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Duan H, Yang S, Xiao L, Yang S, Yan Z, Wang F, Ma X, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Hu J, Zhao X. Melatonin promotes progesterone secretion in sheep luteal cells by regulating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Theriogenology 2024; 214:342-351. [PMID: 37976799 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.010] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The corpus luteum is primarily responsible for the production and secretion of progesterone. Melatonin has been established to regulate autophagy and induce progesterone secretion in luteal cell. However, whether melatonin affects progesterone secretion by interfering with autophagy is yet to be reported. In the present study, the expression levels of melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2), autophagy-related protein Beclin1 (Bec1), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 B (LC3B), progesterone and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) were analyzed in the corpus luteum of sheep at different stages (early, middle, and late); specifically, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting were utilized for this expression analysis. In addition, to determine whether melatonin regulated progesterone secretion via the regulation of autophagy, luteal cells were cultured before being exposed to different concentrations of melatonin (0.01-100 nM) and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (50 μM). Next, luteal cells were treated with the melatonin receptor inhibitors 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (1 μM) and luzindole (1 μM) before detecting Bec1, LC3B2, AMPK/mTOR, and progesterone secretion levels to ascertain whether the effect of melatonin on autophagy and progesterone secretion is mediated by its corresponding receptors in luteal cells. Finally, to determine the significance of the AMPK/mTOR pathway in this process, an AMPK inhibitor, Compound C (10 μM), was added to luteal cells. Overall, the highest expression of melatonin receptors, autophagy and progesterone secretion was observed in the middle-phase corpus luteum; additionally, melatonin promoted autophagy, at least partially, through its receptor-mediated AMPK/mTOR pathway, which thereby promoting progesterone secretion in luteal cells in vitro. Ultimately, this study is the first to clarify the important role of autophagy in the melatonin-mediated regulation of progesterone secretion in the corpus luteum of sheep; it also lays a foundation for further exploration into the role of melatonin in regulating sheep's ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Zhenxing Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaofei Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
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Wu J, Sheng J, Wu X, Wu Q. Ultrasound‑assessed endometrial receptivity measures for the prediction of in vitro fertilization‑embryo transfer clinical pregnancy outcomes: A meta‑analysis and systematic review. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:453. [PMID: 37614426 PMCID: PMC10443051 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there are currently no reliable and consistent conclusions regarding transvaginal ultrasound assessment of endometrial receptivity in predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Thus, in the present study, a meta-analysis was performed on multiple endometrial receptivity indices detected by vaginal ultrasound, aiming to provide a diagnostic basis for clinical practice. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published between the establishment of the databases through to January 2023. Studies that reported infertile women undergoing IVF-ET and undergoing vaginal ultrasound were included, but repeat publication, studies where the full text was not obtainable, studies where there was incomplete information provided or data extraction was not possible, studies on animals, case reports, reviews, and systematic reviews were excluded. STATA 15.1 was used to analyze the data. The pooled results showed that the endometrial thickness [Weighted mean difference (WMD)=0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-0.06; P=0.022] and endometrial volume (WMD=0.41, 95% CI: 0.07-0.74; P=0.017) of the pregnancy group after receiving IVF-ET were all significantly higher than that of the non-pregnancy group. The pooled results also showed that the vascularization index (VI) (WMD=0.79, 95% CI: 0.56-1.03; P=0.000), flow index (FI) (WMD=1.82, 95% CI: 0.83-2.81; P=0.000) and vascularization flow index (VFI) (WMD=1.58, 95% CI: 0.91-2.24; P=0.000) of the pregnancy group after receiving IVF-ET was significantly higher than that of the non-pregnancy group. Systolic/diastolic (S/D) (WMD=-4.92, 95%CI: -8.28- -1.56; P=0.004) of the uterine artery of the pregnancy group after receiving IVF-ET was significantly lower than that of the non-pregnancy group. However, the differences between the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in the pregnancy group vs. the non-pregnancy group after receiving IVF-ET were not statistically significant. Vaginal ultrasound can be used to predict the outcomes of pregnancy in infertile women undergoing IVF-ET by measuring the thickness and volume of the endometrium, combined with the S/D, VI, FI, and VFI of the uterine artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhang Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Junfa Sheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Qiumei Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
