Ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits oxidative stress-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury through Akt-FoxO1 interaction

In pre-clinical study fetal hypoxia caused autophagy and mitochondrial impairment in ovary granulosa cells mitigated by melatonin supplement

INTRODUCTION

Fetal hypoxia has long-term effects on postnatal reproductive functions and the mitochondrial impairments of ovarian granulosa cells may be one of the causes. Melatonin applied to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy in mammalian cells has been reported. However, the potential mechanisms by which fetal hypoxia damages reproductive function in neonatal female mice and the melatonin effects on this problem remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This research aimed to explore the mechanism that fetal hypoxia damages reproductive function in neonatal female mice and attempt to improve the reproductive function by treating with melatonin in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

We established a fetal hypoxia model and confirmed that fetal hypoxia affects ovarian function by inducing GC excessive autophagy. Transcriptomic analysis, gene interference, cell immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blot were conducted to explore and verify the underlying mechanisms in mice GCs and KGN cells. Finally, melatonin treatment was executed on hypoxia-treated mice GCs and KGN cells and melatonin injection to fetal-hypoxia-treated mice to determine its effect.

RESULTS

The results of in vitro experiments found that fetal hypoxia led to mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian GCs causing autophagic cell death. And the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway mediated the occurrence of this process by transcriptome analysis of ovarian GCs from normal and fetal hypoxia mice, which was further verified in mice GCs and KGN cells. Additionally, melatonin administration prevented autophagic injuries and mitochondrial impairments in hypoxia-treated mice GCs and KGN cells. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments by melatonin injection ameliorated oxidative stress of ovary in fetal-hypoxia-treated mice and improved their low fertility.

CONCLUSION

Our data found that fetal hypoxia causes ovarian GCs excessive autophagy leading to low fertility in neonatal female mice and mitigated by melatonin. These results provide a potential therapy for hypoxic stress-related reproductive disorders.

Oocyte maturation, blastocyst and embryonic development are mediated and enhanced via hormesis

The present paper provides the first integrative assessment of the capacity of dietary, endogenous and other agents to induce hormetic dose responses in oocytes, their supportive cells such as granulosa cells, blastocyst formation and early stage embryo development with the goal of improving fertility and reproductive success. The analysis showed that numerous agents enhance oocyte maturation and blastocyst/embryonic development in an hormetic fashion. These findings indicate that numerous agents improve oocyte-related biological functioning under normal conditions as well as enhancing its capacity to prevent damage from numerous chemical toxins and related stressor agents, including heat and age-related processes in pre-post conditioning and concurrent exposures. The present assessment suggests that hormetic-based lifestyles and dietary interventions may offer the potential to enhance healthy reproductive performance with applications to animal husbandry and human biology. The present findings also significantly extend the generality of the hormesis dose response concept to multiple fundamental biological processes (i.e., oocyte maturation, fertilization and blastocyst/embryo development).

Preparation, Evaluation, and Bioinformatics Study of Hyaluronic Acid-Modified Ginsenoside Rb1 Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Treating Cardiovascular Diseases

(1) Objective: To optimize the preparation process of hyaluronic acid-modified ginsenoside Rb1 self-assembled nanoparticles (HA@GRb1@CS NPs), characterize and evaluate them in vitro, and investigate the mechanism of action of HA@GRb1@CS NPs in treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. (2) Methods: The optimal preparation process was screened through Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs. Physical characterization of HA@GRb1@CS NPs was conducted using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Stability experiments, in vitro drug release studies, and lyophilisate selection were performed to evaluate the in vitro performance of HA@GRb1@CS NPs. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities of HA@GRb1@CS NPs were assessed using H9c2 and RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were employed to explore the mechanism of action of HA@GRb1@CS NPs in the treatment of CVDs associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. (3) Results: The optimal preparation process for HA@GRb1@CS NPs was achieved with a CS concentration of 2 mg/mL, a TPP concentration of 2.3 mg/mL, and a CS to TPP mass concentration ratio of 1.5:1, resulting in a particle size of 126.4 nm, a zeta potential of 36.8 mV, and a PDI of 0.243. Characterization studies confirmed successful encapsulation of the drug within the carrier, indicating successful preparation of HA@GRb1@CS NPs. In vitro evaluations demonstrated that HA@GRb1@CS NPs exhibited sustained-release effects, leading to reduced MDA (Malondialdehyde) content and increased SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) content in oxidatively damaged H9c2 cells. Furthermore, it showed enhanced DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+ [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] free radical scavenging rates and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors NO (Nitric Oxide) and IL-6 (Interleukin-6) from RAW264.7 cells. (4) Conclusions: The HA@GRb1@CS NPs prepared in this study exhibit favorable properties with stable quality and significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. The mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects on CVDs may involve targeting STAT3, JUN, EGFR, CASP3, and other pathways regulating cell apoptosis, autophagy, anti-lipid, and arterial sclerosis signaling pathways.

