Decreased microRNA-125b-5p disrupts follicle steroidogenesis through targeting PAK3/ERK1/2 signalling in mouse preantral follicles

A Comparative Analysis of Naïve Exosomes and Enhanced Exosomes with a Focus on the Treatment Potential in Ovarian Disorders

Exosome-based therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing diverse disorders, indicating the need for further exploration of the potential therapeutic effects of the exosome cargos. This study introduces "enhanced exosomes", a novel type of exosomes developed through a novel cell culture system. These specific exosomes may become potent therapeutic agents for treating ovarian disorders. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the protein and miRNA cargo compositions of enhanced exosomes and naïve exosomes. Our findings revealed distinct cargo compositions in enhanced exosomes, featuring upregulated proteins such as EFEMP1, HtrA1, PAM, and SDF4, suggesting their potential for treating ovarian disorders. MicroRNA profiling revealed that miR-1-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-1271-5p, miR-133a-3p, miR-184, miR-203a-3p, and miR-206 are key players in regulating ovarian cancer and chemosensitivity by affecting cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and cell development. We examined polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency and identified the altered expression of various miRNAs, such as miR-125b-5p and miR-130b-3p, for diagnostic insights. This study highlights the potential of enhanced exosomes as new therapeutic agents for women's reproductive health, offering a detailed understanding of the impact of their cargo on ovarian disorders.

miR-128-3p Regulates Follicular Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Targeting the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor

The proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) affect follicle development and reproductive disorders, with microRNAs playing a crucial regulatory role. Previous studies have shown the differential expression of miR-128-3p at different stages of goat follicle development, which suggests its potential regulatory role in follicle development. In this study, through the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, the EDU assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay, we used immortal human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line (KGN) cells as materials to investigate the effects of miR-128-3p and its predicted target gene growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) on GC proliferation and apoptosis. The results show that overexpression of miR-128-3p inhibited the proliferation of KGN cells, promoted cell apoptosis, and suppressed the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) while promoting that of Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX). The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-128-3p bound to the 3' untranslated region sequence of GHSR, which resulted in the inhibited expression of GHSR protein. Investigation of the effects of GHSR on GC proliferation and apoptosis revealed that GHSR overexpression promoted the expression of PCNA and BCL2, enhanced GC proliferation, and inhibited cell apoptosis, whereas the opposite effects were observed when GHSR expression was inhibited. In addition, miR-128-3p and GHSR can influence the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 protein. In conclusion, miR-128-3p inhibits KGN cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by downregulating the expression of the GHSR gene.

Identification and validation of senescence-related genes in polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an exceedingly intractable issue affecting female endocrine and reproductive health. However, the etiology and intricate pathological mechanisms of PCOS remain unclear. Nowadays, aging was found to share multiple common pathological mechanisms with PCOS, which causes probing into the pathogenesis of PCOS from senescence. However, no bioinformatics analyses have specifically focused on connection between PCOS and ovarian aging.

METHODS

Differentially expressed aging-related genes in PCOS were identified and then analyzed using function enrichment method. Hub genes were determined based on multiple algorithms, and expression validation of hub genes was performed in both datasets and experiments (human granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN; human Granulosa Cell, hGCs). Finally, a transcription factor-miRNA-gene network of hub genes was constructed.

RESULTS

Here, we identified 73 aging-related differential expression genes (ARDEGs) by intersecting DEGs in PCOS and senescence-related gene set. Furthermore, we performed biological functions and potential pathways of ARDEGs and potential hub genes were also screened by multiple algorithms. From the perspective of immune dysfunction, we analyzed the correlation between PCOS and immune cells. Finally, TF-miRNA-gene networks were constructed. Finally, TF-miRNA-gene networks were constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work aimed to elucidate the relation between PCOS and cellular senescence based on bioinformatics strategy, deepening the understanding of mechanisms and to seek for novel therapy strategies for improving reproductive lifespan and female health. Exploring the potential molecular mechanism of cell aging in PCOS is expected to bring a new breakthrough for PCOS diagnosis and therapy strategies. And this, might deepen our understanding about intricate mechanisms of ovarian aging.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Rescue Testicular Aging

BACKGROUND

Testicular aging is associated with diminished fertility and certain age-related ailments, and effective therapeutic interventions remain elusive. Here, we probed the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSC-Exos) in counteracting testicular aging.

