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Vazakidou P, Evangelista S, Li T, Lecante LL, Rosenberg K, Koekkoek J, Salumets A, Velthut-Meikas A, Damdimopoulou P, Mazaud-Guittot S, Fowler PA, Leonards PEG, van Duursen MBM. The profile of steroid hormones in human fetal and adult ovaries. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:60. [PMID: 38778396 PMCID: PMC11110185 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproduction in women is at risk due to exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system during different windows of sensitivity throughout life. Steroid hormone levels are fundamental for the normal development and function of the human reproductive system, including the ovary. This study aims to elucidate steroidogenesis at different life-stages in human ovaries. METHODS We have developed a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method for 21 important steroid hormones and measured them at different life stages: in media from cultures of human fetal ovaries collected from elective terminations of normally progressing pregnancy and in media from adult ovaries from Caesarean section patients, and follicular fluid from women undergoing infertility treatment. Statistically significant differences in steroid hormone levels and their ratios were calculated with parametric tests. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore clustering of the ovarian-derived steroidogenic profiles. RESULTS Comparison of the 21 steroid hormones revealed clear differences between the various ovarian-derived steroid profiles. Interestingly, we found biosynthesis of both canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids in first and second trimester fetal and adult ovarian tissue cultures. 17α-estradiol, a less potent naturally occurring isomer of 17β-estradiol, was detected only in follicular fluid. PCA of the ovarian-derived profiles revealed clusters from: adult ovarian tissue cultures with relatively high levels of androgens; first trimester and second trimester fetal ovarian tissue cultures with relatively low estrogen levels; follicular fluid with the lowest androgens, but highest corticosteroid, progestogen and estradiol levels. Furthermore, ratios of specific steroid hormones showed higher estradiol/ testosterone and estrone/androstenedione (indicating higher CYP19A1 activity, p < 0.01) and higher 17-hydroxyprogesterone/progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone /androstenedione (indicating higher CYP17A1 activity, p < 0.01) in fetal compared to adult ovarian tissue cultures. CONCLUSIONS Human ovaries demonstrate de novo synthesis of non-canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids. Elucidating the steroid profiles in human ovaries improves our understanding of physiological, life-stage dependent, steroidogenic capacity of ovaries and will inform mechanistic studies to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals that affect female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vazakidou
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
| | - Sara Evangelista
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Tianyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Laetitia L Lecante
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kristine Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Nova Vita Clinic, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jacco Koekkoek
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Competence Center on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Inserm, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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Wu J, Liang C, Wang X, Huang Y, Liu W, Wang R, Cao J, Su X, Yin T, Wang X, Zhang Z, Shen L, Li D, Zou W, Wu J, Qiu L, Di W, Cao Y, Ji D, Qian K. Efficient Metabolic Fingerprinting of Follicular Fluid Encodes Ovarian Reserve and Fertility. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302023. [PMID: 37311196 PMCID: PMC10427401 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian reserve (OR) and fertility are critical in women's healthcare. Clinical methods for encoding OR and fertility rely on the combination of tests, which cannot serve as a multi-functional platform with limited information from specific biofluids. Herein, metabolic fingerprinting of follicular fluid (MFFF) from follicles is performed, using particle-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (PALDI-MS) to encode OR and fertility. PALDI-MS allows efficient MFFF, showing fast speed (≈30 s), high sensitivity (≈60 fmol), and desirable reproducibility (coefficients of variation <15%). Further, machine learning of MFFF is applied to diagnose diminished OR (area under the curve of 0.929) and identify high-quality oocytes/embryos (p < 0.05) by a single PALDI-MS test. Meanwhile, metabolic biomarkers from MFFF are identified, which also determine oocyte/embryo quality (p < 0.05) from the sampling follicles toward fertility prediction in clinics. This approach offers a powerful platform in women's healthcare, not limited to OR and fertility.
