The significance of polymorphism and expression of oestrogen metabolism-related genes in Chinese women with premature ovarian insufficiency

Intestinal Flora Changes Induced by a High-Fat Diet Promote Activation of Primordial Follicles through Macrophage Infiltration and Inflammatory Factor Secretion in Mouse Ovaries

Obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) leads to the excessive consumption of primordial follicles (PFs) in the ovaries. There is systemic chronic inflammation under HFD conditions, but no previous studies have explored whether there is a certain causal relationship between HFD-induced chronic inflammation and the overactivation of PFs. Here, we showed that HFD causes disorders of intestinal microflora in mice, with five Gram-negative bacteria showing the most profound increase at the genus level compared to the normal diet (ND) groups and contributes to the production of endotoxin. Endotoxin promotes M1 macrophage infiltration in the ovaries, where they exhibit proinflammatory actions by secreting cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα. These cytokines then boost the activation of PFs by activating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in follicles. Interestingly, transplantation of the HFD intestinal microflora to the ND mice partly replicates ovarian macrophage infiltration, proinflammation, and the overactivation of PFs. Conversely, transplanting the ND fecal microbiota to the HFD mice can alleviate ovarian inflammation and rescue the excessive consumption of PFs. Our findings uncover a novel and critical function of gut microbes in the process of PF overactivation under HFD conditions, and may provide a new theoretical basis for the microbial treatment of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency caused by HFD.

Ginsenoside Rg1 improves pathological damages by activating the p21‑p53‑STK pathway in ovary and Bax‑Bcl2 in the uterus in premature ovarian insufficiency mouse models

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the ginsenoside Rg1 on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced mouse models of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and the related mechanisms. C57BL/6 female mice were randomly grouped into the following: i) D-gal [subcutaneously (s.c.) 200 mg/kg/d D-gal for 42 days]; ii) Rg1 [intraperitoneally (i.p.) 20 mg/kg/d Rg1 for 28 days]; iii) D-gal + Rg1 (s.c. 200 mg/kg/d D-gal for 42 days followed by i.p. 20 mg/kg/d Rg1 for 28 days); and iv) saline groups (equivalent volume of saline s.c. and i.p.). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and electron microscopy were used to analyze uterine and ovarian morphology. Expression levels of senescence factors (p21, p53 and serine/threonine kinase), secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β] and the activities of oxidation biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px)] were analyzed. The results showed that mice in the Rg1 + D-gal group had significantly higher uterine and ovarian weight compared with those in the D-gal group. Uterus morphology was also improved, based on the comparison between the D-gal group and the Rg1 + D-gal group. In addition, the Rg1 treatment after D-gal administration significantly decreased the expression of senescence-associated factors, enhanced the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes total T-SOD and GSH-px in addition to reducing TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA and IL-6 (based on the comparison between the D-gal group and the Rg1 + D-gal group). In conclusion, the present study suggested that the ginsenoside Rg1 improved pathological damages in the ovary and uterus by increasing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities whilst reducing the expression of senescence signaling pathways in POI mouse models.

Inflamm-Aging: A New Mechanism Affecting Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

The normal function of ovaries, along with the secretion of sex hormones, is among the most important endocrine factors that maintain the female sexual characteristics and promote follicular development and ovulation. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common cause in the etiology of female infertility. It is defined as the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. The characteristics of POI are menstrual disorders, including amenorrhea and delayed menstruation, accompanied by a raised gonadotrophin level and decreased estradiol level. Inflammatory aging is a new concept in the research field of aging. It refers to a chronic and low-degree proinflammatory state which occurs with increasing age. Inflammatory aging is closely associated with multiple diseases, as excessive inflammation can induce the inflammatory lesions in certain organs of the body. In recent years, studies have shown that inflammatory aging plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of POI. This paper begins with the pathogenesis of inflammatory aging and summarizes the relationship between inflammatory aging and premature ovarian insufficiency in a comprehensive way, as well as discussing the new diagnostic and therapeutic methods of POI.

22q11.2 rearrangements found in women with low ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency

Ovarian reserve represents the number of available follicles/oocytes within ovaries and it can be assessed by follicle stimulating hormone levels, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and/or antral follicle count determined by ultrasounds. A low ovarian reserve is defined by an abnormal ovarian reserve test. This condition can be considered premature if it occurs before the age of 40, leading to premature ovarian insufficiency. Despite the growing knowledge concerning the genetic basis of ovarian deficiency, the majority of cases remain without a genetic diagnosis. Although 22q11.2 deletions and duplications have been associated with genitourinary malformations, ovarian deficiency is not a commonly reported feature. We report here four patients bearing a 22q11.2 rearrangement, identified during the clinical assessment of their low ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency, and discuss the molecular basis of the ovarian defects.