1
|
Sachs MK, Makieva S, Velasco Gil A, Xie M, Ille F, Salvadori V, Schmidhauser M, Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ulbrich SE, Leeners B. Transcriptomic signature of luteinized cumulus cells of oocytes developing to live birth after women received intracytoplasmic sperm injection. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:24-38. [PMID: 38036000 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.11.004] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the transcriptome of human cumulus cells (CCs) from oocytes with different outcomes (pregnancy yes/no, live birth [LB] yes/no), to identify noninvasive biomarkers for oocyte selection as well as new therapeutic targets to increase LB rates from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTINGS This study was conducted at a University Hospital in Switzerland. PATIENTS Subfertile couples undergoing controlled ovarian superstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with subsequent unbiopsied embryo transfer below the female age of 43 years. INTERVENTION(S) RNA sequencing of CCs from oocytes results in a pregnancy, no pregnancy, LB, or no LB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differential gene expression (DEG) between CCs of oocytes results in "no pregnancy" vs. "pregnancy" and "pregnancy only" vs. "live birth." RESULTS Although RNA sequencing did not reveal DEGs when comparing the transcriptomic profiles of the groups "no pregnancy" with "pregnancy," we identified 139 DEGs by comparing "pregnancy only" with "live birth," of which 28 belonged to clusters relevant to successful ART outcomes (i.e., CTGF, SERPINE2, PCK1, HHIP, HS3ST, and BIRC5). A functional enrichment analysis revealed that the transcriptome of CCs associated with LB depicts pathways of extracellular matrix, inflammatory cascades leading to ovulation, cell patterning, proliferation, and differentiation, and silencing pathways leading to apoptosis. CONCLUSION We identified a CCs transcriptomic profile associated with LB after embryo transfer that, after further validation, could serve to predict successful ART outcomes. The definition of relevant pathways of CCs related to oocyte competency contributes to a broader understanding of the cumulus oocyte complex and helps identify further therapeutic targets for improving ART success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maike K Sachs
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sofia Makieva
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Velasco Gil
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ille
- Center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Obermattweg, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Salvadori
- Center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Obermattweg, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Meret Schmidhauser
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mara D Saenz-de-Juano
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Massoud G, Spann M, Vaught KC, Das S, Dow M, Cochran R, Baker V, Segars J, Singh B. Biomarkers Assessing the Role of Cumulus Cells on IVF Outcomes: A Systematic Review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:253-275. [PMID: 37947940 PMCID: PMC10894783 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02984-9] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although significant improvements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes have been accomplished, a critical question remains: which embryo is most likely to result in a pregnancy? Embryo selection is currently based on morphological and genetic criteria; however, these criteria do not fully predict good-quality embryos and additional objective criteria are needed. The cumulus cells are critical for oocyte and embryo development. This systematic review assessed biomarkers in cumulus-oocyte complexes and their association with successful IVF outcomes. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until November 2022. Only English-language publications were included. Inclusion criteria consisted of papers that evaluated genetic biomarkers associated with the cumulus cells (CCs) in humans and the following three outcomes of interest: oocyte quality, embryo quality, and clinical outcomes, including fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULTS The search revealed 446 studies of which 42 met eligibility criteria. Nineteen studies correlated genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with oocyte quality. A positive correlation was reported between oocyte quality and increased mRNA expression in CCs of genes encoding for calcium homeostasis (CAMK1D), glucose metabolism (PFKP), extracellular matrix (HAS2, VCAN), TGF-β family (GDF9, BMP15), and prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2). Nineteen studies correlated genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with embryo quality. A positive correlation was reported between embryo quality and increased mRNA expression in CCs of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (HAS2), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2), steroidogenesis (GREM1), and decreased expression of gene encoding for hormone receptor (AMHR2). Twenty-two studies assessed genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with clinical outcomes. Increased expression of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (VCAN), and TGF-β family (GDF9, BMP15) were positively correlated with pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Genetic biomarkers from cumulus cells were associated with oocyte quality (CAMK1D, PFKP, HAS2, VCAN, GDF-9, BMP-15, PTGS2), embryo quality (GREM1, PTGS2, HAS2), and pregnancy rate (GDF9, BMP15, VCAN). These results might help guide future studies directed at tests of cumulus cells to devise objective criteria to predict IVF outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Massoud
