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Li L, Chen S, Li S, Duan AH, Lu D, Chu C. Implication of androgen receptor gene dysfunction in human Müllerian duct anomalies. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 294:198-205. [PMID: 38295708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.01.032] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are congenital developmental disorders exhibiting as a variety of malformations of female reproductive tract. The identified etiology of MDAs is limited. The present study aimed to unravel the underlying genetic causes of MDAs. METHODS Rare variants in androgen receptor (AR) were called from the cohort consists of patients with MDAs and underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the causative genetic mutations. In silico analysis were used to classify the pathogenicity of each variant. Molecular modeling and simulations were conducted to investigate the conformational changes between the wild-type (WT) and mutant proteins. RESULTS A total of 3 rare heterozygous variants in AR from the MDAs cohort in our institution were identified, with unknown effects. All variants were missense mutations, including c.173A > T, c.558C > A and c.1208C > T, and were absent or rare in East Asian populations in Genome Aggregation Database and the Exome Aggregation Consortium Database. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, c.1208C > T variant was classified as likely pathogenic, while the other two were variants of uncertain significance. During molecular dynamics simulations, WT and mutant proteins all reached stable status according to root-mean-square variance. Values of radius of gyration showed that Q58L and S186R protein would be more compact than WT, while the structure of A403V became looser. Despite, in comparison with WT, the number of hydrogen bonds increased in Q58L, while decreased in the other two variants. Furthermore, the solvent-accessible surface area diminished in Q58L and A403V while enlarged in S186R proteins, when compared with WT. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the association of AR mutation and MDAs. The identification of these variants, predicted to damage the structure and function of AR protein, not only expanded the mutational spectrum of causative genes of MDAs, but provide novel molecular genetic reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongcheng, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Shuya Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongcheng, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Shenghui Li
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Ai-Hong Duan
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China.
| | - Chunfang Chu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China.
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Du X, Zhu Q, Pian H, Yang X, Zhao D, Wu X, He J, Yu D. Transcriptome Analysis of Granulosa Cells Reveals Regulatory Mechanisms Related to Chicken Follicle Development. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:20. [PMID: 38200750 PMCID: PMC10777934 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to better understand the difference between the functions of the two types of granulosa cells and sought to discover more key genes involved in follicle development and follicle selection. Herein, we separately collected pre-hierarchical follicle granulosa cells (PHGCs) and preovulatory follicle granulosa cells (POGCs) for RNA extraction; the transcriptomes of the two groups were compared via RNA-seq. A total of 5273 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the PHGCs and POGCs; 2797 genes were up-regulated and 2476 were down-regulated in the PHGCs compared with the POGCs. A qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression patterns of 16 randomly selected DEGs were highly consistent with the RNA-seq results. In the POGCs, many of the genes with the most significant increase in expression were related to steroid hormone synthesis. In addition, the genes with the most significant decline in expression, including AMH and WT1, were related to the inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis. These results suggest that steroid hormones play a key role in follicle development. Furthermore, a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the primary metabolic process, the carbohydrate metabolic process, the cellular process, ribosomes, the cytoplasm, and intracellular processes. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in steroid biosynthesis, the cell cycle, ribosomes, the TGF-beta signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and so on. We also observed the morphology of the follicles at different developmental stages, and the results showed that the thickness of the granular layer of the small yellow follicles (SYFs) decreased significantly with further development. In addition, we also found that the thickness of the granulosa layer of hens over 300 days old was significantly lower than that of 200-day-old hens. In short, these data indicate that the tissue morphology and function of granulosa cells change throughout follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xubin Du
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
- Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Qizhao Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Huifang Pian
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- College of Animal Science, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China;
| | - Dong Zhao
- Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Jiawen He
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Debing Yu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
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Cao Y, Xu J, Liu J, Liang Y, Ao F, Wang S, Wei Z, Wang L. Bisphenol A exposure decreases sperm production and male fertility through inhibition PCBP2 expression. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123309-123323. [PMID: 37985585 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that the exposure of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor that commonly present in the environment, can impair reproduction. However, conflicting results have been reported, and the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, 3-week-old male mice were oral exposed to 50 mg/kg/d BPA or equivalent corn oil for 28 days. Their testis and epididymis were then collected for morphology examination by HE stains. The number of sperm was counted, and the morphology was analyzed by PNA (peptide nucleic acid) and pap staining. Fertilization capacity and successful rate were analyzed after mating with wide-type females. Spermatid DNA damage and apoptosis were evaluated by DFI, γH2AX stain, and TUNEL assay. RNA sequencing analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in testicular tissue of mice exposed to BPA. RNA interference was used to verify the regulatory mechanism of BPA exposure on gene expression in GC-2 cells. Our data showed that the total number of sperm was decreased and the morphology was impaired in BPA-exposed mice. In addition, the serum testosterone level and fertilization efficiency were also reduced. Mechanism studies showed that BPA could suppress the expression of PCBP2, a key regulatory gene in spermatid development, by activating the EZH2/H3K27me3. In conclusion, we found that BPA exposure can impair spermatid development via affecting key gene expression that is at least partially due to epigenetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Ao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zexiao Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medical Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 52 Meihua East Road, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Ju S, He J, Wang H, Yang L, Guo A, Guo Y, Qi M, Wang H, Ai L. Potential therapeutic drug targets and pathways prediction for premature ovarian insufficiency -Based on network pharmacologic method. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:116054. [PMID: 36526095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is gradually increasing, the proportion is rising especially in female infertility patients. The risk of death of POI patients with cardiovascular disease also increases significantly. The cause of POI is complex and unclear, and clinical treatment is still in the exploratory stage, are two major constraints of treating POI. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in the treatment of POI, and it is a good way to combine the development of modern new drugs with the help of TCM to predict the therapeutic targets. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, four herbs commonly used in clinical treatment of POI, namely Radix Paeoniae, Polygonatum sibiricum, Rehmannia glutinosa and Eucommia ulmoides were selected to predict their mechanism in the treatment of POI, using network pharmacology methods. Then verify the predicted targets by animal test. Aim to find more effective POI potential core treatment targets and main pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS We screened the active ingredients of drugs from the TCM System Pharmacology Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Performed target prediction of active ingredients from databases such as SwissTargetPrediction and compare and analyze the POI-related targets retrieved from them to obtain potential targets for drug treatment of POI. Used STRING database to construct a protein interaction network, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to construct an active ingredient-target-pathway network, and DAVID database to conduct the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) on the intersection targets and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. RESULTS The result is: there were 25 key targets for the treatment of POI with Radix Paeoniae Alba, 31 for the treatment of POI by Eucommia ulmoides, 28 for the treatment of POI by Polygonatum sibiricum, and 8 key targets for the treatment of Rehmannia glutinosa. The intersection targets of four herbs were defined as the core targets, which are CYP19A1, EGF, ESR1, ESR2, MDM2, AR, PCYP17A1, PPARG. Four Chinese herbs treat POI mainly through HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Estrogen signaling pathway etc. A mouse model of POI was constructed based on the results of network pharmacology to verify the predicted targets. The results showed that the protein expression of the core target changed, and the estrogen level was increased by reducing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG). CONCLUSIONS This study predicts the mechanism of multiple herbs in the treatment of POI, screens out more potential therapeutic drug targets and main pathways of POI treatment and provides new ideas for the subsequent development of POI therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Ju
- School of Health Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, PR China
| | - Jialin He
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research(NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Hanbi Wang
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology & Reproductive Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Medical College /Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Liya Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research(NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - AiXin Guo
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research(NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Yiming Guo
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research(NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Mingkang Qi
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research(NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research(NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
| | - Lianzhong Ai
- School of Health Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, PR China.
