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Dutta A, Anima B, Riba P, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Expression and localization of apelin and apelin receptor protein in the oviduct of letrozole-induced hyperandrogenized mice. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 38634302 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12164] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Apelin and its receptor (APJ) are expressed in the reproductive organs of some mammalian females. The function of oviduct has also been suggested to be compromised in the hyperandrogenism condition. However, expression of apelin and APJ has not been shown in the oviduct of hyperandrogenized mice. Thus, the present study has investigated the localization and expression of apelin and APJ in the letrozole-induced hyperandrogenized mice oviduct. Histomorphometric analysis showed decreased lumen of oviduct in the hyperandrogenized mice. Our results showed elevated expression of APJ and decreased abundance of apelin in the hyperandrogenized mice oviduct. This finding suggests impaired apelin signaling in the oviduct of hyperandrogenized mice. The expression of androgen receptor was upregulated while estrogen receptors were downregulated in the hyperandrogenized mice. The expression of HSP70 was also downregulated along with increased expression of active caspase 3 and BAX and decreased expression of BCL2 in hyperandrogenized mice. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of phospho-Ser473-Akt and phospho-Thr308-Akt also showed differential levels in the oviduct of hyperandrogenized mice. Whether this differential phosphorylation of Akt was solely due to impaired apelin signaling in the oviduct, remains unclear. Moreover, increased androgen signaling and suppressed estrogen signaling coincides with elevated apoptosis. In conclusion, hyperandrogenized conditions could also impair the gamete transport and fertilization process due to apoptosis in the oviduct. However, further study would be required to unravel the exact role of apelin signaling in the oviduct in relation to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushmita Dutta
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Borgohain Anima
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - Preethi Riba
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
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2
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Matsuyama S, Whiteside S, Li SY. Implantation and Decidualization in PCOS: Unraveling the Complexities of Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1203. [PMID: 38256276 PMCID: PMC10816633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 5-15% globally with a large proportion undiagnosed. This review explores the multifaceted nature of PCOS and its impact on pregnancy, including challenges in fertility due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Despite restoring ovulation pharmacologically, women with PCOS face lower pregnancy rates and higher risks of implantation failure and miscarriage. Our review focuses on the complexities of hormonal and metabolic imbalances that impair endometrial receptivity and decidualization in PCOS. Disrupted estrogen signaling, reduced integrity of endometrial epithelial tight junctions, and insulin resistance impair the window of endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, progesterone resistance adversely affects decidualization. Our review also examines the roles of various immune cells and inflammatory processes in the endometrium, contributing to the condition's reproductive challenges. Lastly, we discuss the use of rodent models in understanding PCOS, particularly those induced by hormonal interventions, offering insights into the syndrome's impact on pregnancy and potential treatments. This comprehensive review underscores the need for advanced understanding and treatment strategies to address the reproductive complications associated with PCOS, emphasizing its intricate interplay of hormonal, metabolic, and immune factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shu-Yun Li
- Reproductive Sciences Center, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.M.); (S.W.)
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3
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Rafiee B, Karbalay-doust S, Tabei SMB, Azarpira N, Alaee S, Lohrasbi P, Bahmanpour S. Effects of N-acetylcysteine and metformin treatment on the stereopathological characteristics of uterus and ovary. Eur J Transl Myol 2022; 32. [PMID: 35535444 PMCID: PMC9295164 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2022.10409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the stereo-pathological effect of metformin and N-acetyl cysteine is evaluated on the uterus and ovary of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice. 96 mature females (8-weekold, weight of 20–30 gr) BALB/c mice were classified into 6 groups including the control group (n= 16), letrozole-induced PCOS group (n=16), PCOS + metformin (n=16), PCOS+NAC (n=16) and a separate control group for NAC (n=16). Another PCOS group was maintained for a month to make sure that features remain till the end of the study. Testosterone level, vaginal cytology and stereological evaluations were assessed. Vaginal cytology in letrozole-receiving mice showed a diestrus phase continuity. Testosterone level, body weight, uterine weight, endometrial volume, myometrial volume, gland volume, stromal volume, epithelial volume, vessel volume, daughter and conglomerate glands, endometrial thickness, and myometrial thickness exhibited an increasing trend in the uterus of PCOS mice. While normal gland and vessel length decreased in the PCOS group. Ovarian volume, corticomedullary volume, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and ovarian cysts were increased in PCOS ovaries. While corpus luteum, primordial, graafian, and atretic follicles showed a decline in the PCOS group. NAC and metformin, however, managed to restore the condition to normal. Given the prevalence of PCOS and its impact on fertility, the use of noninvasive methods is of crucial significance. NAC can control and treat pathological parameters and help as a harmless drug in the treatment of women with PCOS.