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Yang Z, Pan J, Zhou C, Sheng J, Jin L, Huang H. Elevated follicular cortisone level is a negative predictor of clinical pregnancy in women undergoing fresh embryo transfer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17492. [PMID: 37415947 PMCID: PMC10320308 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although numerous studies have investigated the potential correlation between follicular fluid (FF) steroid concentrations and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes, few have accounted for the effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimes on FF steroid concentrations. Objective To comprehensively compare follicular steroid concentrations between women stimulated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and antagonist (GnRHant) protocols and to explore the associations between FF steroid concentrations and IVF/ICSI outcomes. Methods A total of 295 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI from January 2018 to May 2020 were enrolled. Eighty-four and 211 women received GnRHa and GnRHant protocols, respectively. Seventeen steroids in FF were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the correlation of follicular steroids with clinical pregnancy was explored. Results Follicular steroid concentrations were similar between the GnRHa and GnRHant groups. Follicular cortisone levels were adversely associated with clinical pregnancy in fresh embryo transfers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.639 (95% confidence interval = 0.527-0.751, p = 0.025) for predicting non-pregnancy, with an optimal cutoff value of 15.81 ng/mL (sensitivity = 33.3%, specificity = 94.1%). Women with FF cortisone concentrations ≥15.81 ng/mL were fifty times less likely to achieve clinical pregnancy in fresh embryo transfers than those with FF cortisone levels below this threshold (adjusted OR = 0.019, 95% confidence interval = 0.002-0.207, p = 0.001) after adjusting for age, body mass index, baseline serum progesterone levels, serum levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone on human chorionic gonadotropin day, ovarian stimulation protocols, and the number of transferred embryos. Conclusions There was no significant difference in intrafollicular steroid levels between GnRHa and GnRHant protocols, and intrafollicular cortisone level ≥15.81 ng/mL was found to be a strong negative predictor of clinical pregnancy in fresh embryo transfers with high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuwei Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
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Zhu M, Wang N, Wang S, Wang Y, Yang X, Fan J, Chen Y. Effects of Follicular Fluid on Physiological Characteristics and Differentiation of Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells Implicating for Ovarian Cancer Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10154. [PMID: 37373301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The fallopian tube (FT) is an important reproductive organ in females. Ample evidence suggests that the distal end of FT is the original site of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). FT may suffer from repeated injury and repair stimulated by follicular fluid (FF); however, this hypothesis has not been examined. In fact, the molecular mechanism of homeostasis, differentiation, and the transformation of fallopian tube epithelial cells (FTECs) resulting from the stimulation of FF are still enigmatic. In this study, we examined the effects of FF along with factors present in the FF on a variety of FTEC models, including primary cell culture, ALI (air-liquid interface) culture, and 3D organ spheroid culture. We found that FF plays a similar role to estrogen in promoting cell differentiation and organoid formation. Moreover, FF significantly promotes cell proliferation and induces cell injury and apoptosis in high concentrations. These observations may help us to investigate the mechanisms of the initiation of HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maobi Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Na Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Xiawen Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Jianglin Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Yajie Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529000, China
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Wrigglesworth J, Harding IH, Islam RM, Ward PGD, Woods RL, Bell RJ, McNeil JJ, Storey E, Egan G, Murray AM, Trevaks RE, Ward SA, Davis SR, Ryan J. The association between sex hormones and the change in brain-predicted age difference in older women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:692-699. [PMID: 36807922 PMCID: PMC10073334 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of circulating sex hormones on structural brain ageing is yet to be established. This study explored whether concentrations of circulating sex hormones in older women are associated with the baseline and longitudinal changes in structural brain ageing, defined by the brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD). DESIGN Prospective cohort study using data from NEURO and Sex Hormones in Older Women; substudies of the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly clinical trial. PATIENTS Community-dwelling older women (aged 70+ years). MEASUREMENTS Oestrone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were quantified from plasma samples collected at baseline. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline, 1 and 3 years. Brain age was derived from whole brain volume using a validated algorithm. RESULTS The sample comprised of 207 women not taking medications known to influence sex hormone concentrations. A statistically higher baseline brain-PAD (older brain age relative to chronological age) was seen for women in the highest DHEA tertile compared with the lowest in the unadjusted analysis (p = .04). This was not significant when adjusted for chronological age, and potential confounding health and behavioural factors. Oestrone, testosterone and SHBG were not associated with brain-PAD cross-sectionally, nor were any of the examined sex hormones or SHBG associated with brain-PAD longitudinally. CONCLUSION No strong evidence of an association between circulating sex hormones and brain-PAD. Given there is prior evidence to suggests sex hormones may be important for brain ageing, further studies of circulating sex hormones and brain health in postmenopausal women are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Wrigglesworth
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Rakibul M. Islam
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip G. D. Ward
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin J. Bell
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - John J. McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Australia
| | - Anne M. Murray
- Berman Centre for Outcomes & Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Hennepin Healthcare, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, USA
| | - Ruth E. Trevaks
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie A. Ward
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan R. Davis
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
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Zhu K, Chen Y, Sang Y, Chen Q, Wang G, Zhu B, Lin T, Mao L, Zhu Y. Serum steroid metabolome on the day of oocyte retrieval in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and its association with pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106311. [PMID: 37060931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormone level is a crucial factor affecting the outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum steroid metabolome on the day of oocyte retrieval in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and explore whether specific steroids can be potential indicators to improve the prediction of pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. In this study, the serum levels of 21 steroids in 89 women with PCOS and 73 control women without PCOS on the day of oocyte retrieval of the first IVF/ICSI treatment cycle were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All patients subsequently received good-quality embryo transfer, and the correlation between their steroid profiles and pregnancy outcomes of the first embryo transfer (ET) was retrospectively analyzed. We found PCOS patients had aberrant levels of 11 out of 21 steroid hormones compared to control individuals, with androgen steroid hormones being considerably enhanced. Enzyme activity evaluation indicated that PCOS women might have abnormal activity of CYP17A1, CYP21A2, CYP11B2, CYP19A1, HSD3B, HSD11B, and HSD17B. Additionally, the level of 18-hydroxycorticosterone (p = 0.014), corticosterone (p = 0.035), and 17-hydroxypregnenolone (p = 0.005) were markedly higher in live birth group than in non- live birth group for PCOS women following frozen embryo transfer (FET). Multiple logistic regressions indicated that 18-hydrocorticosterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone were independently associated with live birth outcomes of PCOS women following FET. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that 0.595ng/mL for 18-hydrocorticosterone level (AUC: 0.6936, p = 0.014).and 2.829ng/mL for 17-hydroxypregnenolone level (AUC: 0.7215, p = 0.005) were the best cutoff values to predict live birth outcomes of PCOS. In conclusion, the blood steroid metabolome was closely related to the IVF/ICSI outcomes of PCOS patients. 18-hydroxycorticosterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone might be potential indicators to predict pregnancy outcomes of PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS: The data used in the current study are available from the database of Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University on reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunwen Chen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yimiao Sang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingqing Chen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guiquan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luna Mao
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China.
