1
|
Uju CN, Unniappan S. Growth factors and female reproduction in vertebrates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112091. [PMID: 37863469 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112091] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive efficiency is influenced by the outcomes of various processes, including folliculogenesis, apoptosis, response to gonadotropin signaling, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. The role of hormones in regulating these processes and other reproductive activities has been well established. It is becoming increasingly evident that in addition to well-characterized hormones, growth factors play vital roles in regulating some of these reproductive activities. Growth factors and their receptors are widely distributed in vertebrate ovaries at different stages of ovarian development, indicating their involvement in intraovarian reproductive functions. In the ovary, cell surface receptors allow growth factors to regulate intraovarian reproductive activities. Understanding these actions in the reproductive axis would provide a tool to target growth factors and/or their receptors to yield desirable reproductive outcomes. These include enrichment of in vitro maturation and fertilization culture media, and management of infertility. This review discusses some widely characterized growth factors belonging to the TGF, EGF, IGF, FGF, and BDNF family of peptides and their role in female reproduction in vertebrates, with a focus on mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinelo N Uju
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Suraj Unniappan
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
LIF and bFGF enhanced chicken primordial follicle activation by Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Theriogenology 2021; 176:1-11. [PMID: 34555602 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cytokines leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are closely related to the development of primordial follicles. In this study, the functions and correlation of LIF and bFGF in the development of chicken primordial follicles were examined, along with the signaling pathways including protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Ovarian tissues were collected from four-day-old chicks and incubated with LIF and bFGF alone or in combination for three days to observe the changes in follicular development. Results showed that there was a time-dependent correlation between the changes in expression of LIF/its receptor (LIFR) and the developmental process of primordial follicles. LIF and bFGF exerted a synergistic effect on the activation of primordial follicles. However, SC144 (an antagonist of LIFR) inhibited this stimulating action. The effect by LIF and bFGF were shown to operate at AKT and ERK signaling pathways to suppress cell apoptosis and promote proliferation (P < 0.05) via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling (P < 0.05). In conclusion, local cytokines LIF and bFGF functioned to enhance the activation of chicken primordial follicles by increasing cell proliferation and decreasing apoptosis in the ovary involving AKT, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Collapse
|
3
|
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) effects on developmental competence of equine preantral follicles in short-term culture. Theriogenology 2018; 105:169-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
4
|
Cavalcante A, Lins T, Santos J, Barros V, Monte A, Barberino RS, Almeida J, Matos M. Supplemented Morus nigra extract-based medium associated with FSH enables the survival and growth of isolated ovine secondary ovarian follicles. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 53:423-432. [PMID: 29265671 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of Morus nigra ethanolic extract, without or with addition of supplements associated or not with FSH, on in vitro culture of ovine secondary follicles were evaluated. In experiment 1, isolated secondary follicles were cultured for 12 days in α-MEM alone (control) or in different concentrations of M. nigra extract (MN 0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/ml). In experiment 2, culture media were α-MEM supplemented with BSA, insulin, transferrin, selenium, glutamine, hypoxanthine and ascorbic acid (α-MEM+ ) or this medium associated with FSH (α-MEM+ + FSH), or 0.1 mg/ml M. nigra without supplements (MN 0.1) or supplemented (MN 0.1+ ) without or with FSH (MN 0.1+ + FSH). In experiment 1, 0.1 mg/ml M. nigra showed the highest percentages (p < .05) of normal follicles and fully grown oocytes, besides a higher follicular diameter than α-MEM and other M. nigra extract concentrations. Moreover, MN 0.1 showed lower (p < .05) glutathione (GSH) levels and similar (p > .05) mitochondrial activity compared to α-MEM. In experiment 2, MN 0.1+ + FSH showed similar results (p > .05) to α-MEM+ + FSH for all parameters evaluated, except for the daily growth rate, which was higher (p < .05) in MN 0.1+ + FSH. The GSH levels were higher in MEM+ than all treatments. In addition, oocytes from follicles cultured in MN 0.1+ + FSH showed ability to resume meiosis. In conclusion, M. nigra extract (0.1 mg/ml) added by supplements and FSH can be an efficient medium for ovine secondary follicle development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayp Cavalcante
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Tlbg Lins
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jms Santos
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Vrp Barros
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Apo Monte
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - R S Barberino
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jrgs Almeida
- Center for Studies and Research on Medicinal Plants, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mht Matos
