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Merico V, Zanoni M, Parada-Bustamante A, Garagna S, Zuccotti M. In Vitro Maturation of Fully Grown Mouse Antral Follicles in the Presence of 1 nM 2-Hydroxyestradiol Improves Oocytes' Developmental Competence. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:121-133. [PMID: 32757137 PMCID: PMC7782423 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cathecolestrogens are estradiol metabolites produced during folliculogenesis in the mammalian ovary. 2-Hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) is one of the most abundant although its role remains unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the presence of 2-OHE2 during the germinal vesicle-to-metaphase II transition affects oocyte meiotic and preimplantation developmental competence. Mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), isolated from fully grown antral follicles, were in vitro–matured (IVM) in the presence of 2-OHE2 (0.1, 1, 10 or 100 nM) for 6 or 15 h; then, their meiotic and developmental competence was evaluated using a number of cytological quality markers. With the exception of the highest dose (100 nM), the addition of 2-OHE2 to the IVM medium, did not alter, compared with untreated control, the frequency of oocytes that reached the MII stage. Instead, IVM in the presence of 1 nM 2-OHE2 highly increased the rate of preimplantation development and blastocyst quality. To understand whether this positive effect could be attributed to the events occurring during meiosis resumption, we analysed a number of specific cytological quality markers of the asymmetric division, such as PB-I volume and position, presence and extension of the cortical F-actin cap, meiotic spindle shape and area, and microtubule organisation centre localisation. The results highlighted how the presence of 1 nM 2-OHE2 significantly improved the overall cytological organisation required for a correct asymmetric division. Our results contribute a first step to acknowledge a potential role of this estradiol metabolite during the GV-to-MII transition, contributing to the acquisition of oocytes developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Merico
- Laboratorio di Biologia dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy. .,Centre for Health Technologies (C.H.T.), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mario Zanoni
- Laboratorio di Biologia dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Centre for Health Technologies (C.H.T.), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexis Parada-Bustamante
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratorio di Biologia dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy. .,Centre for Health Technologies (C.H.T.), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratorio di Biologia dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy. .,Centre for Health Technologies (C.H.T.), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Chaube R, Rawat A, Inbaraj RM, Bobe J, Guiguen Y, Fostier A, Joy KP. Identification and characterization of a catechol-o-methyltransferase cDNA in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: Tissue, sex and seasonal variations, and effects of gonadotropin and 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β on mRNA expression. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:129-141. [PMID: 27939670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the methylation and inactivation of endogenous and xenobiotic catechol compounds, and serves as a common biochemical link in the catecholamine and catecholestrogen metabolism. Studies on cloning, sequencing and function characterization comt gene in lower vertebrates like fish are fewer. In the present study, a full-length comt cDNA of 1442bp with an open-reading frame (ORF) of 792bp, and start codon (ATG) at nucleotide 162 and stop codon (TAG) at nucleotide 953 was isolated and characterized in the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (accession No. KT597925). The ORF codes for a protein of 263 amino acid residues, which is also validated by the catfish transcriptome data analysis. The catfish Comt shared conserved putative structural regions important for S-adenosyl methionine (AdoMet)- and catechol-binding, transmembrane regions, two glycosylation sites (N-65 and N-91) at the N-terminus and two phosphorylation sites (Ser-235 and Thr-240) at the C-terminus. The gene was expressed in all tissues examined and the expression showed significant sex dimorphic distribution with high levels in females. The transcript was abundant in the liver, brain and gonads and low in muscles. The transcripts showed significant seasonal variations in the brain and ovary, increased progressively to the peak levels in spawning phase and then declined. The brain and ovarian comt mRNA levels showed periovulatory changes after in vivo and in vitro human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatments with high fold increases at 16 and 24h in the brain and at 16h in the ovary. The catecholestrogen 2-hydroxyE2 up regulated ovarian comt expression in vitro with the highest fold increase at 16h. The mRNA and protein was localized in the follicular layer of the vitellogenic follicles and in the cytoplasm of primary follicles. The data were discussed in relation to catecholamine and catecholestrogen-mediated functions in the brain and ovary of the stinging catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chaube
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - A Rawat
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - R M Inbaraj
- Department of Zoology, Madras Christian College, Chennai 600059, India
| | - J Bobe
- INRA LPGP UR037, Fish Physiology and Genomics, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Y Guiguen
- INRA LPGP UR037, Fish Physiology and Genomics, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - A Fostier
- INRA LPGP UR037, Fish Physiology and Genomics, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - K P Joy
- Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 682022, India.