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Meng Y, Tao L, Xia T, Zhu J, Lin X, Zhou W, Liu Y, Ou J, Xing W. Elevated estradiol levels on hCG trigger day adversely effects on the clinical pregnancy rates of blastocyst embryo transfer but not cleavage-stage embryo transfer in fresh cycles: a retrospective cohort study. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15709. [PMID: 37483963 PMCID: PMC10361074 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated estradiol (E2) levels are an inevitable outcome of the controlled ovulation hyperstimulation. However, the effect of this change on pregnancy is still uncertain. Our study aimed to analyze the impact of increased serum E2 at the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the clinical outcomes of women with fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles. Methods This study included 3,009 fresh ET cycles from October 2015 to September 2021. Based on the stage of embryos transferred, these cycles were categorized into the cleavage group and blastocyst group. Both groups were then divided into four sets according to E2 levels when hCG was administered: set 1 (E2 ≤ 2,000 pg/ml), set 2 (E2 = 2,001-3,000 pg/ml), set 3 (E2 = 3,001-4,000 pg/ml), and set 4 (E2 > 4,000 pg/ml). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). Binary logistics regression analysis was established to explore the association between CPR and E2 levels. Specifically, the threshold effect of serum E2 on CPR was revealed using the two-piecewise linear regression analyses. Results The multivariate regression model in the cleavage group showed that patients' CPR in set 4 was 1.59 times higher than those in reference set 1, but the statistical difference was insignificant (P = 0.294). As for the blastocyst group, patients in set 4 had a lower CPR with adjusted ORs of 0.43 (P = 0.039) compared to patients in set 1. The inflection point for the blastocyst group was 39.7 pg/dl according to the results of the two-piecewise linear regression model. When E2 levels were over the point, the CPR decreased by 17% with every 1 pg/dl increases in serum E2 (adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.72-0.96], P = 0.012). Conclusions Elevated E2 levels (>39.7 pg/dl) on hCG trigger day were associated with decreased CPR in patients with fresh blastocyst ET. However, it had no similar effect on the CPR of patients with fresh cleavage-stage ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Linlin Tao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Tingting Xia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Jieru Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yuxia Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First People’s Hospital of Kashi Prefecture, Affiliated Kashi Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Kashi, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Weijie Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
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Durgavich LS, Harwell FS, Knott CD. A composite menstrual cycle of captive orangutans, with associated hormonal and behavioral variability. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23420. [PMID: 35856470 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of species-typical reproductive endocrinology profiles is crucial for testing hypotheses pertaining to the evolutionary history, reproductive parameters, and life history of a species, and for managing the well-being of individual animals in human care. Large-scale empirical measurements of ovarian hormones, however, are rare for most primate species, including orangutans. In this study, we used enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to quantify estrogen (estrone conjugates; E1 C) and progesterone (pregnanediol-3-glucuronide; PdG) levels for 98 cycles in 7 cycling zoo-housed female orangutans (10-43 years old). We use a subset of these cycles (N = 44) to create the first composite menstrual cycle for orangutans, which serves as a valuable baseline for future comparative analyses and veterinary considerations. Similar to previous studies, we determined the mean ovarian cycle length of orangutans to be 29.7 days (N = 98 cycles), although we illustrate evidence of both intra- and interindividual variation in ovarian steroid production. Given that this study took place in captivity, we consider how energetic and psychosocial aspects of the zoo environment, such as greater food availability and potential stress, may affect the reproductive physiology and sexual behavior of these females. Furthermore, we discuss the role that age and genetic background may play in producing variability. Finally, we test whether ovarian hormone levels correlate with the reproductive behaviors of these female orangutans using associated behavioral data. Our results suggest that matings are more common during the periovulatory period than outside of it, but do not support a consistent link between hormonal indices of fecundability and mating behaviors in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara S Durgavich