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Insulin Resistance and Acne: The Role of Metformin as Alternative Therapy in Men. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010027. [PMID: 36678524 PMCID: PMC9862044 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between acne and insulin resistance has not been investigated as thoroughly in males as it has been in women, despite the fact that in adult men, acne prevalence has grown. On the face, sebaceous glands produce and secrete sebum, which lubricates the skin and protects it from friction. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing medication, may modify the association between acne vulgaris and insulin resistance (IR). Individuals with IR, metabolic syndrome or with impaired glucose tolerance are sometimes treated 'off label' with Metformin. In these conditions, IR may be a leading factor in the pathogenesis of acne, and in men, Metformin treatment may reduce the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score by enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, additional clinical studies are required to corroborate these assumptions.
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Sui Y, Fu J, Zhang S, Li L, Sun X. Investigation of the role of X chromosome inactivation and androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphisms in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss: a prospective case-control study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:805. [PMID: 36324098 PMCID: PMC9628046 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has revealed that skewed X chromosome inactivation (SXCI) and androgen receptor (AR) CAG polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL); however, the results are conflicting, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the role of SXCI and AR CAG polymorphisms in patients with RPL and explored whether the underlying mechanisms were related to the ovarian reserve and preimplantation embryo aneuploidy. METHODS This was a prospective case-control study carried out in a tertiary hospital-based reproductive medicine center. An external validation RPL cohort was recruited during the study period. Data on baseline and cycle characteristics were collected. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) was measured using a human AR assay. AR polymorphisms were assessed using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reactions and direct sequencing. Blastocysts of the patients with RPL were tested by single nucleotide polymorphism microarray based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. RESULTS In total, 131 patients with idiopathic RPL and 126 controls were included for the case-control study. Patients with RPL exhibited a significantly more skewed XCI distribution pattern (67.71 ± 10.50 vs. 64.22 ± 10.62, p = 0.011), as well as significantly shorter bi-allelic mean (18.56 ± 1.97 vs. 19.34 ± 2.38, p = 0.005) and X-weighted bi-allelic mean (18.46 ± 2.02 vs. 19.38 ± 2.53, p = 0.001) of AR CAG repeats. Multivariate logistic regression models indicated that CAG repeat < 20, SXCI, and duration of stimulation were independently associated with the risk of RPL. However, SXCI and AR CAG polymorphisms were not associated with ovarian reserve or preimplantation embryo aneuploidy in the RPL group, and the same results were attained in a separate validation cohort of 363 patients with RPL. CONCLUSION SXCI and AR CAG polymorphisms are related to RPL; however, these two factors do not lead to RPL by affecting the ovarian reserve or increasing embryo aneuploidy. The roles of SXCI and AR CAG in RPL may involve other mechanisms that require further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02504281, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov (Date of registration, 21/07/2015; date of enrolment of the first subject, 30/07/2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilun Sui
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Fu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Li
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Rosato E, Sciarra F, Anastasiadou E, Lenzi A, Venneri MA. Revisiting the physiological role of androgens in women. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:547-561. [PMID: 36352537 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2144834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extensive research underlines the critical functions of androgens in females. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of their action are poorly understood. Here, we review the existing literature regarding the physiological role of androgens in women throughout life. AREAS COVERED Several studies show that androgen receptors (ARs) are broadly expressed in numerous female tissues. They are essential for many physiological processes, including reproductive, sexual, cardiovascular, bone, muscle, and brain health. They are also involved in adipose tissue and liver function. Androgen levels change with the menstrual cycle and decrease in the first decades of life, independently of menopause. EXPERT OPINION To date, studies are limited by including small numbers of women, the difficulty of dosing androgens, and their cyclical variations. In particular, whether androgens play any significant role in regulating the establishment of pregnancy is poorly understood. The neural functions of ARs have also been investigated less thoroughly, although it is expressed at high levels in brain structures. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the decline of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with age is unclear. Other factors, including estrogen's effect on adrenal androgen production, reciprocal regulation of ARs, and non-classical effects of androgens, remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rosato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Androgen Receptor as an Emerging Feasible Biomarker for Breast Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010072. [PMID: 35053220 PMCID: PMC8774219 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction in targeted therapy. The estrogen receptor α (ERα) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are standard biomarkers used in breast cancer for guiding disease treatment. The androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear hormone receptor, contributes to the development and progression of prostate tumors and other cancers. With increasing evidence to support that AR plays an essential role in breast cancer, AR has been considered a useful biomarker in breast cancer, depending on the context of breast cancer sub-types. The existing survival analyses suggest that AR acts as a tumor suppressor in ER + ve breast cancers, serving as a favorable prognostic marker. However, AR functions as a tumor promoter in ER-ve breast cancers, including HER2 + ve and triple-negative (TNBC) breast cancers, serving as a poor prognostic factor. AR has also been shown to be predictive of the potential of response to adjuvant hormonal therapy in ER + ve breast cancers and to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC. However, conflicting results do exist due to intrinsic molecular differences between tumors and the scoring method for AR positivity. Applying AR expression status to guide treatment in different breast cancer sub-types has been suggested. In the future, AR will be a feasible biomarker for breast cancer. Clinical trials using AR antagonists in breast cancer are active. Targeting AR alone or other therapeutic agents provides alternatives to existing therapy for breast cancer. Therefore, AR expression will be necessary if AR-targeted treatment is to be used.
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Gao Q, Ma C, Meng S, Wang G, Xing Q, Xu Y, He X, Wang T, Cao Y. Exploration of molecular features of PCOS with different androgen levels and immune-related prognostic biomarkers associated with implantation failure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946504. [PMID: 36060967 PMCID: PMC9439868 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common heterogeneous reproductive disease afflicting women of childbearing age, has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease recently. Most PCOS patients have hyperandrogenism, indicating a poor prognosis and poor pregnancy outcomes. The molecular mechanism underlying PCOS development is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the gene expression profiling characteristics of PCOS with hyperandrogenism (HA) or without hyperandrogenism (NHA) and identified immune-related factors that correlated with embryo implantation failure. METHODS PCOS and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. ClueGO software was used to perform enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCOS with varying androgen levels. The Weighted Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expressed modules and shared gene signatures between HA PCOS and RIF. Moreover, the upregulated DEGs of HA PCOS and RIF were intersected with shared gene signatures screening by WGCNA to excavate further key prognostic biomarkers related to implantation failure of HA PCOS. The selected biomarker was verified by qRT-PCR. RESULTS A total of 271 DEGs were found in HA PCOS granulosa cell samples, and 720 DEGs were found in NHA PCOS. According to CuleGO enrichment analysis, DEGs in HA PCOS are enriched in immune activation and inflammatory response. In contrast, DEGs in NHA PCOS are enriched in mesenchymal cell development and extracellular space. Using WGCNA analysis, we discovered 26 shared gene signatures between HA PCOS and RIF, which were involved in corticosteroid metabolism, bone maturation and immune regulation. DAPK2 was furtherly screened out and verified to be closely related with the development of HA PCOS, acting as an independent predictor biomarker of the embryo implantation failure. DAPK2 expression was negatively correlated to the embryo implantation rate (r=-0.474, P=0.003). The immune infiltration results suggested that upregulated DAPK2 expression was closely related with NK cell infiltration and macrophage M2, playing an essential role in the pathogenesis of implantation failure in HA PCOS. CONCLUSION Our research revealed the expression profiling of PCOS with different androgen levels and identified DAPK2 as a critical prognostic biomarker for implantation failure in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Shuyu Meng
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, United States
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Tianjuan Wang, ; Yunxia Cao,
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Tianjuan Wang, ; Yunxia Cao,
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10
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Secchi C, Belli M, Harrison TNH, Swift J, Ko C, Duleba AJ, Stupack D, Chang RJ, Shimasaki S. Effect of the spatial-temporal specific theca cell Cyp17 overexpression on the reproductive phenotype of the novel TC17 mouse. J Transl Med 2021; 19:428. [PMID: 34654452 PMCID: PMC8520195 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03103-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the ovarian follicle, the Theca Cells (TCs) have two main functions: preserving morphological integrity and, importantly, secreting steroid androgen hormones. TCs express the essential enzyme 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-desmolase (CYP17), which permits the conversion of pregnenolone and progesterone into androgens. Dysregulation of CYP17 enzyme activity due to an intrinsic ovarian defect is hypothesized to be a cause of hyperandrogenism in women. Androgen excess is observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) resulting from excess endogenous androgen production, and in transgender males undergoing exogenous testosterone therapy after female sex assignment at birth. However, the molecular and morphological effects of Cyp17 overexpression and androgen excess on folliculogenesis is unknown. Methods In this work, seeking a comprehensive profiling of the local outcomes of the androgen excess in the ovary, we generated a transgenic mouse model (TC17) with doxycycline (Dox)-induced Cyp17 overexpression in a local and temporal manner. TC17 mice were obtained by a combination of the Tet-dependent expression system and the Cre/LoxP gene control system. Results Ovaries of Dox-treated TC17 mice overexpressed Cyp17 specifically in TCs, inducing high testosterone levels. Surprisingly, TC17 ovarian morphology resembled the human ovarian features of testosterone-treated transgender men (partially impaired folliculogenesis, hypertrophic or luteinized stromal cells, atretic follicles, and collapsed clusters). We additionally assessed TC17 fertility denoting a perturbation of the normal reproductive functions (e.g., low pregnancy rate and numbers of pups per litter). Finally, RNAseq analysis permitted us to identify dysregulated genes (Lhcgr, Fshr, Runx1) and pathways (Extra Cellular Matrix and Steroid Synthesis). Conclusions Our novel mouse model is a versatile tool to provide innovative insights into study the effects of Cyp17 overexpression and hyperandrogenism in the ovary. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-03103-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Secchi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Martina Belli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tracy N H Harrison
