The role of mTOR in ovarian Neoplasms, polycystic ovary syndrome, and ovarian aging

Luteolin and its analog luteolin-7-methylether from Leonurus japonicus Houtt suppress aromatase-mediated estrogen biosynthesis to alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome by the inhibition of tumor progression locus 2

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leonurus japonicus Houtt (L. japonicus, Chinese motherwort), known as Yi Mu Cao which means "good for women", has long been widely used in China and other Asian countries to alleviate gynecological disorders, often characterized by estrogen dysregulation. It has been used for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women but the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to investigate the effect and mechanism of flavonoid luteolin and its analog luteolin-7-methylether contained in L. japonicus on aromatase, a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens and a drug target to induce ovulation in PCOS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells was examined using ELISA. Western blots were used to explore the signaling pathways in the regulation of aromatase expression. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action of compounds. Finally, animal models were used to assess the therapeutic potential of these compounds in PCOS.

RESULTS

Luteolin potently inhibited estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone. This effect was achieved by decreasing cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-mediated expression of aromatase. Mechanistically, luteolin and luteolin-7-methylether targeted tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) to suppress mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6)-p38 MAPK-CREB pathway signaling. Transcriptional analysis showed that these compounds regulated the expression of different genes, with the MAPK signaling pathway being the most significantly affected. Furthermore, luteolin and luteolin-7-methylether effectively alleviated the symptoms of PCOS in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a previously unrecognized role of TPL2 in estrogen biosynthesis and suggests that luteolin and luteolin-7-methylether have potential as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of PCOS. The results provide a foundation for further development of these compounds as effective and safe therapies for women with PCOS.

Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells alleviate premature ovarian failure via blockage of autophagy and AMPK/mTOR pathway

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cell-derived exosome (ADSCs-Exo) in treating premature ovarian failure (POF).

Methods

We constructed a POF mouse model through intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide, followed by the administration of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Pathological injury, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), estradiol (E2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis, and autophagy were assessed. Exosomes isolated from ADSCs were used to treat POF in mice. The AMPK-mTOR pathway and its proteins (p-AMPK and p-mTOR) were evaluated. A POF cell model was established using cyclophosphamide-treated human ovarian granulosa-like tumor (KGN) cells. We administered ADSCs-Exo and rapamycin to validate the mechanism of ADSCs-Exo against POF.

Results

In POF mice, 3-MA treatment attenuated pathological injuries, decreased FSH, MDA, and ROS levels, and increased E2 and SOD levels. 3-MA treatment also inhibited GC apoptosis and autophagy. ADSCs-Exo alleviated pathological injuries, improved ovarian morphology and function, and reduced oxidative stress in POF mice. ADSCs-Exo inhibited GC apoptosis and autophagy. ADSCs-Exo downregulated the expression of AMPK/mTOR pathway proteins (p-AMPK and p-mTOR). In the POF cell model, ADSCs-Exo and rapamycin inhibited AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy.

Conclusion

ADSCs-Exo inhibits POF through the inhibition of autophagy and the AMPK/mTOR pathway. This study provides a potential target for the clinical treatment of POF.

Overactivation or Apoptosis: Which Mechanisms Affect Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Reserve Depletion?

Dormant primordial follicles (PMF), which constitute the ovarian reserve, are recruited continuously into the cohort of growing follicles in the ovary throughout female reproductive life. Gonadotoxic chemotherapy was shown to diminish the ovarian reserve pool, to destroy growing follicle population, and to cause premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Three primary mechanisms have been proposed to account for this chemotherapy-induced PMF depletion: either indirectly via over-recruitment of PMF, by stromal damage, or through direct toxicity effects on PMF. Preventative pharmacological agents intervening in these ovotoxic mechanisms may be ideal candidates for fertility preservation (FP). This manuscript reviews the mechanisms that disrupt follicle dormancy causing depletion of the ovarian reserve. It describes the most widely studied experimental inhibitors that have been deployed in attempts to counteract these affects and prevent follicle depletion.

Premature ovarian insufficiency: a review on the role of oxidative stress and the application of antioxidants

Normal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating follicular growth, angiogenesis and sex hormone synthesis in ovarian tissue. When the balance between ROS and antioxidants is disrupted, however, it can cause serious consequences of oxidative stress (OS), and the quantity and quality of oocytes will decline. Therefore, this review discusses the interrelationship between OS and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the potential mechanisms and the methods by which antioxidants can improve POI through controlling the level of OS. We found that OS can mediate changes in genetic materials, signal pathways, transcription factors and ovarian microenvironment, resulting in abnormal apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and abnormal meiosis as well as decreased mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid(mtDNA) and other changes, thus accelerating the process of ovarian aging. However, antioxidants, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), biological enzymes and other antioxidants can delay the disease process of POI by reducing the ROS level in vivo.

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.

Guizhi Fuling Wan inhibits autophagy of granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome mice via H19/miR-29b-3p

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine Guizhi Fuling Wan (GZFLW) inhibiting granulosa cells (GCs) autophagy in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Control GCs and model GCs were cultured and treated with blank serum or GZFLW-containing serum. The levels of H19 and miR-29b-3p in GCs were detected using qRT-PCR, target genes of miR-29b-3p were identified using luciferase assay. The protein expressions of Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and Bax were measured using western blot. The level of autophagy was detected via MDC staining, the degree of autophagosomes and autophagic polymers was observed using dual fluorescence-tagged mRFP-eGFP-LC3.

