1
|
Fragkiadaki P, Kouvidi E, Angelaki A, Nikolopoulou D, Vakonaki E, Tsatsakis A. Evaluation of telomere length and telomerase activity on predicting in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1463-1473. [PMID: 38695985 PMCID: PMC11224194 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The current article is a literature review aiming to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on the association between telomere length and telomerase activity and in vitro fertilization. Recently, telomeres have been used as an effective biomarker to determine biological age, which may differ from chronological age due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Cellular senescence, along with other exogenous and mainly environmental factors, can enhance telomere wear, further shortening their ends and may also affect reproductive aging. IVF is a common fertility treatment caused by female reasons (age, ovulation disorders, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis), male reasons (low sperm quantity or quality), or unexplained infertility. A growing number of studies have proposed a relationship between telomere length and telomerase activity and IVF success and have suggested their use as candidate biomarkers for IVF outcome. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to be conducted, in order to clarify the possible implication of telomeres in IVF and to evaluate their possible role as valuable predictors of IVF result.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elisavet Kouvidi
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Phenotypos Lab, Katehaki 40A, 115 25, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitra Nikolopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece.
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chien CW, Tang YA, Jeng SL, Pan HA, Sun HS. Blastocyst telomere length predicts successful implantation after frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae012. [PMID: 38515829 PMCID: PMC10955253 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do embryos with longer telomere length (TL) at the blastocyst stage have a higher capacity to survive after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET)? SUMMARY ANSWER Digitally estimated TL using low-pass whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) process demonstrates that blastocyst TL is the most essential factor associated with likelihood of implantation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The lifetime TL is established in the early cleavage cycles following fertilization through a recombination-based lengthening mechanism and starts erosion beyond the blastocyst stage. In addition, a telomerase-mediated slow erosion of TL in human fetuses has been observed from a gestational age of 6-11 weeks. Finally, an abnormal shortening of telomeres is likely involved in embryo loss during early development. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Blastocyst samples were obtained from patients who underwent PGT-A and FET in an IVF center from March 2015 to May 2018. Digitally estimated mitochondrial copy number (mtCN) and TL were used to study associations with the implantation potential of each embryo. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING AND METHODS In total, 965 blastocysts from 232 cycles (164 patients) were available to investigate the biological and clinical relevance of TL. A WGS-based workflow was applied to determine the ploidy of each embryo. Data from low-pass WGS-PGT-A were used to estimate the mtCN and TL for each embryo. Single-variant and multi-variant logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest models were applied to study various factors in association with the implantation potential of each embryo. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 965 blastocysts originally available, only 216 underwent FET. While mtCN from the transferred embryos is significantly associated with the ploidy call of each embryo, mtCN has no role in impacting IVF outcomes after an embryo transfer in these women. The results indicate that mtCN is a marker of embryo aneuploidy. On the other hand, digitally estimated TL is the most prominent univariant factor and showed a significant positive association with pregnancy outcomes (P < 0.01, odds ratio 79.1). We combined several maternal and embryo parameters to study the joint effects on successful implantation. The machine learning models, namely decision tree and random forest, were trained and yielded classification accuracy of 0.82 and 0.91, respectively. Taken together, these results support the vital role of TL in governing implantation potential, perhaps through the ability to control embryo survival after transfer. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The small sample size limits our study as only 216 blastocysts were transferred. The number was further reduced to 153 blastocysts, where pregnancy outcomes could be accurately traced. The other limitation of this study is that all data were collected from a single IVF center. The uniform and controlled operation of IVF cycles in a single center may cause selection bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We present novel findings to show that digitally estimated TL at the blastocyst stage is a predictor of pregnancy capacity after a FET cycle. As elective single-embryo transfer has become the mainstream direction in reproductive medicine, prioritizing embryos based on their implantation potential is crucial for clinical infertility treatment in order to reduce twin pregnancy rate and the time to pregnancy in an IVF center. The AI-powered, random forest prediction model established in this study thus provides a way to improve clinical practice and optimize the chances for people with fertility problems to achieve parenthood. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by a grant from the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (MOST 108-2321-B-006-013 -). There were no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Chien
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Innovation Headquarters, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-An Tang
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Innovation Headquarters, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shuen-Lin Jeng
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Data Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Innovative FinTech Business Models, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-An Pan
- IVF center, An-An Women and Children Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - H Sunny Sun
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Innovation Headquarters, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cozzolino M, Ergun Y, Ristori E, Garg A, Imamoglu G, Seli E. Disruption of mitochondrial unfolded protein response results in telomere shortening in mouse oocytes and somatic cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2047-2060. [PMID: 38349865 PMCID: PMC10911389 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Caseinolytic peptidase P (CLPP) plays a central role in mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR) by promoting the breakdown of misfolded proteins and setting in motion a cascade of reactions to re-establish protein homeostasis. Global germline deletion of Clpp in mice results in female infertility and accelerated follicular depletion. Telomeres are tandem repeats of 5'-TTAGGG-3' sequences found at the ends of the chromosomes. Telomeres are essential for maintaining chromosome stability during somatic cell division and their shortening is associated with cellular senescence and aging. In this study, we asked whether the infertility and ovarian aging phenotype caused by global germline deletion of Clpp is associated with somatic aging, and tested telomere length in tissues of young and aging mice. We found that impaired mtUPR caused by the lack of CLPP is associated with accelerated telomere shortening in both oocytes and somatic cells of aging mice. In addition, expression of several genes that maintain telomere integrity was decreased, and double-strand DNA breaks were increased in telomeric regions. Our results highlight how impaired mtUPR can affect telomere integrity and demonstrate a link between loss of mitochondrial protein hemostasis, infertility, and somatic aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Roma, Rome, Italy
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Fundacion IVI-IIS la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yagmur Ergun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Marlton, NJ 08053, USA
| | - Emma Ristori
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Akanksha Garg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gizem Imamoglu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Weizel I, Shavit T, Shuli Y, Adler Lazarovich C, Halevi R, Ben Ari T, Yaacobi-Artzi S, Bentov Y, Feldman B, Hershko Klement A. Outcomes of BRCA pre-implantation genetic testing according to the parental mutation origin: a cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:8. [PMID: 38172815 PMCID: PMC10762833 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of gamete formation and early embryonic development involves rapid DNA replication, chromosome segregation and cell division. These processes may be affected by mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate BRCA mutation inheritance and its effect on early embryonic development according to the parental origin of the mutation. The study question was approached by analyzing in vitro fertilization cycles (IVF) that included pre-implantation testing (PGT-M) for a BRCA gene mutation. METHODS This retrospective cohort study compared cycles of pre-implantation genetic testing for mutations (PGT-M) between male and female patients diagnosed with BRCA 1/2 mutations (cases), to a control group of two other mutations with dominant inheritance (myotonic dystrophy (MD) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD)). Results were compared according to mutation type and through a generalized linear model analysis. RESULTS The cohort included 88 PGT-M cycles (47 BRCA and 41 non-BRCA) among 50 patients. Maternal and paternal ages at oocyte retrieval were comparable between groups. When tested per cycle, FSH dose, maximum estradiol level, oocytes retrieved, number of zygotes, and number of embryos available for biopsy and affected embryos, were not significantly different among mutation types. All together 444 embryos were biopsied: the rate of affected embryos was comparable between groups. Among BRCA patients, the proportion of affected embryos was similar between maternal and paternal mutation origin (p = 0.24). In a generalized linear model analysis, the relative oocyte yield in maternal BRCA patients was significantly lower (0.7, as related to the non BRCA group)(p < 0.001). Zygote formation and blastulation were not affected by the BRCA gene among paternal cases (P = 0.176 and P = 0.293 respectively), nor by paternal versus maternal BRCA carriage (P = 0.904 and P = 0.149, respectively). CONCLUSIONS BRCA PGT-M cycles performed similarly compared to non-BRCA cycles. Inheritance rate and cycle parameters were not affected by the parental origin of the mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Weizel
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Tal Shavit
- The IVF unit, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Yulia Shuli
- The Unit for Medical Genetics, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chana Adler Lazarovich
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Rivka Halevi
- The Unit for Medical Genetics, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Ben Ari
- The IVF unit, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yaakov Bentov
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Baruch Feldman
- The Unit for Medical Genetics, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Hershko Klement
- The IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Mount Scopus- Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Garg A, Seli E. Leukocyte telomere length and DNA methylome as biomarkers of ovarian reserve and embryo aneuploidy: the intricate relationship between somatic and reproductive aging. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:26-33. [PMID: 37979607 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The average childbearing age among women continues to rise, leading to an increased prevalence of infertility and a subsequent increased use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Ovarian aging, especially diminished ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response, have been implicated as common causes of infertility. Telomere length and DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks are established hallmarks of cellular aging; however, the interplay between somatic and ovarian aging remains unclear. There appears to be a lack of correlation between leukocyte telomere length and the DNA methylation age of somatic and ovarian cells. Both the telomere length and methylome of follicular somatic cells (granulosa and cumulus) appear to be unaffected by chronologic age, infertility, or processes that result in diminished ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response. As such, they are unlikely candidates as surrogate biomarkers of reproductive potential, response to stimulation, or ART outcome. Meanwhile, telomere or methylome changes in leukocytes associated with aging seem to correlate with reproductive function and may have the potential to aid the characterization of women with reproductive decline; however, current data are limited and larger studies evaluating this within an ART setting are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Garg