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Swift
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Antoni J Duleba
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R Jeffrey Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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11
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Xiong X, Ma H, Min X, Su F, Xiong Y, Li J. Effects of demethylase KDM4B on the biological characteristics and function of yak cumulus cells in vitro. Theriogenology 2021; 174:85-93. [PMID: 34425304 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.021] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the expression and function of lysine-specific demethylase 4B (KDM4B) in yak cumulus cells (CCs) in order to reveal the mechanisms by which KDM4B regulates biological characteristics and function of CCs. The cellular location of KDM4B and the methylation pattern of H3K9 were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) staining in CCs. The mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BCL-2, HAX1 and BAX) and genes related to the estrogen pathway (ESR2, CYP17 and 3B-HSD) were estimated by qRT-PCR after knockdown of KDM4B expression by siRNA in yak CCs. Then, a proliferation assay, Annexin V-FITC staining, and ELISA were utilized to explore the effects of KDM4B silencing on CCs proliferation, apoptosis, and estrogen (E2) secretion, respectively. The results showed that KDM4B is located in the nuclei of yak CCs and is distributed in a dotted pattern. Knockdown KDM4B induced a decrease in cell proliferation, an increase in apoptotic rate and a reduction in the levels of E2 secretion of CCs. Additionally, the methylation patterns of H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 were significantly increased in CCs transfected with KDM4B siRNA-1 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression level of apoptosis promoting BAX genes was significantly upregulated, but 3B-HSD, ESR2 and anti-apoptotic HAX1 genes were significantly downregulated in transfected CCs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the rate of embryos developing from the 2-cell stage to blastocysts was lower in the siRNA-1 transfection group than that of the control group (28.6 ± 2.9% vs 40.4 ± 2.4%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicates that KDM4B regulates the biological characteristics and physiological function of yak CCs mainly through changing the methylation patterns of H3K9 and related gene expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Hongchen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinyu Min
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Feng Su
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agriculture University, Taian, Shangdong, 271018, PR China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
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12
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Shareghi-Oskoue O, Aghebati-Maleki L, Yousefi M. Transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to treat premature ovarian failure. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:454. [PMID: 34380572 PMCID: PMC8359553 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the problems and diseases for women before 40 years, premature ovarian failure (POF) could be characterized by amenorrhea, low estrogen levels, infertility, high gonadotropin levels, and lack of mature follicles. Causes of the disease involve some genetic disorders, autoimmunity diseases, and environmental factors. Various approaches have been employed to treat POF, however with limited success. Today, stem cells are used to treat POF, since they have the potential to self-repair and regenerate, and are effective in treating ovarian failure and infertility. As mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) could simultaneously activate several mechanisms, many researchers consider MSC transplantation to be the best and most effective approach in cell therapy. A good source for mesenchymal stem cells is human umbilical cord (HUCMSC). Animal models with cyclophosphamide are required for stem cell treatment and performance of HUCMSC transplantation. Stem cell therapy could indicate the levels of ovarian markers and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. It also increases ovarian weight, plasma E2 levels, and the amount of standard follicles. Herein, the causes of POF, effective treatment strategies, and the effect of HUCMSC transplantation for the treatment of premature ovarian failure are reviewed. Many studies have been conducted in this field, and the results have shown that stem cell treatment is an effective approach to treat infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oldouz Shareghi-Oskoue
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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13
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Bianchi VE, Bresciani E, Meanti R, Rizzi L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105758. [PMID: 34242799 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgens in women, as well as in men, are intrinsic to maintenance of (i) reproductive competency, (ii) cardiac health, (iii) appropriate bone remodeling and mass retention, (iii) muscle tone and mass, and (iv) brain function, in part, through their mitigation of neurodegenerative disease effects. In recognition of the pluripotency of endogenous androgens, exogenous androgens, and selected congeners, have been prescribed off-label for several decades to treat low libido and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, as well as, to improve physical performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy of androgen administration has yet to be fully elucidated. Side effects often observed include (i) hirsutism, (ii) acne, (iii) deepening of the voice, and (iv) weight gain but are associated most frequently with supra-physiological doses. By contrast, short-term clinical trials suggest that the use of low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe and economical. There are, however, few clinical studies, which have focused on effects of androgen therapy on pre- and post-menopausal women; moreover, androgen mechanisms of action have not yet been thoroughly explained in these subjects. This review considers clinical effects of androgens on women's health in order to prevent chronic diseases and reduce cancer risk in gynecological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio E Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta 42, Falciano 47891, San Marino.
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Robert J Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
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14
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Vaitsopoulou CI, Kolibianakis EM, Bosdou JK, Neofytou E, Lymperi S, Makedos A, Savvaidou D, Chatzimeletiou K, Grimbizis GF, Lambropoulos A, Tarlatzis BC. Expression of genes that regulate follicle development and maturation during ovarian stimulation in poor responders. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:248-259. [PMID: 33214084 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androgen receptor (AR), LH beta polypeptide (LHB), progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) and progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2) regulate follicle development and maturation. Their mRNA expression was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of normal and poor responders, during ovarian stimulation. DESIGN Fifty-two normal responders and 15 poor responders according to the Bologna criteria were enrolled for IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection and stimulated with 200 IU of follitrophin alpha and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist. HCG was administered for final oocyte maturation. On days 1, 6 and 10 of stimulation, blood samples were obtained, serum hormone levels were measured, RNA was extracted from PBMC and real-time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to identify the mRNA levels. Relative mRNA expression of each gene was calculated by the comparative 2-DDCt method. RESULTS Differences between mRNA levels of each gene on the same time point between the two groups were not significant. PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 mRNA levels were downregulated, adjusted for ovarian response and age. Positive correlations between PGRMC1 and AR (standardized beta = 0.890, P < 0.001) from day 1 to 6 and PGRMC1 and LHB (standardized beta = 0.806, P < 0.001) from day 1 to 10 were found in poor responders. PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 were positively correlated on days 6 and 10 in normal responders. CONCLUSIONS PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 mRNA are significantly decreased during ovarian stimulation, with some potential differences between normal and poor responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine I Vaitsopoulou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece.
| | - Efstratios M Kolibianakis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Julia K Bosdou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Eirini Neofytou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Stefania Lymperi
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Anastasios Makedos
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Despina Savvaidou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Grigoris F Grimbizis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Alexandros Lambropoulos
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
| | - Basil C Tarlatzis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, Laboratory of Genetics, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia Thessaloniki 56403, Greece
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15
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KHARCHE SURESHDINKAR, JENA DAYANIDHI, GANGWAR CHETNA, KHATTI AMIT, BALAMURUGAN B. Role of certain growth factors and hormones in folliculogenesis. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v89i12.96617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is an inextricable process associated with female fertility and infertility cases. This process involves many events at cellular and molecular level in a highly orchestrated fashion which culminates with ovulation. Various factors like hormonal factors, growth factors, role of ovarian micro environment, diseases of reproductive tract etc. influence the process of folliculogenesis in systematic manner. The function and mechano-biology of these growth factors and hormones have been studied by many researchers. This review discusses about those hormonal and growth factors which are involved in folliculogenesis process.