RESULTS

GZFLW intervention reduced the expression of autophagy-related proteins PTEN, MMP-2 and Bax, by upregulating the expression of miR-29b-3p and downregulated the expression of H19 (p < .05 or p < .01). The number of autophagosomes and autophagy polymers was significantly decreased by GZFLW treatment. However, the inhibition of miR-29b-3p and overexpression of H19 induced a significant increase in the number of autophagosomes and autophagic polymers, which attenuated the inhibitory effect of GZFLW on autophagy (p < .05 or p < .01). In addition, inhibition of miR-29b-3p or overexpression of H19 can attenuate the effect of GZFLW on the expression of PTEN, MMP-2 and Bax proteins (p < .05 or p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Our study found that GZFLW inhibits autophagy in PCOS GCs via H19/miR-29b-3p pathway.

Molecular cloning and characterization of Sirt1 and its role in the follicle of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Sirt1 is a member of the Sirtuins family that regulates ovarian senescence, follicular development, and oocyte maturation in vertebrates. To understand its role in the ovary of Pelodiscus sinensis, we cloned the full-length cDNA of Ps-Sirt1 and characterized its potential function by intraperitoneally injecting agonist (resveratrol) and antagonist (EX527) in the female juvenile turtle. The full-length cDNA of Ps-Sirt1 was 2106 bp, comprising 203 bp 5'UTR, a 226 bp 3'UTR, and a 1677 bp ORF encoding 558 amino acids. The calculated molecular weight of predicted protein was 63 kDa, and the isoelectric point was 4.65. The predicted protein comprised a conserved Sir2 domain. Amino acid sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses showed that Ps-Sirt1 was most closely related to turtles, and distantly related to fish. Expression pattern analysis showed Ps-Sirt1 was highest expressed in ovary, followed by testis, liver, heart, and brain. In the ovarian differentiation processes, Sirt1 showed significantly higher expression at embryonic stage 15 and 21. In the testis differentiation process, Sirt1 expression was downregulated at embryonic stages 15-19. Activated and inactivated Sirt1 decreased the number of primordial follicles in juvenile turtles. Bcl2, Bax, mTOR, and rpS6 expressions were up-regulated, whereas GnRH, Fshb, p50, and p65 were down-regulated after agonist treatment. The inaction of Sirt1 with antagonist up-regulated GnRH, Fshb, p65, p53, Foxo3a, Bcl2, Bax, mTOR, and rpS6, but down-regulated p50. In summary, Sirt1 might be involved in the ovarian follicle development of P. sinensis.

Interacting Networks of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Regulate Layer Hens Performance

Egg production is a vital biological and economic trait for poultry breeding. The 'hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis' determines the egg production, which affects the layer hens industry income. At the organism level, the HPO axis is influenced by the factors related to metabolic and nutritional status, environment, and genetics, whereas at the cellular and molecular levels, the HPO axis is influenced by the factors related to endocrine and metabolic regulation, cytokines, key genes, signaling pathways, post-transcriptional processing, and epigenetic modifications. MiRNAs and lncRNAs play a critical role in follicle selection and development, atresia, and ovulation in layer hens; in particular, miRNA is known to affect the development and atresia of follicles by regulating apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells. The current review elaborates on the regulation of the HPO axis and its role in the laying performance of hens at the organism, cellular, and molecular levels. In addition, this review provides an overview of the interactive network regulation mechanism of the HPO axis in layer hens, as well as comprehensive knowledge for successfully utilizing their genetic resources.

Impacts of endometrioma on ovarian aging from basic science to clinical management

Endometriosis is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial implants outside of the uterus. It affects ~1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis in the ovary, also known as endometrioma (OMA), is the most frequent implantation site and the leading cause of reproductive failure in affected women. Ovarian aging is one of the characteristic features of OMA, however its underlying mechanism yet to be determined. Accumulated evidence has shown that pelvic and local microenvironments in women with OMA are manifested, causing detrimental effects on ovarian development and functions. Whilst clinical associations of OMA with poor ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause have been reported. Moreover, surgical ablation, fenestration, and cystectomy of OMA can further damage the normal ovarian reservoir, and trigger hyperactivation of primordial follicles, subsequently resulting in the undesired deterioration of ovarian functions. Nevertheless, there is no effective treatment to delay or restore ovarian aging. This review comprehensively summarised the pathogenesis and study hypothesis of ovarian aging caused by OMA in order to propose potential therapeutic targets and interventions for future studies.

Mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and new pregnancy opportunity for premature ovarian failure patients

Primordial follicles are the starting point of follicular development and the basic functional unit of female reproduction. Primordial follicles are formed around birth, and most of the primordial follicles then enter a dormant state. Since primordial follicles are limited in number and can't be renewed, dormant primordial follicles cannot be reversed once they enter the growing state. Thus, the orderly occurrence of primordial follicles selective activation directly affects the rate of follicle consumption and thus determines the length of female reproductive lifespan. Studies have found that appropriately inhibiting the activation rate of primordial follicles can effectively slow down the rate of follicle consumption, maintain fertility and delay ovarian aging. Based on the known mechanisms of primordial follicle activation, primordial follicle in vitro activation (IVA) technique has been clinically developed. IVA can help patients with premature ovarian failure, middle-aged infertile women, or infertile women due to gynecological surgery treatment to solve infertility problems. The study of the mechanism of selective activation of primordial follicles can contribute to the development of more efficient and safe IVA techniques. In this paper, recent mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and its clinical application are reviewed.

Cutting-edge techniques provide insights regarding repeated implantation failure patients

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can time-lapse parameters and the transcriptional profile of cumulus cells be used to achieve a more stringent and non-invasive method of embryo assessment and to identify possible factors affecting the embryo's ability to implant in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients?

DESIGN

A total of 190 embryos from 18 oocyte donors and 145 embryos from 15 RIF patients were evaluated based on time-lapse parameters. Three morphokinetic parameters including T5 (time to reach five cells), T3 (time to reach three cells) and CC2 (time to two to three cells) were recorded for all embryos. Embryos that had all three parameters in the normal range were graded as high quality and comparison between these parameters were compared in high-quality embryos between two groups. The transcriptional profile of cumulus cells related to high-quality embryos of both groups were analysed by RNA sequencing and compared. Finally, the possible relationship between differentially expressed genes and time-lapse parameters was examined.

RESULTS

T5 was significantly lower in the RIF group than the donor group (P = 0.011). The cumulus cell transcriptome analysis showed 193 genes were down-regulated and 222 genes up-regulated. The mammalian target of rapamycin and the transforming growth factor beta pathways were significantly increased in the RIF group compared to the donor group (P = 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). Vitamin B12 and fatty acid beta-oxidation pathways were also significantly reduced in the RIF group compared to the donor group (P = 0.006 and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in the transcriptomic profiles of cumulus cells and some morphokinetic parameters may be one of the main factors contributing to unexplained RIF.

The multifaced role and therapeutic regulation of autophagy in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the tumors that occurs most frequently in women. Autophagy is involved in cell homeostasis, biomolecule recycling, and survival, making it a potential target for anti-tumor drugs. It is worth noting that growing evidence reveals a close link between autophagy and OC. In the context of OC, autophagy demonstrates activity as both a tumor suppressor and a tumor promoter, depending on the context. Autophagy's exact function in OC is greatly reliant on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and other conditions, such as hypoxia, nutritional deficiency, chemotherapy, and so on. However, what can be concluded from different studies is that autophagy-related signaling pathways, especially PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, increase in advanced stages and malignant phenotype of the disease reduces autophagy and ultimately leads to tumor progression. This study sought to present a thorough understanding of the role of autophagy-related signaling pathways in OC and existing therapies targeting these signaling pathways.

Insulin resistance, autophagy and apoptosis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: Association with PI3K signaling pathway

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease in which endocrine metabolic abnormalities coexist with reproductive system abnormalities, with the main clinical manifestations including abnormal menstruation, hirsutism, acne, infertility, and obesity, and it is also a high risk for the development of many pregnancy complications, gynecological malignancies and other diseases. Therefore, timely intervention to prevent the progression of PCOS is of great significance for improving the quality of life of most female patients. Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in PCOS patients, with approximately 75% of PCOS patients experiencing varying degrees of IR. It is now believed that it is mainly related to the PI3K signaling pathway. The role of autophagy and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in the pathogenesis of PCOS has also been gradually verified in recent years. Coincidentally, it also seems to be associated with the PI3K signaling pathway. Our aim is to review these relevant studies, to explore the association between the IR, cellular autophagy and apoptosis in PCOS patients and the PI3K pathway. We summarize some of the drug studies that have improved PCOS as well. We have also found that proteomics holds great promise in exploring the pathogenesis of PCOS, and we have published our views on this.

Modulation of the Inflammatory Response in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-Searching for Epigenetic Factors

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Despite its incidence, the syndrome is poorly understood and remains underdiagnosed, and female patients are diagnosed with a delay. The heterogenous nature of this complex disorder results from the combined occurrence of genetic, environmental, endocrine, and behavioral factors. Primary clinical manifestations of PCOS are derived from the excess of androgens (anovulation, polycystic ovary morphology, lack of or scanty, irregular menstrual periods, acne and hirsutism), whereas the secondary manifestations include multiple metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological disorders. Dietary and lifestyle factors play important roles in the development and course of PCOS, which suggests strong epigenetic and environmental influences. Many studies have shown a strong association between PCOS and chronic, low-grade inflammation both in the ovarian tissue and throughout the body. In the vast majority of PCOS patients, elevated values of inflammatory markers or their gene markers have been reported. Development of the vicious cycle of the chronic inflammatory state in PCOS is additionally stimulated by hyperinsulinemia and obesity. Changes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and noncoding RNA levels are presented in this review in the context of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory signaling in PCOS. Epigenetic modulation of androgenic activity in response to inflammatory signaling is also discussed.