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Robinson LG, Kalmbach K, Sumerfield O, Nomani W, Wang F, Liu L, Keefe DL. Telomere dynamics and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:4-11. [PMID: 37993053 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte, a long-lived, postmitotic cell, is the locus of reproductive aging in women. Female germ cells replicate only during fetal life and age throughout reproductive life. Mechanisms of oocyte aging include the accumulation of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of proteins, including cohesion. Nobel Laureate Bob Edwards also discovered a "production line" during oogonial replication in the mouse, wherein the last oocytes to ovulate in the adult-derived from the last oogonia to exit mitotic replication in the fetus. On the basis of this, we proposed a two-hit "telomere theory of reproductive aging" to integrate the myriad features of oocyte aging. The first hit was that oocytes remaining in older women traversed more cell cycles during fetal oogenesis. The second hit was that oocytes accumulated more environmental and endogenous oxidative damage throughout the life of the woman. Telomeres (Ts) could mediate both of these aspects of oocyte aging. Telomeres provide a "mitotic clock," with T attrition an inevitable consequence of cell division because of the end replication problem. Telomere's guanine-rich sequence renders them especially sensitive to oxidative damage, even in postmitotic cells. Telomerase, the reverse transcriptase that restores Ts, is better at maintaining than elongating T. Moreover, telomerase remains inactive during much of oogenesis and early development. Oocytes are left with short Ts, on the brink of viability. In support of this theory, mice with induced T attrition and women with naturally occurring telomeropathy suffer diminished ovarian reserve, abnormal embryo development, and infertility. In contrast, sperm are produced throughout the life of the male by a telomerase-active progenitor, spermatogonia, resulting in the longest Ts in the body. In mice, cleavage-stage embryos elongate Ts via "alternative lengthening of telomeres," a recombination-based mechanism rarely encountered outside of telomerase-deficient cancers. Many questions about Ts and reproduction are raised by these findings: does the "normal" T attrition observed in human oocytes contribute to their extraordinarily high rate of meiotic nondisjunction? Does recombination-based T elongation render embryos susceptible to mitotic nondisjunction (and mosaicism)? Can some features of Ts serve as markers of oocyte quality?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LeRoy G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
| | - Keri Kalmbach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Olivia Sumerfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Wafa Nomani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chu B, Liu Z, Liu Y, Jiang H. The Role of Advanced Parental Age in Reproductive Genetics. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2907-2919. [PMID: 37171772 PMCID: PMC10556127 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The increase of parental reproductive age is a worldwide trend in modern society in recent decades. In general, older parents have a significant impact on reproductive genetics and the health of offspring. In particular, advanced parental age contributes to the increase in the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. However, it is currently under debate how and to what extent the health of future generations was affected by the parental age. In this review, we aimed to (i) provide an overview of the effects of age on the fertility and biology of the reproductive organs of the parents, (ii) highlight the candidate biological mechanisms underlying reproductive genetic alterations, and (iii) discuss the relevance of the effect of parental age on offspring between animal experiment and clinical observation. In addition, we think that the impact of environmental factors on cognitive and emotional development of older offspring will be an interesting direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boling Chu
- Department of Biobank, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Pathology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China
| | - Yihong Liu
- College of Humanities And Management, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Biobank, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Suvakov S, Kattah AG, Gojkovic T, Enninga EAL, Pruett J, Jayachandran M, Sousa C, Santos J, Abou Hassan C, Gonzales-Suarez M, Garovic VD. Impact of Aging and Cellular Senescence in the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:5077-5114. [PMID: 37770190 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c230003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is increasing, which may be due to several factors, including an increased age at pregnancy and more comorbid health conditions during reproductive years. Preeclampsia, the most severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, has been associated with an increased risk of future disease, including cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Cellular senescence, the process of cell cycle arrest in response to many physiologic and maladaptive stimuli, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and provide a mechanistic link to future disease. In this article, we will discuss the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the many mechanisms of cellular senescence, evidence for the involvement of senescence in the development of preeclampsia, as well as evidence that cellular senescence may link preeclampsia to the risk of future disease. Lastly, we will explore how a better understanding of the role of cellular senescence in preeclampsia may lead to therapeutic trials. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:5077-5114, 2023.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Suvakov
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrea G Kattah
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tamara Gojkovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elizabeth A L Enninga
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jacob Pruett
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Ciria Sousa
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Janelle Santos
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Coline Abou Hassan
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yung Y, Maydan SA, Bart Y, Orvieto R, Aizer A. Human granulosa cells of poor ovarian responder patients display telomeres shortening. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1943-1947. [PMID: 37432588 PMCID: PMC10371957 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02860-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the telomere length in granulosa cells of the young normal and poor ovarian responder patients and elderly patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF. METHODS The main outcome measures granulosa cells telomere Length in the 3 study groups of patients undergoing IVF treatment in our center. 1) young normal responder patients (< 35 years); 2) young (< 35 years) poor ovarian responder patients; and 3) Elderly patients (40-45 years). Granulosa cells were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval. Granulosa cells telomere length was assessed by absolute human telomere length quantification qPCR Assay. RESULTS The telomere length of the young normal responder was significantly longer as compared to young poor ovarian responder (15.5 vs 9.6 KB, p < 0.001) and the elderly patients (15.5 vs 10.66 KB, p < 0.002). No significant difference was observed in the telomere length between the young poor ovarian responder and the elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS Granulosa cells telomere length of the young normal responder was found to be significantly longer than young poor ovarian responder or elderly patients, highlighting the role of telomere length as a predictor, or contributor to poor oocyte yield following IVF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Yung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Sharon Avhar Maydan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yossi Bart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Morland F, Ewen JG, Simons MJP, Brekke P, Hemmings N. Early-life telomere length predicts life-history strategy and reproductive senescence in a threatened wild songbird. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4031-4043. [PMID: 37173827 PMCID: PMC10947174 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are well known for their associations with lifespan and ageing across diverse taxa. Early-life telomere length can be influenced by developmental conditions and has been shown positively affect lifetime reproductive success in a limited number of studies. Whether these effects are caused by a change in lifespan, reproductive rate or perhaps most importantly reproductive senescence is unclear. Using long-term data on female breeding success from a threatened songbird (the hihi, Notiomystis cincta), we show that the early-life telomere length of individuals predicts the presence and rate of future senescence of key reproductive traits: clutch size and hatching success. In contrast, senescence of fledging success is not associated with early-life telomere length, which may be due to the added influence of biparental care at this stage. Early-life telomere length does not predict lifespan or lifetime reproductive success in this species. Females may therefore change their reproductive allocation strategy depending on their early developmental conditions, which we hypothesise are reflected in their early-life telomere length. Our results offer new insights on the role that telomeres play in reproductive senescence and individual fitness and suggest telomere length can be used as a predictor for future life history in threatened species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fay Morland
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of LondonLondonUK
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - John G. Ewen
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiong Z, Liu X, Wang Q, Ji B, Jia J. Effects of high-altitude hypoxia on embryonic developmental potential in women undergoing IVF/ICSI procedures. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:1983-1989. [PMID: 37039891 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study we examined the effects of long-term adaptation to hypoxia on embryonic developmental potential of oocytes collected from women who underwent IVF/ICSI procedures. METHODS We selected young infertile women who lived in a low-altitude normoxic environment (n = 80, altitude < 500 m) or high-altitude hypoxic environment (n = 100, altitude > 2500 m) for a lengthy period of time and who planned to undergo IVF/ICSI procedures. We then determined the baseline reproductive hormone levels, gonadotropin (Gn) dose and Gn treatment duration during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes, oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, normal fertilization rate, day (D3) embryo-formation rate, blastocyst formation rate, good-quality formation rate, D5 blastocyst formation rate, and D6 blastocyst formation rate between the two groups. RESULTS Compared with the low-altitude normoxic group, the various reproductive hormone markers of women in the high-altitude hypoxia group were lower, with LH and T levels significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at 72.29 and 72.44% of the normoxic group, respectively (normoxic group vs. hypoxic group, 5.24 ± 1.61 vs. 3.79 ± 1.21; 0.61 ± 0.18 vs. 0.42 ± 0.15; P < 0.05). During ovarian hyperstimulation, a greater Gn dose and longer Gn treatment duration were required for the hypoxic group to complete COH (normoxic group vs. hypoxic group, 2152.08 IU ± 52.76 vs. 2622.09 IU ± 123.28; 9.96 days ± 1.27 vs. 11.54 days ± 1.34, respectively; P < 0.05). The fertilization, cleavage, and D3 embryo-formation rates tended to be higher in the normoxic group than in the hypoxic group (P > 0.05); while the normal fertilization rate tended to lower than in the hypoxic group (P > 0.05). When we conducted an analysis of blastocyst formation rates at different timepoints, we ascertained that the blastocyst formation rate, usable blastocyst rate, and good-quality blastocyst rate of the hypoxic group were all lower than in the normoxic group, with the difference in usable blastocyst rate the most highly significant (normoxic group vs. hypoxic group, 75.31 ± 5.53 vs. 56.04 ± 6.10%, respectively; P < 0.05). In addition, the D5 and D6 blastocyst-formation rates in the normoxic group were slightly higher than in the hypoxic group, revealing that not only were fewer blastocysts formed in the hypoxic group but that there was also a delay in blastocyst formation. CONCLUSION In young women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, long-term hypoxic adaptation required augmented Gn dose and Gn treatment duration during COH, and blastocyst developmental potential was also attenuated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfang Xiong
- Reproductive Center, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, No. 2, Gonghe Road, Chengdong District, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China.