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Velez LM, Seldin M, Motta AB. Inflammation and reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1205-1217. [PMID: 33739372 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent endocrinopathies, affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age, and is characterized by the presence of ovarian cysts, oligo, or anovulation, and clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. Metabolic abnormalities such as hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, dyslipidemia, and obesity are frequently present in PCOS women. Several key pathogenic pathways overlap between these metabolic abnormalities, notably chronic inflammation. The observation that this mechanism was shared led to the hypothesis that a chronic inflammatory state could contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Moreover, while physiological inflammation is an essential feature of reproductive events such as ovulation, menstruation, implantation, and labor at term, the establishment of chronic inflammation may be a pivotal feature of the observed reproductive dysfunctions in PCOS women. Taken together, the present work aims to review the available evidence about inflammatory mediators and related mechanisms in women with PCOS, with an emphasis on reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro M Velez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marcus Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO), National Scientific and Technical Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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5
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Ferreira SR, Vélez LM, F Heber M, Abruzzese GA, Motta AB. Prenatal androgen excess alters the uterine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) system. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1401-1409. [PMID: 31039921 DOI: 10.1071/rd18432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that androgen excess induces changes in fetal programming that affect several physiological pathways. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, δ and γ are key mediators of female reproductive functions, in particular in uterine tissues. Thus, we aimed to study the effect of prenatal hyperandrogenisation on the uterine PPAR system. Rats were treated with 2mg testosterone from Day 16 to 19 of pregnancy. Female offspring (PH group) were followed until 90 days of life, when they were killed. The PH group exhibited an anovulatory phenotype. We quantified uterine mRNA levels of PPARα (Ppara ), PPARδ (Ppard ), PPARγ (Pparg ), their regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (Ppargc1a ) and nuclear receptor co-repressor 1 (Ncor1 ) and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 (Ptgs2 ), and assessed the lipid peroxidation (LP) index and levels of glutathione (GSH) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 . The PH group showed decreased levels of all uterine PPAR isoforms compared with the control group. In addition, PGE2 and Ptgs2 levels were increased in the PH group, which led to a uterine proinflammatory environment, as was LP, which led to a pro-oxidant status that GSH was not able to compensate for. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to androgen excess has a fetal programming effect that affects the gene expression of PPAR isoforms, and creates a misbalanced oxidant-antioxidant state and a proinflammatory status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana R Ferreira
- Laboratorio de Fisio-Patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro M Vélez
- Laboratorio de Fisio-Patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria F Heber
- Laboratorio de Fisio-Patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisio-Patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisio-Patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, C1121 ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Corresponding author
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6
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Demacopulo B, Kreimann EL. Bisphenol S increases EZRIN expression and the detrimental effects induced by dehydroepiandrosterone in rat endometrium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 483:64-73. [PMID: 30654004 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of Bisphenol S (BPS) was proposed as an alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical employed in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is a xenoestrogen that affects normal physiology in several species. It was reported that BPS may also act as a xenoestrogen with harmful effects in the reproductive system. Here we studied the effects of BPS during the induction of a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-like condition in rats. Animals were injected daily with vehicle, DHEA 60 mg/kg, BPS 1 μg/kg and DHEA-BPS, for 20 days. Cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and EZRIN expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. We found an increase in PCNA expression, which correlates with cytoplasmic accumulation of the polarization marker, EZRIN, in the BPS treated groups. Additionally, the administration of BPS in the DHEA treated group augmented the stratification and number of "intraepithelial lumina" in the endometrial surface epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Demacopulo