METHODS

We employed a model of 22-month-old mice and administered intratesticular injections of hUMSC-Exos. Comprehensive analyses encompassing immunohistological, transcriptomic, and physiological assessments were conducted to evaluate the effects on testicular aging. Concurrently, we monitored alterations in macrophage polarization and the oxidative stress landscape within the testes. Finally, we performed bioinformatic analysis for miRNAs in hUMSC-Exos.

RESULTS

Our data reveal that hUMSC-Exos administration leads to a marked reduction in aging-associated markers and cellular apoptosis while promoting cellular proliferation in aged testis. Importantly, hUMSC-Exos facilitated the restoration of spermatogenesis and elevated testosterone synthesis in aged mice. Furthermore, hUMSC-Exos could attenuate inflammation by driving the phenotypic shift of macrophages from M1 to M2 and suppress oxidative stress by reduced ROS production. Mechanistically, these efficacies against testicular aging may be mediated by hUMSC-Exos miRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that hUMSC-Exos therapy presents a viable strategy to ameliorate testicular aging, underscoring its potential therapeutic significance in managing testicular aging.

miR-10a-5p inhibits steroid hormone synthesis in porcine granulosa cells by targeting CREB1 and inhibiting cholesterol metabolism

During growth, proliferation, differentiation, atresia, ovulation, and luteinization, the morphology and function of granulosa cells (GCs) change. Estrogen and progesterone are steroid hormones secreted by GCs that regulate the ovulation cycle of sows and help maintain pregnancy. miR-10a-5p is highly expressed in GCs and can inhibit GC proliferation. However, the role of miR-10a-5p in the steroid hormone synthesis of porcine GCs is unclear. In this study, miR-10a-5p agomir or antagomir was transfected into GCs. Overexpression of miR-10a-5p in GCs inhibited steroid hormone secretion and significantly downregulated steroid hormone synthesis via 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1. Interference with miR-10a-5p had the opposite effect. Bodipy and Oil Red O staining showed that overexpression of miR-10a-5p significantly reduced the formation of lipid droplets. Overexpression significantly inhibited the content of total cholesterol esters in GCs. The mRNA and protein levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and scavenger receptor class B member 1 decreased significantly, and the opposite effects were seen by interference with miR-10a-5p. Bioinformatic analysis of potential targets identified cAMP-responsive element binding protein 1 as a potential target and dual-luciferase reporter system analysis confirmed that miR-10a-5p directly targets the 3' untranslated region. These findings suggest that miR-10a-5p inhibits the expression of 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 to inhibit the synthesis of steroid hormones in GCs. In addition, miR-10a-5p inhibits the cholesterol metabolism pathway of GCs to modulate steroid hormone synthesis.

Transcriptomic screening to identify hub genes and drug signatures for PCOS based on RNA-Seq data in granulosa cells

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most incident reproductive diseases, and remains the main cause of female infertility. Granulosa cells play a critical role in normal follicle development and steroid hormones synthesis. In spite of extensive research, no sole medication has been approved by FDA to treat PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutics targets in PCOS, focusing on granulosa cells transcriptome functional analysis with a drug repositioning approach.

METHODS

PCOS microarray and RNA-Seq datasets in granulosa cells were screened and reanalyzed. KEGG pathway enrichment and interaction network analyses were performed and followed by a set of drug signature screening and Poly-pharmacology survey.