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Santos JMS, Menezes VG, Barberino RS, Macedo TJS, Lins TLB, Gouveia BB, Barros VRP, Santos LP, Gonçalves RJS, Matos MHT. Immunohistochemical localization of fibroblast growth factor-2 in the sheep ovary and its effects on pre-antral follicle apoptosis and development in vitro. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:522-8. [PMID: 24750547 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Studies with sheep are important to improve our knowledge about the factors that control folliculogenesis in mammals and to explore possible physiological differences among species. The aims of this study were to characterize FGF-2 protein expression in ovine ovaries and to verify the effect of FGF-2 on the morphology, apoptosis and growth of ovine pre-antral follicles cultured in vitro. After collection, one fragment of ovarian tissue was fixed for histological analysis and TUNEL analysis (fresh control). The remaining fragments were cultured for 7 days in control medium (α-MEM(+) ) alone or supplemented with FGF-2 at different concentrations (1, 10, 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml). After culturing, ovarian tissue was destined to histology and TUNEL analysis, and oocyte and follicle diameters were measured. The immunostaining for FGF-2 was observed in oocytes from primordial, primary and secondary follicles, as well as in granulosa cells of secondary and antral follicles. The percentage of normal follicles was similar among control medium, 1 and 10 ng/ml FGF-2, and significantly higher than those observed in 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml FGF-2. A significant increase in follicle diameter was observed when tissues were cultured in 10, 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml FGF-2 compared with the fresh control and the other treatments. Similar results were observed for oocyte diameter in tissues cultured with 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml FGF-2 (p < 0.05). However, the percentage of apoptotic cells only decreased (p < 0.05) in ovarian tissues cultured in 1 or 10 ng/ml FGF-2 compared with the control medium and other FGF-2 treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the presence of FGF-2 in ovine ovaries. Furthermore, 10 ng/ml FGF-2 inhibits apoptosis and promotes ovine follicle growth. As the sheep ovary is more similar to that of humans, the culture system demonstrated in this work seems to be an appropriate tool for studies towards human folliculogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M S Santos
- Nucleus of Biotechnology Applied to Ovarian Follicle Development, Federal University of San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Songsasen N, Comizzoli P, Nagashima J, Fujihara M, Wildt DE. The domestic dog and cat as models for understanding the regulation of ovarian follicle development in vitro. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:13-8. [PMID: 23279457 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The culture of ovarian follicles is an important tool for understanding the mechanisms controlling follicle development and differentiation of the oocyte. The benefit of recovering meiotically and developmentally competent oocytes from early stage follicles (primordial, primary, pre-antral and early antral) also would be significant, ranging from rescue of genomes from endangered species to preserving fertility in women facing cancer treatments. This research field is at an early stage of scientific discovery. To-date, live offspring from cultured primordial follicles that produced fertilizable oocytes has occurred only in the mouse. Progress in other more complex species has been limited because larger animals have longer durations of natural folliculogenesis, thereby requiring more culture time to generate fully grown follicles and oocytes. We believe the dog and cat are excellent models for understanding more about folliculogenesis in vitro. This review highlights what is known about this topic for these two species as well as future priorities. We have discovered that it is more challenging to maintain viability of primordial follicles within ovarian tissues in vitro in the dog than the cat. Nonetheless, it is possible to grow both isolated cat and dog pre-antral follicles in culture. Although the follicles of both species have the capacity to increase in size and produce steroids, only cat oocytes appear morphologically normal. The reason for this striking difference between these two species is an area of high research priority. While much more fundamental data are required, we envision advanced technology that will allow harvesting oocytes from the vast, unused follicle stores sequestered within carnivore ovaries. These gametes have utility for reproducing genetically valuable dogs and cats that are 'companions' or biomedical models for investigating human disorders as well as for salvaging the genomes of rare canid and felid species that die before contributing to genetic management programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Passos M, Vasconcelos G, Silva A, Brito I, Saraiva M, Magalhães D, Costa J, Donato M, Ribeiro R, Cunha E, Peixoto C, Campello C, Figueiredo J, van den Hurk R, Silva J. Accelerated growth of bovine preantral follicles in vitro after stimulation with both FSH and BMP-15 is accompanied by ultrastructural changes and increased atresia. Theriogenology 2013; 79:1269-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
8
|
Parte S, Bhartiya D, Manjramkar DD, Chauhan A, Joshi A. Stimulation of ovarian stem cells by follicle stimulating hormone and basic fibroblast growth factor during cortical tissue culture. J Ovarian Res 2013; 6:20. [PMID: 23547966 PMCID: PMC3635909 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-6-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue acts as a source of primordial follicles (PF) which can either be auto-transplanted or cultured in vitro to obtain mature oocytes. This offers a good opportunity to attain biological parenthood to individuals with gonadal insufficiency including cancer survivors. However, role of various intra- and extra-ovarian factors during PF growth initiation still remain poorly understood. Ovarian biology has assumed a different dimension due to emerging data on presence of pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs) in ovary surface epithelium (OSE) and the concept of postnatal oogenesis. The present study was undertaken to decipher effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the growth initiation of PF during organ culture with a focus on ovarian stem cells. Methods Serum-free cultures of marmoset (n=3) and human (young and peri-menopausal) ovarian cortical tissue pieces were established. Cortical tissue pieces stimulated with FSH (0.5 IU/ml) or bFGF (100 ng/ml) were collected on Day 3 for histological and molecular studies. Gene transcripts specific for pluripotency (Oct-4A, Nanog), early germ cells (Oct-4, c-Kit, Vasa) and to reflect PF growth initiation (oocyte-specific