The Effect of Stimulation Protocols (GnRH Agonist vs. Antagonist) on the Activity of mTOR and Hippo Pathways of Ovarian Granulosa Cells and Its Potential Correlation with the Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization: A Hypothesis

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is essential for the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Evidence showing the comparison of different COH protocols remains predominantly of low certainty and derives from unspecified infertile and highly heterogeneous populations. Thus, personalized approaches to examine the response of patients to the various COH protocols need to be investigated. Data from in vitro and animal studies have identified the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Hippo signaling pathways play a key role in follicular homeostasis and oocyte quality. To be specific, current data indicate the controlled activation of mTOR and the controlled inhibition of the Hippo pathway within the ovarian granulosa cells (GC). Both are reported to lead to a nurturing follicular microenvironment, increase oocyte quality, and potentially improve reproductive outcomes. As intracellular markers, phosphorylated/unphosphorylated levels of the pathways’ main downstream mediators could be included among the candidate “personalized” predictors of patients’ response to COH protocols and final IVF outcomes. Based on these hypotheses, we make a preliminary attempt to investigate their validity: We propose a prospective cohort study to compare the levels of certain phosphorylated/unphosphorylated components of the investigated pathways (mTOR, ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70S6K-1), yes-associated protein-1 (YAP-1), and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)) within the follicular fluid-isolated GC between women undergoing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist/“short” protocols and those receiving GnRH agonist/“long 21” protocols. A case-control design comparing these levels between women achieving pregnancy and those who did not is further planned. Additional analyses addressing the population’s expected heterogeneity are planned after the completion of the pilot phase, during which 100 participants undergoing IVF are intended to be recruited. At this stage, these hypotheses are solely based on in vitro/animal data, and thus, similar studies on humans in this respect are necessary for the investigation of their potential validity.

H1.0 induces paclitaxel‐resistance genes expression in ovarian cancer cells by recruiting GCN5 and androgen receptor

More than 90% of ovarian cancer deaths are due to relapse following development of chemoresistance. Our main objective is to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying paclitaxel resistance (taxol resistance, Txr) in ovarian cancer. Here, we observed that the linker histone H1.0 is upregulated in paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of H1.0 significantly downregulates the androgen receptor (AR) and sensitizes paclitaxel‐resistant SKOV3/Txr and 2774/Txr cell lines to paclitaxel. Conversely, ectopic expression of H1.0 upregulates AR and increases Txr in parental SKOV3 and MDAH2774 cells. Notably, H1.0 upregulation is associated with disease recurrence and poor survival in a subset of ovarian cancer subjects. Inhibition of PI3K significantly reduces H1.0 mRNA and protein levels in paclitaxel‐resistant cells, suggesting the involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Knockdown of H1.0 and AR also downregulates the Txr genes ABCB1 and ABCG2 in paclitaxel‐resistant cells. Our data show that H1.0 induces GCN5 expression and histone acetylation, thereby enhancing Txr gene transactivation. These findings suggest that Txr in ovarian cancer involves the PI3K/AKT pathway and leads to upregulation of histone H1.0, recruitment of GCN5 and AR, followed by upregulation of a subgroup of Txr genes that include ABCB1 and ABCG2. This study is the first report describing the relationship between histone H1.0 and GCN5 that cooperate to induce AR‐dependent Txr in ovarian cancer cells.

The Role of mTOR and eIF Signaling in Benign Endometrial Diseases

Adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometritis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia are common non-cancerous diseases of the endometrium that afflict many women with life-impacting consequences. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway interacts with estrogen signaling and is known to be dysregulated in endometrial cancer. Based on this knowledge, we attempt to investigate the role of mTOR signaling in benign endometrial diseases while focusing on how the interplay between mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) affects their development. In fact, mTOR overactivity is apparent in adenomyosis, endometriosis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia, where it promotes endometrial cell proliferation and invasiveness. Recent data show aberrant expression of various components of the mTOR pathway in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis or endometriosis and in hyperplastic endometrium as well. Moreover, studies on endometritis show that derangement of mTOR signaling is linked to the establishment of endometrial dysfunction caused by chronic inflammation. This review shows that inhibition of the mTOR pathway has a promising therapeutic effect in benign endometrial conditions, concluding that mTOR signaling dysregulation plays a critical part in their pathogenesis.

Follicular Fluid-Derived Exosomal MicroRNA-18b-5p Regulates PTEN-Mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Development

Small RNA sequences in follicular fluid (FF)-derived exosomes (extracellular vesicles contain proteins, DNA, and RNA) vitally function in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been identified that microRNA (miR)-18b-5p is one of miRs that differ between control and PCOS women that passed the false discovery rate, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is an important modifier of biological functions of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in PCOS. However, whether miR-18b-5p could functionally mediate the progression of PCOS via PTEN was not clarified completely, which was the issue we wanted to solve in our research. FF-derived exosomes were isolated using an extraction kit. KGN cells were co-cultured with miR-18b-5p-modified exosomes or transfected with a PTEN-related vector. After treatment, cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed. A rat model of PCOS was established by letrozole and then injected with miR-18b-5p-modified exosomes. Then, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol (E2) levels in PCOS rats were measured. miR-18b-5p, PTEN, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway-related genes were tested. In PCOS patients, miR-18b-5p was downregulated, and PTEN was highly expressed in FF and GCs. PTEN knockdown increased KGN cell proliferation and limited apoptosis. FF-derived exosomes stimulated proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of KGN cells; decreased FSH, LH, and testosterone; and increased E2 in PCOS rats. Upregulating miR-18b-5p further enhanced the inhibitory effects of exosomes on suppressing the progression of PCOS. miR-18b-5p targeted PTEN and could activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. miR-18b-5p produced by FF-derived exosomes reduces PTEN expression and promotes the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to improve PCOS. Based on that, circulating miR-18b-5p levels can contribute to the progression of PCOS complications.

