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Zha H, Yang X, Jiang F, Chen Y, Liang Y, Zhang Z, Yang J. Interleukin-6 Concentration in Single-Embryo Medium Is Associated with Blastocyst Formation. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1139-1145. [PMID: 38040897 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01414-6] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
IL-6 plays an important role in oogenesis in humans. However, at the preimplantation stage, IL-6 production and the role in embryo development remain unclear. In this study, IL-6 concentrations in single-embryo media were analyzed. In addition, the association between IL-6 production and blastocyst formation was investigated. Single-embryo culture media from 194 embryos were collected on day 6 after fertilization and divided into four groups according to the developmental stage of the corresponding embryo, as follows: cleavage stage group, morula-early blastocyst group, unavailable full blastocyst group, and available full blastocyst group. IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower in the cleavage stage group than in the morula-early blastocyst group (p = 0.009), in the unavailable full blastocyst group (p = 0.003), and in the available full blastocyst group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6 concentration in single-embryo medium was significantly associated with blastocyst formation (odds ratios β1 = 1.876, 95% CI 1.433 to 2.644, p < 0.0001). Therefore, IL-6 was produced by human preimplantation embryos throughout the preimplantation stage and may play a role in embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zha
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Fangjie Jiang
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Yabin Chen
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhaoqin Zhang
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China.
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Wang Y, Du YY, Yao W, Deng TR, Guo N, Yin L, Yuan XQ, Guo QC, Li J, Liao HM, Qin DY, Li YF. Associations between phthalate metabolites and cytokines in the follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115616. [PMID: 37871386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have showed that phthalates have reproductive and embryonic toxicity, while the potential mechanisms are mostly unknown. Inflammation may play a mediating part in phthalate exposure and adverse reproductive endpoints. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the associations of phthalate metabolites with inflammatory cytokines in the follicular fluid (FF) of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). We determined the levels of eight phthalate metabolites and five cytokines in the FF of 76 women, including interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The associations of individual phthalate exposure with cytokines in FF samples were explored by multiple linear regression. We further evaluated the combined effects of multiple phthalate exposures on FF levels of cytokines by using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. We found that there was a positive relationship between mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and IL-6 in the FF (percent change:12.4%; 95% CI: 1.3%, 24.9%). In contrast, elevated mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and %MEHP levels were associated with decreased MCP-1. In the BKMR models, phthalate metabolite mixtures were positively associated with TNF-α when the mixtures were lower than 65th percentile compared with their medians. In the stratified analyses, MEHP was inversely associated with MCP-1 among women with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 (test for interaction <0.05). Our results suggest that certain phthalate metabolites or their mixtures may alter levels of inflammatory cytokines in the FF, and further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between phthalates exposure, ovarian dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yao-Yao Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao-Ran Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Na Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Qiong Yuan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qing-Chun Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dan-Yu Qin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Cramer DW. Incessant ovulation: a review of its importance in predicting cancer risk. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1240309. [PMID: 37869082 PMCID: PMC10588628 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1240309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrous cycles are recurring changes in therian mammals induced by estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones culminating in endometrial proliferation, ovulation, and implantation if fertilization occurred. In women, the estrous cycle is the menstrual cycle; but, unlike most mammals, the end of an infertile cycle is marked by endometrial sloughing and the start of another without an anestrous phase. Women stop cycling at menopause, while in most mammals, cycles continue until death. Epidemiologic studies identified menarche, menopause, births, lactation, and oral contraceptive (OC) use as key risk factors for ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancers. A composite variable was created to estimate the number of cycles not interrupted by events that stop ovulation. Captured by the phrase "incessant ovulation", repetitive cycles were first postulated to affect ovarian cancer risk and later extended to breast and endometrial cancers. These associations could be explained by cumulative effects of repetitive tissue changes within reproductive organs, immune consequences of repetitive ovulation through the glycoprotein mucin 1, and residual effects of past ovulations that enhance ovarian production of testosterone. The latter two pathways could affect the risk for cancers in other organs not considered "reproductive".