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Chourasia TK, Joy KP. Role of catecholestrogens on ovarian prostaglandin secretion in vitro in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis and possible mechanism of regulation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 177:128-42. [PMID: 22429727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal, periovulatory and 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β (2-OHE(2))-induced changes on ovarian prostaglandin (PG) E(2) and F(2α) were investigated under in vivo or in vitro in the female catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Both PGE(2) and PGF(2α) increased significantly during ovarian recrudescence with the peak levels in spawning phase. The PGs showed periovulatory changes with the peak levels at 16 h after the hCG treatment. Incubation of postvitellogenic ovary fragments with estradiol-17β (E(2)), 2-OHE(2) or 2-methoxyE(2) produced concentration-dependent increases in PG levels; 2-OHE(2) was more effective. In order to identify the receptor mechanism involved in the 2-OHE(2)-induced PG stimulation, the ovarian pieces were incubated with phentolamine (an α-adrenergic antagonist), propranolol (a β-adrenergic antagonist) or tamoxifen (an estrogen receptor blocker) alone or in combination with 2-OHE(2). The incubation of the tissues with the receptor blockers alone did not produce any significant effect on basal PG levels. However, co- and pre-incubation of the tissues with the blockers resulted in inhibition of the stimulatory effect of 2-OHE(2) on the PGs. Phentolamine was more effective than propranolol. The signal transduction pathway(s) involved in the 2-OHE(2)-induced PG secretion was investigated. The incubation of the ovarian pieces with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor), chelerythrine (a protein kinase C inhibitor) and PD098059 (a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor) significantly lowered the basal secretion of PGF(2α) and PGE(2). In contrast, H89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) increased the basal secretion of PGs at 1 and 5 μM concentration and decreased it at 10 μM concentration. The co- or pre-incubation with IBMX, H89, chelerythrine and PD098059 significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of 2-OHE(2) on PGF(2α) and PGE(2) levels. The inhibition was higher in the pre-incubation groups. Chelerythrine was the most effective followed by PD098059, IBMX and H89. The results suggest that 2-OHE(2) may employ both adrenergic and estrogen receptors, or a novel receptor mechanism having properties of both adrenergic and estrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Chourasia
- Department of Zoology, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
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Chourasia TK, Joy KP. In vitro effects of 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β on ovarian follicular steroid secretion in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis and identification of the receptor and signaling mechanisms. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 175:500-13. [PMID: 22202599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian pieces containing postvitellogenic follicles were incubated in vitro with different concentrations of the catecholestrogen 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β (2-OHE(2)) to evaluate its effects on steroid production and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The incubation with 2-OHE(2) induced a shift in steroidogenic pattern: the C(19) and C(18) steroids testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E(2)), respectively were significantly decreased with a concomitant significant increase in the C(21) steroids progesterone (P(4)), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-DP), 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20α-DP) and cortisol (F). Concomitantly, the catecholestrogen induced dose-dependently GVBD response, the first sign of meiosis resumption. The co- and pre-incubations of the ovarian pieces with 2-OHE(2), and adrenergic (phentolamine, α-blocker and propranolol, β-blocker) or estrogen (tamoxifen) receptor blockers resulted in inhibition of the stimulatory effect of the catecholestrogen on C(21) steroids and reversed the inhibition of testosterone and E(2). The α-blocker was more effective than the β-blocker. Our results suggest that 2-OHE(2) appears to employ both adrenergic (α-type) and estrogen receptor mechanisms in mediating the effects. The co- or pre-incubation of ovarian pieces with IBMX (a cAMP elevating drug), H89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor), and PD098059 (a MAP kinase kinase inhibitor) significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of 2-OHE(2) on the C(21) steroids. The effect of chelerythrine (a protein kinase C inhibitor), on the other hand, varied with the incubation condition. In the co-incubation, the steroids showed varied effects: 17,20β-DP, testosterone and E(2) were elevated, and P(4) and 17-OHP were decreased. In the pre-incubation set up, all the steroids were inhibited except E(2). The inhibition by the blockers was higher in the pre-incubation groups. Taken together, the data suggest the involvement cAMP-protein kinase A, protein kinase C and MAP kinase pathways in the modulation of the steroidogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Chourasia