Simulation studies, 3D QSAR and molecular docking on a point mutation of protein kinase B with flavonoids targeting ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the world's dreaded disease and its prevalence is expanding globally. The study of integrated molecular networks is crucial for the basic mechanism of cancer cells and their progression. During the present investigation, we have examined different flavonoids that target protein kinases B (AKT1) protein which exerts their anticancer efficiency intriguing the role in cross-talk cell signalling, by metabolic processes through in-silico approaches.

METHOD

Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) was performed to analyze and evaluate the stability of the complexes under physiological conditions and the results were congruent with molecular docking. This investigation revealed the effect of a point mutation (W80R), considered based on their frequency of occurrence, with AKT1 protein.

RESULTS

The ligand with high docking scores and favourable behaviour on dynamic simulations are proposed as potential W80R inhibitors. A virtual screening analysis was performed with 12,000 flavonoids satisfying Lipinski's rule of five according to which drug-likeness is predicted based on its pharmacological and biological properties to be active and taken orally. The pharmacokinetic ADME (adsorption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion) studies featured drug-likeness. Subsequently, a statistically significant 3D-QSAR model of high correlation coefficient (R2) with 0.822 and cross-validation coefficient (Q2) with 0.6132 at 4 component PLS (partial least square) were used to verify the accuracy of the models. Taxifolin holds good interactions with the binding domain of W80R, highest Glide score of - 9.63 kcal/mol with OH of GLU234 and H bond ASP274 and LEU156 amino acid residues and one pi-cation interaction and one hydrophobic bond with LYS276.

CONCLUSION

Natural compounds have always been a richest source of active compounds with a wide variety of structures, therefore, these compounds showed a special inspiration for medical chemists. The present study has aimed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies on taxifolin targeting W80R mutant protein of protein kinase B/serine- threonine kinase/AKT1 (EC:2.7.11.1) protein of ovarian cancer for designing therapeutic intervention. The expected result supported the molecular cause in a mutant form which resulted in a gain of ovarian cancer. Here we discussed validations computationally and yet experimental evaluation or in vivo studies are endorsed for further study. Several of these compounds should become the next marvels for early detection of ovarian cancer.

Transcriptome Profiling of Oocytes at the Germinal Vesicle Stage from Women from Mongolia with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Evidence indicates that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. The molecular basis of PCOS is not well understood.

Methods

Whole-genome RNA sequencing was performed on single oocyte at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage from females with normal ovulation and females with PCOS. All subjects were women from Mongolia undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection in vitro fertilization (ICSI-IVF) who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. Women with normal ovulation who were undergoing ICSI-IVF owing to male factor infertility were recruited as control subjects.

Results

A total of 1313 differentially expressed genes were found by bio-informatics software in the GV oocytes of PCOS patients and compared with the control group. There were 367 upregulated and 946 downregulated genes (fold change > 2, false discovery rate < 0.01). When compared with the healthy controls, it was shown that the DEGs like VEGF, IGF, FADS1 et al were investigated as potential causes of PCOS oocytes. The DEGs were related to kinase activity, cell proliferation, gene regulation, and the signaling pathways of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Hippo, and ECM-receptor pathway in patients with PCOS. In addition, the interconnected gene co-expression network was constructed by gene bionetwork analysis, indicating that ITGB5, ITGB3, and CAV2 were the core genes in regulating the module expression of DEGs in PCOS.

Conclusion

RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated DEGs were linked to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and lipid metabolism in the GV oocytes of women with PCOS. We hypothesize that ITGB5, ITGB3, and CAV2 may be involved in metabolic disorders associated with the different phenotypes of PCOS.

Sestrin2 and Beclin1 levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background

Sestrin2 and beclin1 are two newly found proteins that have essential roles in autophagy. This study attempted to evaluate the plasma concentrations of sestrin2 and beclin1 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy controls and to explore the clinical value of these proteins as novel biomarkers for PCOS.

Methods

In this case‐control study, plasma levels of sestrin2 and beclin1, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, insulin, and androgens were evaluated in 63 women (31 patients and 32 controls). Sestrin2 and beclin1 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, logistic regression, and ROC curve analyses were used in this study.

Results

Plasma sestrin2 levels of the subjects with PCOS (40.74 [24.39–257.70]) were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects (255.78 [25.46–528.66]; p‐value = 0.040). ROC curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of 420.5 ng/L had an appropriate sensitivity (83.87%) and specificity (46.88%) for discriminating individuals with and without PCOS, with the area under the curve (95% CI) of 0.648 (0.518 to 0.764), p = 0.036. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning plasma levels of beclin1, biochemical parameters, blood pressure, and anthropometric features.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the dysregulation of sestrin2 as a marker of autophagy in PCOS and its potential usefulness as a novel biomarker for PCOS. Further research is needed to better understand the role of this protein in the pathophysiology of PCOS and its value as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of PCOS patients.