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16
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Dulohery K, Trottmann M, Bour S, Liedl B, Alba-Alejandre I, Reese S, Hughes B, Stief CG, Kölle S. How do elevated levels of testosterone affect the function of the human fallopian tube and fertility?-New insights. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:30-44. [PMID: 31705839 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Excess testosterone levels affect up to 20% of the female population worldwide and are a key component in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, little is known about how excess testosterone affects the function of the human fallopian tube-the site of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize alterations caused by long-term exposure to male testosterone levels. For this purpose, the Fallopian tubes of nine female-to-male transsexuals, who had been undergoing testosterone treatment for 1-3 years, were compared with the tubes of 19 cycling patients. In the ampulla, testosterone treatment resulted in extensive luminal accumulations of secretions and cell debris which caused ciliary clumping and luminal blockage. Additionally, the percentage of ciliated cells in the ampulla was significantly increased. Transsexual patients, who had had sexual intercourse before surgery, showed spermatozoa trapped in mucus. Finally, in the isthmus complete luminal collapse occurred. Our results imply that fertility in women with elevated levels of testosterone is altered by tubal luminal obstruction resulting in impaired gamete transport and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Dulohery
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Susanne Bour
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Grosshadern, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Liedl
- Department of Urogenital Surgery, Clinic for Surgery Munich-Bogenhausen, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Hughes
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Sabine Kölle
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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11-Ketotestosterone induces oocyte growth, but does not affect oocyte cytology in pre-vitellogenic captive beluga, Huso huso L. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 232:51-59. [PMID: 30831206 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
An effect of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) on growth of previtellogenic (PV) ovaries of eel, salmon and Atlantic cod has been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 11-KT treatment (in vivo) on ovarian growth, on hormonal and biochemical changes in blood, and on ovarian mRNA levels of lipidation-related genes in captive beluga with PV oocytes. In addition, the potential involvement of lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), an important enzyme for extracellular hydrolysis of lipoprotein-associated lipids, was evaluated. Twelve beluga (4-year olds) were treated with an intraperitoneal slow-release implant of either 11-KT (2.5 mg) or a compressed matrix (control). Ovarian biopsy was done to obtain pre- (day 0: T0) and post-treatment (day 21: T21) data on histology and target gene expression. Three weeks of exposure resulted in an increase in serum 11-KT levels from 2.2 ng/mL to 83 ng/mL but did not yield significant changes in serum levels of triacylglycerides and cholesterol. Furthermore, 11-KT implantation increased oocyte diameters from 259 μm (T0) to 309 μm by T21. Regardless of the increase in oocyte size, ovaries remained in the PV stage, mostly as late perinucleolar oocytes. Meanwhile, at the molecular level, the expression of lipidation-related transcripts [lpl, apolipoprotein E (apoe), very low density lipoprotein receptors (vldlr), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8-like (lrp8)] was significantly up-regulated after three weeks. Immunostaining for Lpl by Western blotting indicated three immunoreactive bands (70, 58 and 37 kDa) in ovarian homogenates from beluga, but signal intensity was not affected by treatment. Altogether, the administration of 11-KT increased 11-KT serum levels, oocyte size, and the expression of genes associated with lipid uptake. However, this treatment did not advance ovarian development beyond the PV stage.
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18
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Miranda-Furtado CL, Luchiari HR, Chielli Pedroso DC, Kogure GS, Caetano LC, Santana BA, Santana VP, Benetti-Pinto CL, Reis FM, Maciel MA, Ferriani RA, Ramos ES, Calado RT, Dos Reis RM. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation and shorter telomeres associate with idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency. Fertil Steril 2019; 110:476-485.e1. [PMID: 30098699 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether telomere length, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), and androgen receptor (AR) GAG polymorphism are related to idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 121 women, including 46 nonsyndromic POI and 75 controls. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, E2, androstenedione, T, and C-reactive protein were assessed. Telomere length was estimated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, XCI was measured using the Human Androgen Receptor and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa 2 (RP2) methylation assays. AR and FMR1 polymorphism was assessed by quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. RESULT(S) Premature ovarian insufficiency women had a higher mean age, weighed less, and exhibited lower C-reactive protein, E2, and androstenedione levels. The AR polymorphism did not differ between the groups. Four patients had premutation (55-200 CGG repeats), and none displayed a full mutation in the FMR1 gene. However, patients with POI showed shorter telomere length and higher frequency of skewed XCI. Extreme skewing (≥90%) was observed in 15% of women with POI, and shorter telomeres correlated with XCI skewing in both groups. CONCLUSION(S) Skewed XCI and shortened telomere length were associated with idiopathic POI, despite no alterations in the AR and FMR1 genes. Additionally, there is a tendency for women with short telomeres to exhibit skewed XCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana L Miranda-Furtado
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloise R Luchiari
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daiana C Chielli Pedroso
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gislaine S Kogure
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lisandra C Caetano
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara A Santana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Viviane P Santana
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina L Benetti-Pinto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Reis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariella A Maciel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rui A Ferriani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ester S Ramos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T Calado
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosana M Dos Reis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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19
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Yang W, Yang R, Lin M, Yang Y, Song X, Zhang J, Yang S, Song Y, Li J, Pang T, Deng F, Zhang H, Wang Y, Li R, Jiao J. Body mass index and basal androstenedione are independent risk factors for miscarriage in polycystic ovary syndrome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:119. [PMID: 30454060 PMCID: PMC6245701 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited literature investigating the effects of body mass index (BMI) and androgen level on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist protocol in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Androgen-related variation in the effect of body mass index (BMI) on IVF outcomes remains unknown. METHODS In this retrospective study, 583 infertile women with PCOS who underwent IVF using the conventional GnRH-antagonist protocol were included. Patients were divided into four groups according to BMI and androgen level: overweight- hyperandrogenism(HA) group, n = 96, overweight-non-HA group, n = 117, non-overweight-HA group, n = 152, and non-overweight-non-HA group, n = 218. RESULTS A significantly higher number of oocytes were retrieved, and the total Gn consumption as well Gn consumption per day was significantly lower, in the non-overweight groups than in the overweight groups. The number of available embryos was significantly higher in the HA groups than in the non-HA groups. Clinical pregnancy rate was of no significant difference among four groups. Live-birth rates in the overweight groups were significantly lower than those in non-overweight-non-HA group (23.9, 28.4% vs. 42.5%, P<0.05). The miscarriage rate in overweight-HA group was significantly higher than that in non-overweight-non-HA group (45.2% vs. 14.5%, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI and basal androstenedione (AND) both acted as significantly influent factors on miscarriage rate. The area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for BMI and basal AND on miscarriage rate were 0.607 (P = 0.029) and 0.657 (P = 0.001), respectively, and the cut-off values of BMI and basal AND were 25.335 kg/m2 and 10.95 nmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In IVF cycles with GnRH-antagonist protocol, economic benefits were seen in non-overweight patients with PCOS, with less Gn cost and more retrieved oocytes. BMI and basal AND were both significantly influential factors with moderate predictive ability on the miscarriage rate. The predictive value of basal AND on miscarriage was slightly stronger than BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Yang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Rui Yang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Mingmei Lin
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yan Yang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Xueling Song
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Shuo Yang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Ying Song
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jia Li
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Tianshu Pang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Feng Deng