- Department of Zoology, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
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Chourasia TK, Joy KP. Seasonal variation in tissue estrogen-2/4-hydroxylases (EH) and in vitro effects of steroids on ovarian EH activity in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Steroids 2010; 75:1097-105. [PMID: 20708024 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2010.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Revised: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A radiometric assay was used to measure microsomal EH activity from tritiated H(2)O formed during the conversion of [2,4 (3)H] estradiol-17β into catecholestrogens in the microsomal fractions of liver, brain and ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The validation data show that enzyme activity increased with incubation time, and substrate and cofactor (NADPH) concentrations, elicited temperature optima of 30-37°C and pH optima of 6.8-7.8. EH activity was strongly NADPH-dependent and in its absence only 13.48% activity was recorded. Liver recorded the highest enzyme activity, followed by brain and ovary. EH activity showed a significant seasonal variation with the peak activity in spawning phase and the lowest activity in resting phase. In the ovary, the follicular layer (theca and granulosa) elicited the highest activity over that of the denuded oocytes. Modulatory effects of steroids on ovarian enzyme activity were further demonstrated. The incubation of postvitellogenic follicles with 1, 10 or 100 nM concentrations of various steroids for 24 h produced varied effects on EH activity. Progesterone and 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β elicited strong suppressive effects on enzyme activity. Estrogens (E(1), E(2) and E(3)) suppressed the activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the progestins tested, 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, the isomer of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (a teleost maturation-inducing steroid) showed the lowest depressing effect. Among androgens, the testosterone metabolite 11-ketotestosterone (functional teleost androgen) showed a high suppressing effect. Corticosteroids elicited low activity with cortisol suppressed the activity at higher concentrations. The study will form a basis to understand the physiological role of catecholestrogens in ovarian functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Chourasia
- Department of Zoology, Center of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
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Harirah H, Thota C, Wentz MJ, Zaman W, Al-Hendy A. Elevated expression of catechol-O-methyltransferase is associated with labor and increased prostaglandin E(2) production by human fetal membranes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 201:496.e1-7. [PMID: 19664748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2009.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression and function of catechol-O-methyltransferase in human fetal membranes at term. STUDY DESIGN Fetal membranes obtained from women between 38-42 weeks of gestation, after (1) vaginal delivery with spontaneous labor and (2) prelabor elective cesarean section (no labor), were assayed for catechol-O-methyltransferase expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Prostaglandin E(2) secretion from amnion and choriodecidua explants treated with or without catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis. RESULTS Amnion layer of fetal membranes from laboring women expressed significantly higher levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase, compared with those from women with no labor. Catechol-O-methyltransferase was higher in the amnion layer than in choriodecidua. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition significantly decreased prostaglandin E(2) production from fetal membranes. CONCLUSION Labor increases catechol-O-methyltransferase expression in the amnion of human fetal membranes. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition decreased prostaglandin E(2) secretion in fetal explant cultures, suggesting a role for catechol-O-methyltransferase in human labor and delivery.