RESULTS

545 deregulated genes were identified via filters including p_adj < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1. Amongst the top 15 KEGG pathways significantly enriched, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, steroid hormone biosynthesis and ovarian steroidogenesis were observed. The Protein-Protein Interaction network identified 18 hub genes amongst this set. Interestingly, most candidate drug signatures have been introduced by databases are either FDA approved or entered into clinical trials, including melatonin, resveratrol and raloxifene. Investigational or experimental introduced drugs obey rules of drug-likeness with almost safe and acceptable ADMET properties. Notably, 21 top target genes of the final drug set were also included in the granulosa significant differentially expressed genes.

CONCLUSION

Results of the current study represent approved, investigational and experimental drug signatures according to the differentially expressed genes in granulosa cells with supported literature reviews. This data might be useful for researchers and clinicians to pave the way for better management of PCOS.

MicroRNA-1298-5p in granulosa cells facilitates cell autophagy in polycystic ovary syndrome by suppressing glutathione-disulfide reductase

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of miR-1298-5p in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Granulosa cells were isolated from follicular fluid of patients with PCOS and healthy women, and the expression of miR-1298-5p and glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR) mRNA in these cells was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Clinical data were obtained from all subjects, and reproductive hormones and endocrine indices were assayed to analyze the correlation between miR-1298-5p and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with PCOS. Following transfection with the miR-1298-5p mimic or inhibitor and/or pcDNA3.1-GSR, LC3 immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate autophagy in the COV434 human granulosa cell line. Additionally, western blotting was performed to detect LC3-II, Beclin 1, and p62 protein levels in COV434 cells. The interaction between miR-1298-5p and GSR was also examined. A PCOS rat model was established and injected with the miR-1298-5p antagomir, followed by measurement of body and ovary weights, histological examination, and autophagosome observation. The protein expression levels of GSR, LC3-II, Beclin 1, and p62 were determined in rat ovaries. miR-1298-5p was expressed at a high level, and GSR was downregulated in granulosa cells from patients with PCOS. In COV434 cells, miR-1298-5p inversely mediated GSR expression, and miR-1298-5p mimic transfection promoted autophagy, whereas GSR overexpression blocked miR-1298-5p mimic-promoted autophagy. In PCOS rats, miR-1298-5p inhibition reduced autophagy and alleviated abnormalities in follicular development. Overall, miR-1298-5p enhances autophagy in granulosa cells by downregulating GSR, thereby affecting PCOS development.

Role and mechanism of miR-335-5p in the pathogenesis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder of unknown etiology that occurs in women of reproductive age. Despite being considered to affect up to one-fifth of women in this cohort, the condition lacks generally accepted diagnostic biomarkers and options for targeted therapy. Hereby, we analyzed the diagnostic, therapeutic, and functional potential of a recently discovered miR-335-5p that was observed to be reduced in the follicular fluid (FF) of PCOS patients as compared with healthy women. We found miR-335-5p to be significantly decreased in the serum and FF samples of PCOS patients (n = 40) vs healthy women (n = 30), as well as in primary human granulosa cells (hGCs), and in 3 different hormonally induced PCOS-like murine models vs. wild-type (WT) mice. The level of circulating miR-335-5p was found to significantly correlate with the impaired endocrine and clinical features associated with PCOS in human patients. Ovarian intrabursal injection of the miR-335-5p antagomir in WT mice ovaries induced a PCOS-like reproductive phenotype. Treatment with the miR-335-5p agomir rescued the dihydrotestosterone-induced PCOS-phenotype in mice, thereby providing a functional link between miR-335-5p and PCOS. We identified SP1 as a miR-335-5p target gene by using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Both the luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that SP1 bound to the promoter region of human CYP19A1 and inhibited its transcription. miR-335-5p increased the production of estradiol via the SP1/CYP19A1 axis in hGCs, thereby suggesting its mechanistic pathway of action. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that miR-335-5p may function as a mediator in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS, as well as has the potential as both a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PCOS.

