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Sawado A, Ezoe K, Miki T, Ohata K, Amagai A, Shimazaki K, Okimura T, Kato K. Fatty acid supplementation during warming improves pregnancy outcomes after frozen blastocyst transfers: a propensity score-matched study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9343. [PMID: 38653766 PMCID: PMC11039611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60136-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the viability of human blastocysts after warming with fatty acids (FAs) using an in vitro outgrowth model and to assess pregnancy outcomes after a single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT). For the experimental study, we used 446 discarded vitrified human blastocysts donated for research purposes by consenting couples. The blastocysts were warmed using FA-supplemented (FA group) or non-FA-supplemented (control group) solutions. The outgrowth area was significantly larger in the FA group (P = 0.0428), despite comparable blastocyst adhesion rates between the groups. Furthermore, the incidence of outgrowth degeneration was significantly lower in the FA group than in the control group (P = 0.0158). For the clinical study, we retrospectively analyzed the treatment records of women who underwent SVBT in natural cycles between January and August 2022. Multiple covariates that affected the outcomes were used for propensity score matching as follows: 1342 patients in the FA group were matched to 2316 patients in the control group. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups. The rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy significantly increased in the FA group after SVBTs (P = 0.0091-0.0266). These results indicate that warming solutions supplemented with FAs improve blastocyst outgrowth and pregnancy outcomes after SVBTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Sawado
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Miki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohata
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ayumi Amagai
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kiyoe Shimazaki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okimura
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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Zhao X, Guo C, Zhang H, Yu X, Du G, Tian J, Liu W, Song T, Chen X, Guo W. A study of the genotoxicity, fertility and early embryonic development toxicity of rotigotine behenate extended-release microspheres. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:361-373. [PMID: 38105635 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS) has become an important strategy for the development of drugs to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotigotine behenate extended-release microspheres (RBEM) for injection represent a new treatment regime for CDS and are undergoing clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of RBEM on genotoxicity, fertility and early embryonic development. We used the Ames test, Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cell chromosome aberration test and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test, to evaluate the genotoxicity of RBEM. These tests were all negative, thus indicating that RBEM did not induce genotoxicity. In reproduction toxicity testing in male rats on obvious findings following intramuscular administration (i.m.) of RBEM at up to 540 mg/kg (P > 0.5), when female rats were administered with RBEM in the dose range of 60 to 540 mg/kg given (i.m.), there were clear effects on fertility and early embryonic development. These results indicated that RBEM could induce toxicity in female rats and exert effect on fertility and early embryonic development stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Chunmin Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Xin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Guagnying Du
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Jingwei Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Wanhui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University & State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Yantai, China
| | - Tao Song
- Luye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Luye Pharma), Yantai, China
| | - Xiaobo Chen
- WestChina-Frontier PharmaTech Co. (WCFP) & National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs (NCCSED), Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Guo
- WestChina-Frontier PharmaTech Co. (WCFP) & National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs (NCCSED), Chengdu, China
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Szukiewicz D. Current Insights in Prolactin Signaling and Ovulatory Function. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1976. [PMID: 38396659 PMCID: PMC10889014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) is a pleiotropic hormone released from lactotrophic cells of the anterior pituitary gland that also originates from extrapituitary sources and plays an important role in regulating lactation in mammals, as well as other actions. Acting in an endocrine and paracrine/autocrine manner, PRL regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thus influencing the maturation of ovarian follicles and ovulation. This review provides a detailed discussion of the current knowledge on the role of PRL in the context of ovulation and ovulatory disorders, particularly with regard to hyperprolactinemia, which is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Much attention has been given to the PRL structure and the PRL receptor (PRLR), as well as the diverse functions of PRLR signaling under normal and pathological conditions. The hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle in connection with folliculogenesis and ovulation, as well as the current classifications of ovulation disorders, are also described. Finally, the state of knowledge regarding the importance of TIDA (tuberoinfundibular dopamine), KNDγ (kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin), and GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) neurons in PRL- and kisspeptin (KP)-dependent regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in women is reviewed. Based on this review, a rationale for influencing PRL signaling pathways in therapeutic activities accompanying ovulation disorders is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology & Pathophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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Pavlovic ZJ, Hsin-Yu Pai A, Hsiao TT, Yen CF, Alhasan H, Ozmen A, New EP, Guo X, Imudia AN, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Lockwood CJ, Kayisli UA. Dysregulated expression of GATA2 and GATA6 transcription factors in adenomyosis: implications for impaired endometrial receptivity. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:92-103. [PMID: 37972693 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of adenomyosis on the localized expression of the GATA binding proteins 2 and 6 (GATA2 and GATA6) zinc-finger transcription factors that are involved in proliferation of hematopoietic and endocrine cell lineages, cell differentiation, and organogenesis, potentially leading to impaired endometrial implantation. DESIGN Laboratory based experimental study. SETTING Academic hospital and laboratory. PATIENTS Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) of reproductive age patients, 18-45 years of age, with adenomyosis were compared with patients with no pathology and leiomyomatous uteri as controls (n = 4 in each group, respectively). Additionally, midsecretory phase endometrial sections were obtained from patients with adenomyosis and control patients with leiomyoma (n = 8 in each group, respectively). INTERVENTIONS GATA2 and GATA6 immunohistochemistry and H-SCORE were performed on the midsecretory phase endometrial sections from adenomyosis and leiomyoma control patients (n = 8 each, respectively). Control and adenomyosis patient HESC cultures were treated with placebo or 10-8 M estradiol (E2), or decidualization media (EMC) containing 10-8 M E2, 10-7 M medroxyprogesterone acetate, and 5 × 10-5 M cAMP for 6 and 10 days. Additionally, control HESC cultures (n = 4) were transfected with scrambled small interfering RNA (siRNA) (control) or GATA2-specific siRNAs for 6 days while adenomyosis HESC cultures (n = 4) were transfected with human GATA2 expression vectors to silence or induce GATA2 overexpression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Immunohistochemistry was performed to obtain GATA2 and GATA6 H-SCORES in adenomyosis vs. control patient endometrial tissue. Expression of GATA2, GATA6, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), prolactin (PRL), progesterone receptor (PGR), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and Interleukin receptor 11 (IL11R) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were analyzed using by qPCR with normalization to ACTB. Silencing and overexpression experiments also had the corresponding mRNA levels of the above factors analyzed. Western blot analysis was performed on isolated proteins from transfection experiments. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed an overall fourfold lower GATA2 and fourfold higher GATA6 H-SCORE level in the endometrial stromal cells of patients with adenomyosis vs. controls. Decidual induction with EMC resulted in significantly lower GATA2, PGR, PRL and IGFBP1 mRNA levels in HESC cultures from patients with adenomyosis patient vs. controls. Leukemia inhibitory factor and IL11R mRNA levels were also significantly dysregulated in adenomyosis HESCs compared with controls. . Silencing of GATA2 expression in control HESCs induced an adenomyosis-like state with significant reductions in GATA2, increases in GATA6 and accompanying aberrations in PGR, PRL, ESR1 and LIF levels. Conversely, GATA2 overexpression via vector in adenomyosis HESCs caused partial restoration of the defective decidual response with significant increases in GATA2, PGR, PRL and LIF expression. CONCLUSION In-vivo and in-vitro experiment results demonstrate that there is an overall inverse relationship between endometrial GATA2 and GATA6 levels in patients with adenomyosis who have diminished GATA2 levels and concurrently elevated GATA6 levels. Additionally, lower GATA2 and higher GATA6 levels, together with aberrant levels of important receptors and implantation factors, such as ESR1, PGR, IGFBP1, PRL, LIF, and IL11R mRNA in HESCs from patients with adenomyosis or GATA2-silenced control HESCs, support impaired decidualization. These effects were partially restored with GATA2 overexpression in adenomyosis HESCs, demonstrating a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Jason Pavlovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
| | - Angel Hsin-Yu Pai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ti Hsiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Yen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hasan Alhasan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Erika P New
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Anthony N Imudia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; Shady Grove Fertility, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Umit A Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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Di X, Duan Z, Ma Y, Song X, Hao Y, Li G, Tan Z, Lou Y, Lin X. Jiawei Shoutai Pill promotes decidualization by regulating the SGK1/ENaC pathway in recurrent spontaneous abortion. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116939. [PMID: 37479068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jiawei Shoutai Pill (JWSTW) is a traditional herbal formula for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Although JWSTW significantly improves the clinical symptoms of RSA patients, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF STUDY This study evaluated the expression and function of the serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1/epithelial sodium channel (SGK1/ENaC) pathway and decidualization level in RSA patients and mice. It also investigated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of JWSTW. MATERIALS AND METHODS 30 early RSA patients and 30 normal pregnant women undergoing induced abortion during the same period were included in the study. Decidual tissues were collected, and HE staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR were used to detect protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK1, ENaC-a, estrogen Rreceptor β (ERβ), and progesterone receptor (PR) in patients' decidual tissues. Protein expression levels of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) were also detected. A classical RSA mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal, model, dydrogesterone (DQYT) (0.33 g/kg/d), and JWSTW (1.66 g/kg/d). The normal and model groups received the same volume of distilled water by gavage for 8 and 14 days after pregnancy. On the 14th day of pregnancy, the embryonic loss rate of each group, the number of offspring born to naturally delivered mice, and the protein or mRNA expression levels of key factors of the SGK1/ENaC pathway (SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR), decidual proliferation marker (Ki67), mesenchymal-epithelial transition (E-cadherin and Vimentin), and decidualization markers (PRLR and IGFBP-1) in mouse decidual tissue on the eighth day of pregnancy were observed. RESULTS The decidual tissue structure of RSA patients was abnormal. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly reduced positive expression of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR proteins in the decidual tissue of RSA patients (P < 0.001). Western blot and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR in the decidual tissue of RSA patients (all P < 0.05). Additionally, protein expression of PRLR and IGFBP-1 was significantly reduced (both P < 0.001). The RSA mouse model exhibited a significant increase in embryo loss rate and decreased litter size (both P < 0.001). Treatment with DQYT and JWSTW rescued the embryo loss rate and litter size to varying extents (all P < 0.05). The protein or mRNA expression levels of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, PR, Ki67, E-cadherin, vimentin, PRLR, and IGFBP-1 in RSA mice were improved to different degrees after treatment with DQYT and JWSTW (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway regulation is closely associated with early endometrial damage in RSA patients. JWSTW promotes endometrial proliferation and mesenchymal-epithelial transition through the SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway, improving endometrial shedding. Consequently, JWSTW is a potential treatment for RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Di
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Zibo Duan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Yucong Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Xiaodan Song
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Yanzhi Hao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050091, China.
| | - Guolei Li
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Zhanwang Tan
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Yingying Lou
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Xiaohua Lin
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
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Xu X, Yang A, Han Y, Wang W, Hao G, Cui N. The association between serum prolactin levels and live birth rates in non-PCOS patients: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295071. [PMID: 38019871 PMCID: PMC10686428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This paper aimed to analyze the relationship between baseline prolactin (PRL) levels and live birth rates (LBRs) in patients undergoing embryo transfer who did not have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) using a retrospective design. Patient(s): A total of 20,877 patients who had undergone IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) between December 2014 and December 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the association between PRL concentrations and LBRs using multivariate regression analysis. In addition, a model for nonlinear relationships based on a two-part linear regression was developed. RESULTS Following adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant correlation between serum PRL and LBR. Particularly, when blood PRL content was less than 14.8 ng/mL, there exists a positive relation between serum PRL and LBRs. In contrast, once PRL concentrations surpassed the inflection point at 14.8 ng/mL, a meaningful relationship could no longer be inferred between serum PRL and LBR. CONCLUSIONS Basal serum PRL levels were segmentally connected with LBRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Ezoe K, Miki T, Akaike H, Shimazaki K, Takahashi T, Tanimura Y, Amagai A, Sawado A, Mogi M, Kaneko S, Ueno S, Coticchio G, Cimadomo D, Borini A, Rienzi L, Kato K. Maternal age affects pronuclear and chromatin dynamics, morula compaction and cell polarity, and blastulation of human embryos. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:387-399. [PMID: 36644923 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does maternal ageing impact early and late morphokinetic and cellular processes of human blastocyst formation? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal ageing significantly affects pronuclear size and intra- and extra-nuclear dynamics during fertilization, dysregulates cell polarity during compaction, and reduces blastocoel expansion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In ART, advanced maternal age (AMA) affects oocyte yield, fertilization, and overall developmental competence. However, with the exception of chromosome segregation errors occurring during oocyte meiosis, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for AMA-related subfertility and reduced embryo developmental competence remain unclear. In particular, studies reporting morphokinetics and cellular alterations during the fertilization and pre-implantation period in women of AMA remain limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 2058 fertilized oocytes were stratified by maternal age according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology classification (<35, 35-37, 38-40, 41-42, and >42 years) and retrospectively analysed. AMA effects were assessed in relation to: embryo morphokinetics and morphological alterations; and the presence and distribution of cell polarity markers-Yes-associated protein (YAP) and protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ)-involved in blastocyst morphogenesis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 1050 cycles from 1050 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Microinjected oocytes were assessed using a time-lapse culture system. Immature oocytes at oocyte retrieval and mature oocytes not suitable for time-lapse monitoring, owing to an excess of residual corona cells or inadequate orientation for correct observation, were not analysed. Phenomena relevant to meiotic resumption, pronuclear dynamics, cytoplasmic/cortical modifications, cleavage patterns and embryo quality were annotated and compared among groups. Furthermore, 20 human embryos donated for research by consenting couples were used for immunofluorescence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Static microscopic observation revealed that blastocyst formation and expansion were impaired in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P < 0.0001). The morphological grades of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm were poorer in the >42-year group than those in the <35-year group (P = 0.0022 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Time-lapse microscopic observation revealed a reduction in nucleolus precursor body alignment in female pronuclei in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P = 0.0010). Female pronuclear area decreased and asynchronous pronuclear breakdown increased in the >42-year group (P = 0.0027 and P < 0.0122, respectively). Developmental speed at cleavage stage, incidence of irregularity of first cleavage, type and duration of blastomere movement, and number of multinucleated cells were comparable among age groups. Delayed embryonic compaction and an increased number of extruded blastomeres were observed in the >42-year group (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0047, respectively). Blastulation and blastocyst expansion were also delayed in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P < 0.0001 for both). YAP positivity rate in the outer cells of morulae and embryo PKC-ζ immunoflourescence decreased in the >42-year group (P < 0.0001 for both). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION At the cellular level, the investigation was limited to cell polarity markers. Cell components of other developmental pathways should be studied in relation to AMA. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study indicates that maternal ageing affects the key functions of embryo morphogenesis, irrespective of the well-established influence on the fidelity of oocyte meiosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the participating institutions. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mai Mogi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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Ezoe K, Fujiwara N, Miki T, Kato K. Post-warming culture of human vitrified blastocysts with prolactin improves trophoblast outgrowth. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:6. [PMID: 36653830 PMCID: PMC9847091 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human embryos express the prolactin (PRL) receptor at the morula and blastocyst stages. Treatment with PRL from cleavage to the blastocyst stage improves blastocyst outgrowth on fibronectin-coated dishes. However, whether post-warming PRL treatment of blastocysts cultured without PRL could improve outgrowth competence remains unknown. Furthermore, the optimal time for post-warming PRL treatment remains to be ascertained. This study investigated the effects of PRL treatment during recovery culture on human blastocyst outgrowth and its related genes. METHODS In total, 374 discarded vitrified blastocysts were randomly allocated to two groups, to be cultured with (n = 208) or without PRL (control; n = 166) for 120 min for recovery, and then plated on fibronectin-coated dishes. The expression level of PRL-interacting genes, blastocyst adhesion rate, outgrowth area, distance of trophoblast migration, and outgrowth degeneration were examined. RESULTS The mRNA expression of ezrin, radixin, and moesin, which regulate cell adhesion and invasion by controlling actin reorganization during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was stimulated by PRL treatment for 120 min. The expression of EMT-related genes, transforming growth factor β1, snail1, and twist1 was also promoted following treatment with PRL for 120 min. PRL-treated blastocysts also exhibited augmented expression of cadherin 2 and transcriptional repression of cadherin 1. Higher mRNA expression of integrin-based focal adhesion-related genes, ITGA5 and ITGB1, was observed after treatment with PRL for 120 min than in the non- and shorter-treatment groups. PRL treatment for 120 min did not alter the rate of blastocyst adhesion to fibronectin-coated dishes 96 h after the outgrowth culture assay. However, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the outgrowth area was significantly increased in PRL-treated blastocysts. The migration distance of trophoblast cells was significantly increased and degeneration rate was significantly decreased after PRL treatment. Furthermore, a more beneficial effect of PRL treatment on blastocyst outgrowth was observed when the blastocysts were vitrified on day 5 than when they were vitrified on day 6. CONCLUSIONS Post-warming culture of human vitrified blastocysts with PRL for 120 min promoted trophoblast outgrowth in vitrified human blastocysts. Furthermore, PRL treatment may reduce outgrowth degeneration by increasing resistance to apoptosis during trophoblast migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Nanoha Fujiwara