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Chourasia TK, Joy KP. Estrogen-2/4-hydroxylase activity is stimulated during germinal vesicle breakdown induced by hCG, IGF-1, GH and insulin in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 155:413-21. [PMID: 17822703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2007] [Revised: 07/05/2007] [Accepted: 07/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen-2/4-hydroxylase (EH) activity was measured radiometrically in ovaries of catfish injected with hCG intraperitoneally and in postvitellogenic follicles incubated with different concentrations of hCG, catfish (Clarias batrachus) growth hormone (GH), bovine insulin or recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I). The change in enzyme activity was correlated with germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), an index of oocyte maturation. A single intraperitoneal injection of hCG (100 IU/fish) stimulated EH activity both at 8 and 16 h prior to stripping of eggs. The activity decreased significantly at 24 h, following ovulation. The follicles incubated with hCG, rhIGF-I, insulin or GH elicited biphasic effects on EH activity. rhIGF-I, insulin and GH increased enzyme activity at the lower or median concentrations. hCG and rhIGF-I stimulated EH activity higher than GH or insulin. All the hormones elicited a dose-dependent increase in GVBD, the effect was greater with rhIGF-I (100 nM) and hCG (5.0 IU/ml). The significance of changes in EH activity (E2 hydroxylation) and GVBD were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Chourasia
- Center of Advanced Study, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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Wentz MJ, Shi SQ, Shi L, Salama SA, Harirah HM, Fouad H, Garfield RE, Al-Hendy A. Treatment with an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase activity reduces preterm birth and impedes cervical resistance to stretch in pregnant rats. Reproduction 2007; 134:831-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme catalyzes the methylation of the 2- or 4-hydroxyestrogens to 2- or 4-methoxyestrogens. Both the hydroxyestrogens and methoxyestrogens have been shown to block or enhance the effects of estrogen respectively. Our objective was to investigate the potential role of COMT in parturition and cervical ripening using a rat model. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect and localize the COMT protein in rat uterine tissues during pregnancy. We measured the longitudinal changes in urinary 2-hydroxyestrogen before, during, and after pregnancy in rats. Animal studies were conducted to determine the effect of treatment with a selective COMT inhibitor on (1) mifepristone-induced preterm birth and (2) cervical resistance to stretch in pregnant rats. The intensity of staining for the COMT protein differed within the luminal epithelium, uterine gland epithelium, endometrium, and myometrium during pregnancy. Levels of staining for the COMT protein in rat myometrium were highest on day 1 and lowest on days 8 and 13, but high levels returned by days 16 and 19 of pregnancy. The levels of urinary 2-hydroxyestrogen gradually increased in the first 2 weeks of pregnancy, peaked from days 16 to 18 of pregnancy, and then gradually returned to pre-pregnancy levels after delivery. The percentage of pups retained in the uterus of pregnant rats treated with both mifepristone and COMT inhibitor (48 ± 15%) was significantly higher (P< 0.05) when compared with the value of pregnant rats treated with mifepristone alone (12 ± 4%). The resistance to stretch was significantly higher (P< 0.05) in cervical tissues from the pregnant rats treated with COMT inhibitor (0.28) when compared with cervical tissues taken from rats treated with vehicle control (0.18). Modulation of COMT activity may play a role in the regulation of myometrial contractility and cervical ripening during pregnancy.
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Bianchi F, Careri M, Mangia A, Musci M, Santini SE, Basini G. Porcine follicular fluids: Comparison of solid-phase extraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion for the GC–MS determination of hormones during follicular growth. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2007; 44:711-7. [PMID: 17459644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2007.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The capabilities of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) for the determination of the hormones 17beta-estradiol, 2-hydroxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol and 2-methoxyestradiol by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in a very complex matrix like porcine follicular fluids were compared, thus proving the highest effectiveness of the SPE technique. Validation was carried out in terms of limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, accuracy, recovery and stability. LOQ values in the low microg kg(-1) were achieved, with all the other parameters satisfying the acceptance criteria for the validation of bioanalytical methods. The applicability of the method to the determination of the hormones in porcine follicular fluids was demonstrated, thus allowing to observe an increase of the concentration of the hormones during the follicular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bianchi
- Dipartimento di Chimica Generale ed Inorganica, Chimica Analitica, Chimica Fisica, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale Usberti 17/A, 43100 Parma, Italy.