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marcus Spann
- Informationist Services, Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kamaria Cayton Vaught
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Samarjit Das
- Department of Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Dow
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard Cochran
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Valerie Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Segars
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Bhuchitra Singh
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andone BA, Handrea-Dragan IM, Botiz I, Boca S. State-of-the-art and future perspectives in infertility diagnosis: Conventional versus nanotechnology-based assays. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102709. [PMID: 37717928 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102709] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
According to the latest World Health Organization statistics, around 50 to 80 million people worldwide suffer from infertility, amongst which male factors are responsible for around 20 to 30 % of all infertility cases while 50 % were attributed to the female ones. As it is becoming a recurrent health problem worldwide, clinicians require more accurate methods for the improvement of both diagnosis and treatment schemes. By emphasizing the potential use of innovative methods for the rapid identification of the infertility causes, this review presents the news from this dynamic domain and highlights the benefits brought by emerging research fields. A systematic description of the standard techniques used in clinical protocols for diagnosing infertility in both genders is firstly provided, followed by the presentation of more accurate and comprehensive nanotechnology-related analysis methods such as nanoscopic-resolution imaging, biosensing approaches and assays that employ nanomaterials in their design. Consequently, the implementation of nanotechnology related tools in clinical practice, as recently demonstrated in the selection of spermatozoa, the detection of key proteins in the fertilization process or the testing of DNA integrity or the evaluation of oocyte quality, might confer excellent advantages both for improving the assessment of infertility, and for the success of the fertilization process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Astrid Andone
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana M Handrea-Dragan
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sanda Boca
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T. Laurian Str., 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Str., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang S, Wu X, Wang H, Song S, Hu Y, Guo Y, Chang S, Cheng Y, Zeng S. Role of FBXL5 in redox homeostasis and spindle assembly during oocyte maturation in mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23080. [PMID: 37462473 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300244rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
As an E3 ubiquitin ligase, F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 5 (FBXL5) participates in diverse biologic processes. However, the role of Fbxl5 in mouse oocyte meiotic maturation has not yet been fully elucidated. The present study revealed that mouse oocytes depleted of Fbxl5 were unable to complete meiosis, as Fbxl5 silencing led to oocyte meiotic failure with reduced rates of GVBD and polar body extrusion. In addition, Fbxl5 depletion induced aberrant mitochondrial dynamics as we noted the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the accumulation of phosphorylated γH2AX with Fbxl5 knockdown. We also found that Fbxl5-KD led to the abnormal accumulation of CITED2 proteins in mouse oocytes. Our in vitro ubiquitination assay showed that FBXL5 interacted with CITED2 and that it mediated the degradation of CITED2 protein through the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway. Collectively, our data revealed critical functions of FBXL5 in redox hemostasis and spindle assembly during mouse oocyte maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuling Hu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Chang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanweilu Cheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenming Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalous J, Aleshkina D, Anger M. A Role of PI3K/Akt Signaling in Oocyte Maturation and Early Embryo Development. Cells 2023; 12:1830. [PMID: 37508495 PMCID: PMC10378481 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141830] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A serine/threonine-specific protein kinase B (PKB), also known as Akt, is a key factor in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway that regulates cell survival, metabolism and proliferation. Akt phosphorylates many downstream specific substrates, which subsequently control the nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), centrosome maturation, spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis. In vertebrates, Akt is also an important player during oogenesis and preimplantation development. In the signaling pathways regulating mRNA translation, Akt is involved in the control of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and thereby regulates the activity of a translational repressor, the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). In this review, we summarize the functions of Akt in mitosis, meiosis and early embryonic development. Additionally, the role of Akt in the regulation of mRNA translation is addressed with respect to the significance of this process during early development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Kalous