The molecular basis of p21-activated kinase-associated neurodevelopmental disorders: From genotype to phenotype

Although the identification of numerous genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has reshaped our understanding of their etiology, there are still major obstacles in the way of developing therapeutic solutions for intellectual disability (ID) and other NDDs. These include extensive clinical and genetic heterogeneity, rarity of recurrent pathogenic variants, and comorbidity with other psychiatric traits. Moreover, a large intragenic mutational landscape is at play in some NDDs, leading to a broad range of clinical symptoms. Such diversity of symptoms is due to the different effects DNA variations have on protein functions and their impacts on downstream biological processes. The type of functional alterations, such as loss or gain of function, and interference with signaling pathways, has yet to be correlated with clinical symptoms for most genes. This review aims at discussing our current understanding of how the molecular changes of group I p21-activated kinases (PAK1, 2 and 3), which are essential actors of brain development and function; contribute to a broad clinical spectrum of NDDs. Identifying differences in PAK structure, regulation and spatio-temporal expression may help understanding the specific functions of each group I PAK. Deciphering how each variation type affects these parameters will help uncover the mechanisms underlying mutation pathogenicity. This is a prerequisite for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.

The molecular mechanism of miR-96-5p in the pathogenesis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by the androgen excess and arrest of antral follicles, is a common endocrine disorder among women lacking specific diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Herein, we studied the molecular mechanism of miR-96-5p in the process of PCOS and its potential applications in PCOS. Clinically, we found that miR-96-5p significantly decreased in serum, follicular fluid and primary human granulosa cells (hGCs) of PCOS patients (n = 70) vs non-PCOS women (n = 60), as well as in the ovaries of 3-types of induced PCOS-like mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the elevated circulating miR-96-5p levels were significantly correlated with the PCOS disordered endocrine clinical features, and the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic was 0.8344, with 75.71% specificity and 80% sensitivity. Mechanically, we identified miR-96-5p as an androgen-regulated miRNA that directly targets the forkhead transcription factor FOXO1. Inhibition of miR-96-5p decreased estrogen synthesis, while decreasing the cell proliferation index of KGN via regulating the expression of FOXO1 and its downstream genes. Inversely, inhibition of FOXO1 abrogated the effect of miR-96-5p on estrogen synthesis and proliferation index. Of note, ovarian intra-bursal injection of miR-96-5p agomir rescued the phenotypes of dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS like mice. In conclusion, our results clarified a vital role of miR-96-5p in the pathogenesis of PCOS and might serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PCOS.

Sustained Morphine Delivery Suppresses Bone Formation and Alters Metabolic and Circulating miRNA Profiles in Male C57BL/6J Mice

Opioid use is detrimental to bone health, causing both indirect and direct effects on bone turnover. Although the mechanisms of these effects are not entirely clear, recent studies have linked chronic opioid use to alterations in circulating miRNAs. Here, we developed a model of opioid-induced bone loss to understand bone turnover and identify candidate miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms. We evaluated the effects of sustained morphine treatment on male and female C57BL/6J mice by treating with vehicle (0.9% saline) or morphine (17 mg/kg) using subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for 25 days. Morphine-treated mice had higher energy expenditure and respiratory quotient, indicating a shift toward carbohydrate metabolism. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis indicated a sex difference in the bone outcome, where male mice treated with morphine had reduced trabecular bone volume fraction (Tb.BV/TV) (15%) and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) (14%) in the distal femur compared with vehicle. Conversely, bone microarchitecture was not changed in females after morphine treatment. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that in males, morphine reduced bone formation rate compared with vehicle, but osteoclast parameters were not different. Furthermore, morphine reduced bone formation marker gene expression in the tibia of males (Bglap and Dmp1). Circulating miRNA profile changes were evident in males, with 14 differentially expressed miRNAs associated with morphine treatment compared with two differentially expressed miRNAs in females. In males, target analysis indicated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway was targeted by miR-223-3p and fatty acid metabolism by miR-484, -223-3p, and -328-3p. Consequently, expression of miR-223-3p targets, including Igf1r and Stat3, was lower in morphine-treated bone. In summary, we have established a model where morphine leads to a lower trabecular bone formation in males and identified potential mediating miRNAs. Understanding the sex-specific mechanisms of bone loss from opioids will be important for improving management of the adverse effects of opioids on the skeleton. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Resveratrol Treatment Induces Mito-miRNome Modification in Follicular Fluid from Aged Women with a Poor Prognosis for In Vitro Fertilization Cycles