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W. Cramer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Viardot-Foucault V, Zhou J, Bi D, Takinami Y, Chan JKY, Lee YH. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and the impact of follicular fluid metabolome and cytokinome profiles in poor ovarian responders. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:107. [PMID: 37268990 PMCID: PMC10239139 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor ovarian responders (POR) are women undergoing in-vitro fertilization who respond poorly to ovarian stimulation, resulting in the retrieval of lower number of oocytes, and subsequently lower pregnancy rates. The follicular fluid (FF) provides a crucial microenvironment for the proper development of follicles and oocytes through tightly controlled metabolism and cell signaling. Androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have been proposed to alter the POR follicular microenvironment, but the impact DHEA imposes on the FF metabolome and cytokine profiles is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study is to profile and identify metabolomic changes in the FF with DHEA supplementation in POR patients. METHODS FF samples collected from 52 POR patients who underwent IVF with DHEA supplementation (DHEA +) and without (DHEA-; controls) were analyzed using untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomics and a large-scale multiplex suspension immunoassay covering 65 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Multivariate statistical modelling by partial least squares-discriminant regression (PLSR) analysis was performed for revealing metabolome-scale differences. Further, differential metabolite analysis between the two groups was performed by PLSR β-coefficient regression analysis and Student's t-test. RESULTS Untargeted metabolomics identified 118 FF metabolites of diverse chemistries and concentrations which spanned three orders of magnitude. They include metabolic products highly associated with ovarian function - amino acids for regulating pH and osmolarity, lipids such fatty acids and cholesterols for oocyte maturation, and glucocorticoids for ovarian steroidogenesis. Four metabolites, namely, glycerophosphocholine, linoleic acid, progesterone, and valine were significantly lower in DHEA + relative to DHEA- (p < 0.05-0.005). The area under the curves of progesterone glycerophosphocholine, linoleic acid and valine are 0.711, 0.730, 0.785 and 0.818 (p < 0.05-0.01). In DHEA + patients, progesterone positively correlated with IGF-1 (Pearson r: 0.6757, p < 0.01); glycerophosphocholine negatively correlated with AMH (Pearson r: -0.5815; p < 0.05); linoleic acid correlated with estradiol and IGF-1 (Pearson r: 0.7016 and 0.8203, respectively; p < 0.01 for both). In DHEA- patients, valine negatively correlated with serum-free testosterone (Pearson r: -0.8774; p < 0.0001). Using the large-scale immunoassay of 45 cytokines, we observed significantly lower MCP1, IFNγ, LIF and VEGF-D levels in DHEA + relative to DHEA. CONCLUSIONS In POR patients, DHEA supplementation altered the FF metabolome and cytokine profile. The identified four FF metabolites that significantly changed with DHEA may provide information for titrating and monitoring individual DHEA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Viardot-Foucault
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Jieliang Zhou
- Translational ‘Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Dexi Bi
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yoshihiko Takinami
- Bruker Japan, 3-9 Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 220-0022 Japan
- Present Address: Kanomax Analytical Incorportated, Shimizu Suita City, Osaka Japan
| | - Jerry. K. Y. Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Translational ‘Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technoology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602 Singapore
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Vo KCT, Sato Y, Kawagoe Y, Kawamura K. Effects of Hochuekkito, a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), on reproduction of aging female mice. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 21:e12425. [PMID: 34938149 PMCID: PMC8658873 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the potentials of Hochuekkito (HET) treatment for aging infertility. Methods Mice at 36 weeks of age were fed without (control, n = 40) or with low (100 mg/kg/day, n = 24) and high (1000 mg/kg/day, n = 38) doses of HET for 12 weeks. Aging animals at 48 weeks of age were used for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and their ovaries were subjected to histological and quantitative inflammation analyses. Results HET administration decreased transcript levels of ovarian inflammatory markers, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) but suppressed ovulation rates and the number of ovulated oocytes in aging mice. Furthermore, HET treatment decreased the rates of oocytes maturation and fertilization and the cumulus-cell expression of TNF-α-induced protein 6 and epidermal growth factor receptor. After IVF-ET, no improvement of declined live offspring rate by aging was achieved by HET administration, although there were no adverse effects on embryo development and implantation as well as gross morphology and bodyweight of pups. Conclusion Present study indicated HET treatment interfered with ovulation and fertilization in aging mice without affecting ovarian follicle development. No improvement on the age-associated decline of live offspring rate and follicle development was achieved after HET treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Cat Tuyen Vo
- Graduate School of Medicine International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita-shi Japan
| | - Yorino Sato
- Advanced Reproductive Medicine Research Center International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita-shi Japan
| | - Yuta Kawagoe
- Advanced Reproductive Medicine Research Center International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita-shi Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Graduate School of Medicine International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita-shi Japan.,Advanced Reproductive Medicine Research Center International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine Narita-shi Japan
