Altered Expression of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Ovarian Follicles of Cows with Cystic Ovarian Disease

Glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) - Selenocysteine metabolism preserves the follicular fluid's (FF) redox homeostasis via IGF-1- NMD cascade in follicular ovarian cysts (FOCs)

Follicular ovarian cysts (FOCs) are characterized by follicles in the ovaries that are >20 mm in diameter and persist for >10 days without the corpus luteum, leading to anovulation, dysregulation of folliculogenesis and subfertility in humans and livestock species. Despite their clinical significance, the precise impact of FOCs on oocyte reserve, maturation, and quality still needs to be explored. While FOCs are observed in both human and livestock populations, they are notably prevalent in livestock species. Consequently, livestock species serve as valuable models for investigating the molecular intricacies of FOCs. Thus, in this study, using goat FOCs, we performed integrated proteomic, metabolomic and functional analyses to demonstrate that oocyte maturation is hampered due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in FOCs follicular fluid (FF) via downregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), a critical antioxidant seleno enzyme required to negate oxidative stress. Notably, GPX1 reduction was positively correlated with the FF's decline of free selenium and selenocysteine metabolic enzymes, O-phosphoryl-tRNA (Sec) selenium transferase (SEPSECS) and selenocysteine lyase (SCLY) levels. Adding GPX1, selenocysteine, or selenium to the culture media rescued the oocyte maturation abnormalities caused by FOCs FF by down-regulating the ROS. Additionally, we demonstrate that substituting GPX1 regulator, Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in the in vitro maturation media improved the oocyte maturation in the cystic FF by down-regulating the ROS activity via suppressing Non-sense-mediated decay (NMD) of GPX1. In contrast, inhibition of IGF-1R and the target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) hampered the oocyte maturation via NMD up-regulation. These findings imply that the GPX1 regulation via selenocysteine metabolism and the IGF-1-mediated NMD may be critical for the redox homeostasis of FF. We propose that GPX1 enhancers hold promise as therapeutics for enhancing the competence of FOCs oocytes. However, further in vivo studies are necessary to validate these findings observed in vitro.

Real-life exposure to Fusarium toxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone triggers apoptosis and activates NLRP3 inflammasome in bovine primary theca cells

Cattle are deemed less susceptible to mycotoxins due to the limited internal exposure resulting from rumen microbiota activity. However, the significant amounts of Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) frequently detected in bovine follicular fluid samples suggest that they could affect ovarian function. Both mycotoxins trigger several patterns of cell death and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in the intestine. In vitro studies have reported a number of adverse effects on bovine oocytes. However, the biological relevance of such findings with regard to realistic concentrations of DON and ZEN in bovine follicular fluid is still not clear. Hence, it is important to better characterize the effects of dietary exposure to DON and ZEN on the bovine ovary. Using bovine primary theca cells, this study investigated the effects of real-life patterns for bovine ovary exposure to DON and ZEN, but also DON metabolite DOM-1, on cell death and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Exposure to DON starting from 0.1 μM significantly decreased theca cell viability. The kinetics of phosphatidylserine translocation and loss of membrane integrity showed that ZEN and DON, but not DOM-1, induce an apoptotic phenotype. qPCR analysis of the expression of NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD in primary theca cells at concentrations of mycotoxin previously reported in cow follicular fluid clearly indicated that DON and DOM-1 individually and in mixture, but not ZEN, activate NLRP3 inflammasome. Altogether, these results suggest that real-life dietary exposure of cattle to DON may induce inflammatory disorders in the ovary.