The Potential Effect of Rhizoma coptidis on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Background

Rhizoma coptidis (RC) showed a significant effect on PCOS, but its mechanism in PCOS remains unclear.

Methods

The components of RC were searched by TCMSP. The Smiles number of the active ingredients was queried through PubChem, and the predicted targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database. The DrugBank, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases were retrieved to acquire the related targets of PCOS. Then, the network of compound-target was constructed. The core targets were analyzed using protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and the binding activities were verified by molecular docking. The enriched pathways of key targets were examined by GO and KEGG.

Results

13 components and 250 targets of RC on PCOS were screened. The core network was filtered based on topological parameters, and the key components were palmatine, berberine, berberrubine, quercetin, and epiberberine. The key targets included DRD2, SLC6A4, CDK2, DPP4, ESR1, AKT2, PGR, and AKT1. Molecular docking displayed that the active ingredients of RC had good binding activities with potential targets of PCOS. After enrichment analysis, 30 functional pathways were obtained, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, dopaminergic synapse, and cAMP signaling pathway.

Conclusion

In summary, this study clarified the potential effect of RC on PCOS, which is helpful to provide references for clinical practice. It is also conducive to the secondary development of RC and its monomer components.

A patent review of mTOR inhibitors for cancer therapy (2011-2020)

INTRODUCTION

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is a central component in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and plays a crucial role in tumor biology, making it one appealing therapeutic target. In the past decade, the mTORi (mTOR inhibitor) development field has made great progress, with more agents entering key trials and the proposal of third-generation mTORi concept. Yet to achieve significant clinical success, combined efforts from multiple disciplines are ever needed.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the progress of mTORi development with anticancer potential from the perspective of the patent literature proposed between 2011 and 2020.

EXPERT OPINION

The highly complex regulatory mechanism network of mTOR proposes huge challenges to the development of clinically efficient mTORis. While in-depth biological research and fundamental medchemistry research are of importance to provide guidelines for improving mTORis, new technologies to pre-diagnose applicable populations is another key to provide precise personal cancer treatment. New mTOR agents are ever needed to tackle the common problems of side effects and drug resistance.

Genomic and Transcriptome Analysis to Identify the Role of the mTOR Pathway in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma and Its Potential Therapeutic Significance

The mTOR pathway, a major signaling pathway, regulates cell growth and protein synthesis by activating itself in response to upstream signals. Overactivation of the mTOR pathway may affect the occurrence and development of cancer, but no specific treatment has been proposed for targeting the mTOR pathway. In this study, we explored the expression of mTOR pathway genes in a variety of cancers and the potential compounds that target the mTOR pathway and focused on an abnormal type of cancer, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Based on the mRNA expression of the mTOR pathway gene, we divided KIRC patient samples into three clusters. We explored possible therapeutic targets of the mTOR pathway in KIRC. We predicted the IC50 of some classical targeted drugs to analyze their correlation with the mTOR pathway. Subsequently, we investigated the correlation of the mTOR pathway with histone modification and immune infiltration, as well as the response to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy. Finally, we used a LASSO regression analysis to construct a model to predict the survival of patients with KIRC. This study shows that mTOR scores can be used as tools to study various treatments targeting the mTOR pathway and that we can predict the recovery of KIRC patients through the expression of mTOR pathway genes. These research results can provide a reference for future research on KIRC patient treatment strategies.

Nanopore-based full-length transcriptome sequencing of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) ovary

Unlike mammals, studies on mechanisms that regulate waterfowl ovulation have been rarely reported. To advance our understanding of the ovulation differences in Muscovy duck, we utilized the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to generate transcriptome data from 3 groups of female duck ovaries with ovulation differences (i.e., preovulation [PO], consecutive ovulation [CO], and inconsecutive ovulation [IO]). In this study, the full-length transcriptome data qualitative analysis showed that a total of 24,504 nonredundant full-length transcripts were generated, 19,060 new transcripts were discovered and 14,848 novel transcripts were successfully annotated. For the quantitative analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the 3 groups were identified and functional properties were characterized. CTNNB1, IGF1, FOXO3, HSPA2, PTEN and SMC4 may be potential hub genes that regulate ovulation. Adhesion-related pathway, mTOR pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway have been considered as important pathways that affect follicular development and ovulation. These results provide a more complete data source of full-length transcriptome for the further study of gene expression and genetics in Muscovy duck. The hub genes and potential mechanisms that affect the ovulation of Muscovy duck have been screened out to provide a scientific basis for breeding work to improve the reproduction performance of Muscovy duck.

Menstrual disorders associated with sirolimus treatment

INTRODUCTION

Sirolimus has become a pillar in the treatment of vascular anomalies due to its inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Adverse effects include metabolic and hematologic disorders among others, although menstrual disorders have not been well described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with vascular anomalies on sirolimus treatment was performed. Patients presenting menstrual alterations were included.