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Function of Follicular Cytokines: Roles Played during Maturation, Development and Implantation of Embryo. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57111251. [PMID: 34833469 PMCID: PMC8625323 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A balance within the immune system is necessary for the proper development of ovarian follicles. Numerous cytokines were detected in follicular fluid, the role of which in reproductive physiology seems crucial. They influence the development and maturation of the follicle, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, as well as embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. The analysis of follicular fluid requires its collection by puncturing of the ovary, which is usually executed in connection with various gynaecological procedures. When interpreting such test results, clinical indications for a given procedure and the method of patient preparation should be taken into account. This review revealed the results of currently available studies on the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in follicular fluid in various forms of infertility. Additionally, it presented cytokines, whose concentration has a significant impact on the size of ovarian follicles, their number, the effectiveness of in vitro fertilisation, development of the embryo, and chances of correct implantation. Despite the many recent publications, the knowledge of follicular fluid immunology in the context of reproductive pathology is superficial and further research is required to extensively understand the roles of individual cytokines in reproductive pathology. In the future, this knowledge may enable patients’ individual qualifications to individual methods of infertility treatment, as well as the possible adjustment of the treatment regimen to the patient’s immune profile.
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Lai TH, Chen HT, Wu WB. TGFβ1 induces in-vitro and ex-vivo angiogenesis through VEGF production in human ovarian follicular fluid-derived granulosa cells during in-vitro fertilization cycle. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103311. [PMID: 33812317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that angiogenesis in folliculogenesis contributes to oocyte developmental competence in natural and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle of animals. Among the known angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has an important role involved in angiogenesis. However, its expression level and regulatory mechanism in ovarian follicular fluid (FF) in patients undergoing IVF with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) remains to be explored. In this study, the primary cultured human ovarian follicular granulosa cells (GCs) were prepared from FF and their identity was characterized by the presence of the GC specific markers. The transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) was found to induce a significant increase in VEGF mRNA level and protein expression/secretion in GCs. In line with these observations, TGFβ1 could be detected in the ovarian FF, ranging from about 400 to 2000 pg/mL among three IVF patient groups with different patient's serum Anti-Müllerian hormone level. The cellular signaling analysis revealed that TGFβ1 induced VEGF production through TGFβ receptor (TGFβR), Smad2/3, PI3 K/AKT, and JNK1/2-related signaling pathways. Finally, in a functional study, the TGFβ1-primed GC VEGF secretion promoted in-vitro angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells and ex-vivo vessel sprouting in aortic ring. Taken together, we demonstrated here that TGFβ1 expressed in ovarian FF is an inducer for promoting VEGF production in follicular GCs through TGFβR-mediated signaling pathways and the released VEGF subsequently leads to angiogenesis. This possibly contributes to oocyte developmental competence in folliculogenesis of IVF patients with a COS protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Hsuan Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Ting Chen
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Wu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Gonadotropin Stimulation Has Only a Limited Effect on the Concentration of Follicular Fluid Signalling Proteins: An Antibody Array Analysis. Int J Reprod Med 2021; 2021:2906164. [PMID: 33575317 PMCID: PMC7857919 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2906164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The follicular fluid (FF) plays an essential role in the physiology of the follicle and the oocyte. Gonadotropin stimulation affects the FF steroid hormone and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, which has been suggested to be the reason for lower oocyte competence in conventional gonadotropin stimulated in vitro fertilisation (cIVF) compared to natural cycle IVF (NC-IVF). To analyse the effect of gonadotropin stimulation on a broad spectrum of signalling proteins, we ran proteomic antibody arrays on FF of women undergoing both treatments NC-IVF and cIVF. Method Twenty women underwent one NC-IVF and one cIVF treatment cycle. Follicular fluids of the first aspirated follicle were compared between the two groups using a protein microarray which included antibodies against 224 proteins related to cell signalling and reference proteins. Each of the 40 albumin-stripped, matched-pair samples was labelled in the reverse-dye (Cy3/Cy5) procedure before undergoing array hybridisation. Signal analysis was performed using normalisation algorithms in dedicated software. Five proteins yielding a value of P < 0.05 in the array experiment (Cystatin A, Caspase-3, GAD65/67, ERK-1, and ERK-2) were then submitted to quantitative determination by ELISA in the same follicular fluids. Results Array analysis yielded only a small number of differentially expressed signalling markers by unadjusted P values. Adjustment as a consequence of multiple determinations resulted in the absence of any significant differential marker expression on the array. Five unadjusted differentially expressed proteins were quantified immunometrically with antibodies from different sources. Follicular fluid concentrations of Cystatin A and MAP kinase ERK-1 concentrations were significantly higher in the cIVF than in the NC-IVF follicles, while GAD-2 (GAD65/67) did not differ. The assays for Caspase-3 and MAP kinase ERK-2 did not have the required sensitivities. Conclusion In contrast to FF steroid hormones and AMH, FF concentrations of signalling proteins are not or only marginally altered by gonadotropin stimulation.