MC2R/MRAP2 activation could affect bovine ovarian steroidogenesis potential after ACTH treatment

Stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing fertility by interfering with the mechanisms that regulate the timing of events within the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. In the HPA axis, melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) mediates responses to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in concert with melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2). The aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate the effects of ACTH administered in cows in the preovulatory period on the expression of the MC2R/MRAP2 complex in the dominant follicle; and (2) to analyze the involvement of Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase 1 (ERK1) signaling in the activation of MC2R and the expression of key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids (GCs) in the dominant follicle. To this end, 100 IU ACTH was administered to Holstein cows from a local dairy farm during pro-estrus every 12 h for four days until ovariectomy, which was performed before ovulation. Protein immunostaining of MC2R was higher in the dominant follicles of ACTH-treated cows (p < 0.05). Also, Western blot analysis showed higher activation of the ERK1 signaling pathway in ACTH-treated cows (p < 0.05). Finally, immunohistochemistry performed in the dominant follicles of ACTH-treated cows detected higher expression of CYP17A1 and CYP21A2 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the bovine ovary is able to respond locally to ACTH as a consequence of stress altering the expression of relevant steroidogenic enzymes. The results also confirm that the complete GC biosynthesis pathway is present in bovine dominant follicle and therefore GCs could be produced locally.

Modulation of Bovine Endometrial Cell Receptors and Signaling Pathways as a Nanotherapeutic Exploration against Dairy Cow Postpartum Endometritis

Simple Summary

The provision of updated information on the molecular pathogenesis of bovine endometritis with host-pathogen interactions and the possibility of exploring the cellular sensors mechanism in a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system against persistent endometritis were reported in this review. The mechanism of Gram-negative bacteria and their ligands has been vividly explored, with the paucity of research detail on Gram-positive bacteria in bovine endometritis. The function of cell receptors, biomolecules proteins, and sensors were reportedly essential in transferring signals into cell signaling pathways to induce immuno-inflammatory responses by elevating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, understanding endometrial cellular components and signaling mechanisms across pathogenesis are essential for nanotherapeutic exploration against bovine endometritis. The nanotherapeutic discovery that could inhibit infectious signals at the various cell receptors and signal transduction levels, interfering with transcription factors activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines and gene expression, significantly halts endometritis.

Abstract

In order to control and prevent bovine endometritis, there is a need to understand the molecular pathogenesis of the infectious disease. Bovine endometrium is usually invaded by a massive mobilization of microorganisms, especially bacteria, during postpartum dairy cows. Several reports have implicated the Gram-negative bacteria in the pathogenesis of bovine endometritis, with information dearth on the potentials of Gram-positive bacteria and their endotoxins. The invasive bacteria and their ligands pass through cellular receptors such as TLRs, NLRs, and biomolecular proteins of cells activate the specific receptors, which spontaneously stimulates cellular signaling pathways like MAPK, NF-kB and sequentially triggers upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The cascade of inflammatory induction involves a dual signaling pathway; the transcription factor NF-κB is released from its inhibitory molecule and can bind to various inflammatory genes promoter. The MAPK pathways are concomitantly activated, leading to specific phosphorylation of the NF-κB. The provision of detailed information on the molecular pathomechanism of bovine endometritis with the interaction between host endometrial cells and invasive bacteria in this review would widen the gap of exploring the potential of receptors and signal transduction pathways in nanotechnology-based drug delivery system. The nanotherapeutic discovery of endometrial cell receptors, signal transduction pathway, and cell biomolecules inhibitors could be developed for strategic inhibition of infectious signals at the various cell receptors and signal transduction levels, interfering on transcription factors activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines and genes expression, which may significantly protect endometrium against postpartum microbial invasion.

Association of endometritis and ovarian follicular cyst with mastitis in dairy cows

The occurrence of multiple metabolic and inflammatory diseases in dairy cows is higher during the periparturient period, which may be triggered by bacterial components, but not a viable bacterium. This study aimed to determine the association of endometritis and ovarian follicular cyst (OFC) with mastitis in dairy cows. Ninety-eight Holstein dairy cows were clinically examined for endometritis and OFC approximately 30–50 days after calving. Blood and milk samples were collected for the determination of milk somatic cell count (SCC); milk interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations; and plasma haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) concentrations. Of the 98 dairy cows included in this study, 12 were diagnosed with endometritis and 37 cows were identified as OFC-positive, whereas the remaining 49 cows were healthy (without endometritis or OFC). The average and maximum SCCs and plasma Hp and LBP concentrations were not significantly different between the healthy cows and those with endometritis or OFC. However, when the maximum SCC was classified as <300, 300–1,000, or >1,000 × 10³ cells/ml, the percentage of cows with the maximum SCC <300 × 10³ cells/ml was significantly lower in the endometritis and OFC-positive groups than in the healthy group. These results suggested that cows with endometritis and OFC during the postpartum period exhibit high SCC, indicating that some bacterial components can be transferred between organs.