Advanced maternal age impairs reproductive performance, influencing the quantity and the quality of oocytes. Mitochondria dysfunction seems to play a decisive role in conditioning the quality of the female gamete. Different in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Resveratrol and its ability to improve mitochondria function even if the exact mechanism of action has not yet been demonstrated in human oocytes. In this paper, by retrospective analysis, we evaluated follicular fluid (FF) miRNome modification in aged women with a poor ovarian reserve receiving a resveratrol-based supplement the three months before the in vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle. We found 13 differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in women treated with resveratrol and specifically miR-125b-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-19a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-660-5p, regulating mitochondrial proteins, are able to control metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. MiRNA expression differences, observed after resveratrol treatment in FF from women with a poor prognosis for IVF, demonstrated that resveratrol may act on mitomiRNAs to improve follicular microenvironment by transcriptomic and proteomic modifications in granulosa cells.

Investigation of the mechanisms and experimental verification of Cuscuta-Salvia in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) via network pharmacology

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease associated with reproduction. The Cuscuta-Salvia formula has been widely used to treat for PCOS in clinic. However, its chemical and pharmacological properties remain unclear. We identified the active components and related targets of Cuscuta-Salvia using UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and TCMSP database. Disease targets were obtained from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Subsequently, common targets between Cuscuta-Salvia and PCOS were identified using a Venn diagram. PPI network was established. Core genes were selected using a Cytoscape software plugin. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed for common targets using the “pathview” package in R. Several core targets were verified using molecular and Immunological methods. By combining UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS with a network pharmacology study, 14 active components and a total of 80 common targets were obtained. Ten core genes were regulated by Cuscuta-Salvia in PCOS, including IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, TP53, TNF, MAPK1, JUN, EGF, CASP3, and EGFR. GO results showed that cellular response to drugs, response to oxygen levels, response lipopolysaccharides, and response to molecule of bacterial origin in BP category; membrane, transcription regulator complex, nuclear chromatin, postsynaptic membrane, and vesicle lumen in CC category; DNA-binding transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding, DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, DNA-binding transcription activator activity, and cytokine receptor binding in MF terms. The KEGG enrichment pathway was mainly involved in the PI3K − Akt, MAPK, TNF, IL-17 signalling pathways, and in cellular senescence. Furthermore, the results of the experimental study showed that Cuscuta-Salvia ameliorated the pathological changes in the ovaries, liver and adipose tissue. And it improved the expressions of the genes or proteins. Our results demonstrate that Cuscuta-Salvia may provide a novel pharmacological basis in an experimental model of PCOS by regulating gene expression. This study provides a basis for future research and clinical applications.

WGCNA Analysis Identifies Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Associated Circular RNAs That Interact with RNA-Binding Proteins and Sponge miRNAs

Objective

Dysfunction of cumulus granulosa cells has been suggested as a contributor to abnormal folliculogenesis and the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert important roles for diseases. We aimed to screen crucial circRNAs of PCOS patients and predict their functions.

Methods

The high-throughput datasets of circRNAs (GSE145296), microRNAs (miRNAs; GSE72274) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs; GSE155489) in cumulus cells of PCOS patients and controls were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs), miRNAs (DEMs) and protein-coding genes (DEGs) were identified by the limma method. The weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted using the DECs to mine PCOS-associated modules. Hub DECs in modules were defined as both of |gene significance| and |module membership| >0.8. The downstream effectors of hub DECs were predicted by constructing DEC-DEM-DEG ceRNA and DEC-RNA binding protein (RBP) networks. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to explore the functions of circRNAs.

