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Zhang S, Wei Y, Gao X, Song Y, Huang Y, Jiang Q. Unveiling the Ovarian Cell Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism of Prolificacy in Goats via Single-Nucleus Transcriptomics Data Analysis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2301-2319. [PMID: 38534763 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Increases in litter size, which are influenced by ovulation, are responsible for between 74% and 96% of the economic value of genetic progress, which influences selection. For the selection and breeding of highly prolific goats, genetic mechanisms underlying variations in litter size should be elucidated. Here, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze 44,605 single nuclei from the ovaries of polytocous and monotocous goats during the follicular phase. Utilizing known reference marker genes, we identified 10 ovarian cell types characterized by distinct gene expression profiles, transcription factor networks, and reciprocal interaction signatures. An in-depth analysis of the granulosa cells revealed three subtypes exhibiting distinct gene expression patterns and dynamic regulatory mechanisms. Further investigation of cell-type-specific prolificacy-associated transcriptional changes elucidated that "downregulation of apoptosis", "increased anabolism", and "upstream responsiveness to hormonal stimulation" are associated with prolificacy. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the cell-type-specific mechanisms and regulatory networks in the goat ovary, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying goat prolificacy. These findings establish a vital foundation for furthering understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing folliculogenesis and for improving the litter size in goats via molecular design breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanbao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yirong Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaotong Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ying Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yanna Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Qinyang Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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Wu YY, Xu YM, Lau ATY. Epigenetic effects of herbal medicine. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:85. [PMID: 37179342 PMCID: PMC10183144 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01481-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic memory is essential for life that governs the predefined functional features of cells. Recent evidence has indicated that the epigenetic modification provides a potential link to gene expression changes that may be involved in the development of various chronic diseases, and targeting the epigenome becomes a plausible method for treating diseases. Traditional herbal medicine has gradually entered the vision of researchers due to its low toxicity and its effectiveness in treating diseases. As a matter of fact, researchers found that the possessed epigenetic modification capacity of herbal medicine had the ability to combat the progression of the disease, such as various types of cancer, diabetes, inflammation, amnesia, liver fibrosis, asthma, and hypertension-induced renal injury. Studies on the epigenetic effects of herbal medicine will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of human diseases, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches and diagnoses. Thus, this review summarized the impact of herbal medicine and its bioactive components on disease epigenome as examples of how utilization of epigenetic plasticity could be useful as the basis for the future development of targeted therapies in chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yao Wu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Andy T Y Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Shen M, Li T, Feng Y, Wu P, Serrano BR, Barcenas AR, Qu L, Zhao W. Effects of quercetin on granulosa cells from prehierarchical follicles by modulating MAPK signaling pathway in chicken. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102736. [PMID: 37209658 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin (Que), widely found in a huge variety of plants, plays important roles in ovarian function. However, to data, there have been no reports about Que regulating granulosa cells (GCs) in prehierarchical follicles in chicken. Herein, GCs from follicles diameter from 4 to 8 mm in chicken were treated by Que in vitro culture to investigate how Que exerts its effect on follicular development. GCs treated by Que in concentrations of 10, 100, and 1,000 ng/mL were tested for cell proliferation and progesterone secretion. Eight cDNA libraries were constructed from GCs (4 samples per group) to explore transcriptome expression changes. The role of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was validated in this process. Treatment with 100 and 1,000 ng/mL levels of Que significantly promoted cell proliferation and progesterone secretion (P < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis data showed that 402 and 263 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis that the pathways related to follicular development included biosynthesis of amino acids, MAPK signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway. Notably, the function exerted in GCs of the different levels of Que was associated with the suppression of the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, our results proved that low levels of Que could promote MAPK signaling pathway, but high levels of Que inhibit MAPK signaling pathway in GCs from the prehierarchical follicles, promote cell proliferation and progesterone secretion, and benefit follicle selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Shen
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 225108, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Breeding and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tao Li
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 225108, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 225108, China
| | - Ping Wu
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 225108, China
| | | | | | - Liang Qu
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou 225125, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 225108, China.
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4
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Guzmán A, Hernández-Coronado CG, Gutiérrez CG, Rosales-Torres AM. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system as a key regulator of ovarian follicle angiogenesis and growth. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:201-217. [PMID: 36966489 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) system is a complex set of proteins, with multiple isoforms and receptors, including both angiogenic (VEGFxxx, VEGFR2) and antiangiogenic members (VEGFxxxb, VEGFR1 and soluble forms of VEGFR). The members of the VEGF system affect the proliferation, survival, and migration of endothelial and nonendothelial cells and are involved in the regulation of follicular angiogenesis and development. The production of VEGF by secondary follicles stimulates preantral follicular development by directly affecting follicular cells and promoting the acquisition of the follicular vasculature and downstream antrum formation. Additionally, the pattern of expression of the components of the VEGF system may provide a proangiogenic milieu capable of triggering angiogenesis and stimulating follicular cells to promote antral follicle growth, whereas, during atresia, this milieu becomes antiangiogenic and blocks follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Guzmán
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Distrito Federal, México
| | - Cyndi G Hernández-Coronado
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Distrito Federal, México
| | - Carlos G Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ana M Rosales-Torres
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Distrito Federal, México