- Anthropology Department, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Faye S Harwell
- Anthropology Department, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cheryl D Knott
- Anthropology Department, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Biology Department, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Shanmugam DAS, Dhatchanamurthy S, Leela KA, Bhaskaran RS. Maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) causes multigenerational adverse effects on the uterus of F 1 and F 2 offspring rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 115:17-28. [PMID: 36435455 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are one of the ubiquitous chemicals found in day-to-day products like food packaging, children's toys, and other consumer commodities. There is rising concern that repeated exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and lactation could have long-term effects on maternal and fetal health. We hypothesize that exposure to DEHP during the developmental windows might affect the expression of molecules that regulate uterine function and that this effect would be passed on to further generations. Rat dams were treated with olive oil (vehicle) or DEHP (100 mg/kg b.wt./day) orally from gestational day 9 (GD 9) to the end of lactation (PND 21). F0 maternal DEHP exposure resulted in multigenerational (F1 and F2) reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by an extended estrous cycle, decreased mating, fertility, and fecundity indices. Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were decreased and their cognate receptors (PR and ERα) in the uterus were decreased in the DEHP-exposed offspring rats. Further analysis of the expression of estrogen and progesterone regulatory genes such as Hox a11, VEGF A, Ihh, LIFR, EP4, PTCH, NR2F2, BMP2, and Wnt4 were reduced in the uteri of adult F1 and F2 generation rats born from DEHP-exposed F0 dams. Decreased expression of these crucial proteins due to DEHP exposure may lead to defects in epithelial proliferation and secretion, uterine receptivity, and decidualization in the uteri of successive generations. This study showed that maternal DEHP exposure impairs the expression of molecules that regulate uterine function and this multigenerational effect is transmitted via maternal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharani Abirama Sundari Shanmugam
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600113, India
| | - Sakthivel Dhatchanamurthy
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600113, India
| | - Kamakshi Arjunan Leela
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600113, India
| | - Ravi Sankar Bhaskaran
- Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600113, India.
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Xu X, Yang A, Han Y, Wang W, Hao G, Cui N. The Association Between Serum Estradiol Levels on hCG Trigger Day and Live Birth Rates in Non-PCOS Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:839773. [PMID: 35592781 PMCID: PMC9112425 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.839773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To retrospectively analyze the association of serum estradiol (E2) levels on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger day and live birth rates (LBRs) in women undergoing fresh embryo transfer and not exhibiting polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Analysis of 13,950 patients who had fresh embryo transfer between December 2013 and December 2019. The main outcome measurement was LBRs. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate associations between E2 levels on the hCG trigger day and LBRs. Stratification analysis was performed to test for effect modification in subgroups. Furthermore, a two-piecewise linear regression model was established to find nonlinear relationships. RESULTS Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant association between serum E2 levels on the hCG trigger day and LBRs, adjusting for covariates [relative risk (RR) 1.027, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007, 1.049]. Stratification analysis showed that the LBRs were positively associated (RR 1.052, 95% CI 1.004, 1.102) with every 1 ng/ml increase of serum E2 on the hCG trigger day for the subgroup with low antral follicle counts on the trigger day. Specifically, a two-piecewise linear regression model showed that there was a positive association (RR 1.188, 95% CI 1.057, 1.334) between serum E2 and LBR for every increase of 1 ng/ml E2 when the concentration of serum E2 was lower than 2.1 ng/ml. However, there was no significant association (RR 1.002, 95% CI 0.971, 1.032) between E2 levels and LBRs when the concentration of E2 was higher than the 2.1ng/ml inflection point. CONCLUSIONS Serum E2 levels on the hCG trigger day were segmentally connected with LBRs.