Results

A total of 3614 DECs, 3544 DEGs and 1469 DEMs were identified between PCOS and controls. WGCNA analysis yielded five PCOS-related modules, of which 190 DECs were hub circRNAs. Seventeen hub DECs, nine DEMs, and 315 DEGs were identified to construct the ceRNA network, while 56 hub DECs and two DEGs (MBNL2, RBPMS) constituted the circRNA-RBP network. Five hub DECs (hsa_circ_0063309, hsa_circ_0054275, hsa_circ_0056196, hsa_circ_0018108 and hsa_circ_0070987) were overlapped between ceRNA and DEC-MBNL2 regulatory networks and thus they may be pivotal for PCOS. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0099109 could interact with the RBP gene RBPMS. Function analyses showed these circRNAs were inflammation-, apoptosis- or steroidogenesis-related.

Conclusion

Aberrant expression of six circRNAs that function as RBP regulators or miRNA sponges may be possible mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PCOS by affecting apoptosis and steroidogenesis in cumulus cells.

Pathogenetic analysis of polycystic ovary syndrome from the perspective of omics

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common gynecological endocrine disease, involving multiple genes, multiple pathways, and complex hormone secretion processes. Hence, the pathogenesis of PCOS cannot be explained by a single factor. Omics analysis includes genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, which are fast and effective methods for studying the pathogenesis of diseases. PCOS is primarily characterized by androgen excess, and reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions. The application of omics analysis in the body fluids, blood, cells or tissues of women with PCOS offers the potential for unexpected molecular advantages in explaining new mechanisms of PCOS etiology and pathophysiology, and provides new perspectives for identifying potential biomarkers and developing new therapeutic targets. At present, several omics analyses have been applied to produce complex datasets. In this manuscript, the recent advances in omics research on PCOS are summarized, aiming at an important and parallel review of the newly published research.

Addressing the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome and the putative therapeutic effects of its selective inhibition in a preclinical model

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common metabolic and endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women, and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases-1 (11β-HSD1) catalysing the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol plays a crucial role in various metabolic diseases. However, whether 11β-HSD1 is associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS and whether 11β-HSD1 can be a treating target of PCOS remain unknown.

METHODS

This study was first designed to explore the role of 11β-HSD1 in PCOS development and the effect of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor administration on PCOS treatment. Follicular fluid and granulosa cells (GCs) were collected from 32 non-PCOS patients and 37 patients with PCOS to measure cortisol and 11β-HSDs levels. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (3-week-old) were injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to induce PCOS and their ovaries were collected to measure the abundance of corticosterone (CORT) and 11β-HSDs. To determine the role of 11β-HSD1 in PCOS development, we overexpressed 11β-HSD1 in the ovaries of female rats (5-week-old) or knocked down the expression of 11β-HSD1 in the ovaries from PCOS rats via lentivirus injection. After lentivirus infection, the body weights, ovarian weights, estrous cycles, reproductive hormones and morphology of the ovary were analysed in rats from different experimental groups. Then to figure out the translational potential of the selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor in treating PCOS, PCOS rats were treated with BVT.2733, a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor and a cluster of PCOS-like traits were analysed, including insulin sensitivity, ovulatory function and fertility of rats from the Control, PCOS and PCOS+BVT groups. Rat ovarian explants and human GCs were used to explore the effect of CORT or cortisol on ovarian extracellular matrix remodelling.

RESULTS

The elevated expression of 11β-HSD1 contributed to the increased cortisol and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations observed in the ovaries of PCOS patients and PCOS rats respectively. Our results showed that ovarian overexpression of 11β-HSD1 induced a cluster of PCOS phenotypes in rats including irregular estrous cycles, reproductive hormone dysfunction and polycystic ovaries. While knockdown of ovarian 11β-HSD1 of PCOS rats reversed these PCOS-like changes. Additionally, the selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor BVT.2733 alleviated PCOS symptoms such as insulin resistance (IR), irregular estrous cycles, reproductive hormone dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, ovulatory dysfunction and subfertility. Moreover, we showed that cortisol target ovarian insulin signalling pathway and ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in vivo, in ovarian explants and in GCs.