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Fetisov TI, Borunova AA, Antipova AS, Antoshina EE, Trukhanova LS, Gorkova TG, Zuevskaya SN, Maslov A, Gurova K, Gudkov A, Lesovaya EA, Belitsky GA, Yakubovskaya MG, Kirsanov KI. Targeting Features of Curaxin CBL0137 on Hematological Malignancies In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010230. [PMID: 36672738 PMCID: PMC9856019 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The anticancer activity of Curaxin CBL0137, a DNA-binding small molecule with chromatin remodulating effect, has been demonstrated in different cancers. Herein, a comparative evaluation of CBL0137 activity was performed in respect to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma (MM) cultured in vitro. MTT assay showed AML and MM higher sensitivity to CBL0137's cytostatic effect comparatively to other hematological malignancy cells. Flow cytometry cell cycle analysis revealed an increase in subG1 and G2/M populations after CBL0137 cell treatment, but the prevalent type of arrest varied. Apoptosis activation by CBL0137 measured by Annexin-V/PI dual staining was more active in AML and MM cells. RT2 PCR array showed that changes caused by CBL0137 in signaling pathways involved in cancer pathogenesis were more intensive in AML and MM cells. On the murine model of AML WEHI-3, CBL0137 showed significant anticancer effects in vivo, which were evaluated by corresponding changes in spleen and liver. Thus, more pronounced anticancer effects of CBL0137 in vitro were observed in respect to AML and MM. Experiments in vivo also indicated the perspective of CBL0137 use for AML treatment. This in accordance with the frontline treatment approach in AML using epigenetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur I. Fetisov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Borunova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina S. Antipova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena E. Antoshina
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lubov S. Trukhanova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana G. Gorkova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexei Maslov
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Katerina Gurova
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Andrei Gudkov
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Ekaterina A. Lesovaya
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Oncology, I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
| | - Gennady A. Belitsky
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Kirill I. Kirsanov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Ataei-Nazari S, Amoushahi M, Madsen JF, Jensen J, Heuck A, Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh A, Lykke-Hartmann K. Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) as a potent regulator of the ovarian primordial-to-primary follicle transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1036917. [PMID: 36619863 PMCID: PMC9816807 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1036917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Ovarian follicle development requires tight coordination between several factors to initiate folliculogenesis to generate a mature and fertile egg. Studies have shown that cell cycle factors might contribute to follicle development, hover specific knowledge on individual CDKs and follicle activation has not been investigated. Among cell cycle regulators, CDK6 is a key player through binding to cyclin D resulting DNA synthesis and genome duplication. Interestingly, the CDK6 gene is differentially expressed in oocytes and granulosa cells from human primordial and primary follicles, which suggest a potential role of CDK6 in the primordial-to-primary transition. In this study, we investigated the potential regulatory role of CDK6 in progression of primordial to primary follicle transition using BSJ-03-123 (BSJ), a CDK6-specific degrader. Methods: In mouse ovarian in vitro culture, BSJ reduced the activation of primordial follicles, and reduced follicle development. As a next step, we examined the egg maturation read-out and found that BSJ-treated follicles matured to competent MII eggs with resumption of first meiosis, comparable with the control group. Results: Noteworthy, it appears that inhibition of CDK6 did increase number of apotoptic cells, articular in the granulosa cells, but had no impact on ROS level of cultured ovaries compared to control group, indicating that the cells were not stressed. Oocyte quality thus appeared safe. Discussion: The results of this study indicate that CDK6 plays a role in the primordial-to-primary transition, suggesting that cell cycle regulation is an essential part of ovarian follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Ataei-Nazari
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M. Amoushahi
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - JF. Madsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J. Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A. Heuck
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - K. Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,*Correspondence: K. Lykke-Hartmann,
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Wei S, Kang X, Yang C, Wang F, Dai T, Guo X, Ma Z, Li C, Zhao H, Dan X. Analysis of reproduction-related transcriptomes on pineal-hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian tissues during estrus and anestrus in Tan sheep. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1068882. [PMID: 36504859 PMCID: PMC9729709 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1068882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal estrus is an important factor limiting the fertility of some animals such as sheep. Promoting estrus in the anestrus season is one of the major ways in improving the fecundity of seasonally breeding animals. The pineal-hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (PHPO) axis plays a decisive role in regulating animal reproduction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the PHPO axis regulates seasonal reproduction in animals are not well understood, especially in Tan sheep. To this end, we collected pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary tissues from Tan sheep during estrus and anestrus for RNA-Sequencing, and performed bioinformatics analysis on the entire regulatory axis of the pineal-hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (PHPO). The results showed that 940, 1,638, 750, and 971 DEGs (differentially expressed genes, DEGs) were identified in pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary, respectively. GO analysis showed that DEGs from PHPO axis-related tissues were mainly enriched in "biological processes" such as transmembrane transport, peptide and amide biosynthesis and DNA synthesis. Meanwhile, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the bile acid secretion pathway and the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway were significantly enriched. Additionally, four potential candidate genes related to seasonal reproduction (VEGFA, CDC20, ASPM, and PLCG2) were identified by gene expression profiling and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. These findings will contribute to be better understanding of seasonal reproduction regulation in Tan sheep and will serve as a useful reference for molecular breeding of high fertility Tan sheep.
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Metformin Treatment Modulates Long Non-Coding RNA Isoforms Expression in Human Cells. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8050068. [PMID: 36287120 PMCID: PMC9607547 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8050068] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) undergo splicing and have multiple transcribed isoforms. Nevertheless, for lncRNAs, as well as for mRNA, measurements of expression are routinely performed only at the gene level. Metformin is the first-line oral therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains not thoroughly explained. Transcriptomic analyses using metformin in different cell types reveal that only protein-coding genes are considered. We aimed to characterize lncRNA isoforms that were differentially affected by metformin treatment on multiple human cell types (three cancer, two non-cancer) and to provide insights into the lncRNA regulation by this drug. We selected six series to perform a differential expression (DE) isoform analysis. We also inferred the biological roles for lncRNA DE isoforms using in silico tools. We found the same isoform of an lncRNA (AC016831.6-205) highly expressed in all six metformin series, which has a second exon putatively coding for a peptide with relevance to the drug action. Moreover, the other two lncRNA isoforms (ZBED5-AS1-207 and AC125807.2-201) may also behave as cis-regulatory elements to the expression of transcripts in their vicinity. Our results strongly reinforce the importance of considering DE isoforms of lncRNA for understanding metformin mechanisms at the molecular level.