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Jia Q, Fang L, Wang Z, Wu Z, Yan Y, Liu B, Cheng JC, Sun YP. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Is Associated with a High Secondary Sex Ratio in Fresh IVF Cycles with Cleavage-Stage Embryo Transfer: Results for a Cohort Study. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3341-3351. [PMID: 34081318 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00637-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The sex ratio at birth is defined as the secondary sex ratio (SSR). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious and iatrogenic complication associated with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. It has been hypothesized that the human SSR is partially controlled by parental hormone levels around the time of conception. Given the aberrant hormonal profiles observed in patients with OHSS, this retrospective study was designed to evaluate the impact of OHSS on the SSR. In this study, all included patients were divided into 3 groups: non-OHSS (n=2777), mild OHSS (n=644), and moderate OHSS (n=334). Our results showed that the overall SSR for the study population was 1.033. The SSR was significantly increased in patients with moderate OHSS (1.336) compared to non-OHSS patients (1.002) (p=0.048). Subgroup analyses showed that increases in the SSR in patients with moderate OHSS were observed in the IVF group (1.323 vs 1.052; p=0.043), but not in the ICSI groups (1.021 vs 0.866; p=0.732). In addition, the elevated serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in OHSS patients were not associated with SSR. In this study, for the first time, we report that a high SSR is associated with OHSS in patients who received fresh IVF treatments. The increases in SSR in OHSS patients are not attributed to the high serum E2 and P4 levels. Our findings may make both ART clinicians and patients more aware of the influences of ART treatments on the SSR and allow clinicians to counsel patients more appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
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Chen L, Wu H, Hong W, Aguilar ZP, Fu F, Xu H. The effect of reproductive toxicity induced by ZnO NPs in mice during early pregnancy through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:1143-1151. [PMID: 33599401 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential toxicity of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to human beings has become a widespread concern. This study explored the reproductive toxicity and the mechanism of toxicity of ZnO NPs in early pregnant mice. The results showed that abnormal weight changes, induced inflammation, reduced level of serum sex hormones, damaged uterus, increased abortion, and abnormal development of fetus. In the uterus, the transcription levels of ZnT-1, HO-1, Bax, Bax/Bcl-2, JNK, and Caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated while Bcl-2, ER-1 and PR were significantly down-regulated. The TUNEL-positive cells increased that were exposed to high levels of ZnO NPs. In summary, those results indicated that Zn from high levels of exposure to ZnO NPs accumulated in the uterus that could have caused the formation of ROS that led to oxidative stress, which might have activated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway that could have caused the uterine injury which induced the observed reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Haifang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wuding Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | | | - Fen Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Pandur E, Pap R, Montskó G, Jánosa G, Sipos K, Kovács GL. Fractalkine enhances endometrial receptivity and activates iron transport towards trophoblast cells in an in vitro co-culture system of HEC-1A and JEG-3 cells. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112583. [PMID: 33811904 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometrium receptivity and successful implantation require a complex network of regulatory factors whom production is strictly controlled especially at the implantation window. Many regulators like steroid hormones, prostaglandins, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and downstream cell signalling pathways are involved in the process of embryo-endometrium interaction. Our work reveals the effect of fractalkine (FKN), a unique chemokine on progesterone receptor, SOX-17 and NRF2 expressions in HEC-1A endometrial cell line. FKN activates fractalkine receptor signalling and the expression of SOX-17 through progesterone receptor in HEC-1A endometrial cells, and as a consequence it increases endometrial receptivity. Fractalkine also activates the NRF2-Keap-1 signal transduction pathway regulating the IL-6 and IL-1β cytokine productions, which increase endometrial receptivity, as well. The NRF2 transcription factor increases the expression of the iron exporter ferroportin in HEC-1A cells activating iron release towards JEG-3 trophoblast cells. The iron measurements show that iron content of endometrial cells decreases while heme concentration increases at FKN treatment. At the same time, the trophoblast cells show increased iron uptake and total iron content. Based on our results it seems that FKN enhances the establishment of endometrial receptivity and meanwhile it regulates the iron homeostasis of endometrium contributing to the iron availability of the trophoblast cells and the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Pandur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, H-7624, Rókus U. 2., Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Ramóna Pap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, H-7624, Rókus U. 2., Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Montskó
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H-7624, Ifjúság út 20., Pécs, Hungary; MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624, Ifjúság út 20., Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Jánosa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, H-7624, Rókus U. 2., Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Katalin Sipos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, H-7624, Rókus U. 2., Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Gábor L Kovács
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H-7624, Ifjúság út 20., Pécs, Hungary; MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624, Ifjúság út 20., Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624, Ifjúság út 13., Pécs, Hungary.