Meta-analysis of association between il-6-174 g/c polymorphism and female infertility related disorders

Female infertility continues to increase in prevalence annually and factors causing it need to be researched. As IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism is known to alter the plasma levels of IL-6, abnormal levels of IL-6 found in infertile females could be due to genetic reasons. With the understanding of the importance of IL-6 in reproductive physiology, several individual studies done so far to find the association of this polymorphism with female infertility related disorders were systematically combined for meta-analysis. Articles were searched using electronic data base sources and were included based on specific criteria. Finally, eight articles which includes polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS; n = 4), endometriosis (n = 3) and tubal damage (n = 1) were selected for the analysis. Results showed statistically significant heterogeneity across studies under the allele model (p < 0.0001, I² = 78 %) and dominant model (p < 0.00001, I² = 82%) but not under recessive model (p = 0.31, I² = 16%). This difference could be possibly due to variation in ethnicity, lifestyle, age or BMI related factors. The pooled odds ratio under the three genetic models were 0.87(CI = 0.75-1.02), 0.77 (CI = 0.63-0.94) and 1.05 (CI = 0.76-1.46) respectively. Sub group analysis showed statistical significant (P < 0.01) for PCOS under allele and dominant model, but not for endometriosis and tubal damage. By this meta-analysis, we can say that IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism can be considered as a potential genetic marker for PCOS but not for endometriosis and tubal damage disorders. However, more studies with adequate sample sizes are required to be done in endometriosis, tubal disease and other female infertility disorders to arrive at a definite conclusion.

Inflammation: friend or foe of bovine reproduction?

Inflammation is not only the first line of defense of the organism but is also required in many reproductive processes such as ovulation, corpus luteum development, luteolysis, uterine clearance after insemination and post partum. Nevertheless, if excessive or persistent, inflammation can switch from a positive mechanism to a deleterious process, impairing oocyte quality and embryo development. Not only uterine but also non genital inflammatory sites can depreciate reproductive performances, with a carry over effect of 2 to 4 months. Since the metabolic challenges of the peripartum transition period make difficult for the cow to control inflammation, dairy cows are frequently in a pro-inflammatory stage, suggesting that inflammation, rather than infection, is a limiting factor of fertility in modern dairy cows. Within the first week after calving, cows have to mount an intense inflammatory response to the bacterial invasion of the uterine cavity with the challenge of being able to switch it off in no more than 5-6 weeks. The absence of neutrophils on endometrial smear is associated with the highest success rate at insemination. Since a fine tuning – rather than an absence - of inflammation is required along the reproductive cycle, anti-inflammatory drugs do not allow any improvement of pregnancy rate, except in the specific case of embryo transfer. Appropriate management of the transition period (especially nutritional) and in a long term perspective, genetic selection contribute to improve the aptitude of cows to controls the intensity of inflammatory process.

Steroidogenic, Metabolic, and Immunological Markers in Dairy Cows Diagnosed With Cystic Ovarian Follicles at Early and Mid-Late Lactation