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Rosario R, Cui W, Anderson RA. Potential ovarian toxicity and infertility risk following targeted anti-cancer therapies. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:R147-R162. [PMID: 35928672 PMCID: PMC9346327 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike traditional chemotherapy agents which are generally cytotoxic to all cells, targeted anti-cancer therapies are designed to specifically target proliferation mechanisms in cancer cells but spare normal cells, resulting in high potency and reduced toxicity. There has therefore been a rapid increase in their development and use in clinical settings, including in curative-intent treatment regimens. However, the targets of some of these drugs including kinases, epigenetic regulatory proteins, DNA damage repair enzymes and proteasomes, have fundamental roles in governing normal ovarian physiology. Inhibiting their action could have significant consequences for ovarian function, with potentially long-lasting adverse effects which persist after cessation of treatment, but there is limited evidence of their effects on reproductive function. In this review, we will use literature that examines these pathways to infer the potential toxicity of targeted anti-cancer drugs on the ovary. Lay summary Compared to traditional chemotherapy agents, anti-cancer therapies are thought to be highly effective at targeting cancer cells but sparing normal cells, resulting in reduced drug side effects. However, many of processes within the cells that these drugs affect are also important for the ovary to work normally, so suppressing them in this way could have long-lasting implications for female fertility. This review examines the potential toxicity of anti-cancer therapies on the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseanne Rosario
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Wanyuan Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Shen M, Bi K, Cong Y, Chen H, Zhang Y, Zhu H, Wang Y. Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Subpleural Pulmonary Lesions. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:1147-1157. [PMID: 34387377 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant subpleural pulmonary lesions (SPLs). METHODS Among 959 patients with SPLs who were scheduled to undergo ultrasound-guided puncture in our department between January 2019 and June 2019, 506 patients were included and their B-mode ultrasound and CEUS features, including the lesion's location, size, margin, echo, perfusion pattern of ultrasound contrast agent, degree of enhancement, homogeneity, vascular signs, and necrosis, were retrospectively investigated. All malignant cases were diagnosed by pathology, while benign cases were diagnosed by two respiratory physicians after comprehensive analysis of pathology, etiology, imaging, and clinical symptoms. Statistical differences in these features between the benign and malignant groups were then analyzed. RESULTS There were 506 cases in this study, including 219 benign cases and 287 malignant cases. Among them, 351 were males and 155 were females, with an average age of 59 ± 16 years. There were statistically significant differences between benign and malignant groups in the perfusion pattern, the degree of enhancement, and vascular signs. The features of the malignant group included local-to-whole perfusion pattern, hypo-enhancement, and curly hair sign, while those of the benign group included a centrifugal perfusion pattern, iso-enhancement and hyper-enhancement, and dendritic sign. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in homogeneity and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS CEUS enhancement mode is different between benign and malignant SPLs, which can provide supplementary information for the differential diagnosis of SPLs in the existing imaging diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- MengJun Shen
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Bi
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Cong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - HongWei Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - HuiMing Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Al Kawas H, Saaid I, Jank P, Westhoff CC, Denkert C, Pross T, Weiler KBS, Karsten MM. How VEGF-A and its splice variants affect breast cancer development - clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:227-239. [PMID: 35303290 PMCID: PMC9050780 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered expression levels and structural variations in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been found to play important roles in cancer development and to be associated with the overall survival and therapy response of cancer patients. Particularly VEGF-A and its splice variants have been found to affect physiological and pathological angiogenic processes, including tumor angiogenesis, correlating with tumor progression, mostly caused by overexpression. This review focuses on the expression and impact of VEGF-A splice variants under physiologic conditions and in tumors and, in particular, the distribution and role of isoform VEGF165b in breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES Many publications already highlighted the importance of VEGF-A and its splice variants in tumor therapy, especially in breast cancer, which are summarized in this review. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that cytoplasmatic VEGFA/165b expression is higher in invasive breast cancer tumor cells than in normal tissues or stroma. These examples show that the detection of VEGF splice variants can be performed also on the protein level in formalin fixed tissues. Although no quantitative conclusions can be drawn, these results may be the starting point for further studies at a quantitative level, which can be a major step towards the design of targeted antibody-based (breast) cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hivin Al Kawas
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inas Saaid
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Jank
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Therese Pross
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maria Margarete Karsten
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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12
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A review on inflammation and angiogenesis as key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of bovine cystic ovarian disease. Theriogenology 2022; 186:70-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Abedal-Majed MA, Springman SA, Sutton CM, Snider AP, Bell BE, Hart M, Kurz SG, Bergman J, Summers AF, McFee RM, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupp AS. VEGFA165 can rescue excess steroid secretion, inflammatory markers, and follicle arrest in the ovarian cortex of High A4 cows†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:118-131. [PMID: 34726240 PMCID: PMC9630404 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A population of cows with excess androstenedione (A4; High A4) in follicular fluid, with follicular arrest, granulosa cell dysfunction, and a 17% reduction in calving rate was previously identified. We hypothesized that excess A4 in the ovarian microenvironment caused the follicular arrest in High A4 cows and that vascular endothelial growth factor A would rescue the High A4 phenotype. In trial 1, prior to culture, High A4 ovarian cortex (n = 9) had greater numbers of early stage follicles (primordial) and fewer later-stage follicles compared to controls (n = 11). Culture for 7 days did not relieve this follicular arrest; instead, High A4 ovarian cortex had increased indicators of inflammation, anti-Mullerian hormone, and A4 secretion compared to controls. In trial 2, we tested if vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms could rescue the High A4 phenotype. High A4 (n = 5) and control (n = 5) ovarian cortex was cultured with (1) PBS, (2) VEGFA165 (50 ng/mL), (3) VEGFA165B (50 ng/mL), or (4) VEGFA165 + VEGFA165B (50 ng/mL each) for 7 days. Follicular progression increased with VEGFA165 in High A4 cows with greater early primary, primary, and secondary follicles than controls. Similar to trial 1, High A4 ovarian cortex secreted greater concentrations of A4 and other steroids and had greater indicators of inflammation compared to controls. However, VEGFA165 rescued steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. The VEGFA165 and VEGFA165b both reduced IL-13, INFα, and INFβ secretion in High A4 cows to control levels. Thus, VEGFA165 may be a potential therapeutic to restore the ovarian steroidogenic microenvironment and may promote folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman-Jordan, Jordan
| | - Shelby A Springman
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Courtney M Sutton
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Alexandria P Snider
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Brooke E Bell
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jeff Bergman
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Renee M McFee
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Hall (VBS), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, Animal Science Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
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14
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Influence of Age and Breed on Bovine Ovarian Capillary Blood Supply, Ovarian Mitochondria and Telomere Length. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102661. [PMID: 34685641 PMCID: PMC8534105 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, dairy cows of the type of high-producing cattle (HPC) suffer from health and fertility problems at a young age and therefore lose productivity after an average of only three lactations. It is still contentious whether these problems are primarily due to genetics, management, feeding or other factors. Vascularization plays a fundamental role in the cyclic processes of reproductive organs, as well as in the regeneration of tissues. In a previous study, HPC were shown to have a greater ovarian corpus luteum vascularization compared to dual-purpose breeds. We hypothesize that this activated angiogenesis could likely lead to an early exhaustion of HPC′s regenerative capacity and thus to premature reproductive senescence. The objective of this study was to investigate if a HPC breed (Holstein-Friesian, HF) exhibits higher ovarian angiogenesis than a dual-purpose breed (Polish Red cow, PR) and if this is related to early ovarian aging and finally reproductive failure. For this purpose, we assessed the degree of vascularization by means of ovarian blood vessel characterization using light microscopy. As indicators for aging, we measured ovarian mitochondrial size and telomere length in peripheral leukocytes. We report in this study that in both breeds the distance between capillaries became smaller with increasing age and that the mean telomere length decreased with increasing age. The only difference between the two breeds was that PR developed larger capillaries than HF. Neither a relationship between telomere length, nor the morphology of the mitochondrial apparatus and nor angiogenesis in HF was proven. Although the data trends indicated that the proportion of shortened telomeres in HF was higher than in the PR, no significant difference between the two breeds was detected.