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Fernando SR, Kottawatta KSA, Jiang L, Chen X, Cheng KW, Wong BPC, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Lee KF. Differential expression of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in regulating endometrial receptivity in humans. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100498. [PMID: 33677360 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone regulate the expression of endometrial proteins that determine endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation. The protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family of proteins play a diverse role in regulating protein modification and redox function. Although the role of PDIs in cancer progression has been widely studied, their role in endometrial receptivity is largely unknown. We have focused on the expressions of PDIA1, PDIA2, PDIA3, PDIA4, PDIA5, and PDIA6 isoforms in endometrial epithelium under the influence of estrogen and progesterone and investigated their functional role in regulating endometrial receptivity. We found PDIA1-6 transcripts were expressed in endometrial epithelial Ishikawa, RL95-2, AN3CA, and HEC1-B cell lines. The expression of PDIA1 was low and PDIA5 was high in HEC1-B cells, whereas PDIA2 was high in both AN3CA and HEC1-B cells. In Ishikawa cells, estrogen (10 and 100 nM) upregulated PDIA1 and PDIA6, whereas estrogen (100 nM) downregulated PDIA4 and PDIA5; and progesterone (0.1 and 1 μM) downregulated transcript expressions of PDIA1-6. In human endometrial samples, significantly lowered transcript expressions of PDIA2 and PDIA5 were observed in the secretory phase compared with the proliferative phase, whereas no change was observed in the other studied transcripts throughout the cycle. Inhibition of PDI by PDI antibody (5 and 10 μg/mL) and PDI inhibitor bacitracin (1 and 5 mM) significantly increased the attachment of Jeg-3 spheroids onto AN3CA cells. Taken together, our study suggests a role of PDI in regulating endometrial receptivity and the possibility of using PDI inhibitors to enhance endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudini Ranshaya Fernando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka
| | - Kottawattage Sanda Arunika Kottawatta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Veterinary Public Health and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, The University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Luhan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kiu-Wai Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Benancy Po-Chau Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ernest Hung-Yu Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai-Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen, China.