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Hua Zhang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Rong Li
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jie Jiao
- 0000 0004 0605 3760grid.411642.4Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 N Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
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Wang P, Lu Y, Chen S, Chen Y, Hu C, Zuo Y. Protective function of Bu Shen Huo Xue formula on the immunity of B6AF1 mice with experimental autoimmune premature ovarian failure. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3302-3310. [PMID: 29545848 PMCID: PMC5840928 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune abnormality is one of the main causes of premature ovarian failure (POF). Bu Shen Huo Xue formula (BSHXF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been clinically used for the treatment of patients with POF in China. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune POF. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunoprotective effects of BSHXF on POF and the underlying mechanisms. An experimental autoimmune POF model was induced in B6AF1 mice with zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) fragments. Following modeling, BSHXF (31.53 g/kg/day) was orally administered for 4 weeks. CD4+ T lymphocytes, Tregs, anti-zona pellucida (anti-ZP) antibodies and cytokines were detected using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that BSHXF exhibited an immunoprotective function and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and damage to the ovary. BSHXF upregulated the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ forkhead box P3+ T cells in the spleen, effectively inhibiting the activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The proliferation of Tregs was increased in serum obtained from mice in the BSHXF group in vitro. Anti-ZP antibodies and interleukin-10 and interferon-γ levels were decreased in the serum in the BSHXF-treated group. The present study demonstrated that BSHXF had an immunoprotective effect on POF model mice. Additionally, it indicated that the protective mechanisms of BSHXF may be associated with an increase in Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Chunping Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, P.R. China
| | - Yawei Zuo
- Infirmary, 8724 Forces Health Teams, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
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21
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Histone demethylase KDM4A and KDM4B expression in granulosa cells from women undergoing in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018. [PMID: 29536385 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess expression of the histone demethylases KDM4A and KDM4B in granulosa collected from women undergoing oocyte retrieval and to determine if expression was related to pregnancy outcome. METHODS Cumulus and mural granulosa cells were obtained from women undergoing oocyte retrieval. KDM4A and KDM4B mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. KDM4A and KDM4B proteins were immunohistochemically localized in ovarian tissue sections obtained from archival specimens. RESULTS KDM4A and KDM4B protein was localized to oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca and luteal cells in ovaries from reproductive-aged women. KDM4A and KDM4B mRNA expression was overall higher in cumulus compared to mural granulosa. When comparing granulosa demethylase gene expression, KDM4A and KDM4B mRNA expression was higher in both cumulus and mural granulosa from not pregnant patients compared to patients in the pregnant-live birth group. CONCLUSIONS Histone demethylases KDM4A and KDM4B mRNA are differentially expressed in cumulus and mural granulosa. Expression of both KDM4A and KDM4B mRNA was lower in cumulus granulosa and mural granulosa from pregnant compared to not pregnant patients. These findings suggest that altered expression of histone demethylases may impact epigenetic changes in granulosa cells associated with pregnancy.
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22
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Muñoz-de-la-Torre LP, Eguibar JR, Cortés C, Ugarte A, Trujillo A. Follicular Development and Secretion of Ovarian Hormones during the Juvenile and Adult Reproductive Lives of the Myelin Mutant taiep Rat: An Animal Model of Demyelinating Diseases. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:5718782. [PMID: 30363667 PMCID: PMC6180977 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5718782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility and reproductive problems have been reported in women with several neurological disorders, for example, demyelination. However, the physiology of such problems has remained unknown so far. The taiep rats are an animal neurological model that initially shows a hypomyelination followed by a progressive demyelination of the central nervous system. This animal has reproductive problems, and the aim of this work is to characterize the follicular development, secretion of ovarian hormones, and presence of noradrenaline in the ovaries of the female taiep rats in the juvenile and adult stages. The taiep rats have low body weight (approximately 19% less than that of SD rats), a delay of 4 days in the age of vaginal opening, and an irregularity in the estrous cycle by the absence or prolongation of some estral cycle stage. In the juvenile stage, we observed a decrease of approximately 44% in the total number of follicles with a 15% increase of atresia and an 80% decrease in the fluorescence intensity of catecholamines in the ovaries, with a 21% increment in plasma concentrations of testosterone. In the adult stage, we observed follicular cysts and a 50% decrease in fluorescence intensity of catecholamines in the ovaries, with changes in the secretion of ovarian hormones, an increase of 20 times in progesterone, and a decrement of a half in estradiol. The demyelination in taiep rats affects follicular development and steroidogenesis in the early stages of the animal's life, and this is maintained until adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. R. Eguibar
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Mexico
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Estudios de Posgrado, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Mexico
| | - C. Cortés
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Mexico
| | - A. Ugarte
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Mexico
| | - A. Trujillo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72570 Puebla, Mexico
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23
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Zhu B, Pardeshi L, Chen Y, Ge W. Transcriptomic Analysis for Differentially Expressed Genes in Ovarian Follicle Activation in the Zebrafish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:593. [PMID: 30364302 PMCID: PMC6193065 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In teleosts, the onset of puberty in females is marked by the appearance of the first wave of pre-vitellogenic (PV) follicles from the pool of primary growth (PG) follicles (follicle activation) in the ovary during sexual maturation. To understand the mechanisms underlying follicle activation and therefore puberty onset, we undertook this transcriptomic study to investigate gene expression profiles in the event. Our analysis revealed a total of 2,027 up-regulated and 859 down-regulated genes during the PG-PV transition. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that in addition to basic cellular functions such as gene transcription, cell differentiation, and cell migration, other biological processes such as steroidogenesis, cell signaling and angiogenesis were also enriched in up-regulated genes; by comparison, some processes were down-regulated including piRNA metabolism, gene silencing and proteolysis. Further Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified a variety of signaling pathways that might play pivotal roles in PG-PV transition, including MAPK, TGF-β, Hedgehog, FoxO, VEGF, Jak-STAT, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways. Other pathways of particular interest included endocytosis and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. We also analyzed expression changes of genes expressed in different compartments viz. oocytes and follicle cells. Interestingly, most oocyte-specific genes remained unchanged in expression during follicle activation whereas a great number of genes specifically expressed in the follicle cells showed significant changes in expression. Overall, this study reported a comprehensive analysis for genes, biological processes and pathways involved in follicle activation, which also marks female puberty onset in the zebrafish when occurring for the first time in sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Lakhansing Pardeshi
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Ge ;
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24
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Volk KM, Pogrebna VV, Roberts JA, Zachry JE, Blythe SN, Toporikova N. High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet Disrupts the Preovulatory Hormone Surge and Induces Cystic Ovaries in Cycling Female Rats. J Endocr Soc 2017; 1:1488-1505. [PMID: 29308444 PMCID: PMC5740526 DOI: 10.1210/js.2017-00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diet-induced obesity has been associated with various metabolic and reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the mechanisms by which obesity influences the reproductive system are still not fully known. Studies have suggested that impairments in hormone signaling are associated with the development of symptoms such as acyclicity and ovarian cysts. However, these studies have often failed to address how these hormonal changes arise and how they might contribute to the progression of reproductive diseases. In the present study, we used a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet to induce obesity in a female rodent model to determine the changes in critical reproductive hormones that might contribute to the development of irregular estrous cycling and reproductive cycle termination. The HFHS animals exhibited impaired estradiol, progesterone (P4), and luteinizing hormone (LH) surges before ovulation. The HFHS diet also resulted in altered basal levels of testosterone (T) and LH. Furthermore, alterations in the basal P4/T ratio correlated strongly with ovarian cyst formation in HFHS rats. Thus, this model provides a method to assess the underlying etiology of obesity-related reproductive dysfunction and to examine an acyclic reproductive phenotype as it develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M. Volk