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15
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Pan Y, Yang S, Cheng J, Lv Q, Xing Q, Zhang R, Liang J, Shi D, Deng Y. Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of LncRNAs Mediated ceRNA Regulation in Granulosa Cells Isolated From Healthy and Atresia Follicles of Chinese Buffalo. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680182. [PMID: 34336976 PMCID: PMC8316591 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are the main supporting cells in follicles and play an important role in the regulation of oocyte maturation and follicular atresia. Accumulating evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs participate in regulation of the physiological function of GCs. However, whole-transcriptome analysis for GCs of buffalo has yet to be reported. In this study, healthy follicles (HFs) and atretic follicles (AFs) were defined according to the apoptosis rate of GCs and the hormone level in follicular fluid. GCs were collected from HFs and AFs (n = 15, 5 < n < 8 mm) for whole-transcriptome analysis using second-generation high-throughput sequencing. A total of 1,861 and 1,075 mRNAs, 159 and 24 miRNAs, and 123 and 100 lncRNAs, were upregulated and downregulated between HFs and AFs, respectively. Enrichment of functions and signaling pathways of these differentially expressed (DE) genes showed that most of DEmRNAs and targets of DEmiRNAs were annotated to the categories of ECM–receptor interaction and focal adhesion, as well as PI3K-AKT, mTOR, TGF-beta, Rap1, and estrogen signaling pathways. The competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network was also constructed based on the ceRNA theory which further revealed regulatory roles of these DERNAs in GCs of buffalo follicles. Finally, we validated that lnc4040 regulated the expression of Hif1a as miR-709 sponge in a ceRNA mechanism, suggesting their critical functions in GCs of buffalo follicles. These results show that lncRNAs are dynamically expressed in GCs of HFs and AFs, and interacting with target genes in a ceRNA manner, suggesting their critical functions in buffalo follicular development and atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Sufang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Juanru Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiao Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qinghua Xing
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ruimen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingyuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanfei Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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16
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Chen A, Tang S, He J, Li X, Peng G, Zhang H, Chen J, Chen L, Chen X. Small extracellular vesicles from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: a potential promoter of fat graft survival. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:263. [PMID: 33941279 PMCID: PMC8091529 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02319-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with genetic information secreted by cells play a crucial role in the cellular microenvironment. In this study, our purpose is to explore the characteristics of the small extracellular vesicles of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hADMSC-sEVs) and studied the role of hADMSC-sEVs in improving the survival rate of grafted fat. METHODS In the present study, we used the transmission electron microscopy, nano-tracking analysis, nanoflow surface protein analysis, and zeta potential value to identify sEVs. SEVs' trajectory was traced dynamically to verify whether hADMSC-sEVs can be internalized into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro at different times. The angiogenic property of hADMSC-sEVs was observed by measuring the volume, weight, and histological analysis of the grafted fats in nude mouse models. RESULTS Our research showed that the hADMSC-sEVs were sEVs with double-layer membrane structure and the diameter of which is within 30-150 nm. hADMSC-sEVs exert biological influence mainly through internalization into cells. Compared with the control group, the hADMSC-sEVs group had a significantly higher survival rate of grafted fat, morphological integrity, and a lower degree of inflammation and fibrosis. And immunohistochemistry showed that hADMSC-sEVs significantly increased the neovascularisation and the expression of CD34, VEGFR2, and Ki-67 in the graft tissue. CONCLUSIONS As a potential nanomaterial, hADMSC-sEVs have been explored in the field of cell-free application of stem cell technology. hADMSC-sEVs promoted the survival of grafted fats by promoting the formation of new blood vessels, which is another promising progress in the field of regenerative medicine. We believe that hADMSC-sEVs will have a broad application prospect in the field of regenerative medicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aizhen Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Stem Cell Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Stem Cell Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiawei He
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Stem Cell Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guohao Peng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Stem Cell Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haoruo Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Stem Cell Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, the School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangwan Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xiaosong Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China. .,Department of Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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17
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Zhang Y, Zhou X, Zhu Y, Wang H, Xu J, Su Y. Current mechanisms of primordial follicle activation and new strategies for fertility preservation. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6128515. [PMID: 33538812 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by symptoms caused by ovarian dysfunction in patients aged <40 years. It is associated with a shortened reproductive lifespan. The only effective treatment for patients who are eager to become pregnant is IVF/Embryo Transfer (ET) using oocytes donated by young women. However, the use of the technique is constrained by the limited supply of oocytes and ethical issues. Some patients with POI still have some residual follicles in the ovarian cortex, which are not regulated by gonadotropin. These follicles are dormant. Therefore, activating dormant primordial follicles (PFs) to obtain high-quality oocytes for assisted reproductive technology may bring new hope for patients with POI. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors related to PF activation, such as the intercellular signaling network, the internal microenvironment of the ovary and the environment of the organism. In addition, we discussed new strategies for fertility preservation, such as in vitro activation and stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Yiping Su
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, China
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18
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Satué K, Fazio E, Cravana C, Quartuccio M, Marcilla M, Medica P. Functional response of systemic and intrafollicular placental growth factor in cycling mares. Acta Vet Hung 2020; 68:200-206. [PMID: 32877357 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the physiological reference values for systemic and intrafollicular placental growth factor (PlGF) concentrations in different categories of follicular sizes in cycling mares, according to progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) patterns. Sixty ovaries were taken after slaughter from 30 clinically healthy mares. Regarding their size, the follicles were classified into three different categories, i.e. small (20-30 mm), medium-sized (31-40 mm) and large (≥41 mm), and follicular fluid (FF) was sampled from each single follicle. Intrafollicular PlGF concentrations were significantly increased in larger and medium-sized follicles compared to small follicles, and their values were 1.48 and 1.36 times higher than the systemic values, respectively. On the other hand, systemic PlGF concentrations were 1.3 times higher than those in the FF of follicles of small size. Intrafollicular P4 concentrations were significantly higher in larger follicles than in small ones, and their concentrations were 6.74 and 3.42 times higher than the systemic values, respectively. Intrafollicular E2 concentrations were significantly higher in large and medium-sized follicles than in follicles of small size, and their concentrations were 21.1, 15.4 and 8.35 times higher than the systemic values, respectively. Intrafollicular and systemic PlGF concentrations were strongly and positively correlated; nevertheless, no correlations between intrafollicular and systemic steroid hormones, PlGF and follicle diameters, PlGF and E2, or PlGF and P4 were observed. This represents the first study to characterise systemic and intrafollicular PlGF concentrations in cycling normal mares, providing evidence that the bioavailability of this factor in follicles of medium and large sizes was higher than in small follicles, independently of steroid hormone concentrations. Further studies are needed to assess the presumable implications of PlGF in follicular angiogenesis in mares, similar to those already observed in women and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiuska Satué