The etiology of cystic ovarian follicles (COF) remains a conundrum with steroidogenic, immunological, and metabolic dysfunctions linked to its development. Studies suggest that COF development may occur as a result of disruption of the insulin signaling pathway and the severity of a negative energy balance in dairy cows, but mid to late lactation cows diagnosed with COF are unlikely to have issues with energy metabolism. Herein, we characterized the mRNA expression of steroidogenic (LHCGR, StAR, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, CYP19A), immunological (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TLR-4, TNF), and metabolic markers (IGF-1, IRS1) in follicular fluid; and plasma and follicular fluid levels of E2, IL-1β, glucose, and NEFA in early and mid-late lactation COF cows. Lactating dairy cows were diagnosed as having COF (n = 11, follicle >20 mm persistent for 7 days, absence of corpus luteum, and flaccid uterus) while 11 herdmates cycling with a dominant follicle were classified as the control cows. Cows diagnosed with COF were classified as early lactation (COF-E, n = 5) cows, <35 days in milk (DIM); or mid-late lactation (COF-M/L, n = 6), ≥118 DIM cows. Results revealed that mRNA expression StAR was greater (P < 0.01) in COF-E cows than COF-M/L cows and the control cows. The mRNA expression CYP19A1 was lower (P < 0.01) in COF-E cows and COF-M/L cows than in the control cows. The mRNA expression IL-6 and IRS-1 tended to be greater and lower, respectively, in COF-M/L cows compared to the control cows. The mRNA expression IGF-1 was greater (P < 0.01) in COF-E and COF-M/L cows than in the control cows. The plasma and follicular fluid concentration of NEFA was greater (P < 0.05) in COF-E cows than in COF-M/L and the control cows. Cows with COF-E had disturbances in steroidogenic and metabolic markers, while cows with COF-M/L had steroidogenic, immunological, and metabolic dysregulations, suggesting that COF pathogenesis may vary between early and mid-late lactation dairy cows.

Follicular structures of cows with cystic ovarian disease present altered expression of cytokines

Ovulation is considered an inflammatory, cytokine-mediated event. Cytokines, which are recognized as growth factors with immunoregulatory properties, are involved in many cellular processes at the ovarian level. In this sense, cytokines affect fertility and are involved in the development of different ovarian disorders such as bovine cystic ovarian disease (COD). Because it has been previously demonstrated that ovarian cells represent both sources and targets of cytokines, the aim of this study was to examine the expression of several cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-1RI, IL-1RII, IL-4 and IL-8, in ovarian follicular structures from cows with spontaneous COD. The protein expression of these cytokines was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-8 concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In granulosa and theca cells, IL-1RI, IL-1RII, IL-1RA and IL-4 expression levels were higher in cystic follicles than in the control dominant follicles. The serum and FF concentrations of IL-1β and IL-4 showed no differences between groups, whereas IL-8 concentration was detected only in FF of cysts from cows with COD. The FF and serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-8 showed no significant differences, whereas IL-4 concentration was higher in FF than in serum in both the control and COD groups. These results evidenced an altered expression of cytokines in ovaries of cows with COD that could contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Immune status during postpartum, peri-implantation and early pregnancy in cattle: An updated view

Throughout the estrous cycle the mammalian endometrium undergoes morphological and functional changes that are essential for the establishment of pregnancy and proper ovarian and uterine functions. Among these changes, the most important are alterations in both inter- and intracellular signalling molecules, many of which modulate immune processes. In the endometrial tissue there are local innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific/acquired) response mechanisms which vary because of the endocrine status during the estrous cycle, pregnancy and postpartum period. Endometrial cells have responses that support the immune system by producing pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines, sensors, effector molecules and chemokines. This response is important during gestation, pregnancy, and fetal growth, as well as in preventing infection, and immuno-rejection of the semi-allogeneic embryo. In dairy cows, both before and immediately after calving, there are marked changes in the values for hormonal and metabolic variables and the immune status is impaired. Thus, in several studies there has been assessment of the physiological and/or abnormal maternal immune changes and possible effects on dairy cow reproductive performance. The objective with this review is to summarize the novel information about the immune mechanisms involved during the postpartum period, subsequent peri-implantation period and pregnancy in dairy cows, and the possible effects on reproductive performance. This information provides for an enhanced understanding of the local and systemic immune responses associated with the metabolic and hormonal status of dairy cows, and alterations in the immune system of high producing cows and the possible effects on subsequent fertility.