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Graduate School of Qinghai University, Xining, 810007, China
| | - Qingdi Wang
- Graduate School of Qinghai University, Xining, 810007, China
| | - Bing Ji
- Reproductive Center, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, No. 2, Gonghe Road, Chengdong District, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China
| | - Jingrong Jia
- Reproductive Center, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, No. 2, Gonghe Road, Chengdong District, Xining, 810007, Qinghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sanpedro-Luna JA, Jacinto-Vázquez JJ, Anastacio-Marcelino E, Posadas-Gutiérrez CM, Olmos-Pineda I, González-Bernal JA, Carcaño-Montiel M, Vega-Alvarado L, Vázquez-Cruz C, Sánchez-Alonso P. Telomerase RNA plays a major role in the completion of the life cycle in Ustilago maydis and shares conserved domains with other Ustilaginales. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281251. [PMID: 36952474 PMCID: PMC10035886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA subunit of telomerase is an essential component whose primary sequence and length are poorly conserved among eukaryotic organisms. The phytopathogen Ustilago maydis is a dimorphic fungus of the order Ustilaginales. We analyzed several species of Ustilaginales to computationally identify the TElomere RNA (TER) gene ter1. To confirm the identity of the TER gene, we disrupted the gene and characterized telomerase-negative mutants. Similar to catalytic TERT mutants, ter1Δ mutants exhibit phenotypes of growth delay, telomere shortening and low replicative potential. ter1-disrupted mutants were unable to infect maize seedlings in heterozygous crosses and showed defects such as cell cycle arrest and segregation failure. We concluded that ter1, which encodes the TER subunit of the telomerase of U. maydis, have similar and perhaps more extensive functions than trt1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Sanpedro-Luna
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - José Juan Jacinto-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Estela Anastacio-Marcelino
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | | | - Iván Olmos-Pineda
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Computación, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Jesús Antonio González-Bernal
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Moisés Carcaño-Montiel
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Leticia Vega-Alvarado
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México, México
| | - Candelario Vázquez-Cruz
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Patricia Sánchez-Alonso
- Instituto de Ciencias, Posgrado en Microbiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
- Instituto de Ciencias, Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pellicer N, Cozzolino M, Diaz-García C, Galliano D, Cobo A, Pellicer A, Herraiz S. Ovarian rescue in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: facts and fiction. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:543-565. [PMID: 36710157 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ovary has a comparatively short functional lifespan compared with other organs, and genetic and pathological injuries can further shorten its functional life. Thus, preserving ovarian function should be considered in the context of women with threats to ovarian reserve, such as ageing, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Indeed, one-third of women with POI retain resting follicles that can be reactivated to produce competent oocytes, as proved by the in-vitro activation of dormant follicles. This paper discusses mechanisms and clinical data relating to new therapeutic strategies using ovarian fragmentation, stem cells or platelet-rich plasma to regain ovarian function in women of older age (>38 years) or with POI or DOR. Follicle reactivation techniques show promising experimental outcomes and have been successful in some cases, when POI is established or DOR diagnosed; however, there is scarce clinical evidence to warrant their widespread clinical use. Beyond these contexts, also discussed is how new insights into the biological mechanisms governing follicular dynamics and oocyte competence may play a role in reversing ovarian damage, as no technique modifies oocyte quality. Additional studies should focus on increasing follicle number and quality. Finally, there is a small but important subgroup of women lacking residual follicles and requiring oocyte generation from stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - César Diaz-García
- IVI London, EGA Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, UK; IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Ana Cobo
- IVI RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVI RMA Rome, Rome, Italy; IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Y, Gao J. Reproductive aging: biological pathways and potential interventive strategies. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:141-150. [PMID: 35840100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.07.002] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive aging is a natural process conserved across species and is well-known in females. It shows age-related follicle depletion and reduction of oocyte quality, eventually causing reproductive senescence and menopause. Although reproductive aging in males is not well noticed as in females, it also causes infertility and has deleterious consequences on the offspring. Various factors have been suggested to contribute to reproductive aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial defects, telomere shortening, meiotic chromosome segregation errors and genetic alterations. With the increasing trend of pregnancy age, it is particularly crucial to find interventions to preserve or extend human fertility. Studies in humans and model organisms have provided insights into the biological pathways associated with reproductive aging, and a series of potential interventive strategies have been tested. Here, we review factors affecting reproductive aging in females and males and summarize interventive strategies that may help delay or rescue the aging phenotypes of reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Jinmin Gao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Péntek S, Várnagy Á, Farkas B, Mauchart P, Gödöny K, Varjas T, Kőszegi T, Kaltenecker P, Jakabfi-Csepregi R, Kovács K, Bódis J, Sulyok E. Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity of Granulosa Cells and Follicular Fluid in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020419. [PMID: 36829978 PMCID: PMC9952214 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the interrelationship between telomere length, telomerase activity and oxidative DNA damage in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This single-center, observational clinical study comprised 102 unselected, consecutive patients with various infertility diagnoses. Granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular fluid (FF) were analyzed simultaneously for telomere functions and for the marker of oxidative DNA damage, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). An Absolute Human Telomere Lengths Quantification qPCR Assay kit and Telomerase Activity Quantification qPCR Assay kit (Nucleotestbio, Budapest, Hungary), as well as an 8-OHdG ELISA kit (Abbexa Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom) were used for analyses. Similar telomere lengths were found in GCs and FF, however telomerase activity was markedly depressed, while 8-OHdG levels were markedly elevated in FF compared with those in GCs (p < 0.01). Telomere lengths were independent of telomerase activity both in GCs and FF. However, GC 8-OHdG was inversely related to telomerase activity in GCs and FF (p < 0.05). Importantly, 8-OHdG levels both in GCs and FF had significant negative impact on the number of the retrieved and MII oocytes (p < 0.01), whereas FF 8-OHdG was negatively related further to the number of fertilized oocytes and blastocysts (p < 0.01). In conclusion, we could not confirm the direct association of telomere function and reproductive potential. However, oxidative DNA damage, as mainly reflected by 8-OHdG, adversely affected early markers of IVF outcome and clinical pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Péntek
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bálint Farkas
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-72-536-360 (ext. 0827); Fax: +36-72-536-3
| | - Péter Mauchart
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Gödöny
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tímea Varjas
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kőszegi
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Kaltenecker
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rita Jakabfi-Csepregi
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Kovács
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Bódis
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Endre Sulyok
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The process of ovarian aging: it is not just about oocytes and granulosa cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:783-792. [PMID: 35352316 PMCID: PMC9051003 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02478-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian age is classically considered the main cause of female reproductive infertility. In women, the process proceeds as an ongoing decline in the primordial follicle stockpile and it is associated with reduced fertility in the mid-thirties, irregular menstruation from the mid-forties, cessation of fertility, and, eventually, menopause in the early fifties. Reproductive aging is historically associated with changes in oocyte quantity and quality. However, besides the oocyte, other cellular as well as environmental factors have been the focus of more recent investigations suggesting that ovarian decay is a complex and multifaceted process. Among these factors, we will consider mitochondria and oxidative stress as related to nutrition, changes in extracellular matrix molecules, and the associated ovarian stromal compartment where immune cells of both the native and adaptive systems seem to play an important role. Understanding such processes is crucial to design treatment strategies to slow down ovarian aging and consequently prolong reproductive lifespan and, more to this, alleviaingt side effects of menopause on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
Collapse
|
17
|
Impact of superovulation and in vitro fertilization on LINE-1 copy number and telomere length in C57BL/6 J mice blastocysts. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4909-4917. [PMID: 35316424 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Millions of babies have been conceived by IVF, yet debate about its safety to offspring continues. We hypothesized that superovulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) promote genomic changes, including altered telomere length (TL) and activation of the retrotransposon LINE-1 (L1), and tested this hypothesis in a mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Experimental study analyzing TL and L1 copy number in C57BL/6 J mouse blastocysts in vivo produced from natural mating cycles (N), in vivo produced following superovulation (S), or in vitro produced following superovulation (IVF). We also examined the effects of prolonged culture on TL and L1 copy number in the IVF group comparing blastocysts cultured 96 h versus blastocysts cultured 120 h. TL and L1 copy number were measured by Real Time PCR. RESULTS TL in S (n = 77; Mean: 1.50 ± 1.15; p = 0.0007) and IVF (n = 82; Mean: 1.72 ± 1.44; p < 0.0001) exceeded that in N (n = 16; Mean: 0.61 ± 0.27). TL of blastocysts cultured 120 h (n = 15, Mean: 2.14 ± 1.05) was significantly longer than that of embryos cultured for 96 h (n = 67, Mean: 1.63 ± 1.50; p = 0.0414). L1 copy number of blastocysts cultured for 120 h (n = 15, Mean: 1.71 ± 1.49) exceeded that of embryos cultured for 96 h (n = 67, Mean: 0.95 ± 1.03; p = 0.0162). CONCLUSIONS Intriguingly ovarian stimulation, alone or followed by IVF, produced embryos with significantly longer telomeres compared to in vivo, natural cycle-produced embryos. The significance of this enriched telomere endowment for the health and longevity of offspring born from IVF merit future studies.