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Witzke L, Leser S, Nesbigall M, Pfefferle PI, Wagner U, Ziller V. The role of follicular anti-Mullerian hormone in women undergoing IVF/ICSI with regard to size, oocyte presence, sociodemographic parameters, treatment variables, and other hormones and vitamins. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:124-129. [PMID: 34519591 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1967313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between follicular anti-Mullerian hormone (fAMH) regarding follicle size, the presence of an oocyte, sociodemographic parameters, and other hormones and vitamins in follicular fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective exploratory cohort study included 376 follicles from 61 women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. The size of each follicle was measured individually, and they were divided into a large and a small group according to their size. The presence of oocytes was detected on the day of oocyte retrieval. Sociodemographic factors were documented during the course of preliminary testing. Then, other parameters of patients' serum and follicular fluid were measured. RESULTS Small follicles contained a significantly higher concentration of fAMH than large ones did. We showed that the presence of an oocyte in a follicle is associated with a significantly higher fAMH level than in those without one (p < .001). There exists a significant but weak correlation between fAMH and the sociodemographic parameter of patients' age (r = -0.11, p < .001). We did not find a correlation with the patients' BMI (r = 0.03, p < .006). We also investigated the connections between fAMH and other parameters, such as vitamin D (r = -0.13, p < .001), LH (r = 0.35, p < .001)), and progesterone (r = -0.21, p < .001) in follicular fluid. CONCLUSIONS This knowledge can be useful for the future development of reproductive medicine. Our results can provide an important building block for this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Witzke
- Department Gynecology Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - S Leser
- Department Gynecology Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - M Nesbigall
- Department Gynecology Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - P I Pfefferle
- Comprehensive Biobank Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - U Wagner
- Department Gynecology Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - V Ziller
- Department Gynecology Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Bell RJ, Islam RM, Skiba MA, Herbert D, Martinez Garcia A, Davis SR. Substituting serum anti-Müllerian hormone for polycystic ovary morphology increases the number of women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: a community-based cross-sectional study. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:109-118. [PMID: 34741176 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) replace polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) determined by ultrasound as a diagnostic component of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Despite good correlations between serum AMH and PCOM, the use of a high serum AMH as a proxy for PCOM resulted in the reclassification of PCOS in 5% of study participants, with the main effect being more women identified, although some women previously classified as having PCOS were no longer classified as such. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AMH has been proposed as an alternative to PCOM as a diagnostic component of PCOS. Previous studies are limited by poorly defining PCOS, use of infertile women as comparators, measurement of hormones by immunoassay that lack precision in the female range, low-resolution ovarian ultrasound and inconsistent handling and storage of serum samples. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is an Australian cross-sectional study of 163 non-healthcare-seeking women. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Serum AMH was measured by both the Ansh picoAMH assay and the Beckman Coulter Access 2 (BA2) assay, in parallel with androgens measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, in blood samples of women, not pregnant, breast feeding or using systemic steroids, who also underwent high-resolution ovarian ultrasound. PCOS was determined by the Rotterdam criteria with PCOM defined by the Androgen Excess-PCOS Taskforce recommendation of ≥25 follicles in at least one ovary. Cut-off serum concentrations that best identified women as having PCOM were identified by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 163 women, mean (SD) age 32.5 (5.5) years, who provided a blood sample and had both ovaries visualized on ultrasound were included in the analysis. Women with isolated PCOM had higher median (range) Ansh AMH and BA2 AMH concentrations than those with no PCOS characteristics [56.9 pmol/l (34.6, 104.2) versus 18.7 (3.2, 50.9), P = 0.002 and 38.5 pmol/l (22.2, 100.2) versus 16.7 (3.5, 38.9), P = 0.002, respectively]. An AMH ≥ 44.0 pmol/l, suggested by the ROC curve, identified 80.6% of women with PCOM, falsely identified 15.2% of women without PCOM as having PCOS and had a positive predictive value of 55.6%. The negative predictive value was 94.9%. An AMH BA2 assay cut-off of ≥33.2 pmol/l provided a sensitivity of 80.6%, a specificity of 79.5% and a positive predictive value for PCOM of 48.1%. The negative predictive value was 94.6% for PCOM. When serum AMH was used in the place of PCOM as a diagnostic criterion for PCOS, the Ansh assay resulted in an additional seven women classified as having PCOS and no longer classified one woman as having PCOS. For the BA2 assay, eight additional and two fewer women were classified as having PCOS. Overall, both assays resulted in six more women being classified as having PCOS. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Women with functional hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism were not excluded and may have been misclassified as having an oligo-amenorrhoea-PCOM phenotype. As study participants were predominantly Caucasian/White, our findings cannot be generalized to women of other ethnicities. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although serum AMH reflects the number of developing ovarian follicles, the absolute values vary between assays and specific reference ranges for individual assays are required. Irrespective of the assay used, replacing PCOM with serum AMH to diagnose PCOS in a community-based sample altered the number of women classified as having or not having PCOS. Consequently, although overall the risk of women being identified as having PCOS would be increased, some women would no longer be classified as having this condition. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by the Norman Beischer Research Foundation and the Grollo-Ruzzene Foundation. S.R.D. is an NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow (Grant No. 1135843). S.R.D. reports unrelated support that includes grants from the NHMRC Australia, personal fees for educational activities from Besins Healthcare, Abbott Chile, BioFemme and Pfizer Australia, personal Advisory Board/consultancy fees from Theramex, Abbott Laboratories, Astellas, Mayne Pharmaceuticals, Roche Diagnostics, Lawley Pharmaceuticals and Que Oncology and has received institutional grant funding from Que Oncology and Ovoca research. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Bell
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rakibul M Islam
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina A Skiba
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dilinie Herbert
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alejandra Martinez Garcia
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Division of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susan R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Islam RM, Bell RJ, Skiba MA, Davis SR. Testosterone and androstenedione are positively associated with anti-Müllerian hormone in premenopausal women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:752-759. [PMID: 34524701 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document associations between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and circulating androgens in nonhealthcare-seeking premenopausal women. DESIGN Community-based, cross-sectional study. SETTING Eastern states of Australia. PARTICIPANTS Women aged 18-39 years not using systemic hormones, not pregnant or breastfeeding within 3 months, and not postmenopausal. MEASUREMENTS AMH, measured by the Beckman Access 2, 2 site immunometric assay from fresh samples, and testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 11-oxygenated C19 steroids, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Data were available for 794 women, median age of 33 years (range: 18-39). 76.1% were of European ancestry and 48.2% were parous. Serum AMH was positively associated with testosterone (rho = .29, p < .001) androstenedione (rho = .39, p < .001) and DHEA (rho = .10, p = .005) but not 11-ketoandrostenedione or 11-ketotestosterone. When adjusted for age, body mass index and smoking, using quantile regression, independent positive associations remained between AMH and testosterone (β coefficient: 20.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.79-28.03; p < .001) and androstenedione (β coefficient: 5.90, 95% CI: 3.76-8.03; p < .001). The serum concentration of testosterone was greater at the top AMH quintile than other quintiles (0.56 nmol/L [range: 0.21-1.90] vs. 0.36 nmol/L [range: 0.13-0.87]; p = .001) in women with self-reported polycystic ovary syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The positive associations between serum testosterone and androstenedione and AMH in premenopausal women is consistent with androgens directly or indirectly influencing AMH production during follicular development. As the highest AMH concentrations are most likely to be seen in women with multifollicular ovaries, it would be expected that women with multifollicular ovaries would have higher serum testosterone. Therefore, whether hyperandrogenemia and multifollicular ovaries should be considered independent characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome warrants review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakibul M Islam
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin J Bell
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marina A Skiba
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan R Davis
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Taiwo BG, Frettsome-Hook RL, Taylor AE, Correia JN, Lefievre L, Publicover SJ, Conner SJ, Kirkman-Brown JC. Complex combined steroid mix of the female tract modulates human sperm. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100561. [PMID: 34619633 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatozoa interact with a complex biochemical environment in the female reproductive tract en route to the site of fertilisation. Ovarian follicular fluid contributes to this complex milieu and is known to contain steroids such as progesterone, whose effects on sperm physiology have been widely characterised. We have previously reported that progesterone stimulates intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) signalling and acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. To characterise the effects of the unified complete follicular fluid steroid hormone complement on human spermatozoa, a comprehensive, data-based, 'physiological standard' steroid hormone balance of follicular fluid (shFF) was created from individual constituents. shFF induced a rapid biphasic [Ca2+]i elevation in human spermatozoa. Using population fluorimetry, we compared [Ca2+]i signal amplitude in cells exposed to serial applications of shFF (6 steps from 10-5X up to 1X shFF) with responses to the equivalent progesterone component alone (6 steps from 135 pM - 13.5μM). Threshold for the response to shFF was right-shifted (≈10-fold) compared to progesterone alone, but the maximum response to shFF was greatly enhanced. An acrosome reaction assay was used to assess functional effects of shFF-induced sperm calcium signalling. shFF as well as progesterone-treated spermatozoa showed a significant increase in % acrosome reaction (P < 0.01). All of this evidence suggests the modulation of progesterone-mediated responses by other follicular fluid steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gbenro Taiwo
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Louise Frettsome-Hook
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Elizabeth Taylor
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - João Natalino Correia
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Lefievre
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Jayne Conner