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Piccinni MP, Vicenti R, Logiodice F, Fabbri R, Kullolli O, Pallecchi M, Paradisi R, Danza G, Macciocca M, Lombardelli L, Seracchioli R. Description of the Follicular Fluid Cytokine and Hormone Profiles in Human Physiological Natural Cycles. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e721-e738. [PMID: 33247906 PMCID: PMC7823236 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exogenous gonadotrophins administration during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles could significantly alter the endogenous follicular regulation system and could influence oocyte quality. The analysis of the follicular fluid (FF) cytokine and hormone profiles in physiological natural cycles is crucial to appreciate the role of FF milieu on follicle development. So far, the FF cytokine profile has been analyzed only in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and in modified natural cycles. Our study defines, in physiological natural cycles, the cytokine and hormone profiles of individual FF aspirated from antral follicles. METHODS A total of 203 FFs obtained from 83 women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation were analyzed: 115 FFs from Group 1 (10 to 29 years of age) and 88 FFs from Group 2 (30 to 40 years of age). In individual FF, 27 cytokines were measured with xMAP technology, and progesterone, estrone, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS FF hormone profiles were not different in follicular and luteal phase, suggesting that FF hormones are regulated independently of the endogenous gonadotrophins-possibly because 74% of the punctured follicles, which were ≤6 mm, did not require cyclic pituitary function. The follicle size was influenced not only by the FF cytokine profile but also by the FF hormone profile, both of which are dependent on age. MAIN CONCLUSIONS In physiological natural cycles, FF hormones seems to be regulated independently of the endogenous gonadotropins. Age influences FF hormone and cytokine profiles and the compelling relationship between FF hormones and FF cytokines could influence the follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Piccinni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine- University of Florence, Italy. Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DENOTHE of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: Prof.ssa Marie-Pierre Piccinni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Largo Brambilla 3, Firenze 50134, Italy.
| | - Rossella Vicenti
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Logiodice
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine- University of Florence, Italy. Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DENOTHE of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Raffaella Fabbri
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ornela Kullolli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine- University of Florence, Italy. Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DENOTHE of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Pallecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Paradisi
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Macciocca
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Letizia Lombardelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine- University of Florence, Italy. Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DENOTHE of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Plasma and follicular fluid osteopontin levels during ovarian cycle and their correlation with follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:286. [PMID: 33431898 PMCID: PMC7801375 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional secreted glycoprotein. We evaluated OPN concentrations in blood and follicular fluid (FF) during the ovarian cycle and their relationship with the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is involved in the pathophysiology of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Twenty-two women undergoing in vitro fertilization (minimal stimulation protocol with clomiphene citrate) were enrolled. Samples were collected (a) on the third day of withdrawal bleeding, (b) 2 days before oocyte retrieval, and (c) on the day of oocyte retrieval. FF was collected during oocyte retrieval. The OPN concentration in each specimen and the VEGF concentration in FF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Plasma OPN concentrations were (in ng/mL): (a) 416 ± 37.2, (b) 378 ± 35.8, and (c) 390 ± 40.0, with no significant differences between the groups. The OPN concentration in FF was 106 ± 13.4 ng/mL. A positive correlation was found between OPN concentrations in FF and plasma samples. A positive correlation was also found between plasma OPN and FF VEGF concentrations, irrespective of the blood-sampling period. Plasma OPN concentration is suggested to reflect the FF VEGF level at oocyte retrieval and maybe a novel clinical marker for predicting the risk for OHSS.