Collapse
|
18
|
Yuan Y, Tan Y, Qiu X, Luo H, Li Y, Li R, Yang X. Sperm telomere length as a novel biomarker of male infertility and embryonic development: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1079966. [PMID: 36714598 PMCID: PMC9875015 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1079966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres have an essential role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the human chromosomal genome and preserving essential DNA biological functions. Several articles have been published on the association of STL with male semen parameters and clinical pregnancy. The results, however, are either inconclusive or inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the accuracy and clinical value of sperm telomere length (STL) as a new marker for diagnosing male infertility and predicting the quality of embryonic development. METHODS We performed a comprehensive systematic search for relevant publications in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid, from database build to August 2022. All experimental studies exploring the association of STL with male semen quality, male infertility, or embryonic development were included. RESULTS Overall, Twelve prospective observational cohort studies (1700 patients) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a positive linear correlation between STL and semen parameters. The optimal cut-off value for STL diagnosing male infertility was 1.0, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. Regarding STL and embryonic development, the clinical pregnancy rate was associated with longer STL, and there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding fertilization rate. CONCLUSION Our study showed that STL has good diagnostic and predictive value for male fertility and clinical pregnancy and could be used as a new biomarker for diagnosing male infertility and predicting embryonic development. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022303333.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yacheng Yuan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Tan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Qiu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hengfeng Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xukai Yang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xukai Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang F, Chamani IJ, Luo D, Chan K, Navarro PA, Keefe DL. Inhibition of LINE-1 retrotransposition represses telomere reprogramming during mouse 2-cell embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3145-3153. [PMID: 34618297 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02331-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether inhibition of LINE-1 affects telomere reprogramming during 2-cell embryo development. METHODS Mouse zygotes were cultured with or without 1 µM azidothymidine (AZT) for up to 15 h (early 2-cell, G1/S) or 24 h (late 2-cell, S/G2). Gene expression and DNA copy number were determined by RT-qPCR and qPCR respectively. Immunostaining and telomeric PNA-FISH were performed for co-localization between telomeres and ZSCAN4 or LINE-1-Orf1p. RESULTS LINE-1 copy number was remarkably reduced in later 2-cell embryos by exposure to 1 µM AZT, and telomere lengths in late 2-cell embryos with AZT were significantly shorter compared to control embryos (P = 0.0002). Additionally, in the absence of LINE-1 inhibition, Dux, Zscan4, and LINE-1 were highly transcribed in early 2-cell embryos, as compared to late 2-cell embryos (P < 0.0001), suggesting that these 2-cell genes are activated at the early 2-cell stage. However, in early 2-cell embryos with AZT treatment, mRNA levels of Dux, Zscan4, and LINE-1 were significantly decreased. Furthermore, both Zscan4 and LINE-1 encoded proteins localized to telomere regions in 2-cell embryos, but this co-localization was dramatically reduced after AZT treatment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Upon inhibition of LINE-1 retrotransposition in mouse 2-cell embryos, Dux, Zscan4, and LINE-1 were significantly downregulated, and telomere elongation was blocked. ZSCAN4 foci and their co-localization with telomeres were also significantly decreased, indicating that ZSCAN4 is an essential component of the telomere reprogramming that occurs in mice at the 2-cell stage. Our findings also suggest that LINE-1 may directly contribute to telomere reprogramming in addition to regulating gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Isaac J Chamani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Danxia Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kasey Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Paula Andrea Navarro
- Human Reproduction Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Purdue-Smithe AC, Kim K, Andriessen VC, Pollack AZ, Sjaarda LA, Silver RM, Schisterman EF, Mumford SL. Preconception leukocyte telomere length and pregnancy outcomes among women with demonstrated fecundity. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3122-3130. [PMID: 34477845 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is preconception leukocyte telomere length associated with fecundability, pregnancy loss and live birth among women attempting natural conception with a history of 1-2 prior pregnancy losses? SUMMARY ANSWER Preconception leukocyte telomere length is not associated with fecundability, pregnancy loss or live birth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY As women increasingly delay childbearing, accessible preconception biomarkers to predict pregnancy outcomes among women seeking natural conception could improve preconception counseling. Findings of small case-control or cross-sectional studies suggest that telomere attrition is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes among women undergoing fertility treatment, but prospective studies in non-clinical populations are lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Participants included 1228 women aged 18-40 years with a history of 1-2 prior pregnancy losses who were recruited at four university medical centers (2006-2012). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Preconception leukocyte telomere length was measured at baseline using PCR and reported as a ratio (T/S) in relation to population-specific standard reference DNA. Women were followed for up to six cycles while attempting to conceive. Associations of telomere length with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss were estimated using discrete Cox proportional hazards models and log-binomial models. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjustment for age, BMI, smoking and other factors, preconception telomere length was not associated with fecundability (Q4 vs Q1 FOR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.79, 1.27), live birth (Q4 vs Q1 RR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.85, 1.19), or pregnancy loss (Q4 vs Q1 RR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.78, 1.62). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Telomere length was measured in leukocytes, which is an accessible tissue in women attempting natural conception but may not reflect telomere length in oocytes. Most women were younger than 35 years, limiting our ability to evaluate associations among older women. Participants had a history of 1-2 prior pregnancy losses; therefore, our findings may not be widely generalizable. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Despite prior research suggesting that telomere length may be associated with pregnancy outcomes among women seeking fertility treatment, our findings suggest that leukocyte telomere length is not a suitable biomarker of pregnancy establishment or maintenance among women attempting natural conception. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; contract numbers HHSN267200603423, HHSN267200603424 and HHSN267200603426). The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00467363.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Purdue-Smithe
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Keewan Kim
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Victoria C Andriessen
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna Z Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Lindsey A Sjaarda
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chico-Sordo L, Córdova-Oriz I, Polonio AM, S-Mellado LS, Medrano M, García-Velasco JA, Varela E. Reproductive aging and telomeres: Are women and men equally affected? Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 198:111541. [PMID: 34245740 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is very important for individuals and for society. Currently, the human health span and lifespan are the object of intense and productive investigation with great achievements, compared to the last century. However, reproduction span does not progress concomitantly with lifespan. Reproductive organs age, decreasing the levels of sexual hormones, which are protectors of health through their action on several organs of the body. Thus, this is the starting point of the organismal decay and infertility. This starting point is easily detected in women. In men, it goes under the surface, undetected, but it goes, nevertheless. Regarding fertility, aging alters the hormonal equilibrium, decreases the potential of reproductive organs, diminishes the quality of the gametes and worsen the reproductive outcomes. All these events happen at a different pace and affecting different organs in women and men. The question is what molecular pathways are involved in reproductive aging and if there is a possible halting or even reversion of the aging events. Answers to all these points will be explained in the present review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Chico-Sordo
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Isabel Córdova-Oriz
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Alba María Polonio
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Lucía Sánchez S-Mellado
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marta Medrano
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elisa Varela
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Telomere Shortening and Fusions: A Link to Aneuploidy in Early Human Embryo Development. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2021; 76:429-436. [PMID: 34324695 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Importance It is known that oocytes undergo aging that is caused by exposure to an aged ovarian microenvironment. Telomere length in mouse and bovine oocytes declines with age, and age-associated telomere shortening in oocytes is considered a sign of poor development competency. Women with advanced age undergoing assisted reproductive technologies have poor outcomes because of increasing aneuploidy rates with age. Research has shown that aneuploidy is associated with DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and telomere dysfunction. Objective In this review, we focus on the possible relationship between telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in human early embryo development and several reproductive and perinatal outcomes, discussing the mechanism of aneuploidy caused by telomere shortening and fusion in human embryos. Evidence Acquisition We reviewed the current literature evidence concerning telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in early human embryo development. Results Shorter telomeres in oocytes, leukocytes, and granulosa cells, related to aging in women, were associated with recurrent miscarriage, trisomy 21, ovarian insufficiency, and decreasing chance of in vitro fertilization success. Telomere length and telomerase activity in embryos have been related to the common genomic instability at the cleavage stage of human development. Complications of assisted reproductive technology pregnancies, such as miscarriage, birth defects, preterm births, and intrauterine growth restriction, also might result from telomere shortening as observed in oocytes, polar body, granulosa cells, and embryos. Conclusions and Relevance Telomere length clearly plays an important role in the development of the embryo and fetus, and the abnormal shortening of telomeres is likely involved in embryo loss during early human development. However, telomere fusion studies have yet to be performed in early human development.
Collapse
|
23
|
Pendina AA, Krapivin MI, Efimova OA, Tikhonov AV, Mekina ID, Komarova EM, Koltsova AS, Gzgzyan AM, Kogan IY, Chiryaeva OG, Baranov VS. Telomere Length in Metaphase Chromosomes of Human Triploid Zygotes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115579. [PMID: 34070406 PMCID: PMC8197529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human lifespan is strongly influenced by telomere length (TL) which is defined in a zygote—when two highly specialised haploid cells form a new diploid organism. Although TL is a variable parameter, it fluctuates in a limited range. We aimed to establish the determining factors of TL in chromosomes of maternal and paternal origin in human triploid zygotes. Using Q-FISH, we examined TL in the metaphase chromosomes of 28 human triploid zygotes obtained from 22 couples. The chromosomes’ parental origin was identified immunocytochemically through weak DNA methylation and strong hydroxymethylation in the sperm-derived (paternal) chromosomes versus strong DNA methylation and weak hydroxymethylation in the oocyte-derived (maternal) ones. In 24 zygotes, one maternal and two paternal chromosome sets were identified, while the four remaining zygotes contained one paternal and two maternal sets. For each zygote, we compared mean relative TLs between parental chromosomes, identifying a significant difference in favour of the paternal chromosomes, which attests to a certain “imprinting” of these regions. Mean relative TLs in paternal or maternal chromosomes did not correlate with the respective parent’s age. Similarly, no correlation was observed between the mean relative TL and sperm quality parameters: concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology. Based on the comparison of TLs in chromosomes inherited from a single individual’s gametes with those in chromosomes inherited from different individuals’ gametes, we compared intraindividual (intercellular) and interindividual variability, obtaining significance in favour of the latter and thus validating the role of heredity in determining TL in zygotes. A comparison of the interchromatid TL differences across the chromosomes from sets of different parental origin with those from PHA-stimulated lymphocytes showed an absence of a significant difference between the maternal and paternal sets but a significant excess over the lymphocytes. Therefore, interchromatid TL differences are more pronounced in zygotes than in lymphocytes. To summarise, TL in human zygotes is determined both by heredity and parental origin; the input of other factors is possible within the individual’s reaction norm.