- 1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esterina Fazio
- 2Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Messina University, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cravana
- 2Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Messina University, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Quartuccio
- 3Department of Veterinary Sciences, Physiopathology and Clinic of Reproduction Unit, Messina University, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Marcilla
- 1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pietro Medica
- 2Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Messina University, Messina, Italy
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19
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Vatanparast M, Moshrefi M, Yari N, Khalili MA, Macchiarelli G, Palmerini MG. Effective dosage of growth differentiation factor‐9β in folliculogenesis and angiogenesis in the sheep ovarian tissues grafted onto chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:1384-1392. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Vatanparast
- Molecular Medicine Research CenterRafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Rafsanjan Iran
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Mojgan Moshrefi
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research CenterYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Nahid Yari
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of LifeHealth and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of LifeHealth and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila Italy
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20
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Brązert M, Kranc W, Nawrocki MJ, Sujka-Kordowska P, Konwerska A, Jankowski M, Kocherova I, Celichowski P, Jeseta M, Ożegowska K, Antosik P, Bukowska D, Skowroński MT, Bruska M, Pawelczyk L, Zabel M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Nowicki M, Kempisty B. New markers for regulation of transcription and macromolecule metabolic process in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:1537-1551. [PMID: 32016446 PMCID: PMC7002967 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.10963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation is essential for proper fertilization, embryo implantation and early development. While the physiological conditions of these processes are relatively well-known, its exact molecular mechanisms remain widely undiscovered. Oocyte growth, differentiation and maturation are therefore the subject of scientific debate. Precious literature has indicated that the oocyte itself serves a regulatory role in the mechanisms underlying these processes. Hence, the present study performed expression microarrays to analyze the complete transcriptome of porcine oocytes during their in vitro maturation (IVM). Pig material was used for experimentation, as it possesses similarities to the reproductive processes and general genetic proximities of Sus scrofa to human. Oocytes, isolated from the ovaries of slaughtered animals were assessed via the Brilliant Cresyl Blue test and directed to IVM. A number of oocytes were left to be analyzed as the ‘before IVM’ group. Oocyte mRNA was isolated and used for microarray analysis, which was subsequently validated via RT-qPCR. The current study particularly focused on genes belonging to ‘positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent’, ‘positive regulation of gene expression’, ‘positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process’ and ‘positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter’ ontologies. FOS, VEGFA, ESR1, AR, CCND2, EGR2, ENDRA, GJA1, INHBA, IHH, INSR, APP, WWTR1, SMARCA1, NFAT5, SMAD4, MAP3K1, EGR1, RORA, ECE1, NR5A1, KIT, IKZF2, MEF2C, SH3D19, MITF and PSMB4 were all determined to be significantly altered (fold change, >|2|; P<0.05) among these groups, with their downregulation being observed after IVM. Genes with the most altered expressions were analyzed and considered to be potential markers of maturation associated with transcription regulation and macromolecule metabolism process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Brązert
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑535, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Mariusz J Nawrocki
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Patrycja Sujka-Kordowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Aneta Konwerska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Maurycy Jankowski
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Ievgeniia Kocherova
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Piotr Celichowski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Michal Jeseta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno 601‑77, Czech Republic
| | - Katarzyna Ożegowska
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑535, Poland
| | - Paweł Antosik
- Veterinary Center, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun 87‑100, Poland
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- Veterinary Center, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun 87‑100, Poland
| | - Mariusz T Skowroński
- Veterinary Center, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun 87‑100, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bruska
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Leszek Pawelczyk
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑535, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw 50‑368, Poland
| | | | - Michał Nowicki
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60‑781, Poland
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21
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Chiumia D, Hankele AK, Groebner AE, Schulke K, Reichenbach HD, Giller K, Zakhartchenko V, Bauersachs S, Ulbrich SE. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and VEGFR-1 Change during Preimplantation in Heifers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020544. [PMID: 31952188 PMCID: PMC7014046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) plays a critical angiogenic role in the endometrium of placentalia during preimplantation. The role of VEGFA and its receptors is not fully characterised in bovine reproduction. We analysed the mRNA expression of VEGFA isoforms 121, 165 and 189, and VEGF receptors 1 and 2 in three experimental settings (A, B and C). We compared intercaruncular endometrium of cyclic to pregnant heifers at Days 12, 15 and 18 post insemination (Day 0), and between Day 15 and Day 18 conceptuses (A). We further compared caruncular versus intercaruncular endometrium at Day 15 (B), and endometrium of heifers carrying embryos originating from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) versus in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at Day 18 (C). Endometrial VEGFA protein was localised and quantified. Pregnant heifers displayed lower intercaruncular endometrial mRNA expression of VEGFA-121 (p = 0.045) and VEGFA-189 (p = 0.009) as well as lower VEGFA protein abundance (p < 0.001) at Day 15. The VEGFA protein was localised in intercaruncular luminal, glandular epithelium and in tunica muscularis of blood vessels. At Day 15, caruncular endometrium displayed higher VEGFA mRNA expression than intercaruncular endometrium (p < 0.05). Intercaruncular endometrial VEGFA protein at Day 18 was higher in abundance in SCNT than in IVF (p = 0.038). Therefore, during preimplantation in cattle, there may be a need for timely physiological reduction in intercaruncular endometrial VEGFA expression in favour of the caruncular area to facilitate a gradient towards the implantation sites. A higher expression of VEGFA in SCNT may predispose for later placentation abnormalities frequently observed following SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chiumia
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
| | - Anna-Katharina Hankele
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
| | - Anna E. Groebner
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
| | - Katy Schulke
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
| | - Horst-Dieter Reichenbach
- Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute of Animal Breeding, 85586 Poing, Grub, Germany;
| | - Katrin Giller
- ETH Zurich, Animal Nutrition, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (V.Z.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (V.Z.); (S.B.)
- Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, AgroVet-Strickhof, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
| | - Susanne E. Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-632-27-21
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22
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Morrell BC, Zhang L, Schütz LF, Perego MC, Maylem ERS, Spicer LJ. Regulation of the transcription factor E2F8 gene expression in bovine ovarian cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 498:110572. [PMID: 31493442 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of the transcription factor, E2F8, has been associated with ovarian cancer. Objectives of this study were to determine: 1) if E2F8 gene expression in granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells (TC) change with follicular development, and 2) if E2F8 mRNA abundance in TC and GC is hormonally regulated. Using real-time PCR, E2F8 mRNA abundance in GC and TC was greater (P < 0.05) in small than large follicles. FGF9 induced an increase (P < 0.05) in E2F8 mRNA abundance by 1.6- to 7-fold in large-follicle (8-20 mm) TC and GC as well as in small-follicle (1-5 mm) GC. Abundance of E2F8 mRNA in TC was increased (P < 0.05) with FGF2, FGF9 or VEGFA treatments alone in vitro, and concomitant treatment of VEGFA with FGF9 increased (P < 0.05) abundance of E2F8 mRNA above any of the singular treatments; BMP4, WNT3A and LH were without effect. IGF1 amplified the stimulatory effect of FGF9 on E2F8 mRNA abundance by 2.7-fold. Collectively, our studies show for the first time that follicular E2F8 is developmentally and hormonally regulated indicating that E2F8 may be involved in follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne C Morrell
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Lingna Zhang
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Luis F Schütz
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - M Chiara Perego
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Excel Rio S Maylem
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Leon J Spicer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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Abedal-Majed MA, Kurz SG, Springman SA, McNeel AK, Freetly HC, Largen V, Magamage M, Sargent KM, Wood JR, Cushman RA, Cupp AS. Vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms modulate follicle development in peripubertal heifers independent of diet through diverse signal transduction pathways. Biol Reprod 2019; 102:680-692. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Follicular progression during peripuberty is affected by diet. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) induces follicle progression in many species; however, there are limited studies to determine if diet may alter the effects of angiogenic VEGFA165-stimulated follicle progression or antiangiogenic VEGFA165b follicle arrest. We hypothesized that diet affects the magnitude of angiogenic and antiangiogenic VEGFA isoform actions on follicular development through diverse signal transduction pathways. To test this hypothesis, beef heifers in our first trial received Stair-Step (restricted and refeeding) or control diets from 8 to 13 months of age. Ovaries were collected to determine follicle stages, measure vascular gene expression and conduct ovarian cortical cultures. Ovarian cortical cultures were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (control), 50 ng/ml VEGFA165, VEGFA165b, or VEGFA165 + VEGFA165b. The Stair-Step heifers had more primordial follicles (P < 0.0001), greater messenger RNA abundance of vascular markers VE-cadherin (P < 0.0001) and NRP-1 (P < 0.0051) than controls at 13 months of age prior to culture. After culture, VEGFA isoforms had similar effects, independent of diet, where VEGFA165 stimulated and VEGFA165b inhibited VEGFA165-stimulated follicle progression from early primary to antral follicle stages. In vitro cultures were treated with VEGFA isoforms and signal transduction array plates were evaluated. VEGFA165 stimulated expression of genes related to cell cycle, cell proliferation, and growth while VEGFA165b inhibited expression of those genes. Thus, VEGFA isoforms can act independently of diet to alter follicle progression or arrest. Furthermore, follicle progression can be stimulated by VEGFA165 and inhibited by VEGFA165b through diverse signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abedal-Majed
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, The Universityof Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Shelby A Springman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Anthony K McNeel
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Harvey C Freetly
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Valerie Largen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Manjula Magamage
- Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Agriculture, College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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24
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Duffy DM, Ko C, Jo M, Brannstrom M, Curry TE. Ovulation: Parallels With Inflammatory Processes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:369-416. [PMID: 30496379 PMCID: PMC6405411 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The midcycle surge of LH sets in motion interconnected networks of signaling cascades to bring about rupture of the follicle and release of the oocyte during ovulation. Many mediators of these LH-induced signaling cascades are associated with inflammation, leading to the postulate that ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response. First responders to the LH surge are granulosa and theca cells, which produce steroids, prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, which are also mediators of inflammatory processes. These mediators, in turn, activate both nonimmune ovarian cells as well as resident immune cells within the ovary; additional immune cells are also attracted to the ovary. Collectively, these cells regulate proteolytic pathways to reorganize the follicular stroma, disrupt the granulosa cell basal lamina, and facilitate invasion of vascular endothelial cells. LH-induced mediators initiate cumulus expansion and cumulus oocyte complex detachment, whereas the follicular apex undergoes extensive extracellular matrix remodeling and a loss of the surface epithelium. The remainder of the follicle undergoes rapid angiogenesis and functional differentiation of granulosa and theca cells. Ultimately, these functional and structural changes culminate in follicular rupture and oocyte release. Throughout the ovulatory process, the importance of inflammatory responses is highlighted by the commonalities and similarities between many of these events associated with ovulation and inflammation. However, ovulation includes processes that are distinct from inflammation, such as regulation of steroid action, oocyte maturation, and the eventual release of the oocyte. This review focuses on the commonalities between inflammatory responses and the process of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Misung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats Brannstrom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Curry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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25
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Ranjbaran A, Nejabati HR, Ghasemnejad T, Latifi Z, Hamdi K, Hajipour H, Raffel N, Bahrami-Asl Z, Hakimi P, Mihanfar A, Nouri M, Fattahi A. Follicular Fluid Levels of Adrenomedullin 2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Soluble Receptors Are Associated with Ovarian Response During ART Cycles. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2019; 79:86-93. [PMID: 30686838 PMCID: PMC6336467 DOI: 10.1055/a-0764-4765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) affect ovarian function, especially angiogenesis and follicular development. The actions of VEGF can be antagonized by its soluble receptors, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2), as they decrease its free form. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between follicular fluid (FF) levels of AMD2, VEGF and its soluble receptors, and ICSI outcomes.
Materials and Methods
ICSI cycle outcomes were evaluated and FF levels of VEGF, sFlt-1, sVEGFR-2 and ADM2 were determined using ELISA kits.
Results
FF levels of ADM2, VEGF, and sVEGFR-2 were significantly higher in non-responders compared to other ovarian response groups (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between ADM2, VEGF and sVEGFR-2 levels as well as VEGF/sFlt-1 and VEGF/sVEGFR-2 ratios (r = 0.586, 0.482, 0.260, and − 0.366, respectively). Based on the ROC curve, the cutoff value for ADM2 as a non-responder predictor was 348.55 (pg/ml) with a sensitivity of 67.7% and a specificity of 94.6%.
Conclusions
For the first time we measured FF ADM2 levels to determine the relationship to VEGF and its soluble receptors. We suggest that ADM2 could be a potential predictive marker for non-responders. Although the exact function of ADM2 in ovarian angiogenesis is not yet understood, our study may shed light on the possible role of ADM2 in folliculogenesis and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ranjbaran
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Ghasemnejad
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Latifi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Hajipour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nathalie Raffel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zahra Bahrami-Asl
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Hakimi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aynaz Mihanfar
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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26