Protein and gene expression of relevant enzymes and nuclear receptor of hepatic lipid metabolism in grazing dairy cattle during the transition period

We aimed to study the protein and gene expression of some hepatic enzymes of lipid metabolism along with plasma biomarkers in grazing dairy cattle during the transition period. Blood and liver biopsies from a group of eight multiparous cows were sampled at -28, -14, +4, +14, +28 and +56 days relative to parturition. Peak concentrations of NEFA and beta-hydroxybutyric acid with high triacylglycerol content in the liver were recorded on day 4 postpartum. Consistent with blood biomarkers, the gene expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) increased, whereas that of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) decreased. Nevertheless, CPT1A protein expression did not change during all the period evaluated and ACOX1 protein expression increased on day 56 postpartum. In addition, the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) increased on day 28 postpartum. On the other hand, DGAT1 protein expression decreased on day 14 postpartum. As expected, the expression of genes associated with fatty acid oxidation increased on the first days postpartum but, notably, protein expression was highest after transition. Since most infectious diseases and metabolic disorders in dairy cattle occur particularly on the first days postpartum, it is not so clear whether an increase in the oxidation capacity of the liver at that time could help to prevent disease and improve dairy production. The valuable results about protein expression of enzymes involved in liver lipid metabolism could help to better characterize the metabolism of dairy cattle during the transition period.

Comparative Effects of Different Dosages of hCG on Follicular Development in Postpartum Dairy Cows With Cystic Ovarian Follicles

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different intramuscular dosages of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on ovarian follicular development of dairy cows diagnosed with refractory cystic ovarian follicles (COFs). Cows diagnosed with COFs (≥25 mm in diameter) were allocated to four treatment groups: hCG-1 (n = 3), a single dose of 4,500 IU on day 1; hCG-2 (n = 3), 2,250 IU on days 1 and 3; hCG-3 (n = 3), 1,500 IU on days 1, 3, and 5; and hCG-C (n = 3) received saline on day 1. Blood sampling and ovarian ultrasonographic (US) examinations were performed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. A progesterone (P4) value < 1 ng/ml was used as an indicator of absence of a functional CL. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the number of follicles < 4 mm in diameter was observed in the hCG-2 group on day 5. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the number of follicles < 4 mm (P < 0.05) between both the hCG-2 and hCG-3 groups compared to the hCG-C group on day 5, and a tendency (P = 0.08) toward a difference in the number of 5–9 mm follicles in groups hCG-3, hCG-2, and hCG-1, compared with the hCG-C group on day 7. The proportion of cows on days 7 and 14 with P4 > 1 ng/ml was 100% (3/3) and 100% (3/3) in group hCG-1; 100% (3/3) and 67% (2/3) in group hCG-2; 67% (2/3) and 100% (3/3) in group hCG-3; and 33% (1/3) and 33% (1/3) in group hCG-C, respectively. Strong tendencies of P4 increases in group hCG-1 (P = 0.054) and hCG-2 (P = 0.051) were measured after hCG administration. Additionally, P4 values tended to be higher (P = 0.07) for group hCG-1 compared to group hCG-C on day 5. The preliminary findings of this study suggest that multiple smaller doses of hCG might be equally effective as a single large dose of hCG in modulating ovarian follicular development in dairy cows with COFs.

Altered expression of cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in bovine follicular persistence

In dairy cattle, cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of subfertility, and two of the main signs are ovulation failure and follicular persistence. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in ovarian follicular structures at different times of persistence in a model of follicular persistence induced by prolonged treatment with progesterone in dairy cows. Protein expression of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, IL-6 concentration in follicular fluid and serum was determined by ELISA. IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expression was increased in follicles with different persistence times in relation to the control dominant follicles, in granulosa cells. For IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, this increase was detected early (P0: expected time of ovulation and/or P5: 5 days of follicular persistence). Additionally, theca cells showed an increase in IL-6 in antral (groups P10 and P15) and persistent follicles (group P10) related to dominant follicles from the control group (p < 0.05). Serum concentration of IL-6 was higher in groups P5, P10 and P15 than in control cows (p < 0.05). The results show evidence that early development of COD in cows is concurrent with altered expression of these cytokines in different ovarian follicular structures and may contribute to the follicular persistence and endocrine changes found in cattle with follicular cysts.