CONCLUSION

Elevated 11β-HSD1 abundance in ovarian is involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS by impairing insulin signalling pathway and ECM remodelling. Selective inhibition of 11β-HSD1 ameliorates a cluster of PCOS phenotypes. Our study demonstrates the selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor as a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of PCOS.

Urinary Cell-Free miR-99a-5p as a Potential Biomarker for Estrus Detection in Buffalo

Accurate estrus detection method is the need of the hour to improve reproductive efficiency of buffaloes in dairy industry, as the currently available estrus detection methods/tools lack high sensitivity and specificity. Recently, circulating miRNAs have been shown as non-invasive biomarkers by various studies. Hence, in order to evaluate their potential as estrus biomarkers, the objective of this study was to identify and compare the levels of 10 hormone-responsive miRNAs in the urine collected at proestrus (PE), estrus (E), and diestrus (DE) phases of buffaloes (n = 3) pertaining to a discovery sample. Among 10 urinary miRNAs, the levels of bta-mir-99a-5p (E/PE 0.5-fold, P < 0.05; DE/PE 1.9-fold), bta-miR-125b (E/PE 0.5-fold; DE/PE 0.7-fold), bta-mir-145 (E/PE 1.5-fold; DE/PE 0.7-fold), bta-mir-210 (E/PE 1.2-fold, DE/PE 0.7-fold), mir-21 (E/PE 1.5-fold, DE/PE 2-fold), and bta-mir-191 (E/PE 1.3-fold; DE/PE 0.8-fold) were found to be altered during different phases of buffalo estrous cycle. In contrast, bta-mir-126-3p, bta-let-7f, bta-mir-16b, and bta-mir-378 were undetected in buffalo urine. Furthermore, a validation study in an independent group of 25 buffalo heifers showed the increased levels of urinary bta-mir-99a-5p during the DE (3.92-fold; P < 0.0001) phase as compared to the E phase. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses also revealed the ability of urinary miR-99a-5p in distinguishing the E from the DE phase (area under the curve of 0.6464; P < 0.08). In silico analysis further showed an enrichment of miR-99a-5p putative targets in various ovarian signaling pathways, including androgen/estrogen/progesterone biosynthesis and apoptosis signaling, implicating the role of miR-99a-5p in ovarian physiology. In conclusion, significantly lower levels of bta-mir-99a-5p at the E phase than the DE phase in buffalo urine indicate its biomarker potential, which needs to be further explored in a large cohort in the future studies.

Integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA interaction in ovaries of Turpan Black Sheep during follicular and luteal phases

To investigate the regulatory mechanism of the follicular-luteal phase transition in Turpan black sheep (Ovis aries), the genome-wide expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes were investigated in ovaries of six sheep (3 years and single lamb with 3 consecutive births) during follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. Bioinformatic analysis was used to screen potential miRNAs and genes related to Turpan black sheep ovarian function. RT-qPCR was used to validate the sequencing results. In total, we identified 139 known and 71 novel miRNAs in the two phases with miRNA-seq, and a total of 19 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, of which 7 were up-regulated and 12 were down-regulated in the follicular phase compared with luteal phase. A total of 150 genes were significantly differentially expressed, including 63 up-regulated and 87 down-regulated in the follicular phase compared with the luteal phase by RNA-seq data analysis. Those DEGs were significantly enriched in 103 GO terms and several KEGG pathways, including metabolic pathway, ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis and oestrogen signalling pathway. In addition, we created a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network to further elucidate the mechanism of follicular-luteal transition. Finally, we identified key miRNAs and genes including miR-143, miR-99a, miR-150, miR-27a, miR-125b, STAR, STAT1, which might play crucial roles in reproductive hormone biosynthesis and follicular development. The miRNA-mRNA interactive network clearly illustrates molecular basis involving in follicular-luteal transition.