DENND1A desensitizes granulosa cells to FSH by arresting intracellular FSHR transportation

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genes associated with this condition, including DENND1A. DENND1A encodes a clathrin-binding protein that functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor involved in vesicular transport. However, the specific role of DENND1A in reproductive hormone abnormalities and follicle development disorders in PCOS remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated DENND1A expression in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) from PCOS patients and its correlation with hormones. Our results revealed an upregulation of DENND1A expression in GCs from PCOS cases, which was positively correlated with testosterone levels. To further explore the functional implications of DENND1A, we generated a transgenic mouse model overexpressing Dennd1a (TG mice). These TG mice exhibited subfertility, irregular estrous cycles, and increased testosterone production following PMSG stimulation. Additionally, the TG mice displayed diminished responsiveness to FSH, characterized by smaller ovary size, less well-developed follicles, and abnormal expressions of FSH-priming genes. Mechanistically, we found that Dennd1a overexpression disrupted the intracellular trafficking of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), promoting its internalization and inhibiting recycling. These findings shed light on the reproductive role of DENND1A and uncover the underlying mechanisms, thereby contributing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS and providing potential avenues for drug design in PCOS treatment.

Indole-3-carbinol ameliorates ovarian damage in female old mice through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation

Ovarian aging leads to infertility and birth defects. We aimed to clarify the role of Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) in resistance to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis in ovarian aging. I3C was administered via intraperitoneal injection for 3 weeks in young or old mice. Immunohistochemistry; Masson, Sirius red, and TUNEL staining; follicle counting; estrous cycle analysis; and Western blotting were used for validating the protective effect of I3C against ovarian senescence. Human granulosa-like tumor cell line and primary granulosa cells were used for in vitro assay. The results indicated that I3C inhibited ovarian fibrosis and apoptosis while increasing the number of primordial follicles. Mechanistic studies have shown that I3C promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Additionally, I3C increased cell viability and decreased lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and JC-1 levels. Furthermore, the antioxidant effect of I3C was found to be dependent on the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1, as demonstrated by the disappearance of the effect upon inhibition of Nrf2 expression. In conclusion, I3C can alleviate the ovarian damage caused by aging and may be a protective agent to delay ovarian aging.

Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian aging and potential interventions

Mitochondria plays an essential role in regulating cellular metabolic homeostasis, proliferation/differentiation, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in many age-related pathologies. Evidence supports that the dysfunction of mitochondria and the decline of mitochondrial DNA copy number negatively affect ovarian aging. However, the mechanism of ovarian aging is still unclear. Treatment methods, including antioxidant applications, mitochondrial transplantation, emerging biomaterials, and advanced technologies, are being used to improve mitochondrial function and restore oocyte quality. This article reviews key evidence and research updates on mitochondrial damage in the pathogenesis of ovarian aging, emphasizing that mitochondrial damage may accelerate and lead to cellular senescence and ovarian aging, as well as exploring potential methods for using mitochondrial mechanisms to slow down aging and improve oocyte quality.

Nobiletin Ameliorates Aging of Chicken Ovarian Prehierarchical Follicles by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Promoting Autophagy

With the increase in the age of laying chickens, the aging of follicles is accelerated, and the reproductive ability is decreased. Increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial malfunction are indispensable causes of ovarian aging. In this study, the physiological condition of prehierarchical small white follicles (SWFs) was compared between D280 high-producing chickens and D580 aging chickens, and the effect of a plant-derived flavonoid nobiletin (Nob), a natural antioxidant, on senescence of SWFs granulosa cells (SWF-GCs) was investigated. The results showed that Nob treatment activated cell autophagy by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) pathways in D-galactose (D-gal)-generated senescent SWF-GCs, restoring the expression of proliferation-related mRNAs and proteins. In addition, the expression of inflammation-related protein NF-κB was significantly enhanced in aging GCs that were induced by D-gal. Nob supplementation significantly increased the antioxidant capacity and decreased the expression of several genes associated with cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Nob promoted activation of PINK1 and Parkin pathways for mitophagy and alleviated mitochondrial edema. Either the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin (Compound C) or SIRT1 inhibitor selisistat (EX-527) attenuated the effect of Nob on mitophagy. The protective effect of Nob on natural aging, GC proliferation, and elimination of the beneficial impact on energy regulation of naturally aging ovaries was diminished by inhibition of Nob-mediated autophagy. These data suggest that Nob treatment increases the expression of mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1 and Parkin) via the AMPK/SIRT1 pathways to prevent ovarian aging in the laying chickens.