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Daria Aleshkina
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Anger
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Loup B, Poumerol E, Jouneau L, Fowler PA, Cotinot C, Mandon-Pépin B. BPA disrupts meiosis I in oogonia by acting on pathways including cell cycle regulation, meiosis initiation and spindle assembly. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:166-177. [PMID: 35667523 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.06.001] [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: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The negative in utero effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on female reproduction are of concern since the ovarian reserve of primordial follicles is constituted during the fetal period. This time-window is difficult to access, particularly in humans. Animal models and explant culture systems are, therefore, vital tools for investigating EDC impacts on primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here, we investigated the effects of BPA on prophase I meiosis in the fetal sheep ovary. We established an in vitro model of early gametogenesis through retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of sheep PGCs that progressed through meiosis. Using this system, we demonstrated that BPA (3×10-7 M & 3×10-5M) exposure for 20 days disrupted meiotic initiation and completion in sheep oogonia and induced transcriptomic modifications of exposed explants. After exposure to the lowest concentrations of BPA (3×10-7M), only 2 probes were significantly up-regulated corresponding to NR2F1 and TMEM167A transcripts. In contrast, after exposure to 3×10-5M BPA, 446 probes were deregulated, 225 were down- and 221 were up-regulated following microarray analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations of differentially expressed genes revealed that pathways mainly affected were involved in cell-cycle phase transition, meiosis and spindle assembly. Differences in key gene expression within each pathway were validated by qRT-PCR. This study provides a novel model for direct examination of the molecular pathways of environmental toxicants on early female gametogenesis and novel insights into the mechanisms by which BPA affects meiosis I. BPA exposure could thereby disrupt ovarian reserve formation by inhibiting meiotic progression of oocytes I and consequently by increasing atresia of primordial follicles containing defective oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Loup
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, ENVA, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Elodie Poumerol
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, ENVA, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, ENVA, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Corinne Cotinot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, ENVA, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen YC, Li JY, Li CJ, Tsui KH, Wang PH, Wen ZH, Lin LT. Luteal Phase Ovarian Stimulation versus Follicular Phase Ovarian Stimulation results in different Human Cumulus cell genes expression: A pilot study. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:1600-1608. [PMID: 33746576 PMCID: PMC7976567 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.55955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Luteal-phase ovarian stimulation (LPOS) is an alternative in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol. However, limited data showed the genes expression of cumulus cells (CCs) in LPOS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate CC genes expression between LPOS and follicular-phase ovarian stimulation (FPOS) in poor ovarian responders (PORs) undergoing IVF cycles. Methods: This was a prospective non-randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03238833). A total of 36 PORs who met the Bologna criteria and underwent IVF cycles were enrolled. Fifteen PORs were allocated to the LPOS group, and 21 PORs were allocated to the FPOS group. The levels of CC genes involved in inflammation (CXCL1, CXCL3, TNF, PTGES), oxidative phosphorylation (NDUFB7, NDUFA4L2, SLC25A27), apoptosis (DAPK3, BCL6B) and metabolism (PCK1, LDHC) were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR and compared between the two groups. Results: The number of retrieved oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, fertilized oocytes, day-3 embryos and top-quality day-3 embryos, clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates were similar between the two groups except for significantly high progesterone levels in the LPOS group. The mRNA expression levels of CXCL1 (0.51 vs 1.00, p < 0.001) and PTGES (0.30 vs 1.00, p < 0.01) were significantly lower in the LPOS group than in the FPOS group. The LPOS group had significantly lower mRNA expression of NDUFB7 (0.12 vs 1.00, p < 0.001) and NDUFA4L2 (0.33 vs 1.00, p < 0.01) than the FPOS group. DAPK3 (3.81 vs 1.00, p < 0.05) and BCL6B (2.59 vs 1.00, p < 0.01) mRNA expression was significantly higher in the LPOS group than in the FPOS group. Increased expression of PCK1 (3.13 vs. 1.00, p < 0.001) and decreased expression of LDHC (0.12 vs. 1.00, p < 0.001) were observed