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11
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Ojosnegros S, Seriola A, Godeau AL, Veiga A. Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:501-530. [PMID: 33410481 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo implantation process is crucial for the correct establishment and progress of pregnancy. During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm cells attach to the epithelium of the endometrium, triggering intense cell-to-cell crosstalk that leads to trophoblast outgrowth, invasion of the endometrial tissue, and formation of the placenta. However, this process, which is vital for embryo and foetal development in utero, is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility. Experimental implantation is cumbersome and impractical in adult animal models and is inconceivable in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A number of custom experimental solutions have been proposed to recreate different stages of the implantation process in vitro, by combining a human embryo (or a human embryo surrogate) and endometrial cells (or a surrogate for the endometrial tissue). In vitro models allow rapid high-throughput interrogation of embryos and cells, and efficient screening of molecules, such as cytokines, drugs, or transcription factors, that control embryo implantation and the receptivity of the endometrium. However, the broad selection of available in vitro systems makes it complicated to decide which system best fits the needs of a specific experiment or scientific question. To orient the reader, this review will explore the experimental options proposed in the literature, and classify them into amenable categories based on the embryo/cell pairs employed.The goal is to give an overview of the tools available to study the complex process of human embryo implantation, and explain the differences between them, including the advantages and disadvantages of each system. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to come up with different categories that mimic the different stages of embryo implantation in vitro, ranging from initial blastocyst apposition to later stages of trophoblast invasion or gastrulation. We will also review recent breakthrough advances on stem cells and organoids, assembling embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues. OUTCOMES We highlight the most relevant systems and describe the most significant experiments. We focus on in vitro systems that have contributed to the study of human reproduction by discovering molecules that control implantation, including hormones, signalling molecules, transcription factors and cytokines. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The momentum of this field is growing thanks to the use of stem cells to build embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues, and the use of bioengineering to extend the life of embryos in culture. We propose to merge bioengineering methods derived from the fields of stem cells and reproduction to develop new systems covering a wider window of the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ojosnegros
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Seriola
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amélie L Godeau
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- B arcelona Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Toktay E, Selli J, Gurbuz MA, Tastan TB, Ugan RA, Un H, Halici Z. Effects of soy isoflavonoids (genistein and daidzein) on endometrial receptivity. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:1603-1609. [PMID: 33489035 PMCID: PMC7811811 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.48294.11089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): This study aimed to examine the effects of genistein and daidzein on endometrial receptivity by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical techniques. Materials and Methods: In this study, 72 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 8 groups. The endometrial receptivity model was applied to identified groups. Experimental animals were given periorally 10 mg/kg and high 40 mg/kg doses of genistein and daidzein for 5 days by gavage. At the end of the experiment, uterine tissues were evaluated histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. Results: When histopathological findings were examined, significant decreases in pinopod formation were observed in high dose genistein and daidzein groups. When compared with the endometrial receptivity group, immunohistochemical staining findings showed a significant decrease in the expression of integrin β3, integrin αvβ3, LIF, and HOXA10 and an increase in MUC 1 expression in the high dose of genistein and daidzein groups. In biochemical evaluations, it was determined that genistein and daidzein increased estrogen levels and decreased progesterone levels in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Genistein and daidzein have a negative effect on endometrial receptivity. Therefore, individuals with a risk of infertility should pay attention to the consumption of genistein and daidzein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Toktay
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Kars
| | - Jale Selli
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Antalya
| | - Muhammed Ali Gurbuz
- Ataturk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Erzurum
| | - Tugba Bal Tastan
- Ataturk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Erzurum
| | - Rustem Anıl Ugan
- Ataturk University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Erzurum
| | - Harun Un
- Agrı Ibrahim Cecen University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of biochemistry, Ağrı
| | - Zekai Halici
- Ataturk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Erzurum
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Assessment of uterine activity during IVF by quantitative ultrasound imaging: a pilot study. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:1045-1053. [PMID: 32962927 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does uterine activity differ in patients who have undergone successful IVF treatment compared with patients who have undergone unsuccessful IVF treatment? DESIGN Prospective study of 16 women who underwent fresh single embryo transfer. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound in three phases of the IVF treatment: ovarian stimulation 1 h before embryo transfer (ET1) and 5-7 days after embryo transfer (ET5-7). Uterine motion analysis was implemented by a dedicated speckle tracking algorithm; frequency- and amplitude-related features were extracted from the derived signals to characterize the uterine activity in relation to ongoing implantation (positive HCG after 6 weeks) and ongoing pregnancy at 11 weeks. RESULTS Uterine activity in terms of frequency (ovarian stimulation ET1, P = 0.04; ovarian stimulation ET5-7, P = 0.002) and amplitude (ovarian stimulation ET1, P = 0.0003; ovarian stimulation ET5-7, P = 0.000008) is significantly higher in the ovarian stimulation phase compared with ET1 and ET5-7. Women with ongoing pregnancies showed significantly higher uterine contraction frequency compared with those with no ongoing pregnancies in all phases (ovarian stimulation, P = 0.006; ET1, P = 0.015; ET5-7, P = 0.007). Uterine contraction amplitude was significantly lower (P = 0.037) in women at ET5-7 in women with ongoing pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS This study is a first step towards assessing uterine activity during IVF objectively and non-invasively. It is an essential step to understanding the previously suggested effect of contractions on IVF failure. Uterine activity after embryo transfer characterized by high frequency and low amplitude may favour embryo implantation. Research with larger patient cohorts is needed to build on current evidence and knowledge of uterine contractions during IVF.