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Abstract
Advanced maternal age is associated with the natural oocyte depletion, leading to low oocyte yield, high infertility treatment cancellation rates, and eventual decreases in pregnancy rates. Various innovative interventions have been introduced to improve the outcome of infertility treatment for aging patients. Numerous published data demonstrated that early follicle development was regulated by intraovarian growth factors through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a plasma fraction of peripheral blood with a high concentration of platelets, has been implemented in regenerative medicine in the last decade. The plasma contains a variety of growth factors that were suggested to be able to enhance angiogenesis regeneration and the cell proliferation process. The initial report showed that an intraovarian injection of PRP improved the hormonal profile and increased the number of retrieved oocytes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. Subsequently, several studies with larger sample sizes have reported that this approach resulted in several healthy live births with no apparent complications. However, the use of ovarian PRP treatment needs to be fully investigated, because no randomized controlled trial has yet been performed to confirm its efficacy.
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Yang J, Yang X, Yang H, Bai Y, Zha H, Jiang F, Meng Y. Interleukin 6 in follicular fluid reduces embryo fragmentation and improves the clinical pregnancy rate. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1171-1176. [PMID: 32189182 PMCID: PMC7244683 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of interleukin 6 in embryo development in the in vitro fertilization cycles. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. One hundred and three women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer due to a tubal factor were included in the study. The follicular fluid IL-6 levels on oocyte retrieval day from each patient were determined by ELISA. The relationships between follicular fluid IL-6 levels and IVF cycle parameters were investigated. RESULTS The levels of follicular fluid IL-6 were not affected by the use of drugs for superovulation or by estrogen. In addition, follicular fluid IL-6 levels did not affect the number of oocytes retrieved or the MII oocyte rate. High levels of follicular fluid IL-6 correlated with a significant increase in the rates of clinical pregnancy. Follicular fluid IL-6 levels did not affect the cell number or the blastomere symmetry of day 3 embryos, but it did significantly reduce the embryo fragmentation rate. CONCLUSIONS High levels of follicular fluid IL-6 improved the rates of clinical pregnancy and reduce embryo fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiaoling Yang
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hao Zha
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Fangjie Jiang
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yushi Meng
- Reproduction Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dianmian Road 374, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan Province, China.
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13
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Bouet PE, Boueilh T, de la Barca JMC, Boucret L, Blanchard S, Ferré-L'Hotellier V, Jeannin P, Descamps P, Procaccio V, Reynier P, May-Panloup P. The cytokine profile of follicular fluid changes during ovarian ageing. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 49:101704. [PMID: 32028036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian ageing is one of the commonest causes of infertility in patients consulting for assisted reproductive technology. The composition of the follicular fluid (FF), which reflects the exchanges between the oocyte and its microenvironment, has been extensively investigated to determine the metabolic pathways involved in various ovarian disorders. Considering the importance of cytokines in folliculogenesis, we focused on the cytokine profile of the FF during ovarian ageing. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our cross-sectional study assesses the levels of 27 cytokines and growth factors in the FF of two groups of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. One group included 28 patients with ovarian ageing clinically characterized by a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and the other group included 29 patients with a normal ovarian reserve (NOR), serving as controls. RESULTS With univariate analysis, the cytokine profile was found to differ significantly between the two groups. After adjustment of the p-values, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was the only cytokine with a significantly lower concentration in the DOR group (7.34 ± 16.11 pg/mL) than in the NOR group (24.39 ± 41.38 pg/mL) (p = 0.005), independently of chronological age. CONCLUSION Thus, PDGF-BB would seem to be implicated in the physiopathology of DOR, potentially in relation to its role in folliculogenesis or in the protection against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France; MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France.