Cellular atlases of ovarian microenvironment alterations by diet and genetically-induced obesity

Obesity, which can arise from genetic or environmental factors, has been shown to cause serious damages to the reproductive system. The ovary, as one of the primary regulators of female fertility, is a complex organ comprised of heterogeneous cell types that work together to maintain a normal ovarian microenvironment (OME). Despite its importance, the effect of obesity on the entire ovary remains poorly documented. In this study, we performed ovary single-cell and nanoscale spatial RNA sequencing to investigate how the OME changed under different kinds of obesity, including high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and Leptin ablation induced obesity (OB). Our results demonstrate that OB, but not HFD, dramatically altered the proportion of ovarian granulosa cells, theca-interstitial cells, luteal cells, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, based on the spatial dynamics of follicular development, we defined four subpopulations of granulosa cell and found that obesity drastically disrupted the differentiation of mural granulosa cells from small to large antral follicles. Functionally, HFD enhanced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) sensitivity and hormone conversion, while OB caused decreased sensitivity, inadequate steroid hormone conversion, and impaired follicular development. These differences can be explained by the differential expression pattern of the transcription factor Foxo1. Overall, our study provides a powerful and high-resolution resource for profiling obesity-induced OME and offers insights into the diverse effects of obesity on female reproductive disorders.

Single-cell transcriptomic atlas of goat ovarian aging

BACKGROUND

The ovaries are one of the first organs that undergo degenerative changes earlier in the aging process, and ovarian aging is shown by a decrease in the number and quality of oocytes. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of female age-related fertility decline in different types of ovarian cells during aging, especially in goats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms driving ovarian aging in goats at single-cell resolution.

RESULTS

For the first time, we surveyed the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of over 27,000 ovarian cells from newborn, young and aging goats, and identified nine ovarian cell types with distinct gene-expression signatures. Functional enrichment analysis showed that ovarian cell types were involved in their own unique biological processes, such as Wnt beta-catenin signalling was enriched in germ cells, whereas ovarian steroidogenesis was enriched in granulosa cells (GCs). Further analysis showed that ovarian aging was linked to GCs-specific changes in the antioxidant system, oxidative phosphorylation, and apoptosis. Subsequently, we identified a series of dynamic genes, such as AMH, CRABP2, THBS1 and TIMP1, which determined the fate of GCs. Additionally, FOXO1, SOX4, and HIF1A were identified as significant regulons that instructed the differentiation of GCs in a distinct manner during ovarian aging.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed a comprehensive aging-associated transcriptomic atlas characterizing the cell type-specific mechanisms during ovarian aging at the single-cell level and offers new diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for age-related goat ovarian diseases.

The anti-aging mechanism of ginsenosides with medicine and food homology

With the acceleration of global aging and the rise in living standards, the achievement of healthy aging is becoming an imperative issue globally. Ginseng, a medicinal plant that has a long history of dietary intake and remarkable medicinal value, has become a research hotspot in the field of food and medicine. Ginsenosides, especially protopanaxadiol-type saponins and protopanaxatriol-type saponins, are among the most important active ingredients in ginseng. Ginsenosides have been found to exhibit powerful and diverse pharmacological activities, such as antiaging, antitumor, antifatigue and immunity enhancement activities. Their effects in antiaging mainly include (1) promotion of metabolism and stem cell proliferation, (2) protection of skin and nerves, (3) modulation of intestinal flora, (4) maintenance of mitochondrial function, and (5) enhancement of telomerase activity. The underlying mechanisms are primarily associated with the intervention of the signaling pathways in apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, the mechanism of action of ginsenosides in antiaging as well as the potential values of developing ginsenoside-based functional foods and antiaging drugs are discussed.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveal the Mechanism of Corydalis saxicola Bunting Total Alkaloids in Treating Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis

The study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of total alkaloids of Corydalis saxicola Bunting (CSBTA) in the treatment of radiation induced oral mucositis (RIOM) through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The components and corresponding targets of Corydalis saxicola Bunting were screened by literature review. RIOM related targets were obtained in GeneCards. Cytoscape software was used to construct the component-target-pathway network. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks was constructed by String database. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed by Metascape. AutoDock Vina 4.2 software was used for molecular docking. There were 26 components of CSBTA targeting 61 genes related to RIOM. Through Cytoscape and PPI analysis, 15 core target genes of CSBTA for treating RIOM were identified. GO functional analysis indicated that CSBTA might play a role through kinase binding and protein kinase activation. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the core targets of CSBTA were mainly focused on cancer and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that CSBTA had strong binding energy with target protein including SRC, AKT and EGFR. The study demonstrates that CSBTA may treat RIOM by affecting SRC, AKT and EGFR through ROS pathway.

Mechanisms of and Potential Medications for Oxidative Stress in Ovarian Granulosa Cells: A Review

Granulosa cells are essential for follicle initiation and development, and their abnormal function or apoptosis is a crucial factor leading to follicular atresia. A state of oxidative stress occurs when the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the regulation of the antioxidant system is disturbed. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of the abnormal function and apoptosis of granulosa cells. Oxidative stress in granulosa cells causes female reproductive system diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure. In recent years, studies have confirmed that the mechanism of oxidative stress in granulosa cells is closely linked to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, FOXO axis, Nrf2 pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and mitophagy. It has been found that drugs such as sulforaphane, Periplaneta americana peptide, and resveratrol can mitigate the functional damage caused by oxidative stress on granulosa cells. This paper reviews some of the mechanisms involved in oxidative stress in granulosa cells and describes the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological treatment of oxidative stress in granulosa cells.

Attenuation of the Severity of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Pomiferin through Blocking Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in an AKT/Foxo1 Pathway-Dependent Manner

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) gives rise to uncontrolled inflammatory response and oxidative stress, causing very high mortality globally. Pomiferin is a kind of prenylated isoflavonoid extracted from Maclura pomifera, owning anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the functions and possible mechanisms of pomiferin in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced ARDS remain unknown. C57BL/6 mice were injected with LPS (5 mg/kg) intratracheally to induce an in vivo ARDS model while RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) to induce an in vitro model. Our data demonstrated that pomiferin (20 mg/kg) significantly improved pulmonary function and lung pathological injury in mice with ARDS, apart from increasing survival rate. Meanwhile, pomiferin treatment also inhibited LPS-induced inflammation as well as oxidative stress in lung tissues. LPS stimulation significantly activated AKT/Foxo1 signal pathway in lung tissues, which could be reversed after pomiferin treatment. In vitro experiments further showed that 10, 20, and 50 μM of pomiferin could enhance cell viability of RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with LPS. What is more, 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DE), one AKT agonist, was used to active AKT in RAW264.7 macrophages. The results further showed that 3-DE could abolish pomiferin-elicited protection in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages, evidenced by activated inflammation and oxidative stress. Taken together, our study showed that pomiferin could exert an ARDS-protective effect by blocking the AKT/Foxo1 signal pathway to inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory response and oxidative injury, which may serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of ARDS in the future.

A dual Keap1 and p47phox inhibitor Ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates high glucose/ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury and atherosclerosis

Oxidative stress is a vital contributor to the development and progression of diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a well-known molecule that participates in cellular defense against oxidative stress. Utilizing luciferase reporter assay from 379 natural products, we reported here that Ginsenoside Rb1 played a dual role in inhibiting Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and p47^phox luciferase reporter activities. In endothelial cells (ECs), Rb1 pretreatment enhanced cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and apoptosis, as well as ameliorated mitochondrial quality following oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) plus high glucose (HG) challenge. Rb1 directly bound to Keap1 and promoted its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation dependent on lysine residues (K108, K323, and K551) by recruiting the E3 ligase synovial apoptosis inhibitor 1 (SYVN1), leading to Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Nrf2/PGC-1α complex formation. We further identified that Rb1 could bind to p47^phox and reduce its phosphorylation and membrane translocation, thereby disrupting the assembly of the NOX2 complex. Importantly, Rb1-mediated preservation of cytoplasmic p47^phox stabilized and contributed to Nrf2 activation. Additionally, we revealed that Rb1 reduced aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation along with reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory response in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced ApoE^-/- mice, but not in ApoE^-/- mice with deficiency of Nrf2 and PGC-1α. Collectively, we demonstrated that Rb1, which directly targeted Keap1 and p47^phox in ECs, may be an attractive candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis in diabetes.