Gdf-9 and Lhx8, and granulosa cells specific Amh) were studied by q-RTPCR. Results A prominent proliferation of OSE (which harbors stem cells) and transition of PF to primary follicles was observed after FSH and bFGF treatment. Ovarian stem cells were found to be released on the culture inserts and retained the potential to spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures in extended cultures. q-RTPCR analysis revealed an increased expression of gene transcripts specific for VSELs, OGSCs and early germ cells suggestive of follicular transition. Conclusion The present study shows that both FSH and bFGF stimulate stem cells present in OSE and also lead to PF growth initiation. Thus besides being a source of PF, cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue could also be a source of stem cells which retain the ability to spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures in vitro. Results provide a paradigm shift in the basic understanding of FSH action and also offer a new perspective to the field of oncofertility research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chaves RN, de Matos MHT, Buratini J, de Figueiredo JR. The fibroblast growth factor family: involvement in the regulation of folliculogenesis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 24:905-15. [PMID: 22935151 DOI: 10.1071/rd11318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several growth factors have been identified as local regulators of follicle development and ovulation. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family members are potent mitogens and are involved in cell differentiation, cell migration and angiogenesis in many tissues and organs. In addition to FGF-2, which is the most-studied FGF, other important members are FGF-1, -5, -7, -8, -9 and -10. A number of studies have indicated that FGFs play important roles in regulating the initiation of primordial follicle growth, oocyte and follicle survival, granulosa and theca cell proliferation and differentiation, corpus luteum formation, steroidogenesis and angiogenesis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of the FGFs on mammalian female reproduction, providing a better understanding of the roles of this family in ovarian physiology and female fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Nogueira Chaves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60740-903, CE, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fabbri R, Pasquinelli G, Parazza I, Macciocca M, Magnani V, Battaglia C, Paradisi R, Venturoli S. Effects of Cyclic Increase in Gonadotropins on theIn VitroDevelopment of Primordial Follicles to Antral Stage. Ultrastruct Pathol 2012; 36:356-61. [DOI: 10.3109/01913123.2012.679353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding ascorbic acid to the media for in vitro culture of cattle ovarian fragments and to determine their effects on growth activation and viability of early-stage follicles. The ovarian cortex was divided into small fragments; one fragment was immediately fixed (control) and the other fragments were cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented or not with various doses of ascorbic acid. Ovarian tissue was processed for histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemical demonstration of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Compared with control fragments, the percentage of primordial follicles was reduced (p < 0.05) and the percentage of growing follicles had increased (p < 0.05) in cultured cortical fragments, independent of the tested medium or incubation time. Furthermore, compared with control tissue, culture of ovarian cortex for 8 days reduced the percentages of healthy, viable follicles (p < 0.05), but not when cultures were supplemented with 25, 50 or 100 μg/ml of ascorbic acid. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analysis of 8 day cultured ovarian cortical fragments, however, showed the integrity and viability of follicles only when fragments were cultured in presence of 50 μg/ml of ascorbic acid. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that addition of ascorbic acid to MEM at a concentration of 50 μg/ml not only stimulates the activation of 8 day in vitro cultured cattle primordial follicles and subsequent growth of activated follicles, but also safeguards the viability of these early-stage follicles.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tang K, Yang WC, Li X, Wu CJ, Sang L, Yang LG. GDF-9 and bFGF enhance the effect of FSH on the survival, activation, and growth of cattle primordial follicles. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 131:129-34. [PMID: 22516229 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effects of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in combination with growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the activation, survival and growth of cattle primordial follicles. Ovarian tissues were cultured for 3, 7, 14, 22 days in α minimum essential medium (α-MEM) supplemented with FSH, FSH+GDF-9 or FSH+bFGF. Non-cultured and cultured ovarian fragments were processed for histological and TUNEL analysis. Compared to the FSH medium, the results showed FSH+GDF-9 medium increased the percentage of primary follicles in all culture periods and secondary follicles after 14 days of culture (P<0.05), meanwhile the diameter of primary and secondary follicles were also observed to increase in this medium after 7 days of cultures (P<0.05). FSH+bFGF medium appeared to increase the percentage of primary follicles after 14 days of culture and secondary follicles at day 14 of culture than FSH medium (P<0.05). Furthermore, the FSH+GDF-9 and FSH+bFGF mediums had a greater percentage of normal follicles, and lesser apoptotic cell rates than FSH medium. The results first indicated that FSH in combination with GDF-9 or bFGF can improve the survival, activation, and growth of cattle primordial follicles after the long-term culture of ovarian cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- KeQiong Tang
- Key Laboratory under Education Ministry of China for Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vanacker J, Camboni A, Dath C, Van Langendonckt A, Dolmans MM, Donnez J, Amorim CA. Enzymatic isolation of human primordial and primary ovarian follicles with Liberase DH: protocol for application in a clinical setting. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:379-383.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|