| | - Thomas Boueilh
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Juan Manuel Chao de la Barca
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France; MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Lisa Boucret
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France; MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Simon Blanchard
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory, Center of Immunology and Cancer Research Nantes-Anges, INSERM U1232, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
| | | | - Pascale Jeannin
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory, Center of Immunology and Cancer Research Nantes-Anges, INSERM U1232, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Philippe Descamps
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Vincent Procaccio
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France; MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France; MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Pascale May-Panloup
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000, Angers, France; MITOVASC Institute, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, 49000, Angers, France
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14
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Rispoli LA, Edwards JL, Pohler KG, Russell S, Somiari RI, Payton RR, Schrick FN. Heat-induced hyperthermia impacts the follicular fluid proteome of the periovulatory follicle in lactating dairy cows. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0227095. [PMID: 31887207 PMCID: PMC6936800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that heat-induced perturbations in cumulus cells surrounding the maturing oocyte may extend to the mural granulosa of the periovulatory follicle in the heat-stressed cow to subsequently the follicular fluid proteome. Lactating Holsteins were pharmacologically stimulated to have a dominant follicle that was capable of responding to a gonadotropin releasing hormone-induced luteinizing hormone surge. Following gonadotropin releasing hormone administration, cows were maintained at ~67 temperature humidity index (THI; thermoneutral conditions) or exposed to conditions simulating an acute heat stress event (71 to 86 THI; heat stress for ~12 h). Dominant follicle collection was conducted in the periovulatory period ~16 h after gonadotropin releasing hormone. Follicular fluid proteome from thermoneutral (n = 5) and hyperthermic (n = 5) cows was evaluated by quantitative tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS). We identified 35 differentially-abundant proteins. Functional annotation revealed numerous immune-related proteins. Subsequent efforts revealed an increase in levels of the proinflammatory mediator bradykinin in follicular fluid (P = 0.0456) but not in serum (P = 0.9319) of hyperthermic cows. Intrafollicular increases in transferrin (negative acute phase protein) in hyperthermic cows (P = 0.0181) coincided with a tendency for levels to be increased in the circulation (P = 0.0683). Nine out of 15 cytokines evaluated were detected in follicular fluid. Heat stress increased intrafollicular interleukin 6 levels (P = 0.0160). Whether hyperthermia-induced changes in the heat-stressed cow's follicular fluid milieu reflect changes in mural granulosa, cumulus, other cell types secretions, and/or transudative changes from circulation remains unclear. Regardless of origin, heat stress/hyperthermia related changes in the follicular fluid milieu may have an impact on components important for ovulation and competence of the cumulus-oocyte complex contained within the periovulatory follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa A. Rispoli
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - J. Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Ky G. Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Stephen Russell
- ITSI–Biosciences, LLC, Johnstown, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Rebecca R. Payton
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - F. Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
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15
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Duffy DM, Ko C, Jo M, Brannstrom M, Curry TE. Ovulation: Parallels With Inflammatory Processes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:369-416. [PMID: 30496379 PMCID: PMC6405411 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The midcycle surge of LH sets in motion interconnected networks of signaling cascades to bring about rupture of the follicle and release of the oocyte during ovulation. Many mediators of these LH-induced signaling cascades are associated with inflammation, leading to the postulate that ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response. First responders to the LH surge are granulosa and theca cells, which produce steroids, prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, which are also mediators of inflammatory processes. These mediators, in turn, activate both nonimmune ovarian cells as well as resident immune cells within the ovary; additional immune cells are also attracted to the ovary. Collectively, these cells regulate proteolytic pathways to reorganize the follicular stroma, disrupt the granulosa cell basal lamina, and facilitate invasion of vascular endothelial cells. LH-induced mediators initiate cumulus expansion and cumulus oocyte complex detachment, whereas the follicular apex undergoes extensive extracellular matrix remodeling and a loss of the surface epithelium. The remainder of the follicle undergoes rapid angiogenesis and functional differentiation of granulosa and theca cells. Ultimately, these functional and structural changes culminate in follicular rupture and oocyte release. Throughout the ovulatory process, the importance of inflammatory responses is highlighted by the commonalities and similarities between many of these events associated with ovulation and inflammation. However, ovulation includes processes that are distinct from inflammation, such as regulation of steroid action, oocyte maturation, and the eventual release of the oocyte. This review focuses on the commonalities between inflammatory responses and the process of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Misung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats Brannstrom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Curry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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16
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Bou Nemer L, Shi H, Carr BR, Word RA, Bukulmez O. Effect of single-dose ibuprofen on follicular fluid levels of interleukins in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 65:48-53. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1557761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurice Bou Nemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Cecil H and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Haolin Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Cecil H and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bruce Richard Carr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Cecil H and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Word
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Cecil H and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Cecil H and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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17
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Follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor is associated with type of infertility and interferon alpha correlates with endometrial thickness in natural cycle in vitro fertilization. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:289-294. [PMID: 29945770 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interferon alpha (IFN-α) in the follicular fluid (FF) and their possible influence, as pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic factors, on in vitro fertilization outcome. The concentrations of VEGF and IFN-α were correlated with oocyte and embryo quality, concentrations of hormones in the serum, perifollicular blood flow and endometrial thickness. VEGF was detected in all FF samples (median 706.6 pg/ml, range 182.9-6638 pg/ml). IFN-α was detected in 60% of the samples (median 6.5 pg/ml, range 0-79.4 pg/ml), while in 40% of the samples its levels were below the test detection limit. VEGF and IFN-α concentrations did not correlate with the cause of infertility, concentrations of FSH, LH, E2 and prolactin, oocyte or embryo quality. Significantly higher concentrations of VEGF have been found in women with primary compared with secondary infertility (p = 0.011, Mann Whitney test). The concentrations of VEGF and IFN-α did not correlate with the resistance index (RI) on days of hCG administration, follicular aspiration and embryo transfer. However, the concentrations of IFN-α correlated with endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer (Spearman correlation coefficient ρ = 0.4107; P < 0.05) but not on days of hCG administration and follicular aspiration. The mechanism of VEGF association with the previous ability of having a child needs to be clarified in future studies. The results of this study indicate a possible role of IFN-α in pathways of endometrial remodelling.