MAIN RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six patients with vascular anomalies on treatment with sirolimus were reviewed, finding seven women out of 74 (9.4%) who presented menstrual alterations attributable to the treatment. These seven patients presented with different vascular malformations and three showed pathogenic variants in phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) in affected tissue. Partial response in six and stability in one patient was obtained after treatment, administered for an average of 27.5 months (6-48). Five patients have completed treatment and two patients continue on after 12 and 15 months, respectively. All patients reported regular menstrual cycles prior to sirolimus treatment. One patient presented with amenorrhea for 4 months after treatment initiation that later spontaneously resolved. The other six patients presented with hypermenorrhea, four of them associating metrorrhagia. Most patients presented with mild menstrual alterations, without needing dose reduction or withdrawal, although one discontinued sirolimus due to hypermenorrhea, metrorrhagia, and hematuria. After sirolimus withdrawal, regular menstrual cycles were restored in five patients.

CONCLUSION

Sirolimus treatment can produce menstrual disorders as adverse effects. Although mild and reversible upon dose reduction or cessation of treatment, patients and physicians should be aware on this potential side effect.

Energy sensors and reproductive hypothalamo-pituitary ovarian axis (HPO) in female mammals: Role of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1)

In female, energy metabolism influences reproductive function by modulating the Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian axis including the hypothalamic GnRH neuronal network, the pituitary gonadotropin secretion and the ovarian follicle growth and steroidogenesis. Several hormones and neuropeptides or metabolites are important signals between energy balance and reproduction. These energy sensors mediate their action on reproductive cells through specific kinases or signaling pathways. This review focuses on the role of three main enzymes-specifically, mTOR, AMPK, and SIRT1 at the hypothalamic pituitary and ovarian axis in normal female fertility and then we discuss their possible involvement in some women reproductive disorders known to be associated with metabolic complications, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF).

Interplay Between mTOR and Hippo Signaling in the Ovary: Clinical Choice Guidance Between Different Gonadotropin Preparations for Better IVF

One of the most widely used types of assisted reproduction technology is the in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which women undergo controlled ovarian stimulation through the administration of the appropriate hormones to produce as many mature follicles, as possible. The most common hormone combination is the co-administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues with recombinant or urinary-derived follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In the last few years, scientists have begun to explore the effect that different gonadotropin preparations have on granulosa cells' maturation and apoptosis, aiming to identify new predictive markers of oocyte quality and successful fertilization. Two major pathways that control the ovarian development, as well as the oocyte-granulosa cell communication and the follicular growth, are the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and the Hippo signaling. The purpose of this article is to briefly review the current knowledge about the effects that the different gonadotropins, used for ovulation induction, may exert in the biology of granulosa cells, focusing on the importance of these two pathways, which are crucial for follicular maturation. We believe that a better understanding of the influence that the various ovarian stimulation protocols have on these critical molecular cascades will be invaluable in choosing the best approach for a given patient, thereby avoiding cancelled cycles, reducing frustration and potential treatment-related complications, and increasing the pregnancy rate. Moreover, individualizing the treatment plan will help clinicians to better coordinate assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs, discuss the specific options with the couples undergoing IVF, and alleviate stress, thus making the IVF experience easier.

Dingkun Pill replenishes diminished ovarian reserve through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in TWP-induced mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) can lead to poor fertility and shorten the reproductive lifespan of females. The Dingkun Pill (DKP), a traditional Chinese-patented medication, has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicinal treatment for the management of gynecological diseases for centuries. Relevant clinical studies have shown that DKP is able to protect against DOR, however, its mechanism of action is not yet fully elucidated.

STUDY GOALS

This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the impact of tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosidium (TWP) on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the context of the pathophysiology of DOR and the mechanism of action of DKP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty female balb/c mice with regular estrous cycles were assigned to Blank, Model, DKP and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) groups in a random manner. With the exception of the Blank group, mice in the other groups were exposed to 40 mg/kg/d TWP suspension for 30 days to DOR induction. Following this, either DKP or hormones were orally administrated to determine their effect on disease progression. During the experiment, changes in body weight and the estrous cycles of the mice were observed. Post treatment, serum sample anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol (E₂), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mice were then sacrificed in order to harvest their ovaries for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. This process allowed for the assessment of ovarian morphology and follicular quantification. Apoptotic ovarian cells of the ovary were assessed using TUNEL technique, while Caspase-3 and Cytochrome C (Cyt C) expressions of the ovary were examined through immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blotting analysis was used to quantify levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Cyt C, mTOR, P-mTOR, AKT, P-AKT, P-PI3K and PI3K proteins, while mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, PI3K, AKT and mTOR were measured in ovarian tissue using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that DKP was able to improve levels of serum hormones and promote the recovery of the estrous cycle. DKP augmented the total amount of primordial follicles while reducing the number of follicles that were atretic follicles. The apoptosis index of growing follicles and Bax, Cyt C and Caspase-3 expressions decreased, while the Bcl-2: Bax ratio increased. DKP suppressed levels of phosphorylation and the mRNA expressions of mTOR, AKT and PI3K.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that DKP was able to increase ovarian reserves through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which lead to the suppression of primordial follicle activity and a reduction in levels of apoptosis of early growing follicles. This highlights its potentially beneficial role for the treatment of DOR.