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Eichenlaub-Ritter U, Winterscheidt U, Vogt E, Shen Y, Tinneberg HR, Sorensen R. 2-methoxyestradiol induces spindle aberrations, chromosome congression failure, and nondisjunction in mouse oocytes. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:784-93. [PMID: 17229934 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.055111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is a metabolite of 17beta-estradiol and a natural component of follicular fluid. Local concentrations of 2-ME may be increased by exposure to environmental pollutants that activate the expression of enzymes in the metabolic pathway from 17beta-estradiol to 2-ME. It has been suspected that this may have adverse effects on spindle formation in maturing oocytes, which would affect embryo quality. To study the dose-response patterns, we exposed denuded mouse oocytes to 2-ME during in vitro maturation. Meiotic progression, spindle morphology, centrosome integrity, and chromosome congression were examined by immunofluorescence and noninvasive polarizing microscopy (PolScope). Chromosomal constituents were assessed after spreading and C-banding. 2-ME sustained MAD2L1 expression at the centromeres and increased the number of meiosis I-blocked oocytes in a dose-dependent manner. 2-ME also caused dramatic dose-dependent increases in the hyperploidy of metaphase II oocytes. Some of these meiosis II oocytes contained anaphase I-like chromosomes, which suggests that high concentrations of the catecholestradiol interfere with the physical separation of chromosomes. Noninvasive PolScope analysis and tubulin immunofluorescence revealed that perturbations in spindle organization, which resulted in severe disturbances of the chromosome alignment at the spindle equator (congression failure), were caused by 2-ME at meiosis I and II. Pericentrin-positive centrosomes failed to align at the spindle poles, and multipolar spindles and prominent arrays of cytoplasmic microtubule asters were induced in 2-ME-exposed metaphase II oocytes. In conclusion, a micromolar level of 2-ME is aneugenic for mammalian oocytes. Therefore, exposure to 2-ME and conditions that increase the intrinsic local concentration of 2-ME in the ovary may affect fertility and increase risks for chromosomal aberrations in the oocyte and embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Eichenlaub-Ritter
- University of Bielefeld, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Gene Technology/Microbiology, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Mishra A, Joy KP. HPLC-electrochemical detection of ovarian estradiol-17beta and catecholestrogens in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: seasonal and periovulatory changes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2006; 145:84-91. [PMID: 16139282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2005] [Revised: 05/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection method was used to characterize estradiol-17beta (E2) and its metabolites (2-hydroxyE2, 4-hydroxyE2, and 2-methoxyE2) and investigate their seasonal and periovulatory changes in the ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The retention times in minutes of standards determined by individual and mixture applications are: 2-OHE2-6.6, 4-OHE2-7.0, 4-OHE1-11.2, E2-12.0, and 2-methoxyE2-15.2. Since the retention times of 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2 merged at higher concentrations, the elution peaks of the sample were taken as due to both (2/4-OHE2) for analysis. The steroids were not detectable in the resting and postspawning phases and 2-methoxyE2 was not detectable in the recrudescent (preparatory, prespawning, and spawning) phases as well. E2 and 2/4-OHE2 have maintained an inverse relationship in the recrudescent phase. The E2 concentration was the highest in the preparatory phase (April) with active vitellogenic activity and declined significantly across prespawning and spawning phases (P<0.001, one way ANOVA; P<0.05, Newman-Keuls' test). On the other hand, the concentration of 2/4-OHE2, which was the lowest in the preparatory phase, increased significantly to the peak level in the spawning phase. A single intraperitoneal injection of hCG (100 IU/fish) stimulated significantly the formation of 2/4-OHE2 at 8 h with a simultaneous reduction in E2. 2-MethoxyE2 was detected only after 16 h of the hCG injection. The functional significance of catecholestrogens in the seasonal reproductive cycle and during the hCG-induced ovulation of the catfish was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mishra
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
