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Yifu P. A review of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in addressing polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2381498. [PMID: 39039898 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2381498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a compound known for its cysteine and glutathione precursor properties, has been used in therapeutic applications for many years. Recently, there has been increasing interest in exploring the potential benefits of NAC in addressing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the exact mechanisms underlying NAC's therapeutic and clinical uses remain not fully understood. This review aims to specifically investigate how NAC offers protection against PCOS. This involved an extensive systematic review of the literature, and it made use of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. By analyzing key findings from over 100 research papers, the potential mechanisms through which NAC produces its effects were explored and summarized. Most studies suggest that NAC, whether used on its own or in combination with other medications, has the potential to counteract oxidative stress, utilize its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, and offer benefits in managing PCOS. Moreover, NAC might have the potential to influence specific signaling pathways in insulin target cells and β cells. Diverse biological effects of NAC indicate its potential usefulness as a supplementary or therapeutic approach for managing PCOS. As a result, additional research is required to explore its potential in addressing PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Yifu
- Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Cotellessa L, Giacobini P. Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the Central Regulation of Fertility. Semin Reprod Med 2024; 42:34-40. [PMID: 38608673 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the expanding roles of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in various aspects of reproductive health have attracted significant attention. Initially recognized for its classical role in male sexual differentiation, AMH is produced postnatally by the Sertoli cells in the male testes and by the granulosa cells in the female ovaries. Traditionally, it was believed to primarily influence gonadal development and function. However, research over the last decade has unveiled novel actions of AMH beyond the gonads, specifically all along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This review will focus on the emerging roles of AMH within the hypothalamus and discusses its potential implications in reproductive physiology. Additionally, recent preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that elevated levels of AMH may disrupt the hypothalamic network regulating reproduction, which could contribute to the central pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between AMH and the neuroendocrine system, offering new avenues for understanding the mechanisms underlying fertility and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Cotellessa
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Unit 1172, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (LilNCog), University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Unit 1172, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (LilNCog), University of Lille, Lille, France
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Petrillo T, Semprini E, Tomatis V, Arnesano M, Ambrosetti F, Battipaglia C, Sponzilli A, Ricciardiello F, Genazzani AR, Genazzani AD. Putative Complementary Compounds to Counteract Insulin-Resistance in PCOS Patients. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081924. [PMID: 36009471 PMCID: PMC9406066 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine-metabolic disorder among women at reproductive age. The diagnosis is based on the presence of at least two out of three criteria of the Rotterdam criteria (2003). In the last decades, the dysmetabolic aspect of insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia have been taken into account as the additional key features in the etiopathology of PCOS, and they have been widely studied. Since PCOS is a complex and multifactorial syndrome with different clinical manifestations, it is difficult to find the gold standard treatment. Therefore, a great variety of integrative treatments have been reported to counteract insulin resistance. PCOS patients need a tailored therapeutic strategy, according to the patient’s BMI, the presence or absence of familiar predisposition to diabetes, and the patient’s desire to achieve pregnancy or not. The present review analyzes and discloses the main clinical insight of such complementary substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabatha Petrillo
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Semprini
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Veronica Tomatis
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Melania Arnesano
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Fedora Ambrosetti
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Christian Battipaglia
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sponzilli
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricciardiello
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea R. Genazzani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro D. Genazzani
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Female sexual behavior is disrupted in a preclinical mouse model of PCOS via an attenuated hypothalamic nitric oxide pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203503119. [PMID: 35867816 PMCID: PMC9335209 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203503119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major endocrine disorder leading to female infertility worldwide. Patients with PCOS also often experience sexual dysfunction; however, the developmental and central mechanisms mediating this behavioral derangement are unclear. Here, we show that prenatal excess of anti-Müllerian hormone triggers PCOS-like impairment in female sexual behavior in mice. Sexual dysfunction in PCOS-like mice is associated with decreased expression of progesterone-sensitive neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neurons in the hypothalamus. Chemogenetic inhibition of nNOS neuronal activity in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus recapitulates PCOS-like sexual dysfunction. Of clinical relevance, administration of nitric oxide donor rescues normal sexual behavior in PCOS-like mice. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently experience decreased sexual arousal, desire, and sexual satisfaction. While the hypothalamus is known to regulate sexual behavior, the specific neuronal pathways affected in patients with PCOS are not known. To dissect the underlying neural circuitry, we capitalized on a robust preclinical animal model that reliably recapitulates all cardinal PCOS features. We discovered that female mice prenatally treated with anti-Müllerian hormone (PAMH) display impaired sexual behavior and sexual partner preference over the reproductive age. Blunted female sexual behavior was associated with increased sexual rejection and independent of sex steroid hormone status. Structurally, sexual dysfunction was associated with a substantial loss of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-expressing neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and other areas of hypothalamic nuclei involved in social behaviors. Using in vivo chemogenetic manipulation, we show that nNOSVMH neurons are required for the display of normal sexual behavior in female mice and that pharmacological replenishment of nitric oxide restores normal sexual performance in PAMH mice. Our data provide a framework to investigate facets of hypothalamic nNOS neuron biology with implications for sexual disturbances in PCOS.