Electroacupuncture alleviates polycystic ovary syndrome-like symptoms through improving insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress via enhancing autophagy in rats

BACKGROUND

Electroacupuncture (EA), a treatment derived from traditional Chinese medicine, can effectively improve hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), however, its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. This study aimed to investigate whether EA could mitigate PCOS-like symptoms in rats by regulating autophagy.

METHODS

A rat model of PCOS-like symptoms was established by subcutaneous injection with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and then EA treatment at acupoints (ST29 and SP6) was carried out for 5 weeks. To inhibit autophagy in rats, intraperitoneal injection with 0.5 mg/kg 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) was performed at 30 min before each EA treatment.

RESULTS

EA intervention alleviated PCOS-like symptoms in rats, which was partly counteracted by the combination with 3-MA. Moreover, DHEA-exposure-induced deficient autophagy in skeletal muscle was improved by EA treatment. EA-mediated improvements in insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in PCOS-like rats were counteracted by 3-MA pretreatment. Mechanically, EA attenuated autophagy deficiency-mediated insulin resistance in PCOS-like rats via inactivating mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings indicate that EA treatment ameliorates insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress through enhancing autophagy in a PCOS-like rat model. Our study provides novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the treatment of EA in PCOS, which offers more theoretic foundation for its clinical application.

The insulin signaling pathway is dysregulated in cumulus cells from obese, infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome with an absence of clinical insulin resistance

Methods:

This is a cohort study, conducted at a university-based reproductive medicine center and private reproductive medicine center that aimed to evaluate granulosa cumulus cell gene expression in the insulin signaling pathway in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and to compare the cumulus gene expression between normal weight and obese women without clinical insulin resistance. Fifteen PCOS patients, nine normal weight patients and six obese patients presenting normal HOMA IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment–Insulin Resistance), participated. Patients underwent oocyte retrieval for IVF and after the procedure, granulosa cumulus cells were removed from the oocytes for RNA extraction. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array analysis of 84 genes from insulin signaling pathway was conducted. The results were expressed as fold up- or fold down-expression in obese patients compared with normal weight patients. Any fold change ⩾3 or ⩽3 and any p ⩽ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

There were 10 genes that were overexpressed in obese compared with normal weight women, BCL2L1, BRAF, CBL, DOK1, FBP1, FRS2, MTOR, PCK2, RPS6KA1, and SORBS1, that had a fold change ⩾3 and p ⩽ 0.05.

Discussion:

In the obese group, the overexpressed genes are mainly responsible for the proliferation and differentiation of cumulus cells during oocyte maturation, insulin resistance, apoptosis regulation, and glucose metabolism during early embryogenesis, suggesting that in the follicular environment, insulin resistance is present even in the absence of clinical signs.

Conclusion:

Together, our findings and the related literature suggest that those alterations may be associated with the worse prognosis of follicular development and oocyte maturation observed in PCOS obese women.

Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NFκB Axis in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer stands as the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and remains the fifth most common gynecologic cancer. Poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate are attributed to nonspecific symptoms at early phases along with a lack of effective treatment at advanced stages. It is thus paramount, that ovarian carcinoma be viewed through several lenses in order to gain a thorough comprehension of its molecular pathogenesis, epidemiology, histological subtypes, hereditary factors, diagnostic approaches, and methods of treatment. Above all, it is crucial to dissect the role that the unique peritoneal tumor microenvironment plays in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. This short communication seeks to underscore several important aspects of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NFκB pathway in the context of ovarian cancer and discuss recent advances in targeting this pathway.

PI3K-AKT-mTOR and NFκB Pathways in Ovarian Cancer: Implications for Targeted Therapeutics

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with an estimated 22,530 new cases and 13,980 deaths in 2019. Recent studies have indicated that the phosphoinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as the nuclear factor-κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) pathways are highly mutated and/or hyper-activated in a majority of ovarian cancer patients, and are associated with advanced grade and stage disease and poor prognosis. In this review, we will investigate PI3K/AKT/mTOR and their interconnection with NFκB pathway in ovarian cancer cells.

Vitamin C restores ovarian follicular reservation in a mouse model of aging

Ovarian aging is related to the reduction of oocyte quality and ovarian follicles reservation leading to infertility. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which may counteract with adverse effects of aging in the ovary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of vitamin C on NMRI mice ovarian aging according to the stereological study. In this experimental study, 36 adult female mice (25-30 g) were divided into two groups: control and vitamin C. Vitamin C (150 mg/kg/day) were administered by oral gavage for 33 weeks. Six animals of each group were sacrificed on week 8, 12, and 33, and right ovary samples were extracted for stereology analysis. Our data showed that the total volume of ovary, cortex, medulla and corpus luteum were significantly increased in vitamin C group in comparison to the control groups (P≤0.05). In addition, the total number of primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles as well as granulosa cells were improved in vitamin C group in compared to the control groups (P≤0.05). No significant difference was observed in total volume of oocytes in antral follicles between control and vitamin C groups. Our data showed that vitamin C could notably compensate undesirable effects of ovarian aging in a mouse model.