- National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Department of Radiobiology, Av. General Paz 1499 (1650), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Erica L Kreimann
- National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Department of Radiobiology, Av. General Paz 1499 (1650), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Aktas S, Un I, Omer Barlas I, Ozturk AB, Ilkay Karagul M. Evaluation of the Rho A/Rho-kinase pathway in the uterus of the rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:45-54. [PMID: 30704840 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of RhoA/Rho-kinase in the uterus and the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitors on uterine contractions of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats. Forty-four female Sprague-Dawley (21 days old) rats divided into three groups: The control group (n = 14, any procedure was not performed), vehicle group (n = 14, 0.2 ml of sesame oil, subcutaneous injection, 20 days) and PCOS group (n = 16, DHEA 6 mg/100 g in 0.2 ml of sesame oil, subcutaneous injection, 20 days). The myometrium thickness and uterine wet weight were assessed. The mRNA and protein expressions of Rho A, the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitors (fasudil and Y-27632) on KCl, carbachol, and PGF2α induced contractions were evaluated in the uterus. In the PCOS group, the myometrium thickness and uterine wet weight significantly increased compared to the control group and vehicle group. The mRNA expression level and the immunoreactive score of Rho A, ROCK 1, ROCK 2 were similar in all groups. In the PCOS group, KCl, carbachol, and PGF2α induced uterine contractions significantly increased compared to the control group and vehicle group. Fasudil and Y-27632 significantly inhibited KCl, carbachol, and PGF2α induced uterine contractions in all groups. In conclusion, the expression of Rho A, ROCK 1, ROCK 2 not changed although myometrium thickness, uterine wet weight and the contractile responses of uterus increased in the PCOS group. The results suggest that the Rho-kinase inhibitors effectively suppressed increased contractions in the PCOS group they might be potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Aktas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Ismail Un
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Omer Barlas
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ayla Batu Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Meryem Ilkay Karagul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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8
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Kim J, Cha S, Lee MY, Hwang YJ, Yang E, Ryou C, Jung HI, Cheon YP. Chronic Low-Dose Nonylphenol or Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate has a Different Estrogen-like Response in Mouse Uterus. Dev Reprod 2018; 22:379-391. [PMID: 30680337 PMCID: PMC6344359 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2018.22.4.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Through the development of organic synthetic skill, chemicals that mimic signaling mediators such as steroid hormones have been exposed to the environment. Recently, it has become apparent that this circumstance should be further studied in the field of physiology. Estrogenic action of chronic low-dose nonylphenol (NP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in mouse uterus was assessed in this study. Ten to twelve-week-old female mice (CD-1) were fed drinking water containing NP (50 or 500 μg/L) or DEHP (133 or 1,330 μg/L) for 10 weeks. Uterine diameter, the thickness of myometrium and endometrium, and the height of luminal epithelial cells were measured and the number of glands were counted. The expression levels of the known 17β-estradiol (E2)-regulated genes were evaluated with real-time RT-PCR methodology. The ration of uterine weight to body weight increased in 133 μg/L DEHP. Endometrial and myometrial thickness increased in 133 and 1,330 μg/L DEHP treated groups, and in 50, 500 μg/L NP and 133 μg/L DEHP, respectively. The height of luminal epithelial cell decreased in NP groups. The numbers of luminal epithelial gland were decreased in NP groups but increased in 50 μg/L DEHP group. The histological characters of glands were not different between groups. The mRNA expression profiles of the known 17β-estradiol (E2) downstream genes, Esr1, Esr2, Pgr, Lox, and Muc1, were also different between NP and DEHP groups. The expression levels dramatically increased in some genes by the NP or DEHP. Based on these results, it is suggested that the chronic low-dose NP or DEHP works as estrogen-like messengers in uterus with their own specific gene expression-regulation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhye Kim
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Bioscience and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Sunyeong Cha
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Bioscience and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Min Young Lee
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Bioscience and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Yeon Jeong Hwang