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jackson Carl Kirkman-Brown
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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11
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Jeschke JK, Biagioni C, Schierling T, Wagner IV, Börgel F, Schepmann D, Schüring A, Kulle AE, Holterhus PM, von Wolff M, Wünsch B, Nordhoff V, Strünker T, Brenker C. The Action of Reproductive Fluids and Contained Steroids, Prostaglandins, and Zn 2+ on CatSper Ca 2+ Channels in Human Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:699554. [PMID: 34381781 PMCID: PMC8350739 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.699554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper registers chemical cues that assist human sperm to fertilize the egg. Prime examples are progesterone and prostaglandin E1 that activate CatSper without involving classical nuclear and G protein-coupled receptors, respectively. Here, we study the action of seminal and follicular fluid as well of the contained individual prostaglandins and steroids on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of sperm from donors and CATSPER2-deficient patients that lack functional CatSper channels. We show that any of the reproductive steroids and prostaglandins evokes a rapid Ca2+ increase that invariably rests on Ca2+ influx via CatSper. The hormones compete for the same steroid- and prostaglandin-binding site to activate the channel, respectively. Analysis of the hormones’ structure–activity relationship highlights their unique pharmacology in sperm and the chemical features determining their effective properties. Finally, we show that Zn2+ suppresses the action of steroids and prostaglandins on CatSper, which might prevent premature prostaglandin activation of CatSper in the ejaculate, aiding sperm to escape from the ejaculate into the female genital tract. Altogether, our findings reinforce that human CatSper serves as a promiscuous chemosensor that enables sperm to probe the varying hormonal microenvironment prevailing at different stages during their journey across the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice K Jeschke
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Schierling
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Isabel Viola Wagner
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Lübeck, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frederik Börgel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Schüring
- UKM Kinderwunschzentrum, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexandra E Kulle
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Paul Martin Holterhus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael von Wolff
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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12
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Steroid Hormones of Follicular Fluid and the Outcome of in Vitro Fertilization. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2021-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
One of the succes factors of biomedically assisted fertilization is the regular maturation of one or more oocytes. The quality of the oocytes is significantly influenced by the environment in which it is located, the so-called „microenvironment” that includes cumulus cells, follicular fluid in which hormones and growth factors involved in its growth and development are secreted. The main aim was to examine whether the concentration of steroid hormones in the follicular fluid affects the rate of fertilization and the outcome of the in vitro fertilization process itself. The study included 31 patients who were included in vitro fertilization procedure at the Department for Biomedically Assisted Fertilization, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center Kragujevac. We used follicular fluid as biological material for analysis. Examination of the obtained follicular fluid and collection of oocytes under a stereomicroscope was done in the embryological laboratory at the Department. Biochemical parameters of follicular fluid were analyzed in the Department for Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinical Center Kragujevac. In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) methods were used as the fertilization method. The criteria of the Istanbul Consensus of Clinical Embryologists were used as a reference framework for embryo quality assessment. Pregnancy was confirmed by a positive serum level of the hormone β-hCG 14 days after embryo transfer. A software package ЅРЅЅ 20 was used for statistical data processing. The results of the analysis of follicular fluid samples show that there was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in follicular fluid in relation to fertilization rate and the outcome of in vitro fertilization. Based on our results, it can be concluded that the concentration of steroid hormones did not affect fertilization rate and the outcome of in vitro fertilization.
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13
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Serum testosterone levels are positively associated with serum anti-mullerian hormone levels in infertile women. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6336. [PMID: 33737663 PMCID: PMC7973568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone (T) both play distinct roles in the early stages of folliculogenesis. However, the relationship between serum T and AMH levels is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum T and AMH levels in infertile women. A total of 1935 infertile women aged 20-46 years were included in the cross-sectional study and divided into four quartile groups (Q1 to Q4) based on serum T levels. Compared to the subjects in the highest T quartile (Q4), those in the lowest T quartile (Q1) showed significantly lower AMH levels. After adjustment for age, body weight, body mass index and FSH, increasing T quartile categories were associated with higher AMH levels. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds for the risk of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) were 11.44-fold higher in Q1 than in Q4 and the odds for the risk of excess ovarian reserve (EOR) were 10.41-fold higher in Q4 than in Q1. Our data show that serum T levels are positively associated with serum AMH levels and suggest that androgen insufficiency may be a potential risk factor for DOR; androgen excess may lead to EOR in infertile women.