Collapse
|
24
|
Yang CY, Zheng HY, Abdelnour SA, Li LY, Shokrollahi B, Tang LP, Zhang Y, Huang JX, Shang JH. Molecular signatures of in vitro produced embryos derived from ovum pick up or slaughterhouse oocytes in buffalo. Theriogenology 2021; 169:14-20. [PMID: 33894668 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the difference in developmental competence of oocytes derived from ovum pick-up (OPU) and slaughterhouse ovaries (SLH), and its underlying mechanisms. The OPU and SLH oocytes were in-vitro maturated and fertilized to produce blastocysts, and these blastoycsts were collected to explore the expression of key genes for developmental potential and telomere (Oct-4, Sox2, Nanog, Cdx2, Gata3, E-cadherin, β-catenin, TERT, TERF1 and TERF2). The results showed that both the cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly higher for the OPU group (68.31%, 39.48%, respectively) than SLH group (57.59%, 26.50%, respectively) (P < 0.01). The relative mRNA abundances of Sox2, Oct-4, Nanog and E-cadherin were significantly higher in the OPU blastocysts than the SLH ones (P < 0.01). Protein expression analysis by Western blot and immunofluorescence also revealed that the expression of E-cadherin and Sox2 was significantly higher in OPU blastocysts than SLH ones. However, there was no significant differences between the two groups in the expression of Cdx2, β-catenin, Gata3, TERT, TERF1, TERF2. These results imply oocyte sources modify the expression of development and adhesion related genes in blastocysts, which may elucidate a possible reasoning for the low development competence of buffalo SLH embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Hai-Ying Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Sameh A Abdelnour
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China; Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ling-Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Borhan Shokrollahi
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Li-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China; College of Chemistry & Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Jia-Xiang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China.
| | - Jiang-Hua Shang
- Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Technology, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gavia-García G, Rosado-Pérez J, Arista-Ugalde TL, Aguiñiga-Sánchez I, Santiago-Osorio E, Mendoza-Núñez VM. Telomere Length and Oxidative Stress and Its Relation with Metabolic Syndrome Components in the Aging. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:253. [PMID: 33804844 PMCID: PMC8063797 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A great amount of scientific evidence supports that Oxidative Stress (OxS) can contribute to telomeric attrition and also plays an important role in the development of certain age-related diseases, among them the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterised by clinical and biochemical alterations such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycaemia, and insulin resistance, all of which are considered as risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases, which are associated in turn with an increase of OxS. In this sense, we review scientific evidence that supports the association between OxS with telomere length (TL) dynamics and the relationship with MetS components in aging. It was analysed whether each MetS component affects the telomere length separately or if they all affect it together. Likewise, this review provides a summary of the structure and function of telomeres and telomerase, the mechanisms of telomeric DNA repair, how telomere length may influence the fate of cells or be linked to inflammation and the development of age-related diseases, and finally, how the lifestyles can affect telomere length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Gavia-García
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.); (T.L.A.-U.)
| | - Juana Rosado-Pérez
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.); (T.L.A.-U.)
| | - Taide Laurita Arista-Ugalde
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.); (T.L.A.-U.)
| | - Itzen Aguiñiga-Sánchez
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (I.A.-S.); (E.S.-O.)
| | - Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (I.A.-S.); (E.S.-O.)
| | - Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez
- Research Unit on Gerontology, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.G.-G.); (J.R.-P.); (T.L.A.-U.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Stucker S, De Angelis J, Kusumbe AP. Heterogeneity and Dynamics of Vasculature in the Endocrine System During Aging and Disease. Front Physiol 2021; 12:624928. [PMID: 33767633 PMCID: PMC7987104 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.624928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine system consists of several highly vascularized glands that produce and secrete hormones to maintain body homeostasis and regulate a range of bodily functions and processes, including growth, metabolism and development. The dense and highly vascularized capillary network functions as the main transport system for hormones and regulatory factors to enable efficient endocrine function. The specialized capillary types provide the microenvironments to support stem and progenitor cells, by regulating their survival, maintenance and differentiation. Moreover, the vasculature interacts with endocrine cells supporting their endocrine function. However, the structure and niche function of vasculature in endocrine tissues remain poorly understood. Aging and endocrine disorders are associated with vascular perturbations. Understanding the cellular and molecular cues driving the disease, and age-related vascular perturbations hold potential to manage or even treat endocrine disorders and comorbidities associated with aging. This review aims to describe the structure and niche functions of the vasculature in various endocrine glands and define the vascular changes in aging and endocrine disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anjali P. Kusumbe
- Tissue and Tumor Microenvironments Group, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Changes in telomere length and senescence markers during human ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2238. [PMID: 33500500 PMCID: PMC7838193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is considered as a useful option to preserve fertility for cancer patients. This study purposed to evaluate the change of telomere length and senescence markers during human ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian tissues were obtained from women who underwent benign ovarian surgery in the gynecology research unit of a university hospital with prior consent and IRB approval. DNA was extracted from the ovarian tissues using a DNeasy tissue kit and telomere lengths in the DNA samples were determined by real time PCR before and after cryopreservation. All tissues were stained with hematoxylin–eosin and subjected to immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays. Other senescence markers, including p53, p16, p21, and phospho-pRb proteins, were evaluated using western blot analysis. Ovarian tissues were collected from ten patients and prepared for slow freezing with the same size of diameter 4 mm and 1 mm thickness. Mean age of patients was 26.7 ± 6.2 years (range, 16–34 years), and ovarian tissues were cryopreserved and thawed 4 weeks after cryopreservation. The mean telomere length was significantly decreased after cryopreservation (9.57 ± 1.47 bp vs. 8.34 ± 1.83 bp, p = 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed that p53, p16, and p21 proteins increased and phospho-pRb protein expression decreased after ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is regarded as one of promising options for fertility preservation. However, clinicians and researchers should be aware of possible irreversible DNA changes such as shortening of telomere length and alterations of other senescence markers in human ovarian tissues.
Collapse
|
28
|
Ramos-Ibeas P, Gimeno I, Cañón-Beltrán K, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D, Gómez E. Senescence and Apoptosis During in vitro Embryo Development in a Bovine Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:619902. [PMID: 33392207 PMCID: PMC7775420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects up to 14% of couples under reproductive age, leading to an exponential rise in the use of assisted reproduction as a route for conceiving a baby. In the same way, thousands of embryos are produced in cattle and other farm animals annually, leading to increased numbers of individuals born. All reproductive manipulations entail deviations of natural phenotypes and genotypes, with in vitro embryo technologies perhaps showing the biggest effects, although these alterations are still emerging. Most of these indications have been provided by animal models, in particular the bovine species, due to its similarities to human early embryo development. Oocytes and embryos are highly sensitive to environmental stress in vivo and in vitro. Thus, during in vitro culture, a number of stressful conditions affect embryonic quality and viability, inducing subfertility and/or long-term consequences that may reach the offspring. A high proportion of the embryos produced in vitro are arrested at a species-specific stage of development during the first cell divisions. These arrested embryos do not show signs of programmed cell death during early cleavage stages. Instead, defective in vitro produced embryos would enter a permanent cell cycle arrest compatible with cellular senescence, in which they show active metabolism and high reactive oxygen species levels. Later in development, mainly during the morula and blastocyst stages, apoptosis would mediate the elimination of certain cells, accomplishing both a physiological role in to balancing cell proliferation and death, and a pathological role preventing the transmission of damaged cells with an altered genome. The latter would acquire relevant importance in in vitro produced embryos that are submitted to stressful environmental stimuli. In this article, we review the mechanisms mediating apoptosis and senescence during early embryo development, with a focus on in vitro produced bovine embryos. Additionally, we shed light on the protective role of senescence and apoptosis to ensure that unhealthy cells and early embryos do not progress in development, avoiding long-term detrimental effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Effects of age on pregnancy outcomes in patients with simple tubal factor infertility receiving frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18121. [PMID: 33093536 PMCID: PMC7581524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75124-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was to retrospectively analyze the effect of the age of embryos transfer and oocyte retrieval on the clinical pregnancy outcome in patients with simple tubal factor infertility (TFI) who received frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Patients (n = 3619) with simple TFI who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) frozen-thawed embryo transfer at our hospital were enrolled. Univariate logistic regression analysis, categorical multivariate logistic regression analysis, curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were performed. Age of embryo transfer was a significant (P < 0.05) independent risk factor affecting the clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates. The Clinical pregnancy outcome declined significantly after the age of 34 years. After limiting the female oocyte retrieval age to ≤ 34 years, no significant change was detected in the clinical pregnancy, live birth, or miscarriage rate with increase of transplantation age. In conclusion, in patients with simple TFI undergoing IVF/ICSI frozen-thawed embryo transfer, age is a significant independent risk factor affecting the clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rate. Aging of oocytes has a greater impact on the clinical pregnancy in women with simple TFI than the aging of the body. Patients with TFI can freeze embryos in advance to preserve fertility.