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Bioscience and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Eunhyeok Yang
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Bioscience and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Chongsuk Ryou
- Dept. of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Korea
| | - Hyo-Il Jung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Bioscience and Chemistry, Institute for Basic Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul 02844, Korea
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Kreimann EL, Cabrini RL. Subcellular Redistribution of NHERF1 in Response to Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Administration in Endometrial Glands of Wistar Rats. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:103-11. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719112451148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica L. Kreimann
- Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| | - Rómulo L. Cabrini
- Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), CABA, Argentina
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Link between metformin and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ pathway in the uterine tissue of hyperandrogenized prepubertal mice. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2534-7.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Belgorosky D, Sander VA, Yorio MPD, Faletti AG, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism alters intraovarian parameters during early folliculogenesis in mice. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 20:797-807. [PMID: 20362510 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how hyperandrogenism affects early folliculogenesis. Hyperandrogenism was induced in prepuberal female BALB/c mice by daily s.c. injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (60 mg/kg body weight in 0.1 ml sesame oil) for 10 consecutive days. Although hyperandrogenism increased the growth rate of primary follicles, it also increased ovarian oxidative stress (evaluated by the increase in lipid peroxidation, the decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and the fact that glutathione content was not modified). By using the annexin V/cytometry assay it was found that the excess of androgens decreased viable ovarian cells and increased early apoptotic ones. The increased lipid peroxidation induced enhanced ovarian prostaglandin E production. In addition, hyperandrogenism increased the number of T lymphocytes that infiltrate ovarian tissue and modified their phenotype (decreased CD4+ or helper and increased the suppressor/cytotoxic CD8+). The excess of androgens decreased the ovarian expression of the long isoform of leptin receptor (Ob-Rb, the only isoform expressed in the ovarian tissue) when compared with controls. All these alterations increased serum concentrations of oestradiol, a pro-apoptotic agent. It is concluded that the excess of androgens impairs early follicular development by modulating some endocrine and immune parameters that are either directly or indirectly related to follicular atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Belgorosky
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Elia EM, Belgorosky D, Faut M, Vighi S, Pustovrh C, Luigi D, Motta AB. The effects of metformin on uterine tissue of hyperandrogenized BALB/c mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:421-32. [PMID: 19482906 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the role of the N, N'-dimethylbiguanide metformin (50 mg/kg body weight in 0.05 ml water, given orally with a canulla) in preventing the adverse effects generated by hyperandrogenism on uterine function. Daily injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA: 6 mg/100 g body weight in 0.1 ml oil) for 20 consecutive days induces polycystic ovaries in BALB/c mice. In this model we found that DHEA produced alterations on uterine histology closely related to the development of pre-cancerous structures concomitantly with increased incidence of uterine apoptosis. The injection of DHEA induced a pro-inflammatory status since uterine prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha levels and cyclooxygenase 2 were increased although PGE levels were decreased. Furthermore, DHEA promoted a pro-oxidant status since it increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and the antioxidant metabolite glutathione levels. DHEA also regulated the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte that infiltrate uterine tissue. When metformin was administered together with DHEA uterine histology and apoptosis did not differ when compared with controls. Therefore, metformin prevented the pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative status generated by DHEA and restores the ratios of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to those observed in controls. We conclude that metformin is able to restore either directly or indirectly uterine function by preventing some inflammatory and oxidative alterations produced by hyperandrogenism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Mariel Elia
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), UBA-CONICET, BuenosAires, Argentina
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