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18
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Bender, HR, Trau, HA, Duffy DM. Placental Growth Factor Is Required for Ovulation, Luteinization, and Angiogenesis in Primate Ovulatory Follicles. Endocrinology 2018; 159:710-722. [PMID: 29095972 PMCID: PMC5774250 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PGF) is member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of angiogenesis regulators. VEGFA is an established regulator of ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum. To determine whether PGF also mediates aspects of ovulation and luteinization, macaques received gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development. Ovarian biopsies and whole ovaries were collected before (0 hours) and up to 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration to span the ovulatory interval. PGF and VEGFA were expressed by both granulosa cells and theca cells. In follicular fluid, PGF and VEGFA levels were lowest before hCG. PGF levels remained low until 36 hours after hCG administration, when PGF increased sevenfold to reach peak levels. Follicular fluid VEGFA increased threefold to reach peak levels at 12 hours after hCG, then dropped to intermediate levels. To explore the roles of PGF and VEGFA in ovulation, luteinization, and follicular angiogenesis in vivo, antibodies were injected into the follicular fluid of naturally developed monkey follicles; ovariectomy was performed 48 hours after hCG, with ovulation expected about 40 hours after hCG. Intrafollicular injection of control immunoglobulin G resulted in no retained oocytes, follicle rupture, and structural luteinization, including granulosa cell hypertrophy and capillary formation in the granulosa cell layer. PGF antibody injection resulted in oocyte retention, abnormal rupture, and incomplete luteinization, with limited and disorganized angiogenesis. Injection of a VEGFA antibody resulted in oocyte retention and very limited follicle rupture or structural luteinization. These studies demonstrate that PGF, in addition to VEGFA, is required for ovulation, luteinization, and follicular angiogenesis in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Bender,
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
| | - Heidi A. Trau,
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
| | - Diane M. Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
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19
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Ferrazza RDA, Garcia HDM, Schmidt EMDS, Mihm Carmichael M, Souza FFD, Burchmore R, Sartori R, Eckersall PD, Ferreira JCP. Quantitative proteomic profiling of bovine follicular fluid during follicle development†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:835-849. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Andrade Ferrazza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henry David Mogollón Garcia
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Moreira dos Santos Schmidt
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monika Mihm Carmichael
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics Facility, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter David Eckersall
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Samir M, Glister C, Mattar D, Laird M, Knight PG. Follicular expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6) and their receptors in cattle: TNFα, IL6 and macrophages suppress thecal androgen production in vitro. Reproduction 2017; 154:35-49. [PMID: 28432091 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophages and other cell types are implicated as intraovarian factors affecting different aspects of ovarian function including follicle and corpus luteum 'turnover', steroidogenesis and angiogenesis. Here, we compared granulosal (GC) and thecal (TC) expression of TNF, IL6 and their receptors (TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B and IL6R) during bovine antral follicle development; all five mRNA transcripts were detected in both GC and TC and statistically significant cell-type and follicle stage-related differences were evident. Since few studies have examined cytokine actions on TC steroidogenesis, we cultured TC under conditions that retain a non-luteinized 'follicular' phenotype and treated them with TNFα and IL6 under basal and LH-stimulated conditions. Both TNFα and IL6 suppressed androgen secretion concomitantly with CYP17A1 and LHCGR mRNA expression. In addition, TNFα reduced INSL3, HSD3B1 and NOS3 expression but increased NOS2 expression. IL6 also reduced LHCGR and STAR expression but did not affect HSD3B1, INSL3, NOS2 or NOS3 expression. As macrophages are a prominent source of these cytokines in vivo, we next co-cultured TC with macrophages and observed an abolition of LH-induced androgen production accompanied by a reduction in CYP17A1, INSL3, LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 expression. Exposure of TC to bacterial lipopolysaccharide also blocked LH-induced androgen secretion, an effect reduced by a toll-like receptor blocker (TAK242). Collectively, the results support an inhibitory action of macrophages on thecal androgen production, likely mediated by their secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that downregulate the expression of LHCGR, CYP17A1 and INSL3. Bovine theca interna cells can also detect and respond directly to lipopolysaccharide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Glister
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