Collapse
|
30
|
Uysal F, Kosebent EG, Toru HS, Ozturk S. Decreased expression of TERT and telomeric proteins as human ovaries age may cause telomere shortening. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 38:429-441. [PMID: 32856217 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telomeres are repetitive sequences localized at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes comprising noncoding DNA and telomere-binding proteins. TRF1 and TRF2 both bind to the double-stranded telomeric DNA to regulate its length throughout the lifespan of eukaryotic cells. POT1 interacts with single-stranded telomeric DNA and contributes to protecting genomic integrity. Previous studies have shown that telomeres gradually shorten as ovaries age, coinciding with fertility loss. However, the molecular background of telomere shortening with ovarian aging is not fully understood. METHODS The present study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal expression levels of the TERT, TRF1, TRF2, and POT1 proteins in different groups of human ovaries: fetal (n = 11), early postnatal (n = 10), premenopausal (n = 12), and postmenopausal (n = 14). Also, the relative telomere signal intensity of each group was measured using the Q-FISH method. RESULTS We found that the telomere signal intensities decreased evenly and significantly from fetal to postmenopausal groups (P < 0.05). The TERT, TRF1, TRF2, and POT1 proteins were localized in the cytoplasmic and nuclear regions of the oocytes, granulosa and stromal cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of these proteins reduced significantly from fetal to postmenopausal groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that decreased TERT and telomere-binding protein expression may underlie the telomere shortening of ovaries with age, which may be associated with female fertility loss. Further investigations are required to elicit the molecular mechanisms regulating the gradual decrease in the expression of TERT and telomere-binding proteins in human oocytes and granulosa cells during ovarian aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Gozde Kosebent
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Havva Serap Toru
- Department of Pathology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ge J, Li C, Li C, Huang Z, Zeng J, Han L, Wang Q. SIRT6 participates in the quality control of aged oocytes via modulating telomere function. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:1965-1976. [PMID: 30926765 PMCID: PMC6503879 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It has been well recognized that oocyte quality declines in aging animals. However, to date, the underlying mechanism remains to be explored. In the present study, we report that oocytes and embryos from aged mice (42-45 weeks old) display the reduced expression of SIRT6 protein, accompanying with telomere shortening and DNA lesions. Moreover, we demonstrate that specific depletion of SIRT6 in oocytes induces dysfunctional telomeres and apoptosis of the resultant early embryos, leading to the developmental delay and cytoplasmic fragmentation. Importantly, we further find that overexpression of SIRT6 in aged oocytes promotes the telomere elongation in 2-cell embryos and lowers the incidence of apoptotic blastomeres. In summary, our data indicate a role for SIRT6 in modulating telomere function during oocyte maturation and embryonic development, and discover that SIRT6 reduction is an important point connecting maternal aging and quality control of oocyte/embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Congyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longsen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Robinson LG, Pimentel R, Wang F, Kramer YG, Gonullu DC, Agarwal S, Navarro PA, McCulloh D, Keefe DL. Impaired reproductive function and fertility preservation in a woman with a dyskeratosis congenita. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1221-1225. [PMID: 32405899 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the impact of accelerated telomere shortening on the fertility parameters and treatment outcomes of a woman with dyskeratosis congenita (DKC). METHODS A case study of the clinical data, blood, discarded oocytes, and arrested embryos of a woman with DKC and donated cryopreserved embryos from unaffected patients. Mean telomere length in blood cells was analyzed by flow cytometry-fluorescence in situ hybridization (flow-FISH) and qPCR. The load of short telomeres in blood cells was measured by universal single telomere length analysis (Universal STELA). The mean telomere length in embryos was analyzed by single-cell amplification of telomere repeats (SCATR) PCR. RESULTS Comparison of clinical parameters revealed that the DKC patient had reduced anti-Mullerian hormone (0.3 vs 4.1 ± 5.7 ng/ML), reduced oocytes retrieved (7 vs 18.5 ± 9.5), reduced fertilization rate, and reduced euploidy rate relative to unaffected patients. Additionally, mean telomere length in DKC embryos were shorter than unaffected embryos. However, hormone treatment led to increased leukocyte telomere length, while the load of short telomeres was also shown to decrease during the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate for the first time the direct detrimental impacts of short telomeres on female fertility. We further demonstrate positive effects of hormone treatments for people with telomere disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LeRoy G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, NBV-9N1A, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Ricardo Pimentel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, NBV-9N1A, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, NBV-9N1A, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Yael G Kramer
- New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Damla C Gonullu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, NBV-9N1A, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | - Paula A Navarro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - David McCulloh
- New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, NBV-9N1A, New York, NY, 10016, USA. .,New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rocca MS, Foresta C, Ferlin A. Telomere length: lights and shadows on their role in human reproduction. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:305-317. [PMID: 30277496 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences whose main function is to preserve genome stability, protecting chromosomes ends from shortening caused by progressive loss during each cell replication or DNA damage. Telomere length regulation is normally achieved by telomerase enzyme, whose activity is progressively shut off during embryonic differentiation in somatic tissues, whereas it is maintained in germ cells, activated lymphocytes, and certain types of stem cell populations. The maintenance of telomerase activity for a longer time is necessary for germ cells to delay telomere erosion, thus avoiding chromosome segregation defects that could contribute to aneuploid or unbalanced gametes. Over the last few years, telomere biology has become an important topic in the field of human reproduction, encouraging several studies to focus on the relation between telomere length and spermatogenesis and male fertility, embryo development and quality during assisted reproductive treatment, and female pathologies as polycystic ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency, and endometriosis. This review analyzes whether telomere length in germ cells is related to reproduction fitness, whether telomere length is related to pathologies associated with male and female fertility, and whether measurement of telomere length could represent a biomarker of germ cell and embryo quality. Telomere length could be considered a molecular marker of spermatogenesis and sperm quality and is somewhat related to male fertility potential. Fewer evidence, although promising, is available for oocytes, female (in)fertility, and embryo quality. The increasing evidence for a role of telomeres and telomere length in human reproduction, indeed, has expanded the historical view of considering them just a marker of aging. Telomere length might have in the future a prognostic potential in couple infertility, especially useful to select best germ cells with the greatest potential of fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
A telomerase with novel non-canonical roles: TERT controls cellular aggregation and tissue size in Dictyostelium. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008188. [PMID: 31237867 PMCID: PMC6592521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, particularly its main subunit, the reverse transcriptase, TERT, prevents DNA erosion during eukaryotic chromosomal replication, but also has poorly understood non-canonical functions. Here, in the model social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, we show that the protein encoded by tert has telomerase-like motifs, and regulates, non-canonically, important developmental processes. Expression levels of wild-type (WT) tert were biphasic, peaking at 8 and 12 h post-starvation, aligning with developmental events, such as the initiation of streaming (~7 h) and mound formation (~10 h). In tert KO mutants, however, aggregation was delayed until 16 h. Large, irregular streams formed, then broke up, forming small mounds. The mound-size defect was not induced when a KO mutant of countin (a master size-regulating gene) was treated with TERT inhibitors, but anti-countin antibodies did rescue size in the tert KO. Although, conditioned medium (CM) from countin mutants failed to rescue size in the tert KO, tert KO CM rescued the countin KO phenotype. These and additional observations indicate that TERT acts upstream of smlA/countin: (i) the observed expression levels of smlA and countin, being respectively lower and higher (than WT) in the tert KO; (ii) the levels of known size-regulation intermediates, glucose (low) and adenosine (high), in the tert mutant, and the size defect's rescue by supplemented glucose or the adenosine-antagonist, caffeine; (iii) the induction of the size defect in the WT by tert KO CM and TERT inhibitors. The tert KO's other defects (delayed aggregation, irregular streaming) were associated with changes to cAMP-regulated processes (e.g. chemotaxis, cAMP pulsing) and their regulatory factors (e.g. cAMP; acaA, carA expression). Overexpression of WT tert in the tert KO rescued these defects (and size), and restored a single cAMP signaling centre. Our results indicate that TERT acts in novel, non-canonical and upstream ways, regulating key developmental events in Dictyostelium.
Collapse
|
35
|
Keefe DL. Telomeres and genomic instability during early development. Eur J Med Genet 2019; 63:103638. [PMID: 30862510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genomic instability is widespread during early embryo development. Aneuploidy, mosaicism, and copy number variants (CNVs) commonly appear in human preimplantation embryos. Both age-dependent meiotic aneuploidy and age-independent mitotic aneuploidy and CNVs occur In human embryos. Telomere attrition, which contributes to genomic instability in somatic cells, also may promote genomic instability in preimplantation embryos. Telomere dynamics during gametogenesis are strikingly dimorphic between females and males. Sperm telomeres lengthen with advancing paternal age, while oocyte telomeres are among the shortest in the body. Spermatogonia express telomerase activity throughout the life of the male, while oocytes and cleavage stage embryos express low or un-measureable levels of telomerase activity. Telomere attrition in oocytes contributes to meiotic dysfunction, including spindle dysmorphologies, reduced synapsis and chiasmata, as well as delayed, arrested and fragmented embryos. Cleavage stage embryos, with such inefficient telomere reconstitution, likely undergo NHEJ, which produces anaphase lag, chromosome bridges, micronuclei, and genomic instability, including mosaicism and CNVs. Cleavage stage embryos reconstitute the short telomeres inherited from their mothers by Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), a DNA recombination based method involving RAD 50, MRE 11, Werner and Bloom proteins, as well as telomere sister chromatid exchange. ALT robustly reconstitutes telomeres, but also predisposes to genomic instability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Keefe
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NYU Langone Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, NBV 9N1A, New York, 10012, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Weeg N, Hershko Klement A, Haikin E, Amiel A, Shulman A, Biron-Shental T, Wiser A. The effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) and telomere function on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome: a preliminary cohort study. HUM FERTIL 2019; 23:282-288. [PMID: 30773064 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1575988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are a specific base sequence of DNA, responsible for chromosome stability and DNA protection. We aimed to investigate the association between telomere systems and IVF outcomes according to patients' BMI. For all telomere characteristics, there was a distinct trend towards shorter telomeres and activation of telomere shortening compensatory mechanisms in the BMI group >25 kg/m2, reaching statistical significance for senescence only (r = 0.7, p value <0.01). There was a trend towards a relationship between telomere length and number of oocytes between telomere length and fertilization rate, but these did not reach a statistical significance. For pregnancy outcome, all telomere characteristics were better for the patients who achieved a pregnancy. While there is paucity of data in the literature concerning the association between telomere characteristics and infertility, telomeres might contribute to the association between obesity and sub-optimal IVF results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Weeg
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Anat Hershko Klement
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The IVF Unit, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Einat Haikin
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Aliza Amiel
- Department of Cytogenetics, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Adrian Shulman
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The IVF Unit, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Tal Biron-Shental
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Wiser
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The IVF Unit, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Turner K, Lynch C, Rouse H, Vasu V, Griffin DK. Direct Single-Cell Analysis of Human Polar Bodies and Cleavage-Stage Embryos Reveals No Evidence of the Telomere Theory of Reproductive Ageing in Relation to Aneuploidy Generation. Cells 2019; 8:E163. [PMID: 30781491 PMCID: PMC6406255 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive ageing in women, particularly after the age of 35, is associated with an exponential increase in the proportion of chromosomally abnormal oocytes produced. Several hypotheses have attempted to explain this observation, including the 'limited oocyte pool' hypothesis and the 'two-hit' hypothesis, the latter explaining that a depletion in oocyte quality with age results from the multiple opportune stages for errors to occur in meiosis. Recently however, the telomere theory of reproductive ageing in women has been proposed. This suggests that shortened telomeres in oocytes of women of advanced maternal age render oocytes unable to support fertilization and embryogenesis. Despite a credible rationale for the telomere theory of reproductive ageing in women, very few studies have assessed telomere length directly in human oocytes or preimplantation embryos. Therefore, we directly assessed relative telomere length in first polar bodies and blastomeres from cleavage stage (day 3) embryos. In both cell types we tested the hypothesis that (1) older women have shorter telomeres and (2) chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) gametes/embryos have shorter telomeres. In all cases, we found no evidence of altered telomere length associated with age-related aneuploidy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara Turner
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK.