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14
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Yang Z, Zhou W, Zhou C, Zhou Y, Liu X, Ding G, Hu Y, Pan J, Sheng J, Jin L, Huang H. Steroid metabolome profiling of follicular fluid in normo- and hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 206:105806. [PMID: 33340681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disease defined by the presence of at least two of the following features: hyperandrogenism, oligoanovulation (OA), and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Hyperandrogenism is considered the cornerstone of PCOS. However, the most prevalent phenotype in Chinese women with PCOS is OA + PCOM [normo-androgenic PCOS (NA-PCOS)]. It has been reported that PCOS women have higher androgen levels in follicular fluid (FF), but whether NA-PCOS women have the same intrafollicular steroid profiles as hyperandrogenic PCOS (HA-PCOS) women has not been explored. In this study, we analyzed 17 steroids in stimulated size-matched ovarian follicles (16-18 mm) from 166 controls and 141 PCOS women [87 NA-PCOS and 54 HA-PCOS women, defined by a single serum testosterone (T) immunoassay measurement] using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and investigated their relationship with baseline characteristics. No significant differences in intrafollicular steroid levels and product/precursor ratios between NA-PCOS and HA-PCOS women were observed, though HA-PCOS women had significantly higher serum luteinizing hormone and T levels than NA-PCOS women. NA-PCOS and HA-PCOS women had significantly higher levels of androstenedione (AD), T and free androgen index, higher enzyme activity of P450c17 (AD/17OH-progesterone), 3βHSD2 (17OH-progesterone /17OH-pregnenolone) and P450c11 (corticosterone /11-deoxycorticosterone), lower levels of pregnenolone, 17OH-pregnenolone and 11-deoxycorticosterone, and decreased enzyme activity of P450aro (estrone/AD and estradiol/T) and 5α-reductase (dihydrotestosterone/T) in FF than controls. NA-PCOS women had significantly higher intrafollicular cortisol levels and lower 11βHSD2 (cortisone/cortisol) activity than controls. Baseline serum T levels were slightly correlated with intrafollicular estrogens (E1: r = 0.192, p = 0.019; E2: r = 0.248, p = 0.002; E3: r = 0.248, p = 0.002) and androgens (DHEAS: r = 0.276, p = 0.001; AD: r = 0.185, p = 0.032; T: r = 0.173, p = 0.044) in controls and PCOS women respectively. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC) were correlated with intrafollicular cortisol (AMH: r = 0.380, p = 0.000; AFC: r = 0.177, p = 0.036) and corticosterone (AMH: r = 0.212, p = 0.048; AFC: r = 0.219, p = 0.009) levels in PCOS women. In conclusion, NA-PCOS and HA-PCOS women had statistically similar steroid metabolome profiles in FF, both of which showed a generally decreased steroidogenesis and hyperandrogenism compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuwei Yang
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhou
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhong Zhou
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guolian Ding
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulian Hu
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Zheng J, Islam RM, Skiba MA, Bell RJ, Davis SR. Associations between androgens and sexual function in premenopausal women: a cross-sectional study. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2020; 8:693-702. [PMID: 32707117 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although clinicians often measure the serum concentration of androgens in premenopausal women presenting with sexual dysfunction, with some women given testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone as treatment if their concentrations are low, whether androgens are determinants of sexual function in women of reproductive age is uncertain. We aimed to clarify the associations between androgens and sexual function in a community-based sample of non-health-care-seeking women. METHODS This is a substudy of the Grollo-Ruzzene cross-sectional study, which recruited women aged 18-39 years from eastern states in Australia (QLD, NSW, VIC). After providing consent, women completed an online survey that included the Profile of Female Secual Function (PFSF) questionnaire, and those who were who were not pregnant, breastfeeding, or using systemic steroids were asked to provide a blood sample. At sampling, women were asked the dates of their last menstrual bleed. Serum androgens was measured by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) by immunoassay. Associations between androgens and domains of sexual function, assessed by the PFSF, were examined in participants with regular menstrual cycles. After univariable linear regression (model 1), age, BMI, stage of menstrual cycle, and smoking status were added to the model (model 2), and then parity, partner status, and psychotropic medication use (model 3). FINDINGS Of 6986 women who completed the online survey (surveys completed between Nov 11, 2016, and July 21, 2017), 3698 were eligible and 761 (20·6%) provided blood samples by Sept 30, 2017. Of those who provided a blood sample, 588 (77·3%) had regular menstrual cycles and were included in the analysis. Adjusting for age, BMI, cycle stage, smoking, parity, partner status, and psychoactive medication, sexual desire was positively associated with serum dehydroepiandrosterone (β-coefficient 3·39, 95% CI 0·65 to 6·03) and androstenedione (4·81, 0·16 to 9·12), and negatively with SHBG (-5.74, -9.54 to -1·90), each model explaining less than 4% of the variation in desire. Testosterone (6·00, 1·29 to 10·94) and androstenedione (6·05, 0·70 to 11·51) were significantly associated with orgasm, with the final models explaining less than 1% of the variation in orgasm. Significant associations were found between androstenedione (7·32, 0·93 to 13·08) and dehydroepiandrosterone (4·44, 0·86 to 7·95) and pleasure, and between testosterone and sexual self-image 5·87 (1·27 to 10·61), with inclusion of parity, partners status, and psychotropic drug use increasing the proportion of variation explained by each model to approximately 10%. There were no statistically significant associations between 11-oxygenated steroids and any PFSF domain, or between arousal or responsiveness and any hormone. No associations were seen between 11-oxygenated steroids and any sexual domain, or between arousal or responsiveness and any hormone. INTERPRETATION Associations between androgens and sexual function in premenopausal women are small, and their measurement offers no diagnostic use in this context. Further research to determine whether 11-ketoandrostenedione or 11-ketotestosterone are of clinical significance is warranted. FUNDING The Grollo-Ruzzene Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zheng
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Rakibul M Islam
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Marina A Skiba
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Robin J Bell
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Susan R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia.