| | - Dareen Mattar
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
| | - Mhairi Laird
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
| | - Phil G Knight
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
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21
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Brown HM, Dunning KR, Sutton-McDowall M, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG, Russell DL. Failure to launch: aberrant cumulus gene expression during oocyte in vitro maturation. Reproduction 2017; 153:R109-R120. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) offers significant benefits for human infertility treatment and animal breeding, but this potential is yet to be fully realised due to reduced oocyte developmental competence in comparison with in vivo matured oocytes. Cumulus cells occupy an essential position in determining oocyte developmental competence. Here we have examined the areas of deficient gene expression, as determined within microarrays primarily from cumulus cells of mouse COCs, but also other species, between in vivo matured and in vitro matured oocytes. By retrospectively analysing the literature, directed by focussing on downregulated genes, we provide an insight as to why the in vitro cumulus cells fail to support full oocyte potential and dissect molecular pathways that have important roles in oocyte competence. We conclude that the roles of epidermal growth factor signalling, the expanded extracellular matrix, cumulus cell metabolism and the immune system are critical deficiencies in cumulus cells of IVM COCs.
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22
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Lefevre PLC, Wade M, Goodyer C, Hales BF, Robaire B. A Mixture Reflecting Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Profiles Detected in Human Follicular Fluid Significantly Affects Steroidogenesis and Induces Oxidative Stress in a Female Human Granulosa Cell Line. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2698-711. [PMID: 27219277 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants are incorporated into consumer products to prevent flame propagation. These compounds leach into the domestic environment, resulting in chronic exposure. Pregnancy failure is associated with high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a major class of brominated flame retardants, in human follicular fluid, raising serious questions regarding their impact on female fertility. Our goal was to elucidate the effects of a mixture of PBDEs, similar to the profile found in human follicular fluid, on an immortalized human granulosa cell line, the KGN cell line. We showed that cell viability was altered and oxidative stress was induced as reflected by increased reactive oxygen species formation at 100 μM of the PBDE mixture. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PBDE treatments of 1, 5, and 20 μM altered the expression of several genes involved in the reactive oxygen species signaling pathway. Significant dose-dependent reductions in progesterone and estradiol levels in the culture medium were measured after PBDE treatment; in parallel, the expression of genes involved in estradiol metabolism, namely CYP1A1, was up-regulated by 5 and 20 μM of the PBDE mixture. Treatment with 20 μM PBDE also increased the expression and secretion of the proinflammatory factor, IL-6, into the KGN cell culture medium. Our results demonstrate that PBDEs can alter human granulosa cell functions by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting steroidogenesis. These results indicate that PBDEs may be detrimental to ovarian functions and thus may adversely affect female reproductive health after chronic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavine L C Lefevre
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (P.L.C.L., B.F.H., B.R.), Pediatrics (C.G.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (B.R.), McGill University, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; and Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (M.W.), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Mike Wade
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (P.L.C.L., B.F.H., B.R.), Pediatrics (C.G.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (B.R.), McGill University, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; and Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (M.W.), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Cindy Goodyer
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (P.L.C.L., B.F.H., B.R.), Pediatrics (C.G.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (B.R.), McGill University, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; and Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (M.W.), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Barbara F Hales
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (P.L.C.L., B.F.H., B.R.), Pediatrics (C.G.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (B.R.), McGill University, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; and Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (M.W.), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (P.L.C.L., B.F.H., B.R.), Pediatrics (C.G.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (B.R.), McGill University, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; and Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau (M.W.), Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0K9
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