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Miki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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Amagai A, Ezoe K, Miki T, Shimazaki K, Okimura T, Kato K. Fatty acid supplementation into warming solutions improves pregnancy outcomes after single vitrified-warmed cleavage stage embryo transfers. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12517. [PMID: 37168396 PMCID: PMC10165886 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to examine the embryonic development of human 4-cell stage embryos after warming with fatty acids (FAs) and to assess the pregnancy outcomes after single vitrified-warmed cleavage stage embryo transfers (SVCTs). Methods Experimental study: A total of 217 discarded, vitrified human 4-cell stage embryos donated for research by consenting couples were used. The embryos were warmed using the fatty acid (FA)-supplemented solutions (FA group) or nonsupplemented solutions (control group). The developmental rate, morphokinetics, and outgrowth competence were analyzed. Clinical study: The treatment records of women undergoing SVCT in natural cycles between April and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed (April-June 2022, control group; July-September 2022, FA group). Results Experimental study: The rate of morphologically good blastocysts was significantly higher in the FA group than in the control group (p = 0.0302). The morphokinetics during cleavage, morula, and blastocyst stages were comparable between the groups. The outgrowth was significantly increased in the FA group (p = 0.0438). Clinical study: The rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy after SVCTs were significantly increased in the FA group (p = 0.0223-0.0281). Conclusions Fatty acid-supplemented warming solutions effectively improve embryo development to the blastocyst stage and pregnancy outcomes after SVCTs.
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Tian W, Qi H, Wang Z, Qiao S, Wang P, Dong J, Wang H. Hormone supply to the pituitary gland: A comprehensive investigation of female‑related tumors (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:122. [PMID: 35946461 PMCID: PMC9387558 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5178] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus acts on the pituitary gland after signal integration, thus regulating various physiological functions of the body. The pituitary gland includes the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis, which differ in structure and function. The hypothalamus-hypophysis axis controls the secretion of adenohypophyseal hormones through the pituitary portal vein system. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin, growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) are secreted by the adenohypophysis and regulate the functions of the body in physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this review was to summarize the functions of female-associated hormones (GH, PRL, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) in tumors. Their pathophysiology was described and the mechanisms underlying female hormone-related diseases were investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Tian
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Qi
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Zhimei Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hi‑Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, D‑66421 Homburg‑Saar, Germany
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Junhong Dong
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
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Arsalan M, Haider A, Cho SW, Kim YH, Park KR. Human Blastocyst Components Detection Using Multiscale Aggregation Semantic Segmentation Network for Embryonic Analysis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071717. [PMID: 35885022 PMCID: PMC9313331 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is one of the most important health concerns worldwide. It is characterized by not being successful of pregnancy after some periods of periodic unprotected sexual intercourse. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction technique that efficiently addresses infertility. IVF replaces the actual mode of reproduction through a manual procedure wherein embryos are cultivated in a controlled laboratory environment until they reach the blastocyst stage. The standard IVF procedure includes the transfer of one or two blastocysts from several blastocysts that are grown in a controlled environment. The morphometric properties of blastocysts with their compartments such as trophectoderm (TE), zona pellucida (ZP), inner cell mass (ICM), and blastocoel (BL), are analyzed through manual microscopic analysis to predict viability. Deep learning has been extensively used for medical diagnosis and analysis and can be a powerful tool to automate the morphological analysis of human blastocysts. However, the existing approaches are inaccurate and require extensive preprocessing and expensive architectures. Thus, to cope with the automatic detection of blastocyst components, this study proposed a novel multiscale aggregation semantic segmentation network (MASS-Net) that combined four different scales via depth-wise concatenation. The extensive use of depthwise separable convolutions resulted in a decrease in the number of trainable parameters. Further, the innovative multiscale design provided rich spatial information of different resolutions, thereby achieving good segmentation performance without a very deep architecture. MASS-Net utilized 2.06 million trainable parameters and accurately detects TE, ZP, ICM, and BL without using preprocessing stages. Moreover, it can provide a separate binary mask for each blastocyst component simultaneously, and these masks provide the structure of each component for embryonic analysis. Further, the proposed MASS-Net was evaluated using publicly available human blastocyst (microscopic) imaging data. The experimental results revealed that it can effectively detect TE, ZP, ICM, and BL with mean Jaccard indices of 79.08, 84.69, 85.88%, and 89.28%, respectively, for embryological analysis, which was higher than those of the state-of-the-art methods.