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LH supplementation of ovarian stimulation protocols influences follicular fluid steroid composition contributing to the improvement of ovarian response in poor responder women. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12907. [PMID: 32737326 PMCID: PMC7395161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this prospective study, we evaluated the steroid levels in 111 follicular fluids (FF) collected from 13 women stimulated with FSH monotherapy and 205 FF collected from 28 women stimulated with FSH + LH because of a previous history of hypo-responsiveness to FSH. Steroid levels were measured by HPLC/MS–MS and related to ovarian stimulation protocol, oocyte maturity, fertilization and quality of blastocysts, after individually tracking the fate of all retrieved oocytes. 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone, Androstenedione, Estradiol and Estrone were significantly higher in the FSH + LH protocol. Progesterone, 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone and Estradiol were more expressed in FF yielding a mature oocyte (p < 0.01) in the FSH + LH protocol. FF Progesterone concentration was correlated with the rate of normal fertilization in the FSH protocol. None of the FF steroids measured were associated with blastocyst quality and achievement of pregnancy. Our results indicate that LH supplementation in hypo-responsive women modifies ovarian steroid production, mimicking physiological production better and likely contributing to an improved ovarian response. Employing a correct methodological procedure to evaluate the relationship between FF steroid hormones and assisted reproduction outcomes, our study reveals that some steroids in single follicles may be helpful in predicting oocyte maturity and fertilization.
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17
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Pizarro BM, Cordeiro A, Reginatto MW, Campos SPC, Mancebo ACA, Areas PCF, Antunes RA, Souza MDCB, Oliveira KJ, Bloise FF, Bloise E, Fortunato RS, Ortiga-Carvalho TM. Estradiol and Progesterone Levels are Related to Redox Status in the Follicular Fluid During in vitro Fertilization. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa064. [PMID: 32666010 PMCID: PMC7326473 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have reported a possible association between the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in follicular fluid (FF) and infertility treatment outcomes. FF analysis can provide important information about oocyte quality. This study aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between oxidative stress biomarker and intrafollicular hormone levels and clinical and laboratory parameters in women during controlled ovarian stimulation. These women were undergoing in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).The FF samples were acquired from September 2012 to February 2014 from women undergoing private fertility treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 196 women who were undergoing ICSI and had different infertility diagnoses were recruited. The FF from each patient (average patient age of 36.3 ± 4.3 years) was collected following puncture of just one follicle with the largest diameter. After ruling out blood contamination by spectrophotometry, 163 patient samples were utilized in the study. In the FF, the progesterone levels were negatively correlated with (a) hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity (HPSC) (r = −0.294, P < 0.0001), (b) total number of follicles (r = −0.246, P < 0.001) and (c) total number of oocytes punctured (r = −0.268, P = 0.0001). The concentration of serum estradiol exhibited a positive correlation with intrafollicular HPSC (r = 0.165, P = 0.037). Our data indicate that the FF levels of estradiol and progesterone are related to the FF redox status, which is closely associated with the number of oocytes obtained during ICSI procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartira Marques Pizarro
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline Cordeiro
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mila Weydtt Reginatto
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Samir P C Campos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberto Azevedo Antunes
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Fertipraxis, Clinic of Human Reproduction, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Maternal Hospital of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Karen Jesus Oliveira
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology and Metabolism, Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal Fluminense University, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Flavia Fonseca Bloise
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Soares Fortunato
- Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Yang T, Huang Y, Zhou Y, Chen S, Wang H, Hu Y, Liu J, Jiang Z, Lu Q, Yin X. Simultaneous quantification of oestrogens and androgens in the serum of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia by liquid chromatography-Tandem mass spectrometry. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13611. [PMID: 32441855 DOI: 10.1111/and.13611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men. It has been found that the occurrence of BPH was closely related to dysregulated steroid hormones. Here, a rapid, sensitive, accurate and specific method for the quantitative profiling of five androgens in man serum was developed and validated by the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Using this method, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), androsterone (A), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestrone (E1) and oestradiol (E2) were quantified in serum from man with and without BPH. BPH patients were characterised by the decreases in DHEA, A4 and T as well as increases in DHT, E2 and E1 in serum. Meanwhile, DHEA and DHT in serum were screened as sensitive biomarkers of BPH patients. This study will provide a new perspective of dysregulated steroid hormones for the diagnosis and prevention of BPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shangxiu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yinlu Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxing Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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19