| | - Colleen Lynch
- Cooper Genomics Nottingham, Medicity, D6 Building, Thane Road, Nottingham NG90 6BH, UK.
| | - Hannah Rouse
- Cooper Genomics Nottingham, Medicity, D6 Building, Thane Road, Nottingham NG90 6BH, UK.
| | - Vimal Vasu
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK.
- Department of Child Health, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford TN24 0LZ, UK.
| | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pirzada RH, Orun O, Erzik C, Cagsin H, Serakinci N. Role of TRF2 and TPP1 regulation in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 127:306-310. [PMID: 30611803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are the tandem repeats (TTAGGG) present at the ends of the chromosomes that ensure chromosome stability and protect chromosomes from degradation. Telomeres in somatic human cells shorten after every cellular division and are linked to the cellular senescence. In this study we have investigated telomere length and expression of shelterin genes in aborted fetus material from idiopathic recurrent pregnancy losses. Telomere length was measured using Telomere Restriction Fragment Length (TRF) analysis. The gene expression levels for important shelterin complex proteins (TRF1, TRF2, POT1, and TPP1) were determined by Real-time Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Our results demonstrated down regulation of TRF2 and TPP1 and a strong decline in average telomere length in abort material from women suffering from idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss. We suggest that shorter telomere length and downregulation of the major shelterin components TRF2 and TPP1 leading to "telomere uncapping", might play a critical role in recurrent pregnancy loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Hassan Pirzada
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, 999058 Nicosia, North Cyprus, Turkey; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, New Campus, Lahore 55150, Pakistan
| | - Oya Orun
- Marmara University School of Medicine, Biophysics Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Can Erzik
- Marmara University School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Cagsin
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, 999058 Nicosia, North Cyprus, Turkey; Near East University, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 999058 Nicosia, North Cyprus, Turkey
| | - Nedime Serakinci
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, 999058 Nicosia, North Cyprus, Turkey; Near East University, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 999058 Nicosia, North Cyprus, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sasaki H, Hamatani T, Kamijo S, Iwai M, Kobanawa M, Ogawa S, Miyado K, Tanaka M. Impact of Oxidative Stress on Age-Associated Decline in Oocyte Developmental Competence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:811. [PMID: 31824426 PMCID: PMC6882737 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive capacity in women starts to decline beyond their mid-30s and pregnancies in older women result in higher rates of miscarriage with aneuploidy. Age-related decline in fertility is strongly attributed to ovarian aging, diminished ovarian reserves, and decreased developmental competence of oocytes. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of age-related decline in oocyte quality, focusing on oxidative stress (OS) in oocytes. The primary cause is the accumulation of spontaneous damage to the mitochondria arising from increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes, generated by the mitochondria themselves during daily biological metabolism. Mitochondrial dysfunction reduces ATP synthesis and influences the meiotic spindle assembly responsible for chromosomal segregation. Moreover, reproductively aged oocytes produce a decline in the fidelity of the protective mechanisms against ROS, namely the ROS-scavenging metabolism, repair of ROS-damaged DNA, and the proteasome and autophagy system for ROS-damaged proteins. Accordingly, increased ROS and increased vulnerability of oocytes to ROS lead to spindle instability, chromosomal abnormalities, telomere shortening, and reduced developmental competence of aged oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Sasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Hamatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Toshio Hamatani
| | - Shintaro Kamijo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Iwai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Kobanawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Ogawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Female fertility decreases with increasing age, a reflection of declining oocyte quantity and quality. The menopausal transition occurs when the oocyte quantity falls below a threshold level. The pattern of follicular depletion as well as the factors, timing and mechanisms surrounding both declining oocyte number and oocyte quality remain incompletely understood. Further studies are needed to examine the factors involved and develop predictive models and biomarkers to assist in the management of age-related subfertility. This review summarises the current knowledge addressing the ageing ovary and its impact on fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Vollenhoven
- Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash IVF, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Hunt
- Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash IVF, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kosebent EG, Uysal F, Ozturk S. Telomere length and telomerase activity during folliculogenesis in mammals. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:477-484. [PMID: 30270279 PMCID: PMC6305847 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive non-coding DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes in eukaryotic cells. Their most important function is to protect chromosome ends from being recognized
as DNA damage. They are also implicated in meiosis and synapse formation. The length of telomeres inevitably shortens at the end of each round of DNA replication and, also, as a consequence
of the exposure to oxidative stress and/or genotoxic agents. The enzyme telomerase contributes to telomere lengthening. It has been reported that telomerase is exclusively expressed in germ
cells, granulosa cells, early embryos, stem cells, and various types of cancerous cells. Granulosa cells undergo many mitotic divisions and either granulosa cells or oocytes are exposed to a
variety of genotoxic agents throughout folliculogenesis; thus, telomerase plays an important role in the maintenance of telomere length. In this review article, we have comprehensively
evaluated the studies focusing on the regulation of telomerase expression and activity, as well as telomere length, during folliculogenesis from primordial to antral follicles, in several
mammalian species including mice, bovines, and humans. Also, the possible relationships between female infertility caused by follicular development defects and alterations in the telomeres
and/or telomerase activity are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Gozde Kosebent
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Fatma Uysal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Huleyuk N, Tkach I, Zastavna D, Tyrka M. Can telomere shortening be the main indicator of non-viable fetus elimination? Mol Cytogenet 2018; 11:11. [PMID: 29416566 PMCID: PMC5785879 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-018-0361-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Telomeres are transcriptionally inactive genomic areas, which, if shortened, are associated with pathological processes, unsuccessful fertilization, aging, and death. Telomere dysfunction has also been linked to chromosomal rearrangements and genomic instability. The role of telomeres in postnatal life has been extensively studied and discussed both in physiological as well as in pathological processes. However, the role of telomere length in prenatal development is still poorly understood, and mainly concerns the preimplantation stage. The aim of this study was to estimate relative telomere length in spontaneously eliminated human embryos between 5th and 12th week of gestation. Results Relative telomere length was measured from total genomic DNA using a real-time polymerase chain reaction approach. In this study, we examined relative telomere length in 80 spontaneously eliminated embryos and in 25 embryos eliminated due to induced abortions. Relative telomere length in spontaneous abortions was significantly lower (P = 0.000001) compared to the induced abortions. Spontaneous abortions with aneuploid anomalies (monosomy X, trisomy 21, trisomy 16 and triploidy) were characterized by shorter telomeres, compared to spontaneous abortions, subgroup with euploid (46,XN) karyotype. Conclusion Spontaneously lost pregnancies are characterized by shortened telomeres, especially in embryos with aneuploidies. We hypothesize that the shortening of telomeres is involved in the processes leading to spontaneous abortions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Huleyuk
- 1Institute of Hereditary Pathology, NAMS of Ukraine, Lysenko Str. 31a, Lviv, 79008 Ukraine
| | - Iryna Tkach
- 1Institute of Hereditary Pathology, NAMS of Ukraine, Lysenko Str. 31a, Lviv, 79008 Ukraine
| | - Danuta Zastavna
- 1Institute of Hereditary Pathology, NAMS of Ukraine, Lysenko Str. 31a, Lviv, 79008 Ukraine.,2Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Tyrka
- 2Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Torra-Massana M, Barragán M, Bellu E, Oliva R, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Sperm telomere length in donor samples is not related to ICSI outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:649-657. [PMID: 29335812 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Variations in sperm telomere length (STL) have been associated with altered sperm parameters, poor embryo quality, and lower pregnancy rates, but for normozoospermic men, STL relevance in IVF/ICSI is still uncertain. Moreover, in all studies reported so far, each man's STL was linked to the corresponding female partner characteristics. Here, we study STL in sperm donor samples, each used for up to 12 women, in order to isolate and determine the relationship between STL and reproductive outcomes. METHODS Relative STL was determined by qPCR in 60 samples used in a total of 676 ICSI cycles. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses were used to study the STL effect on fertilization rate; embryo morphology; biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates; and live birth (LB) rates. RESULTS The average STL value was 4.5 (relative units; SD 1.9; range 2.4-14.2). Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing regression and the rho-Spearman test did not reveal significant correlations between STL and the outcomes analyzed. STL was not different between cycles resulting or not in pregnancy and LB (Mann-Whitney U test, p > 0.05). No significant effect of STL on reproductive outcomes was found, with the OR for each unit increase in STL (95% CI) of 0.94 (0.86-1-04), 0.99 (0.9-1.09), 0.98 (0.89-1.09), and 0.93 (0.8-1.06) for biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy and LB, respectively. The multilevel analysis confirmed that the effect of STL on fertilization; biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy; and LB was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION After addressing STL independently from female variables, results show that STL measurement is not useful to predict reproductive outcomes in ICSI cycles using donor semen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Torra-Massana
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Emanuela Bellu
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.,Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amelia Rodríguez
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Vassena