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14
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Is the probability of pregnancy after ovarian stimulation for IVF associated with serum estradiol levels on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation with hCG? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1531-1541. [PMID: 32472447 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01829-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this systematic review and metaanalysis was to examine if the probability of pregnancy after ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), using GnRH analogues and gonadotrophins is associated with serum estradiol level (Ε2) on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). METHODS Twenty-one studies were eligible for this systematic review, including 19,598 IVF cycles, whereas three studies were eligible for metaanalysis, including 641 IVF cycles. The main outcome measure was achievement of ongoing pregnancy/live birth and, if not available, clinical pregnancy or biochemical pregnancy. RESULTS Pooling of data showed no differences in the probability of clinical pregnancy between patients with high and low Ε2 levels on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation. The pooled effect sizes for the Ε2 thresholds groups constructed, regarding clinical pregnancy were 2000-3000 pg/mL-OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.50, (fair quality/moderate risk of bias, n = 1 study), 3000-4000 pg/mL-OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.70, (fair quality/moderate risk of bias, n = 1 study, good quality/no information on which to base a judgement about risk of bias n = 2 studies), 4000-5000 pg/mL-OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.49 fair quality/moderate risk of bias, n = 1 study), 5000-6000 pg/mL-OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.98, (fair quality/moderate risk of bias, n = 1 study). In addition, no difference was observed in the probability of ongoing pregnancy for the Ε2 threshold group of 3000-4000 pg/mL OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.81(good quality/no information on which to base a judgement about risk of bias, n = 1 study). CONCLUSION Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support or deny the presence of an association between the probability of pregnancy and serum Ε2 levels on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation with hCG in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF.
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15
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Kowalewski MP, Tavares Pereira M, Kazemian A. Canine conceptus-maternal communication during maintenance and termination of pregnancy, including the role of species-specific decidualization. Theriogenology 2020; 150:329-338. [PMID: 32143817 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Among domestic animal species, the reproductive biology of the dog belongs to the most peculiar. This includes the conceptus-maternal communication and endocrine mechanisms involved in maintenance of pregnancy. Dogs fully depend on luteal progesterone (P4) throughout pregnancy, with similar steroid secretion patterns in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches until prepartum luteolysis. Thus, dogs lack the classical recognition of pregnancy. The luteal P4 is the most important hormone regulating the onset and maintenance of pregnancy in previously estrogenized bitches. Although the canine uterus is exposed to high P4 levels, decidualization is not spontaneous but induced by the presence of embryos. Following implantation, decidualization continues, associated with development of the invasive endotheliochorial placenta, leading to establishment of maternal decidual cells expressing the nuclear P4 receptor (PGR). Consequently, although not producing steroids, the canine placenta remains highly sensitive to circulating ovarian steroids. The placental conceptus-maternal communication is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy, with functional withdrawal of PGR evoking a luteolytic cascade with prepartum PGF2α release. The fetal trophoblast is the major source of prepartum placental prostaglandins. This conceptus-maternal communication is unique to the dog and has clinical implications. Due to luteal steroids, there is no prepartum estradiol increase. Elevated cortisol levels are observed irregularly. This emphasizes the unique character of canine reproductive physiology and the challenges in transferring translational research to the dog. Further research is needed for better understanding of canine reproduction and improving clinical protocols, including the latest results obtained from applying modern laboratory technologies such as the transcriptomic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - M Tavares Pereira
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Kazemian