- Neuroscience Program, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
| | | | - Jackson A. Roberts
- Neuroscience Program, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
| | - Jennifer E. Zachry
- Neuroscience Program, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
| | - Sarah N. Blythe
- Neuroscience Program, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
| | - Natalia Toporikova
- Neuroscience Program, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450
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25
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Damsteegt EL, Ozaki Y, McCormick SPA, Lokman PM. Triacylglyceride physiology in the short-finned eel, Anguilla australis--the effects of androgen. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 310:R422-31. [PMID: 26764051 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00149.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The importance of androgens (especially 11-ketotestosterone) during previtellogenesis in eels is well established. In wild pubertal migrants, circulating 11-ketotestosterone levels correlate with a number of morphological and molecular changes. Here, we test the prediction that this correlation represents a causal relationship by artificially raising the levels of circulating 11-ketotestosterone in prepubertal nonmigratory female and pubertal, migratory male short-finned eels (Anguilla australis) using sustained-release hormone implants. In females, increases in hepatosomatic index and transcript copy numbers of hepatic apolipoprotein B and microsomal triacylglyceride transfer protein indicated increased repackaging of endogenously sourced triacylglycerides. These changes in liver measures were reflected in increased concentrations of serum triacylglycerides. However, despite a small increase in gonadosomatic index, ovarian lipoprotein receptor transcript abundances were not affected by 11-ketotestosterone. Interestingly, no such changes in hepatic gene expression were detected in a dose-response experiment using males. We propose that the androgens are inducing the observed changes in previtellogenic females, although it remains unclear to what extent these effects are direct or indirect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Damsteegt
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; and
| | - Yuichi Ozaki
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; and
| | - Sally P A McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - P Mark Lokman
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; and
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26
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Borgbo T, Macek M, Chrudimska J, Jeppesen JV, Hansen LL, Andersen CY. Size matters: Associations between the androgen receptor CAG repeat length and the intrafollicular hormone milieu. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 419:12-7. [PMID: 26404660 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Granulosa cell (GC) expressed androgen receptors (AR) and intrafollicular androgens are central to fertility. The transactivating domain of the AR contains a polymorphic CAG repeat sequence, which is linked to the transcriptional activity of AR and may influence the GC function. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the AR CAG repeat length on the intrafollicular hormone profiles, and the gene expression profiles of GC from human small antral follicles. In total, 190 small antral follicles (3-11 mm in diameter) were collected from 58 women undergoing ovarian cryopreservation for fertility preservation. The biallelic mean of the CAG repeat lengths were calculated for each woman, and grouped in three groups: Long CAG repeats (23-26 mean CAG); medium CAG repeats (20.5-22.5 mean CAG) and short CAG repeats (17.5-20.0 mean CAG). The following parameters were measured: follicle diameter, intrafollicular levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), progesterone, oestradiol, testosterone and androstenedione, and GC gene expression levels of FSHR, LHR, AR, CYP19A1, and AMH. The long CAG repeat lengths were associated with significantly decreased testosterone levels, as compared to medium CAG repeats (P = 0.05) and short CAG repeats (P = 0.003). Furthermore, in follicles 3-6 mm in diameter, the long CAG repeats were associated with significantly increased LHR and CYP19A1 gene expression levels compared to short CAG repeat lengths (P = 0.004 and P = 0.04 respectively), and significantly increased LHR expression compared to medium CAG repeat lengths (P = 0.03). In conclusion, long CAG repeat lengths in the AR were associated to significant attenuated levels of androgens and an increased conversion of testosterone into oestradiol, in human small antral follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Borgbo
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - M Macek
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J Chrudimska
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J V Jeppesen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L L Hansen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - C Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Xu J, Li M, Zhang L, Xiong H, Lai L, Guo M, Zong T, Zhang D, Yang B, Wu L, Tang M, Kuang H. Expression and regulation of androgen receptor in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and decidualization. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:898-906. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Xu
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Mo Li
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Hao Xiong
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Lidan Lai
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Meijun Guo
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Teng Zong
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Bei Yang
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Cell Biology; School of Medicine; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Haibin Kuang
- Department of Physiology; Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
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Shohat-Tal A, Sen A, Barad DH, Kushnir V, Gleicher N. Genetics of androgen metabolism in women with infertility and hypoandrogenism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:429-41. [PMID: 25942654 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypoandrogenism in women with low functional ovarian reserve (LFOR, defined as an abnormally low number of small growing follicles) adversely affects fertility. The androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is increasingly used to supplement treatment protocols in women with LFOR undergoing in vitro fertilization. Due to differences in androgen metabolism, however, responses to DHEA supplementation vary between patients. In addition to overall declines in steroidogenic capacity with advancing age, genetic factors, which result in altered expression or enzymatic function of key steroidogenic proteins or their upstream regulators, might further exacerbate variations in the conversion of DHEA to testosterone. In this Review, we discuss in vitro studies and animal models of polymorphisms and gene mutations that affect the conversion of DHEA to testosterone and attempt to elucidate how these variations affect female hormone profiles. We also discuss treatment options that modulate levels of testosterone by targeting the expression of steroidogenic genes. Common variants in genes encoding DHEA sulphotransferase, aromatase, steroid 5α-reductase, androgen receptor, sex-hormone binding globulin, fragile X mental retardation protein and breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein have been implicated in androgen metabolism and, therefore, can affect levels of androgens in women. Short of screening for all potential genetic variants, hormonal assessments of patients with low testosterone levels after DHEA supplementation facilitate identification of underlying genetic defects. The genetic predisposition of patients can then be used to design individualized fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Shohat-Tal
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David H Barad
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Vitaly Kushnir
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- Center for Human Reproduction, 21 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
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29
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Ortega HH, Marelli BE, Rey F, Amweg AN, Díaz PU, Stangaferro ML, Salvetti NR. Molecular aspects of bovine cystic ovarian disease pathogenesis. Reproduction 2015; 149:R251-64. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the main causes of reproductive failure in cattle and causes severe economic loss to the dairy farm industry because it increases both days open in the post partum period and replacement rates due to infertility. This disease is the consequence of the failure of a mature follicle to ovulate at the time of ovulation in the estrous cycle. This review examines the evidence for the role of altered steroid and gonadotropin signaling systems and the proliferation/apoptosis balance in the ovary with cystic structures. This evidence suggests that changes in the expression of ovarian molecular components associated with these cellular mechanisms could play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of COD. The evidence also shows that gonadotropin receptor expression in bovine cystic follicles is altered, which suggests that changes in the signaling system of gonadotropins could play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of conditions characterized by altered ovulation, such as COD. Ovaries from animals with COD exhibit a disrupted steroid receptor pattern with modifications in the expression of coregulatory proteins. These changes in the pathways of endocrine action would trigger the changes in proliferation and apoptosis underlying the aberrant persistence of follicular cysts.Free Spanish abstract: A Spanish translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/6/R251/suppl/DC1.