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Liu Y, Jones C, Coward K. An investigation of mechanisms underlying mouse blastocyst hatching: a ribonucleic acid sequencing study. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:35-48. [PMID: 35559994 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory mechanisms and signaling molecules underlying hatching in mouse embryos. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study using a mouse embryo model. SETTING University-based basic scientific research laboratory. ANIMALS A total of 40 B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 mouse embryos were used in this study. INTERVENTION(S) Frozen/thawed mouse embryos, at the 8-cell stage, were cultured in vitro for 2 days. The resulting hatching and prehatching blastocysts were then used for complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library preparation and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing analysis (n = 8 for each group). Differentially expressed genes were then used for downstream functional analysis. In addition, a list of genes related to developmental progression in humans was used to identify genes that were potentially related to the hatching of human embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Differentially expressed genes, enriched Gene Ontology terms and canonical pathways, clustered gene networks, activated upstream regulators, and common genes between a gene list of hatching-related genes in mice and a gene list associated with developmental progression in humans. RESULT(S) A total 275 differentially expressed genes were identified between hatching and prehatching blastocysts: 230 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that blastocyst hatching in vitro is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent process that involves protein biosynthesis and organization of the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, by regulating cell motility, the RhoA signaling pathway (including Arpc2, Cfl1, Gsn, Pfn1, Tpi1, Grb2, Tmsb10, Enah, and Rnd3 genes) may be a crucial signaling pathway during hatching. We also identified a cluster of genes (Krt8, Krt7, Cldn4, and Aqp3) that exerted functional roles in cell-cell junctions and water homeostasis during hatching. Moreover, some growth factors (angiotensinogen and fibroblast growth factor 2) and endocrine factors (estrogen receptor and prolactin) were predicted to be involved in the regulation of embryo hatching. In addition, we identified 81 potential genes that are potentially involved in the hatching process in human embryos. CONCLUSION(S) Our analysis identified potential genes and molecular regulatory pathways involved in the blastocyst hatching process in mice; we also identified genes that may potentially regulate hatching in human embryos. Our findings enhance our knowledge of embryo development and provide useful information for further exploring the mechanisms underlying embryo hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Liu
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Miki T, Ezoe K, Kouraba S, Ohata K, Kato K. Time from trophectoderm biopsy to vitrification affects the developmental competence of biopsied blastocysts. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12439. [PMID: 35386383 PMCID: PMC8967302 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Ohata K, Ezoe K, Miki T, Kouraba S, Fujiwara N, Yabuuchi A, Kobayashi T, Kato K. Effects of fatty acid supplementation during vitrification and warming on the developmental competence of mouse, bovine and human oocytes and embryos. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:14-25. [PMID: 34049810 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does fatty acid supplementation in vitrification and warming media influence developmental competence in oocytes after vitrification and warming? DESIGN Mouse oocytes and four-cell embryos were vitrified and warmed with solutions supplemented with fatty acid and cultured to the blastocyst stage. To study lipid metabolism after vitrification, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse the expression of genes related to beta oxidation in mouse embryos vitrified and warmed with or without fatty acids. The effects of fatty acid supplementation in the warming solutions on the developmental competence of bovine and human embryos were analysed. Blastocyst outgrowth assay was used to evaluate the potential of human blastocysts for adhesion to fibronectin. RESULTS The neutral lipid content of mouse oocytes in the fatty acid 1% supplementation group was significantly higher than in the fatty acid 0% group (P = 0.0032). The developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher in the fatty acid 1% group than in the fatty acid 0% group in mice (P = 0.0345). Fatty acid supplementation in warming solution upregulated Acaa2 and Hadha in mouse embryos. Fatty acids significantly improved the developmental ability of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage (P = 0.0048). Warming with 1% fatty acid supplementation significantly increased the proportion of human blastocysts with morphological grade A inner cell mass (P = 0.0074) and trophectoderm (P = 0.0323). CONCLUSIONS Fatty acid supplementation in the warming solutions improved the developmental competence of vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes by activating the beta-oxidation pathway. Fatty acid supplementation enhanced the developmental rate of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage and improved morphological characteristics of human embryos vitrified at the cleavage stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Ohata
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Miki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Shizu Kouraba
- Towako Medical Research Center, 2-5-2 Asahidai, Ishikawa Nomi-shi 923-1211, Japan
| | - Nanoha Fujiwara
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akiko Yabuuchi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kobayashi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan.
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