in the LPOS group compared to the FPOS group. Conclusions: Our data revealed different CC genes expression involving in inflammation, oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis and metabolism between LPOS and FPOS in PORs. However, the results are non-conclusive; further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Yueh Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat‑sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat‑sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kong P, Yin M, Tang C, Zhu X, Bukulmez O, Chen M, Teng X. Effects of Early Cumulus Cell Removal on Treatment Outcomes in Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:669507. [PMID: 34025582 PMCID: PMC8138552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.669507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early cumulus cell removal combined with early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been widely practiced in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in China in order to avoid total fertilization failure. However, uncertainty remains whether the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes are associated with early cumulus cell removal. OBJECTIVES To investigate if early cumulus cell removal alone after 4 hours co-incubation of gametes (4 h group), has detrimental effect on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing IVF, through a comparison with conventional cumulus cell removal after 20 hours of insemination (20 h group). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 1784 patients who underwent their first fresh cleavage stage embryo transfer at the Centre for Assisted Reproduction of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from June 2016 to December 2018 (4 h group, n=570; 20 h group, n=1214). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent association between early cumulus cell removal and pregnancy outcomes after adjustment for potential confounders. The neonatal outcomes between the two groups were compared. RESULTS When compared with the 20 h group, the 4 h group had similar pregnancy outcomes, including rates for biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, live birth. There were 1073 infants delivered after embryo transfer (4 h group, n=337; 20 h group, n=736). Outcomes in both groups were similar for both singleton and twin gestations, including preterm birth rate and very preterm birth rate, mean birth weight, mean gestational age, sex ratio at birth and rate of congenital birth defects. In addition, findings pertaining to singleton gestations were also similar in the two groups for Z-scores (gestational age- and sex-adjusted birth weight), rates of small for gestational age, very small for gestational age, large for gestational age and very large for gestational age infants. CONCLUSIONS In this study early cumulus cell removal alone was not associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. From this perspective, early cumulus cell removal to assess for a potential early rescue ICSI is therefore considered to be a safe option in patients undergoing IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Kong
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanling Tang
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuxian Zhu
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoming Teng, ; Miaoxin Chen,
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoming Teng, ; Miaoxin Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ma Y, Jin J, Tong X, Yang W, Ren P, Dai Y, Pan Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S. ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 mRNA levels in cumulus cells are related to human oocyte quality and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:657-667. [PMID: 31974739 PMCID: PMC7125252 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study investigated potential correlations between the expression levels of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 in cumulus cells (CCs) and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) outcomes. METHODS RT-PCR was used to determine ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 mRNA levels in mice CCs at different timepoints (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h) after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection, and in CCs after RNAi treatment. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 45) and normal ovulatory controls (n = 103) undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited. Relative ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. Moreover, correlations of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 levels with COH outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS At different timepoints after hCG treatment, ADAMTS1 mRNA had the highest level at 12 h, whereas HSPG2 showed opposite profiles to ADAMTS1 with the lowest level at 12 h. HSPG2 expression was upregulated after ADAMTS1 RNAi treatment The PCOS group had higher HSPG2 and lower ADAMTS1 expression levels than controls. In normal ovulatory women (control group), a higher expression of ADAMTS1 and lower expression of HSPG2 were associated with more mature oocytes, transplantable embryos, and good quality embryos, whereas higher transplantable embryo rates and good quality embryo rates were obtained only with lower HSPG2 expression. ROC curves showed the co-measurement of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 had a better predictive power than separate analyses. CONCLUSION The dynamic profiles of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 were inversely correlated in CCs. In PCOS and normal ovulatory patients, higher ADAMTS1 and lower HSPG2 expression levels in CCs were related to better COH outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yerong Ma