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Richards JS, Ren YA, Candelaria N, Adams JE, Rajkovic A. Ovarian Follicular Theca Cell Recruitment, Differentiation, and Impact on Fertility: 2017 Update. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:1-20. [PMID: 29028960 PMCID: PMC5807095 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The major goal of this review is to summarize recent exciting findings that have been published within the past 10 years that, to our knowledge, have not been presented in detail in previous reviews and that may impact altered follicular development in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure in women. Specifically, we will cover the following: (1) mouse models that have led to discovery of the derivation of two precursor populations of theca cells in the embryonic gonad; (2) the key roles of the oocyte-derived factor growth differentiation factor 9 on the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway and theca cell functions; and (3) the impact of the HH pathway on both the specification of theca endocrine cells and theca fibroblast and smooth muscle cells in developing follicles. We will also discuss the following: (1) other signaling pathways that impact the differentiation of theca cells, not only luteinizing hormone but also insulinlike 3, bone morphogenic proteins, the circadian clock genes, androgens, and estrogens; and (2) theca-associated vascular, immune, and fibroblast cells, as well as the cytokines and matrix factors that play key roles in follicle growth. Lastly, we will integrate what is known about theca cells from mouse models, human-derived theca cell lines from patients who have PCOS and patients who do not have PCOS, and microarray analyses of human and bovine theca to understand what pathways and factors contribute to follicle growth as well as to the abnormal function of theca.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S. Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yi A. Ren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Nicholes Candelaria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jaye E. Adams
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Aleksandar Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
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27
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Bender, HR, Trau, HA, Duffy DM. Placental Growth Factor Is Required for Ovulation, Luteinization, and Angiogenesis in Primate Ovulatory Follicles. Endocrinology 2018; 159:710-722. [PMID: 29095972 PMCID: PMC5774250 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PGF) is member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of angiogenesis regulators. VEGFA is an established regulator of ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum. To determine whether PGF also mediates aspects of ovulation and luteinization, macaques received gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development. Ovarian biopsies and whole ovaries were collected before (0 hours) and up to 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration to span the ovulatory interval. PGF and VEGFA were expressed by both granulosa cells and theca cells. In follicular fluid, PGF and VEGFA levels were lowest before hCG. PGF levels remained low until 36 hours after hCG administration, when PGF increased sevenfold to reach peak levels. Follicular fluid VEGFA increased threefold to reach peak levels at 12 hours after hCG, then dropped to intermediate levels. To explore the roles of PGF and VEGFA in ovulation, luteinization, and follicular angiogenesis in vivo, antibodies were injected into the follicular fluid of naturally developed monkey follicles; ovariectomy was performed 48 hours after hCG, with ovulation expected about 40 hours after hCG. Intrafollicular injection of control immunoglobulin G resulted in no retained oocytes, follicle rupture, and structural luteinization, including granulosa cell hypertrophy and capillary formation in the granulosa cell layer. PGF antibody injection resulted in oocyte retention, abnormal rupture, and incomplete luteinization, with limited and disorganized angiogenesis. Injection of a VEGFA antibody resulted in oocyte retention and very limited follicle rupture or structural luteinization. These studies demonstrate that PGF, in addition to VEGFA, is required for ovulation, luteinization, and follicular angiogenesis in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Bender,
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
| | - Heidi A. Trau,
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
| | - Diane M. Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
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28
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Pinto MP, Owen GI, Retamal I, Garrido M. Angiogenesis inhibitors in early development for gastric cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1007-1017. [PMID: 28770623 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1361926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis, or the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existent ones is a critical process for tumor growth and progression. Hence, the development of angiogenesis inhibitors with therapeutic potential has been a central focus for researchers. Most angiogenesis inhibitors target the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway, however a number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and inhibitors of the mammalian Target-Of-Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway also display antiangiogenic activity. Areas covered: Here we review the effectiveness of a variety of compounds with antiangiogenic properties in preclinical and clinical settings in gastric cancer (GC). Expert opinion: In coming years angiogenesis will remain as a therapeutic target in GC. To date, ramucirumab a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGFR2 is the most successful antiangiogenic tested in clinical studies, and it is now well established as a second-line therapy in GC. The arrival of precision medicine and the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors will increase the number of clinical trials using targeted agents like ramucirumab in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A hypothetical working model that combines ramucirumab with immunotherapy is presented. Also, the impact of nanotechnology and a molecular subtype classification of GC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- a School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- c School of Chemistry and Biology, Laboratory on the Immunology of Reproduction , Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Gareth I Owen
- a School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Ignacio Retamal
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Marcelo Garrido
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
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29
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Pinto MP, Sotomayor P, Carrasco-Avino G, Corvalan AH, Owen GI. Escaping Antiangiogenic Therapy: Strategies Employed by Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091489. [PMID: 27608016 PMCID: PMC5037767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is widely recognized as one of the "hallmarks of cancer". Consequently, during the last decades the development and testing of commercial angiogenic inhibitors has been a central focus for both basic and clinical cancer research. While antiangiogenic drugs are now incorporated into standard clinical practice, as with all cancer therapies, tumors can eventually become resistant by employing a variety of strategies to receive nutrients and oxygen in the event of therapeutic assault. Herein, we concentrate and review in detail three of the principal mechanisms of antiangiogenic therapy escape: (1) upregulation of compensatory/alternative pathways for angiogenesis; (2) vasculogenic mimicry; and (3) vessel co-option. We suggest that an understanding of how a cancer cell adapts to antiangiogenic therapy may also parallel the mechanisms employed in the bourgeoning tumor and isolated metastatic cells delivering responsible for residual disease. Finally, we speculate on strategies to adapt antiangiogenic therapy for future clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
| | - Paula Sotomayor
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370071, Chile.
| | - Gonzalo Carrasco-Avino
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380456, Chile.
| | - Alejandro H Corvalan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330032, Chile.
- Center UC Investigation in Oncology (CITO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330023, Chile.
| | - Gareth I Owen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Center UC Investigation in Oncology (CITO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330023, Chile.
- Biomedical Research Consortium of Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile.
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile.
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30
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Cardoso RC, Puttabyatappa M, Padmanabhan V. Steroidogenic versus Metabolic Programming of Reproductive Neuroendocrine, Ovarian and Metabolic Dysfunctions. Neuroendocrinology 2015; 102:226-37. [PMID: 25832114 PMCID: PMC4591099 DOI: 10.1159/000381830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The susceptibility of the reproductive system to early exposure to steroid hormones has become a major concern in our modern societies. Human fetuses are at risk of abnormal programming via exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, inadvertent use of contraceptive pills during pregnancy, as well as from excess exposure to steroids due to disease states. Animal models provide an unparalleled resource to understand the developmental origin of diseases. In female sheep, prenatal exposure to testosterone excess results in an array of adult reproductive disorders that recapitulate those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including disrupted neuroendocrine feedback mechanisms, increased pituitary sensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone excess, functional hyperandrogenism, and multifollicular ovarian morphology culminating in early reproductive failure. Prenatal testosterone treatment also leads to fetal growth retardation, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Mounting evidence suggests that developmental exposure to an improper steroidal/metabolic environment may mediate the programming of adult disorders in prenatal testosterone-treated females, and these defects are maintained or amplified by the postnatal sex steroid and metabolic milieu. This review addresses the steroidal and metabolic contributions to the development and maintenance of the PCOS phenotype in the prenatal testosterone-treated sheep model, including the effects of prenatal and postnatal treatment with an androgen antagonist or insulin sensitizer as potential strategies to prevent/ameliorate these dysfunctions. Insights obtained from these intervention strategies on the mechanisms underlying these defects are likely to have translational relevance to human PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo C Cardoso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