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Costermans NGJ, Soede NM, Blokland M, van Tricht F, Keijer J, Kemp B, Teerds KJ. Steroid profile of porcine follicular fluid and blood serum: Relation with follicular development. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14320. [PMID: 31883224 PMCID: PMC6934872 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify follicular fluid (FF) steroids which reflect follicular development in the early stages of the follicular phase and to establish whether the levels of these FF steroids correspond to their levels in serum. If these relations are established, serum steroid profiles may be used to monitor follicular development already in this early stage of the follicular phase. We used samples of two experiments, one with multiparous sows at the onset of the follicular phase (weaning) and one with primiparous sows at the midfollicular phase (48 hr after weaning). Complete steroid profiles were measured in pooled FF of the 15 largest follicles and serum using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In experiment 1, pooled FF volume, as a measure for average follicle size, tended to be positively related to higher FF 17β-estradiol levels (β = 0.56, p = .08). In experiment 2, a larger FF volume was related not only to FF higher 17β-estradiol levels (β = 2.11, p < .001) but also to higher levels of β-nortestosterone (β = 1.15, p < .0001) and its metabolite 19-norandrostenedione (β = 1.27, p < .01). In addition, FF volume was related to higher FF 17α-OH-pregnenolone (β = 1.63, p = .03) and 17α-OH-progesterone (β = 1.83, p < .001), which could indicate that CYP17,20-lyase activity is limiting for 17β-estradiol production in larger follicles at the beginning of the follicular phase. In serum, most of the steroids were present at lower levels compared to FF, except for the corticosteroids. Serum progestins and androgens were never related to follicle pool volume and steroid levels did not differ in the midfollicular phase compared to the onset of the follicular phase in the second experiment. Serum steroid levels therefore poorly reflect the developmental stage of the follicle pool in the first half of the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja G J Costermans
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicoline M Soede
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Blokland
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike van Tricht
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Fan Y, Chang Y, Wei L, Chen J, Li J, Goldsmith S, Silber S, Liang X. Apoptosis of mural granulosa cells is increased in women with diminished ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1225-1235. [PMID: 30980221 PMCID: PMC6602993 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the relationship between apoptosis of granulosa cells in women with normal ovarian reserve versus diminished ovarian reserve, and relate that to follicular fluid hormones, and to clinical outcomes. Methods A prospective cohort study was initiated between October 2015 and June 2016 involving a total of 164 women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles at a single IVF center. Mural and cumulus granulosa cells, and follicularfluid were collected during oocyte retrieval. Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis staining and flow cytometryanalysis were performed to evaluate apoptosis rate of mural granulosa cells and cumulus cells. Follicularfluid hormones were measured by ECLIA. Laboratory and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results In mural granulosa cells, early, late and total apoptosis rates were significantly increased in women with diminished ovarian reserve when compare to women with normal ovarian reserve, along with lower AMHand progesterone levels (but higher estradiol levels) in follicular fluid. Early apoptosis rate of cumulus cellswas significantly higher in the non-pregnant group. The apoptosis rate of mural cells was negativelycorrelated with parameters related to ovarian response, oocyte yield, MII egg number, 2pn cleavagenumber, D3 good embryos number, blastocyst formation rate and frozen embryos number. A positivecorrelation was found between mural granulosa cell apoptosis and age. Conclusion A significantly higher apoptosis rate of mural granulosa cells was correlated with worse ovarian response, with fewer egg and embryo numbers in IVF/ICSI, as well as with age. Early apoptosis rate of cumulus cellsmight also have influence on clinical pregnancy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-019-01446-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Fan
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 17th Shou-gou-ling Rd, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yajie Chang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 17th Shou-gou-ling Rd, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Lina Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 17th Shou-gou-ling Rd, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 17th Shou-gou-ling Rd, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 17th Shou-gou-ling Rd, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Sierra Goldsmith
- Infertility Center of St. Louis, 224 S. Woods Mill Road Suite 730, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Sherman Silber
- Infertility Center of St. Louis, 224 S. Woods Mill Road Suite 730, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 17th Shou-gou-ling Rd, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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21
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Bertoldo MJ, Caldwell ASL, Riepsamen AH, Lin D, Gonzalez MB, Robker RL, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Handelsman DJ, Walters KA. A Hyperandrogenic Environment Causes Intrinsic Defects That Are Detrimental to Follicular Dynamics in a PCOS Mouse Model. Endocrinology 2019; 160:699-715. [PMID: 30657917 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. Hyperandrogenism is both a major symptom and key diagnostic trait of PCOS; however, the direct impact of this androgen excess on ovarian dynamics is unclear. By combining a DHT-induced PCOS mouse model with an ex vivo follicle culture system, we investigated the impact of hyperandrogenism on ovarian function. Ovaries from PCOS mice exhibited the characteristic polycystic ovary morphology with numerous large cystic follicles and no corpora lutea present. Isolation and individual culture of preantral and antral follicles from PCOS mice resulted in slower growth rates during 5 days compared with the follicles isolated from control mice (P < 0.01). In contrast, preovulatory follicles from PCOS mice exhibited a significant increase in growth rate compared with controls (P < 0.01). Preantral follicles from PCOS ovaries maintained comparable follicular health as control follicles, but antral and preovulatory PCOS follicles exhibited reduced follicle health (P < 0.01) and survival rates (P < 0.01). Compared with controls, PCOS females also exhibited a poorer response to hyperstimulation (P < 0.01), impaired oocyte function evident by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01), and a reduction in on-time embryo development (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that prolonged exposure to androgen excess leads to aberrant follicle development, which persists even after removal from the hyperandrogenic environment, causing perturbed follicular developmental trajectories. These findings indicate that an in vivo hyperandrogenic environment in patients with PCOS may intrinsically induce detrimental effects on follicles and oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee S L Caldwell
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angelique H Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianliang Lin
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Macarena B Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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