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Lledó B, Llácer J, Turienzo A, Ortiz JA, Guerrero J, Morales R, Ten J, Bernabeu R. Androgen receptor CAG repeat length is associated with ovarian reserve but not with ovarian response. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:509-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
For many decades, elevated androgens in women have been associated with poor reproductive health. However, recent studies have shown that androgens play a crucial role in women's fertility. The following review provides an overall perspective about how androgens and androgen receptor-mediated actions regulate normal follicular development, as well as discuss emerging concepts, latest perceptions, and controversies regarding androgen actions and signaling in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hen Prizant
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USADivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USA
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Salvetti NR, Alfaro NS, Velázquez MML, Amweg AN, Matiller V, Díaz PU, Ortega HH. Alteration in localization of steroid hormone receptors and coregulatory proteins in follicles from cows with induced ovarian follicular cysts. Reproduction 2012; 144:723-35. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of infertility in cattle. The altered follicular dynamics and cellular differentiation observed in COD may be mediated through a disruption of the expression of steroid receptors and their associated transcriptional cofactors. The aim of this study was to determine the protein expression profiles of ESR1, ESR2, PGR, AR, NCOA3, NCOR2, and PHB2 (REA) in ovarian follicles in an experimental model of COD induced by the administration of ACTH. Ovaries were collected and follicles were dissected from heifers during the follicular phase (control) or from heifers treated with ACTH to induce the formation of ovarian follicular cysts. Ovaries were fixed, sectioned, and stained immunohistochemically for steroid receptors and the associated transcription factors. The relative expression of ESR1 was similar in follicular cysts and in tertiary follicles from both control and cystic cows and was significantly higher than in secondary follicles. The expression of ESR2 in the granulosa was higher in cystic follicles. No differences were seen for PGR. The expression of androgen receptor was significantly increased in tertiary follicles with lower immunostaining in cysts. The expression of NCOA3 was observed in the granulosa and theca with a significantly increased expression in the theca interna of cystic follicles. The highest levels of NCOR2 expression in granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa were observed in cysts. In granulosa cells, NCOR2 levels increase progressively as follicles mature and the treatment had no effect. In summary, ovaries from animals with induced COD exhibited altered steroid receptor expression compared with normal animals, as well as changes in the expression of their regulators. It is reasonable to suggest that in conditions characterized by altered ovulation and follicular persistence, such as COD, changes in the intra-ovarian expression of these proteins could play a role in their pathogenesis.
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Matsumoto T, Sakari M, Okada M, Yokoyama A, Takahashi S, Kouzmenko A, Kato S. The androgen receptor in health and disease. Annu Rev Physiol 2012; 75:201-24. [PMID: 23157556 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-030212-183656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Androgens play pivotal roles in the regulation of male development and physiological processes, particularly in the male reproductive system. Most biological effects of androgens are mediated by the action of nuclear androgen receptor (AR). AR acts as a master regulator of downstream androgen-dependent signaling pathway networks. This ligand-dependent transcriptional factor modulates gene expression through the recruitment of various coregulator complexes, the induction of chromatin reorganization, and epigenetic histone modifications at target genomic loci. Dysregulation of androgen/AR signaling perturbs normal reproductive development and accounts for a wide range of pathological conditions such as androgen-insensitive syndrome, prostate cancer, and spinal bulbar muscular atrophy. In this review we summarize recent advances in understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms of AR action as well as newly recognized aspects of AR-mediated androgen signaling in both men and women. In addition, we offer a perspective on the use of animal genetic model systems aimed at eventually developing novel therapeutic AR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Matsumoto
- Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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Zhang C, Dang J, Pei L, Guo M, Zhu H, Qu L, Jia F, Lu H, Huo Z. Relationship of 2D:4D finger ratio with androgen receptor CAG and GGN repeat polymorphism. Am J Hum Biol 2012; 25:101-6. [PMID: 23132707 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The relative length of the second-to-fourth digits (2D:4D) has been linked with prenatal androgen in humans. A recent study shows that the 2D:4D ratio in mice is controlled by the balance of androgen to estrogen signaling during a narrow window of digit development. Androgen receptor (AR) activity is higher in digit 4 than in digit 2, and inactivation of AR decreases growth of digit 4, which causes a higher 2D:4D ratio. At the molecular level, the effect of androgens is mediated through the activation of AR. The CAG/GGN repeat polymorphisms of the AR gene are associated with AR activity. Here, we investigate the effect of CAG/GGN repeat polymorphisms in AR on 2D:4D in Chinese. METHODS Digit lengths of the second and fourth fingers were measured from photocopies of the ventral surface of the hand and by actual finger measurements. We genotyped AR polymorphisms by ABI 3730 DNA analyzer. RESULTS We found that left hand 2D:4D ratio was longer than that of the right hand both in males and in females. We failed to find any relationship between CAG / GGN alleles and the left hand, right hand, right minus left-hand or mean hand 2D:4D ratios (all, r < 0.20, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we first found that the left hand 2D:4D ratio was longer than that of the right hand in both males and females. However, we found that both CAG and GGN alleles were not associated with the left hand, right hand, right minus left-hand or mean hand 2D:4D ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance, Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
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Lai JJ, Chang P, Lai KP, Chen L, Chang C. The role of androgen and androgen receptor in skin-related disorders. Arch Dermatol Res 2012; 304:499-510. [PMID: 22829074 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-012-1265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) may play important roles in several skin-related diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia and acne vulgaris. Current treatments for these androgen/AR-involved diseases, which target the synthesis of androgens or prevent its binding to AR, can cause significant adverse side effects. Based on the recent studies using AR knockout mice, it has been suggested that AR and androgens play distinct roles in the skin pathogenesis, and AR seems to be a better target than androgens for the treatment of these skin diseases. Here, we review recent studies of androgen/AR roles in several skin-related disorders, including acne vulgaris, androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism, as well as cutaneous wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiann-Jyh Lai
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology and The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 626, URMC, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Alfaro NS, Salvetti NR, Velazquez MM, Stangaferro ML, Rey F, Ortega HH. Steroid receptor mRNA expression in the ovarian follicles of cows with cystic ovarian disease. Res Vet Sci 2012; 92:478-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gleicher N, Weghofer A, Barad DH. The role of androgens in follicle maturation and ovulation induction: friend or foe of infertility treatment? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:116. [PMID: 21849061 PMCID: PMC3170254 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of androgens on follicle maturation have been controversial for some time. Here, we review the potential of their applications in improving human ovulation induction, based on human and animal data, reported in the literature. METHODS We reviewed the published literature for the years 2005-2011, using relevant key words, in PubMed, Medline and Cochrane reviews, and then performed secondary reviews of referenced articles, which previously had not been known or preceded the searched time period. A total of 217 publications were reviewed. RESULTS Contrary to widely held opinion, recent data, mostly developed in the mouse, convincingly demonstrate essential contribution of androgens to normal follicle maturation and, therefore, female fertility. Androgens appear most engaged at preantral and antral stages, primarily affect granulosa cells, and exert effects via androgen receptors (AR) through transcriptional regulation but also in non-genomic ways, with ligand-activated AR modulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) activity in granulosa cells. While some androgens, like testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), appear effective in improving functional ovarian reserve (FOR) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), others may even exert opposite effects. Such differences in androgens may, at least partially, reflect different levels of agonism to AR. DISCUSSION Selective androgens appear capable of improving early stages of folliculogenesis. They, therefore, may represent forerunners of a completely new class of ovulation-inducing medications, which, in contrast to gonadotropins, affect follicle maturation at much earlier stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- Center for Human Reproduction - New York, New York, USA
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andrea Weghofer
- Center for Human Reproduction - New York, New York, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David H Barad
- Center for Human Reproduction - New York, New York, USA
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology and Social Medicine and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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McEwan IJ, McGuinness D, Hay CW, Millar RP, Saunders PTK, Fraser HM. Identification of androgen receptor phosphorylation in the primate ovary in vivo. Reproduction 2010; 140:93-104. [PMID: 20406952 PMCID: PMC2892820 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, and is important for both male and female reproductive health. The receptor is a target for a number of post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, which has been intensively studied in vitro. However, little is known about the phosphorylation status of the receptor in target tissues in vivo. The common marmoset is a useful model for studying human reproductive functions, and comparison of the AR primary sequence from this primate shows high conservation of serines known to be phosphorylated in the human receptor and corresponding flanking amino acids. We have used a panel of phosphospecific antibodies to study AR phosphorylation in the marmoset ovary throughout the follicular phase and after treatment with GNRH antagonist or testosterone propionate. In normal follicular phase ovaries, total AR (both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms) immunopositive staining was observed in several cell types including granulosa cells of developing follicles, theca cells and endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Receptor phosphorylation at serines 81, 308, and 650 was detected primarily in the granulosa cells of developing follicles, surface epithelium, and vessel endothelial cells. Testosterone treatment lead to a modest increase in AR staining in all stages of follicle studied, while GNRH antagonist had no effect. Neither treatment significantly altered the pattern of phosphorylation compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation of the AR occurs, at a subset of serine residues, in a reproductive target tissue in vivo, which appears refractory to hormonal manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain J McEwan
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.