Detection and activity of 11 beta hydroxylase (CYP11B1) in the bovine ovary

Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as cortisol and corticosterone are important steroid hormones with different functions in intermediate metabolism, development, cell differentiation, immune response and reproduction. In response to physiological and immunological stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) acts on the adrenal gland by stimulating the synthesis and secretion of GCs. However, there is increasing evidence that GCs may also be synthesized by extra-adrenal tissues. Here, we examined the gene and protein expression of the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase P450c11 (CYP11B1), involved in the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol, in the different components of the bovine ovary and determined the functionality of CYP11B1in vitro.CYP11B1mRNA was expressed in granulosa and theca cells in small, medium and large antral ovarian follicles, and CYP11B1 protein was expressed in medium and large antral follicles. After stimulation by ACTH, we observed an increased secretion of cortisol by the wall of large antral follicles. We also observed a concentration-dependent decrease in the concentration of cortisol in response to metyrapone, an inhibitor of CYP11B1. This decrease was significant at 10−5 µM metyrapone. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the presence of CYP11B1 in the bovine ovary. This confirms that there could be a local synthesis of GCs in the bovine ovary and therefore a potential endocrine responder to stress through these hormones.

Hypothyroidism Reduces the Size of Ovarian Follicles and Promotes Hypertrophy of Periovarian Fat with Infiltration of Macrophages in Adult Rabbits

Ovarian failure is related to dyslipidemias and inflammation, as well as to hypertrophy and dysfunction of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Although hypothyroidism has been associated with obesity, dyslipidemias, and inflammation in humans and animals, its influence on the characteristics of ovarian follicles in adulthood is scarcely known. Control and hypothyroid rabbits were used to analyze the ovarian follicles, expression of aromatase in the ovary, serum concentration of lipids, leptin, and uric acid, size of adipocytes, and infiltration of macrophages in the periovarian VAT. Hypothyroidism did not affect the percentage of functional or atretic follicles. However, it reduced the size of primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles considered as large and the expression of aromatase in the ovary. This effect was associated with high serum concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In addition, hypothyroidism induced hypertrophy of adipocytes and a major infiltration of CD68+ macrophages into the periovarian VAT. Our results suggest that the reduced size of ovarian follicles promoted by hypothyroidism could be associated with dyslipidemias, hypertrophy, and inflammation of the periovarian VAT. Present findings may be useful to understand the influence of hypothyroidism in the ovary function in adulthood.

High cytokine expression and reduced ovarian reserve in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ovarian reserve in female lymphoma patients and the potential relationships with the cytokine network.

DESIGN

Age-matched control study.

SETTING

Women's university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Seventy-three lymphoma patients (57 with classic Hodgkin lymphoma [HL] and 16 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL]), approaching our center for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (study group) were compared with 25 age-matched healthy volunteers (control group).

INTERVENTION(S)

Measurements of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The AMH and cytokine levels of the lymphoma patients and the healthy volunteers were compared. Correlations between AMH with SIL-2R, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were performed.

RESULT(S)

The AMH showed significant lower concentrations in lymphoma patients than in the control group. Higher significant concentrations in lymphoma patients than in control group were found for SIL-2R and IL-6. No differences were observed comparing HL and NHL groups and within the stages of HL group for AMH and all the cytokines analyzed. Finally, significant inverse correlations were observed in lymphoma patients between AMH and SIL-2R, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, but not with TNF-α levels. Positive correlations between SIL-2R with IL-6, and IL-6 with IL-8 were also shown.

CONCLUSION(S)

In patients with HL or NHL at baseline the cytokine network is particularly active and the ovarian reserve is reduced. A strong negative correlation between AMH and SIL-2R, IL-6, and IL-8 has been also evidenced.