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31
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Hargrave B, Strange R, Navare S, Stratton M, Burcus N, Murray L, Lundberg C, Bulysheva A, Li F, Heller R. Gene electro transfer of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor for enhanced expression and perfusion in the ischemic swine heart. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115235. [PMID: 25545364 PMCID: PMC4278858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia can damage heart muscle and reduce the heart's pumping efficiency. This study used an ischemic swine heart model to investigate the potential for gene electro transfer of a plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor for improving perfusion and, thus, for reducing cardiomyopathy following acute coronary syndrome. Plasmid expression was significantly greater in gene electro transfer treated tissue compared to injection of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor alone. Higher gene expression was also seen in ischemic versus non-ischemic groups with parameters 20 Volts (p<0.03), 40 Volts (p<0.05), and 90 Volts (p<0.05), but not with 60 Volts (p<0.09) while maintaining a pulse width of 20 milliseconds. The group with gene electro transfer of plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor had increased perfusion in the area at risk compared to control groups. Troponin and creatine kinase increased across all groups, suggesting equivalent ischemia in all groups prior to treatment. Echocardiography was used to assess ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, left ventricular end diastolic volume, and left ventricular end systolic volume. No statistically significant differences in these parameters were detected during a 2-week time period. However, directional trends of these variables were interesting and offer valuable information about the feasibility of gene electro transfer of vascular endothelial growth factor in the ischemic heart. The results demonstrate that gene electro transfer can be applied safely and can increase perfusion in an ischemic area. Additional study is needed to evaluate potential efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hargrave
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- School of Medical Diagnostics and Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Robert Strange
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sagar Navare
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael Stratton
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nina Burcus
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Len Murray
- Sobran, Inc. Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Cathryn Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Anna Bulysheva
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Fanying Li
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- School of Medical Diagnostics and Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
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Parlakgumus HA, Aka Bolat F, Bulgan Kilicdag E, Simsek E, Parlakgumus A. Atorvastatin for ovarian torsion: effects on follicle counts, AMH, and VEGF expression. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 175:186-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Basini G, Baioni L, Bussolati S, Grolli S, Grasselli F. Prolactin is a potential physiological modulator of swine ovarian follicle function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 189:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Field SL, Dasgupta T, Cummings M, Orsi NM. Cytokines in ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and luteinisation. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 81:284-314. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Field
- Women's Health Research Group; Leeds Institute of Cancer; Anatomy and Pathology; Wellcome Trust Brenner Building; St James's University Hospital; Leeds UK
| | - Tathagata Dasgupta
- Department of Systems Biology; Harvard Medical School; 200 Longwood Avenue Boston Massachusetts
| | - Michele Cummings
- Women's Health Research Group; Leeds Institute of Cancer; Anatomy and Pathology; Wellcome Trust Brenner Building; St James's University Hospital; Leeds UK
| | - Nicolas M. Orsi
- Women's Health Research Group; Leeds Institute of Cancer; Anatomy and Pathology; Wellcome Trust Brenner Building; St James's University Hospital; Leeds UK
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Gammons MV, Fedorov O, Ivison D, Du C, Clark T, Hopkins C, Hagiwara M, Dick AD, Cox R, Harper SJ, Hancox JC, Knapp S, Bates DO. Topical antiangiogenic SRPK1 inhibitors reduce choroidal neovascularization in rodent models of exudative AMD. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:6052-62. [PMID: 23887803 PMCID: PMC3771558 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Exudative AMD (wet AMD) is treated by monthly injection into the eye of anti-VEGF proteins. VEGF is alternatively spliced to produce numerous isoforms that differ in angiogenic activity. Serine-rich protein kinase-1 (SRPK1) has been identified as a regulator of pro-angiogenic VEGF splicing by phosphorylating serine-rich splicing factor-1 (SRSF1), which binds to VEGF pre-mRNA. We tested the hypothesis that topical (eye drop) SRPK1-selective inhibitors could be generated that reduce pro-angiogenic isoforms, and prevent choroidal neovascularization in vivo. METHODS Novel inhibitors were tested for SRPK inhibition in vitro, pro-angiogenic VEGF production in RPE cells by PCR and ELISA, and for inhibition of choroidal neovascularisation in mice and rats. RESULTS A novel disubstituted furan inhibitor was selective for the SRPK family of kinases and reduced expression of pro-angiogenic but not antiangiogenic VEGF isoforms. This inhibitor and previously identified SRPK inhibitors significantly reduced choroidal neovascularisation in vivo. Topical administration of SRPK inhibitors dose-dependently blocked CNV with an EC50 of 9 μM. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that novel SRPK1 selective inhibitors could be a potentially novel topical (eye drop) therapeutic for wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa V. Gammons
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Ivison
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Chunyun Du
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsyn Clark
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Hopkins
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- School of Clinical Sciences and School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Steven J. Harper
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jules C. Hancox
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute (TDI), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David O. Bates
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Cancer Biology, Division of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Bates DO, Mavrou A, Qiu Y, Carter JG, Hamdollah-Zadeh M, Barratt S, Gammons MV, Millar AB, Salmon AHJ, Oltean S, Harper SJ. Detection of VEGF-A(xxx)b isoforms in human tissues. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68399. [PMID: 23935865 PMCID: PMC3729684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) can be generated as multiple isoforms by alternative splicing. Two families of isoforms have been described in humans, pro-angiogenic isoforms typified by VEGF-A165a, and anti-angiogenic isoforms typified by VEGF-A165b. The practical determination of expression levels of alternative isoforms of the same gene may be complicated by experimental protocols that favour one isoform over another, and the use of specific positive and negative controls is essential for the interpretation of findings on expression of the isoforms. Here we address some of the difficulties in experimental design when investigating alternative splicing of VEGF isoforms, and discuss the use of appropriate control paradigms. We demonstrate why use of specific control experiments can prevent assumptions that VEGF-A165b is not present, when in fact it is. We reiterate, and confirm previously published experimental design protocols that demonstrate the importance of using positive controls. These include using known target sequences to show that the experimental conditions are suitable for PCR amplification of VEGF-A165b mRNA for both q-PCR and RT-PCR and to ensure that mispriming does not occur. We also provide evidence that demonstrates that detection of VEGF-A165b protein in mice needs to be tightly controlled to prevent detection of mouse IgG by a secondary antibody. We also show that human VEGF165b protein can be immunoprecipitated from cultured human cells and that immunoprecipitating VEGF-A results in protein that is detected by VEGF-A165b antibody. These findings support the conclusion that more information on the biology of VEGF-A165b isoforms is required, and confirm the importance of the experimental design in such investigations, including the use of specific positive and negative controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Bates
- Microvascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Reproduction and fertility have been objects of keen inquiry since the dawn of humanity. Medieval anatomists provided the first accurate depictions of the female reproductive system, and early microscopists were fascinated by the magnified sight of sperm cells. Initial successes were achieved in the in vitro fertilization of frogs and the artificial insemination of dogs. Gamete and embryo research was in the cradle of modern cell biology, providing the first evidence of the multi-cellular composition of living beings and pointing out the importance of chromosomes for heredity. In the 20th century, reproductive research paved the way for the study of the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and the cell cycle. In the last three decades, the advent of reproductive cell biology has brought us human in vitro fertilization, animal cloning, and human and animal embryonic stem cells. It has contributed to the development of transgenesis, proteomics, genomics, and epigenetics. This Special Issue represents a sample of the various areas of reproductive biology, with emphasis on molecular and cell biological aspects. Advances in spermatology, ovarian function, fertilization, and maternal-fetal interactions are discussed within the framework of fertility and diseases such as endometriosis and diabetes.
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