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Simard J, Ricketts ML, Gingras S, Soucy P, Feltus FA, Melner MH. Molecular biology of the 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4 isomerase gene family. Endocr Rev 2005; 26:525-82. [PMID: 15632317 DOI: 10.1210/er.2002-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4) isomerase (3beta-HSD) isoenzymes are responsible for the oxidation and isomerization of Delta(5)-3beta-hydroxysteroid precursors into Delta(4)-ketosteroids, thus catalyzing an essential step in the formation of all classes of active steroid hormones. In humans, expression of the type I isoenzyme accounts for the 3beta-HSD activity found in placenta and peripheral tissues, whereas the type II 3beta-HSD isoenzyme is predominantly expressed in the adrenal gland, ovary, and testis, and its deficiency is responsible for a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Phylogeny analyses of the 3beta-HSD gene family strongly suggest that the need for different 3beta-HSD genes occurred very late in mammals, with subsequent evolution in a similar manner in other lineages. Therefore, to a large extent, the 3beta-HSD gene family should have evolved to facilitate differential patterns of tissue- and cell-specific expression and regulation involving multiple signal transduction pathways, which are activated by several growth factors, steroids, and cytokines. Recent studies indicate that HSD3B2 gene regulation involves the orphan nuclear receptors steroidogenic factor-1 and dosage-sensitive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome gene 1 (DAX-1). Other findings suggest a potential regulatory role for STAT5 and STAT6 in transcriptional activation of HSD3B2 promoter. It was shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) requires intact STAT5; on the other hand IL-4 induces HSD3B1 gene expression, along with IL-13, through STAT 6 activation. However, evidence suggests that multiple signal transduction pathways are involved in IL-4 mediated HSD3B1 gene expression. Indeed, a better understanding of the transcriptional factors responsible for the fine control of 3beta-HSD gene expression may provide insight into mechanisms involved in the functional cooperation between STATs and nuclear receptors as well as their potential interaction with other signaling transduction pathways such as GATA proteins. Finally, the elucidation of the molecular basis of 3beta-HSD deficiency has highlighted the fact that mutations in the HSD3B2 gene can result in a wide spectrum of molecular repercussions, which are associated with the different phenotypic manifestations of classical 3beta-HSD deficiency and also provide valuable information concerning the structure-function relationships of the 3beta-HSD superfamily. Furthermore, several recent studies using type I and type II purified enzymes have elegantly further characterized structure-function relationships responsible for kinetic differences and coenzyme specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Simard
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, T3-57, Laval University Medical Center (CHUL) Research Center, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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Lattanzi ML, Santos CB, Mudry MD, Baranao JL. Exposure of bovine oocytes to the endogenous metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol during in vitro maturation inhibits early embryonic development. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:1793-800. [PMID: 12890717 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.020743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Catecholestrogens are endogenous metabolites that have been shown to modulate granulosa, theca, and luteal cell function in some species. The present study was aimed at determining the possible role of these steroids on oocyte maturation. Cumulus-enclosed bovine oocytes were matured for 24 h, fertilized, and then cultured for 8 days. Whereas estradiol was without effect, addition of catecholestrogens (2-hydroxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol, and 2-methoxyestradiol [2-MOE2]) to the maturation medium did not affect the cleavage rate but was associated with a decrease in blastocyst production on Day 8. Although 2-MOE2 was also able to inhibit blastocyst formation when added during embryo culture, the effects were less pronounced than those seen when the steroid was added only during maturation. In agreement with the known ability of 2-MOE2 to bind tubulin at the colchicine site, marked alterations were observed in the spindle assembly of oocytes exposed to 2-MOE2 during maturation, which lead to gross chromosomal aberrations after fertilization and consequent developmental arrest at the morula stage. Moreover, that the blastocyst rate was not affected when meiosis was blocked with roscovitine during 2-MOE2 exposure is consistent with the idea that altered nuclear maturation is the cause of the low developmental competence. Because 2-MOE2 could be increased in follicular fluid in response to aryl hydrocarbon-receptor ligands, such as some environmental contaminants, our results show that abnormally high intraovarian levels of catecholestrogens could have a deleterious effect on oocyte maturation and early embryonic development arising from the alterations in the meiotic spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano L Lattanzi