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Raja MA, Maldonado M, Chen J, Zhong Y, Gu J. Development and Evaluation of Curcumin Encapsulated Self-assembled Nanoparticles as Potential Remedial Treatment for PCOS in a Female Rat Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:6231-6247. [PMID: 34531655 PMCID: PMC8439717 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s302161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies affecting women of reproductive age and leads to metabolic disorders and infertility. The present study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of curcumin (Cur) encapsulated arginine (Arg) and N-acetyl histidine (NAcHis) modified chitosan (Arg-CS-NAcHis/Cur) nanoparticles (NPs). METHODS In this study, amphiphilic chitosan (CS) conjugate was developed by modification with hydrophilic arginine (Arg) and hydrophobic N-acetyl histidine (NAcHis) group (Arg-CS-NAcHis). The synthesized conjugate was well characterized by FTIR and NMR studies. Self-assembled nanoparticles based on the synthesized conjugate were developed by simple sonication method and characterized for the physicochemical properties of zeta potential, particle size and drug encapsulation. Next, in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake studies of the NPs were evaluated. Finally, the developed nanoparticles were examined for their therapeutic potential against estradiol valerate (EV) induced PCOS rats by evaluating hormone level changes and ovarian morphology. RESULTS The results showed that zeta potential of the nanoparticles was 39.8±2.52 mV and the average size was 200 nm. The in vitro drug release profile showed sustained release pattern. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies also showed preferential effectiveness than free curcumin. Both the biochemical and histopathological studies showed positive effects in reverting the symptoms of PCOS rats to normalcy. CONCLUSION Curcumin encapsulated arginine and N-acetyl histidine modified chitosan (Arg-CS-NAcHis/Cur) nanoparticles have been successfully developed. The present study suggested that treatment of the nanoparticles might reverse many of the PCOS symptoms. Therefore, these nanoparticles might be used as promising new candidate for delivery of curcumin to treat PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazhar Ali Raja
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Pathology, Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Reproductive Center of Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Martin Maldonado
- Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Reproductive Center of Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianying Chen
- Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Reproductive Center of Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Reproductive Center of Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Pathology, Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People’s Republic of China
- Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Reproductive Center of Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Mostajeran F, Tehrani HG, Rahbary B. N-Acetylcysteine as an Adjuvant to Letrozole for Induction of Ovulation in Infertile Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Adv Biomed Res 2018; 7:100. [PMID: 30050888 PMCID: PMC6036781 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_157_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) application as an adjuvant to letrozole on induced ovulation outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: This was a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial with 130 PCOS patients who were infertile. First, patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group 1 were administered letrozole 5 mg/d plus NAC 1.2 g/d and patients in Group 2 were administered letrozole plus placebo for 5 days starting at the 3rd day of the menstruation period. On the 12th day of the cycle, ultrasound evaluation was performed, and in whom at least one follicle with an 18–20 mm diameter was found, 10,000 unit human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was prescribed, and 36 h after hCG injection, timed intercourse was advised. On the 16th day, after hCG injection, serum β-hCG level was evaluated. Results: The number of follicles >18 mm was significantly higher in the letrozole + NAC group (P = 0.007). The ovulation and pregnancy rates were also significantly higher in the letrozole + NAC group (P = 0.045). No adverse side effects and no cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were observed in NAC group. Conclusion: NAC is demonstrated to be a safe and well-tolerated adjuvant to letrozole and can increase the pregnancy rates in PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Mostajeran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hatav Ghasemi Tehrani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahare Rahbary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Javanmanesh F, Kashanian M, Rahimi M, Sheikhansari N. A comparison between the effects of metformin and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on some metabolic and endocrine characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016; 32:285-9. [PMID: 26654154 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHOD Study was performed as a randomized double-blind clinical trial on women with diagnosis of PCOS without additional complications. In one group, oral NAC 600 mg, three times a day and in the other group, 500 mg oral metformin, three times a day were prescribed. Duration of treatment was 24 weeks, and after finishing this period of treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and insulin, lipid profile and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index were measured (all the blood samples were taken while fasting) and were compared in the two groups. RESULTS Forty-six women in NAC group and 48 women in metformin group finished the study. The two groups did not show significant difference according to age, body mass index (BMI) of more than 30; mean BMI, AUB, FBS, fasting blood insulin, lipid profile and HOMA index before treatment. After 24 weeks of treatment; BMI >30 [17 (35.4%) versus 7 (15.2%), p = 0.033], mean BMI [(28.36 ± 2.27) versus (27.11 ± 3.55), p = 0.44], number of women with the complain of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) [24 (50%) versus 13 (28.3%), p = 0.037], FBS [(90.02 ± 6.24) versus (86.61 ± 7.81), p = 0.021], fasting insulin (10.40 ± 2.64 versus 8.89 ± 2.20, p = 0.004), HOMA Index (2.09 ± 0.69 versus 1.71 ± 0.45, p = 0.001), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (141.83 ± 26.98 versus 127.89 ± 28.70, p = 0.017) were less in NAC group. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol did not show significant difference between the two groups after treatment. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was higher in NAC group. CONCLUSION NAC can improve lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS) and fasting blood insulin better than metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Javanmanesh
- a Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Firoozgar Teaching Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Maryam Kashanian
- b Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Akbarabadi Teaching Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran , and
| | - Maryam Rahimi
- b Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Akbarabadi Teaching Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran , and
| | - Narges Sheikhansari
- c Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
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Pertynska-Marczewska M, Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Zhang J, Merhi Z. Advanced glycation end products: A link between metabolic and endothelial dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome? Metabolism 2015; 64:1564-73. [PMID: 26386695 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a heterogeneous syndrome of reproductive and metabolic alterations, is associated with increased long-term risk of cardiovascular complications. This phenomenon has been linked to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are pro-inflammatory molecules that trigger a state of intracellular oxidative stress and inflammation after binding to their cell membrane receptors RAGE. The activation of the AGE-RAGE axis has been well known to play a role in atherosclerosis in both men and women. Women with PCOS have systemic chronic inflammatory condition even at the ovarian level as represented by elevated levels of serum/ovarian AGEs and increased expression of the pro-inflammatory RAGE in ovarian tissue. Data also showed the presence of sRAGE in the follicular fluid and its potential protective role against the harmful effect of AGEs on ovarian function. Thus, whether AGE-RAGE axis constitutes a link between metabolic and endothelial dysfunction in women with PCOS is addressed in this review. Additionally, we discuss the role of hormonal changes observed in PCOS and how they are linked with the AGE-RAGE axis in order to better understand the nature of this complex syndrome whose consequences extend well beyond reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis
- Department of Medicine, Endocrine Unit, Medical School University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi 115002D27, Athens, Greece.
| | - John Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine, New Hope Fertility Center, 4 Columbus Circle, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Zaher Merhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology, NYU School of Medicine, 180 Varick Street, sixth floor, New York, NY, USA.
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Amorim EMGD, Damous LL, Durando MCS, Saraiva MVA, Koike MK, Montero EFDS. N-acetylcysteine improves morphologic and functional aspects of ovarian grafts in rats. Acta Cir Bras 2014; 29 Suppl 3:22-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-86502014001700005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Salehpour S, Akbari Sene A, Saharkhiz N, Sohrabi MR, Moghimian F. N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate for successful induction of ovulation in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2012; 38:1182-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2012.01844.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rzepczynska IJ, Foyouzi N, Piotrowski PC, Celik-Ozenci C, Cress A, Duleba AJ. Antioxidants induce apoptosis of rat ovarian theca-interstitial cells. Biol Reprod 2010; 84:162-6. [PMID: 20844276 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.087585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of growth of ovarian theca-interstitial tissues is essential for normal ovarian development and function. Reactive oxygen species are involved in modulation of signal transduction pathways, including regulation of tissue growth and apoptosis. Previously, we have demonstrated that antioxidants inhibit proliferation of theca-interstitial cells. This report evaluates the effects of antioxidants on apoptosis of rat theca-interstitial cells. The cells were cultured in chemically defined media without or with vitamin E succinate and ebselen. Apoptosis was evaluated by cytochemical assessment of nuclear morphology, activity of executioner caspases 3 and 7, and determination of staining with annexin V in combination with propidium iodide. Both tested antioxidants induced significant morphological changes consistent with apoptosis, including chromatin condensation, nuclear shrinkage, and pyknosis. Antioxidants also induced other hallmarks of apoptosis including increased activity of caspases 3/7 as well as increased staining with annexin V. The present findings demonstrate that antioxidants with distinctly different mechanisms of action induce a series of events consistent with the process of apoptosis in ovarian mesenchyme. These observations may be of translational-clinical relevance, providing mechanistic support for the use of antioxidants in the treatment of PCOS, a condition associated with excessive growth and activity of theca-interstitial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela J Rzepczynska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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