycles in the G2/M phase, accelerated cell apoptosis by increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl2, and disrupted MMP2/9-mediated cell migration and angiogenesis tube formation by VEGF. These findings support a new mechanism of PM associated with aPL through which YAP inactivation induced by aPL perturbs the trophoblast cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis, finally developing into pregnancy failure.