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cimadomo D, Fabozzi G, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi N, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. Impact of Maternal Age on Oocyte and Embryo Competence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:327. [PMID: 30008696 PMCID: PMC6033961 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The overall success of human reproduction, either spontaneously or after IVF, is highly dependent upon maternal age. The main reasons for age-related infertility include reduced ovarian reserve and decreased oocyte/embryo competence due to aging insults, especially concerning an increased incidence of aneuploidies and possibly decreased mitochondrial activity. Age-related chromosomal abnormalities mainly arise because of meiotic impairments during oogenesis, following flawed chromosome segregation patterns such as non-disjunction, premature separation of sister chromatids, or the recent reverse segregation. In this review, we briefly discuss the main mechanisms putatively impaired by aging in the oocytes and the deriving embryos. We also report the main strategies proposed to improve the management of advanced maternal age women in IVF: fertility preservation through oocyte cryopreservation to prevent aging; optimization of the ovarian stimulation and enhancement of embryo selection to limit its effects; and oocyte donation to circumvent its consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Danilo Cimadomo,
| | - Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolò Ubaldi
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Greaney J, Wei Z, Homer H. Regulation of chromosome segregation in oocytes and the cellular basis for female meiotic errors. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 24:135-161. [PMID: 29244163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meiotic chromosome segregation in human oocytes is notoriously error-prone, especially with ageing. Such errors markedly reduce the reproductive chances of increasing numbers of women embarking on pregnancy later in life. However, understanding the basis for these errors is hampered by limited access to human oocytes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Important new discoveries have arisen from molecular analyses of human female recombination and aneuploidy along with high-resolution analyses of human oocyte maturation and mouse models. Here, we review these findings to provide a contemporary picture of the key players choreographing chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes and the cellular basis for errors. SEARCH METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted using keywords including meiosis, oocytes, recombination, cohesion, cohesin complex, chromosome segregation, kinetochores, spindle, aneuploidy, meiotic cell cycle, spindle assembly checkpoint, anaphase-promoting complex, DNA damage, telomeres, mitochondria, female ageing and female fertility. We extracted papers focusing on mouse and human oocytes that best aligned with the themes of this review and that reported transformative and novel discoveries. OUTCOMES Meiosis incorporates two sequential rounds of chromosome segregation executed by a spindle whose component microtubules bind chromosomes via kinetochores. Cohesion mediated by the cohesin complex holds chromosomes together and should be resolved at the appropriate time, in a specific step-wise manner and in conjunction with meiotically programmed kinetochore behaviour. In women, the stage is set for meiotic error even before birth when female-specific crossover maturation inefficiency leads to the formation of at-risk recombination patterns. In adult life, multiple co-conspiring factors interact with at-risk crossovers to increase the likelihood of mis-segregation. Available evidence support that these factors include, but are not limited to, cohesion deterioration, uncoordinated sister kinetochore behaviour, erroneous microtubule attachments, spindle instability and structural chromosomal defects that impact centromeres and telomeres. Data from mice indicate that cohesin and centromere-specific histones are long-lived proteins in oocytes. Since these proteins are pivotal for chromosome segregation, but lack any obvious renewal pathway, their deterioration with age provides an appealing explanation for at least some of the problems in older oocytes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Research in the mouse model has identified a number of candidate genes and pathways that are important for chromosome segregation in this species. However, many of these have not yet been investigated in human oocytes so it is uncertain at this stage to what extent they apply to women. The challenge for the future involves applying emerging knowledge of female meiotic molecular regulation towards improving clinical fertility management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Greaney
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus, Herston QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Zhe Wei
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus, Herston QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Hayden Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Campus, Herston QLD 4029, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Implantation rate decreases and miscarriage rate increases with advancing maternal age. The oocyte must be the locus of reproductive aging because donation of oocytes from younger to older women abrogates the effects of aging on fecundity. Nuclear transfer experiments in a mouse model of reproductive aging show that the reproductive aging phenotype segregates with the nucleus rather than the cytoplasm. A number of factors within the nucleus have been hypothesized to mediate reproductive aging, including disruption of cohesions, reduced chiasma, aneuploidy, disrupted meiotic spindles, and DNA damage caused by chronic exposure to reactive oxygen species. We have proposed telomere attrition as a parsimonious way to explain these diverse effects of aging on oocyte function. Telomeres are repetitive sequences of DNA and associated proteins, which form a loop (t loop) at chromosome ends. Telomeres prevent the blunt end of DNA from triggering a DNA damage response. Previously, we showed that experimental telomere shortening phenocopies reproductive aging in mice. Telomere shortening causes reduced synapsis and chiasma, chromosome fusions, embryo arrest and fragmentation, and abnormal meiotic spindles. Telomere length of polar bodies predicts the fragmentation of human embryos. Telomerase, the reverse transcriptase capable of reconstituting shortened telomeres, is only minimally active in oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Intriguingly, during the first cell cycles following activation, telomeres robustly elongate via a DNA double-strand break mechanism called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALTs). Alternative lengthening of telomere takes place even in telomerase-null mice. This mechanism of telomere elongation previously had been found only in cancer cells lacking telomerase activity. We propose that ALT elongates telomeres across generations but does so at the cost of extensive genomic instability in preimplantation embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Velarde MC, Menon R. Positive and negative effects of cellular senescence during female reproductive aging and pregnancy. J Endocrinol 2016; 230:R59-76. [PMID: 27325241 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a phenomenon occurring when cells are no longer able to divide even after treatment with growth stimuli. Because senescent cells are typically associated with aging and age-related diseases, cellular senescence is hypothesized to contribute to the age-related decline in reproductive function. However, some data suggest that senescent cells may also be important for normal physiological functions during pregnancy. Herein, we review the positive and negative effects of cellular senescence on female reproductive aging and pregnancy. We discuss how senescent cells accelerate female reproductive aging by promoting the decline in the number of ovarian follicles and increasing complications during pregnancy. We also describe how cellular senescence plays an important role in placental and fetal development as a beneficial process, ensuring proper homeostasis during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Velarde
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines Buck Institute for Research on AgingNovato, California, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA Department of Clinical Medicine and Obstetrics and GynecologyAarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Fragkiadaki P, Tsoukalas D, Fragkiadoulaki I, Psycharakis C, Nikitovic D, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM. Telomerase activity in pregnancy complications (Review). Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:16-21. [PMID: 27175856 PMCID: PMC4918539 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are specific DNA regions positioned at the ends of chromosomes and composed of functional non-coding repeats. Upon cell division, the telomeres decrease in length by a preordained amount. When the telomeres become critically short, cells lose the ability to divide and enter a specific functioning mode designated as 'cellular senescence'. However, human tissues express an enzyme that deters the shrinking of the telomeres, the telomerase. Due to its ability to maintain telomere length, the telomerase slows down and possibly suspends the aging of the cells. In regard to this, solid evidence demonstrates that female human fertility decreases with increased maternal age and that various adverse factors, including alterations in telomerase activity, can contribute to age-associated infertility in women. The fact that telomerase activity is regulated in a time- and location-dependent manner in both embryo and placental tissues, highlights it potential importance to the successful completion of pregnancy. Since maternal age is a crucial determining factor for the success of in vitro and in vivo fertilization, numerous studies have focused on telomerase activity and its correlation with mammalian fertilization, as well as the following cleavage and pre-implantation developmental processes. Associations between telomerase activity and pregnancy complications have been previously observed. Our aim in this review was to summarize and critically discuss evidence correlating telomerase activity with pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsoukalas
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Irini Fragkiadoulaki
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Christos Psycharakis
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Center of Toxicology Science and Research, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Teichroeb JH, Kim J, Betts DH. The role of telomeres and telomerase reverse transcriptase isoforms in pluripotency induction and maintenance. RNA Biol 2016; 13:707-19. [PMID: 26786236 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1134413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are linear guanine-rich DNA structures at the ends of chromosomes. The length of telomeric DNA is actively regulated by a number of mechanisms in highly proliferative cells such as germ cells, cancer cells, and pluripotent stem cells. Telomeric DNA is synthesized by way of the ribonucleoprotein called telomerase containing a reverse transcriptase (TERT) subunit and RNA component (TERC). TERT is highly conserved across species and ubiquitously present in their respective pluripotent cells. Recent studies have uncovered intricate associations between telomeres and the self-renewal and differentiation properties of pluripotent stem cells. Interestingly, the past decade's work indicates that the TERT subunit also has the capacity to modulate mitochondrial function, to remodel chromatin structure, and to participate in key signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Many of these non-canonical functions do not require TERT's catalytic activity, which hints at possible functions for the extensive number of alternatively spliced TERT isoforms that are highly expressed in pluripotent stem cells. In this review, some of the established and potential routes of pluripotency induction and maintenance are highlighted from the perspectives of telomere maintenance, known TERT isoform functions and their complex regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Teichroeb
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry , The University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario , Canada
| | - Joohwan Kim
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry , The University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario , Canada
| | - Dean H Betts
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry , The University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario , Canada.,b Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute , London , Ontario , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Telomere homeostasis in mammalian germ cells: a review. Chromosoma 2015; 125:337-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00412-015-0555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|