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Weijie Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Peipei Ren
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - YinLi Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, No. 3 Qingchun East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Artini PG, Tatone C, Sperduti S, D'Aurora M, Franchi S, Di Emidio G, Ciriminna R, Vento M, Di Pietro C, Stuppia L, Gatta V. Cumulus cells surrounding oocytes with high developmental competence exhibit down-regulation of phosphoinositol 1,3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signalling genes involved in proliferation and survival. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2474-2484. [PMID: 29087515 PMCID: PMC5850344 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the phosphoinositol 1,3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway expression profile in cumulus cells (CCs) a potential marker of oocyte competence and predictive of pregnancy outcome? SUMMARY ANSWER Eleven genes (AKT1, ARHGEF7, BCL2L1, CCND1, E2F1, HRAS, KCNH2, PIK3C2A, SHC1, SOS1 and SPP1) in the PI3K/AKT pathway were significantly down-regulated in CCs from oocytes that went on to produce a pregnancy compared to CCs associated with a negative outcome. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The PI3K/AKT pathway plays a pivotal role in the interdependence and continuous feedback between the oocyte and CCs. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION The expression analysis of 92 transcripts in the PI3K/AKT pathway in CCs from patients with negative or positive pregnancy outcome, after single embryo transfer, was performed. Mouse CCs target gene expression was conducted to associate the expression profile of PI3K/AKT pathway to oocyte developmental profile. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Fifty-five good prognosis IVF patients who had been referred to IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for male-factor infertility or tubal disease were enroled. CCs from single cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from 16 patients who underwent a single embryo transfer were analyzed. Twenty-five CD-1 mice were used to assess gene expression in CCs associated with oocytes with different competence in relation to hCG priming. A total 220 human COCs were collected. The RNA extracted from CCs of 16 selected patients was used to analyze PI3K/AKT pathway gene expression employing a 96-well custom TaqMan Array. Expression data of CCs associated to positive IVF outcome were compared to data from negative outcome samples. Mice were sacrificed after 9, 12, 15, 21 and 24 h post-hCG administration to obtain CCs from MII oocytes with different developmental competence. Akt1, Bcl2l2 and Shc1 expression were tested in the collected mouse CCs. In addition, the expression of upstream regulator ESR1, the gene encoding for the oestrogen receptor ERβ, and the downstream effectors of the pathway FOXO1, FOXO3 and FOXO4 was evaluated in human and mouse samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Transcripts involved in the PI3K Signaling Pathway were selectively modulated according to the IVF/ICSI outcome of the oocyte. Eleven transcripts in this pathway were significantly down-regulated in all samples of CCs from oocytes with positive when compared those with a negative outcome. These outcomes were confirmed in mouse CCs associated with oocytes at different maturation stages. Expression data revealed that the down-regulation of ESR1 could be related to oocyte competence and is likely to be the driver of expression changes highlighted in the PI3K/AKT pathway. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Small sample size and retrospective design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The CCs expression profile of PI3K/AKT signaling genes, disclosed a specific CCs gene signature related to oocyte competence. It could be speculated that CCs associated with competent oocytes have completed their role in sustaining oocyte development and are influencing their fate in response to metabolic and hormonal changes by de-activating anti-apoptotic signals. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Supported by Merck Serono an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (research grant for the laboratory session; Merck KGaA reviewed the manuscript for medical accuracy only before journal submission. The authors are fully responsible for the content of this manuscript, and the views and opinions described in the publication reflect solely those of the authors). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P G Artini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S Sperduti
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - M D'Aurora
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - S Franchi
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - G Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Ciriminna
- AMBRA-Associazione Medici e Biologi per la Riproduzione Assistita, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Vento
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - C Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnolgy, Section of Biology and Genetics G. Sichel, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia, 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - L Stuppia
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - V Gatta
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|