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Shetty G, Bhatnagar AS, Moudgal NR. Blockade of estrogen synthesis with an aromatase inhibitor affects luteal function of the pseudopregnant rat. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1995; 55:347-53. [PMID: 8541231 DOI: 10.1016/0960-0760(95)00192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The luteotropic action of estrogen (E) was investigated using immature pseudopregnant rat as the model and CGS 16949A (Fadrozole hydrochloride), a potent aromatase inhibitor (AI), to block E synthesis. Aromatase activity could be inhibited by administering CGS 16949A (50 micrograms/day/rat) via a mini osmotic Alzet pump (model 2002) for 3 days during pseudopregnancy. This resulted in significant reduction of serum (40%, P < 0.05) and intraovarian 70.6%, P < 0.001) estradiol-17 beta (E2) levels. The serum and intraovarian progesterone (P4) levels as analyzed on day 4 of pseudopregnancy were also reduced by > or = 50% (for both, P < 0.01). Simultaneous administration of estradiol-3-benzoate (E2B) via an Alzet pump during the AI treatment period at a dose of 1 microgram/day could completely reverse the AI induced reduction in P4 secretion. The luteal cells of experimental rats depleted of E in vivo showed a significantly reduced response upon incubation with hCG or dbcAMP in vitro (P < 0.05 and 0.001, respectively). Addition of E2 (500 pg/tube) at the time of in vitro incubation was able to partially increase the responsiveness to hCG. The luteal cell LH/hCG receptor content and the affinity of hCG binding to the receptor remained unchanged following AI treatment in vivo. Both esterified and total cholesterol content of luteal cells of rats treated with AI in vivo was significantly high (P < 0.05) suggesting that E lack results in an impairment in cholesterol utilization for steroidogenesis. The results clearly show that E regulates luteal function in the pseudopregnant rat by acting at a non-cAMP mediated event and this perhaps involves facilitation of cholesterol utilization at the mitochondrial level for P4 synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Shetty
- Center for Reproductive Biology and Molecular Endocrinology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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Tekpetey FR, Singh B, Barbe G, Armstrong DT. Localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in the rat corpus luteum, and EGF and transforming growth factor-alpha stimulation of luteal cell steroidogenesis in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1995; 110:95-102. [PMID: 7672457 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(95)03521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) have potent mitogenic effects on granulosa and theca cells. However, their effects on steroidogenesis by these cells is controversial, and there is limited information regarding their effects on luteal cell steroidogenesis. The present study investigated the cellular distribution of the EGF receptor (EGF-R) in the rat corpus luteum (CL) by immunocytochemical staining, and the effects of EGF and TGF-alpha on progesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone (20 alpha-OH-P) production in cultures of luteal cells. Using a primary antibody directed against the human EGF-R peptide, specific EGF-R staining was obtained in the CL. Both small and large luteal cells had EGF-R staining. In initial cell culture experiments, treatment of freshly isolated luteal cells with EGF or TGF-alpha (0.5-50 ng/ml) for 24 h had no effect on progesterone and 20 alpha-OH-P accumulation. Addition of LH (250 ng/ml) alone caused a 3.5-fold increase in both progestins, but co-treatment with EGF or TGF-alpha produced no further enhancement of progestin accumulation. However, when cells were seeded overnight and the attached cells were washed prior to growth factor treatment for 3 days with media change every 24 h, both EGF and TGF-alpha caused dose-dependent increases in progesterone accumulation/24 h period (up to 2-fold at 50 ng/ml growth factor) on days 1 and 2 but not day 3 of treatment. 20 alpha-OH-P accumulation was similarly stimulated (up to 2.5-fold) by EGF and TGF-alpha under these conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- F R Tekpetey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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