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Walters KA, Simanainen U, Handelsman DJ. Molecular insights into androgen actions in male and female reproductive function from androgen receptor knockout models. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:543-58. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Rhen T, Schroeder A. Molecular mechanisms of sex determination in reptiles. Sex Dev 2010; 4:16-28. [PMID: 20145384 PMCID: PMC2918650 DOI: 10.1159/000282495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Charles Darwin first provided a lucid explanation of how gender differences evolve nearly 140 years ago. Yet, a disconnect remains between his theory of sexual selection and the mechanisms that underlie the development of males and females. In particular, comparisons between representatives of different phyla (i.e., flies and mice) reveal distinct genetic mechanisms for sexual differentiation. Such differences are hard to comprehend unless we study organisms that bridge the phylogenetic gap. Analysis of variation within monophyletic groups (i.e., amniotes) is just as important if we hope to elucidate the evolution of mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation. Here we review the molecular, cellular, morphological, and physiological changes associated with sex determination in reptiles. Most research on the molecular biology of sex determination in reptiles describes expression patterns for orthologs of mammalian sex-determining genes. Many of these genes have evolutionarily conserved expression profiles (i.e., DMRT1 and SOX9 are expressed at a higher level in developing testes vs. developing ovaries in all species), which suggests functional conservation. However, expression profiling alone does not test gene function and will not identify novel sex-determining genes or gene interactions. For that reason, we provide a prospectus on various techniques that promise to reveal new sex-determining genes and regulatory interactions among these genes. We offer specific examples of novel candidate genes and a new signaling pathway in support of these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Rhen
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N. Dak., USA
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Son HJ, Kim JH, Lee HK, Park MJ, Kang DW, Ko CM. Pathologic Characteristics of Ovarian Hemorrhagic Polycyst in Estrogen Receptor-alpha (ERα) Knockout Mice and Roles of ERα in Hemorrhagic Polycyst. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.4132/koreanjpathol.2010.44.4.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jin Son
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joo-Heon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye-Kyung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mee-Ja Park
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Kang
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Che-Myong Ko
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Chatterjee S, Singh R, Kadam S, Maitra A, Thangaraj K, Meherji P, Modi D. Longer CAG repeat length in the androgen receptor gene is associated with premature ovarian failure. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:3230-5. [PMID: 19684044 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disorder characterized by lack of ovulation and elevated serum gonadotrophin levels before the age of 40 years. The cause of POF in most cases is unknown. As mice lacking the Androgen receptor (Ar) gene reportedly have a POF-like phenotype, we hypothesize that, variations in the AR gene maybe one of the causative factors for POF in humans. Thus the objective of the study is to evaluate the number of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the AR gene in non-familial, non-syndromic cases of POF. METHODS A clinic-based case-control study. Seventy-eight patients with non-familial, non-syndromic POF, and 90 controls were recruited to investigate the CAG repeat numbers in exon 1 of the AR gene by PCR and Gene Scan analysis. RESULTS The mean CAG repeat length in exon 1 of the AR gene of women with POF was 23.6 +/- 3.8, which was significantly higher than controls (20.08 +/- 3.45) (P < 0.001). The biallelic mean CAG repeat ranged from 11 to 32 in the control women, compared to 16 to 30 in the POF patients. The 22 CAG repeat allele followed by the 24 CAG repeat allele was found to be at highest frequency (15.38 and 12.8%) in POF cases, although the 19 CAG repeat allele was observed at highest frequency (12.2%) in controls. CONCLUSIONS The observation suggests that the CAG repeat length is increased in women with POF as compared with controls, and may be pathogenic for POF, at least in a subset of Indian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparna Chatterjee
- Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
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Li M, Schatten H, Sun QY. Androgen receptor's destiny in mammalian oocytes: a new hypothesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:149-54. [PMID: 19193657 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike the well-established roles of androgen and androgen receptor (AR) in males, the functions of this steroid and its receptor in the ovary are still unclear. For decades, androgen and AR have long been considered to play a negative (at least not a positive) role in mammalian oocyte maturation. However, recent studies by us and others showed their positive influence in promoting meiotic maturation. On the other hand, rapid non-genomic effects of androgens have been observed and are now generally accepted as contributing to the physiological effects of the steroids and their related receptors in somatic cells, and this has stimulated us to explore the complex roles of AR in the ovary. Based on the classic dogma and new findings, we collected evidence to propose that the expression of AR shifts from the oocytes to the theca cells and finally disappears in the oocytes during evolution. It is suggested that the non-genomic pathway involving androgen and AR in the mammalian oocytes, unlike somatic cells, cells will undergo elimination. The function of androgen and AR in promoting meiotic maturation may have been replaced gradually by gonadotrophins. Moreover, a possible relationship between AR and polycystic ovary syndrome is also discussed, which might provide a clue for the pathology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Li
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Okutsu Y, Itoh MT, Takahashi N, Ishizuka B. Exogenous androstenedione induces formation of follicular cysts and premature luteinization of granulosa cells in the ovary. Fertil Steril 2008; 93:927-35. [PMID: 19100535 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Revised: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of androstenedione on ovarian follicle development. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING University research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Female Wistar-Imamichi rats and BDF1 mice. INTERVENTION(S) Rats were injected with androstenedione. Ovarian follicles of mice were cultured in the presence of androstenedione. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Ovarian morphology; ovarian cell types undergoing apoptosis; ovarian expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1); serum levels of T, E(2), and P in rats; and ultrastructure of granulosa cells from cultured follicles of mice. RESULT(S) In androstenedione-treated rat ovaries, follicular cysts were formed, and apoptotic cells were found in the inner part of granulosa cell layers of antral follicles. Androstenedione administration down-regulated expression of P450arom but up-regulated expression of P450scc and p27(Kip1) in the granulosa cells of antral follicles. Serum T levels were significantly increased in androstenedione-treated rats. In mouse follicles exposed to androstenedione, the granulosa cells contained abundant lipid droplets and mitochondria with complex tubular cristae. CONCLUSION(S) Excess androgen enhances apoptosis in the inner part of granulosa cell layers of antral follicles, resulting in the formation of follicular cysts. It is also demonstrated that androgen stimulates premature luteinization of granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okutsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miya-mae-ku, Kawasaki 216-8511, Japan.
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Abstract
Although androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) have defining roles in male reproductive development and function, previously no role in female reproductive physiology beyond testosterone (T) as the precursor in estradiol (E(2)) biosynthesis was firmly established. Understanding the role and specific mechanisms of androgen action via the AR in the ovary has been limited by confusion on how to interpret results from pharmacological studies, because many androgens can be metabolized in vivo and in vitro to steroids that can also exert actions via the estrogen receptor (ESR). Recent genetic studies using mouse models with specific disruption of the Ar gene have highlighted the role that AR-mediated actions play in maintaining female fertility through key roles in the regulation of follicle health, development, and ovulation. Furthermore, these genetic studies have revealed that AR-mediated effects influence age-related female fertility, possibly via mechanisms acting predominantly at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in a dose-dependent manner. This review focuses on combining the findings from pharmacological studies and novel genetic mouse models to unravel the roles of ovarian androgen actions in relation to female fertility and ovarian aging, as well as creating new insights into the role of androgens in androgen-associated reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Walters
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
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