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Pirtea P, de Ziegler D, Poulain M, Ayoubi JM. New Twists in Ovarian Stimulation and Their Practical Implications. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:197. [PMID: 31555650 PMCID: PMC6737035 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian stimulation (OS) has for objective to induce multiple ovulation in order to yield a multiple oocyte harvest and offer multiple embryos available for transfer thereby increasing the efficacy of ART. Originally, the primary risk associated with OS was the occurrence of frank ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a possibly dreadful—sometime fatal—complication of ART. These fears limited the number of oocytes aimed for during OS in order to curb the risk of OHSS. On the contrary, the meager implantation rates of the early days of ART led to easily transfer multiple embryos in order to achieve acceptable pregnancy rates. Today the perspectives have changed. The advent of antagonist-based OS protocol and the possibility to trigger the ultimate phase of oocyte maturation with GnRH-a has allowed to reduce the risk of OHHS. Conversely, the markedly increased implantation rates of today's ART makes multiple pregnancy a worry that has come in the limelight worldwide, pushing the practice of single embryo transfer (SET).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pirtea
- Department of Ob Gyn and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch-Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest (UVSQ), Suresnes, France
| | - Dominique de Ziegler
- Department of Ob Gyn and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch-Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest (UVSQ), Suresnes, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Department of Ob Gyn and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch-Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest (UVSQ), Suresnes, France
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Ob Gyn and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch-Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest (UVSQ), Suresnes, France
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17
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Nie X, Sheng W, Hou D, Liu Q, Wang R, Tan Y. Effect of Hyperin and Icariin on steroid hormone secretion in rat ovarian granulosa cells. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 495:646-651. [PMID: 29729232 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY This study was designed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Hyperin and Icariin (ICA)on proliferation and the secretion of estrogen (E2), and progesterone (P) in granulosa cells, and to explore the effect of Hyperin and Icariin on the expression of CYP17 and CYP19. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat ovary granulosa cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of Hyperin and Icariin. The proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells was measured with the MTT assay. The concentration of estradiol was measured with a magnetic particle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The CYP17 and CYP19 mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The CYP17 and CYP19 protein expression was determined with Western blotting. RESULTS Hyperin (50 μg/l) and Icariin (10 μg/l) significantly increased proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and secretion of estrogen and progesterone. Hyperin and Icariin stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of CYP17 and CYP19. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that Hyperin and Icariin can promote the secretion of E2 and P through up-regulation of CYP17 and CYP19. Frequently used Chinese herbs like Cuscuta Chinensis Lam and Epimedium Brevicornu maxim, which contain Hyperin and Icariin, could improve the ovarian endocrine function through these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Nie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wenjie Sheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Daorong Hou
- Key laboratory of the Model Animal, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Key laboratory of the Model Animal, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ronggen Wang
- Key laboratory of the Model Animal, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Koch Y, Wimberger P, Grümmer R. Human chorionic gonadotropin induces decidualization of ectopic human endometrium more effectively than forskolin in an in-vivo endometriosis model. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:953-962. [PMID: 29886768 PMCID: PMC6108049 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218782658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue at ectopic sites, is a leading cause of pelvic pain and subfertility in women. The stromal compartment of the endometrium is considered to play a pivotal role in the establishment and persistence of endometriotic lesions, thus impaired decidualization of these cells may result in enhanced invasion capacity at ectopic sites. Consequently, stimulation of decidualization may alleviate this disease. To analyze the effect of systemically applied compounds on decidualization of ectopic endometrial tissue, endometriosis was induced by suturing human eutopic endometrium to the peritoneum of 22 NOD/SCID mice. Each mouse received four tissue fragments from the same patient. Mice were randomly allocated either to one control and three experimental groups ( n = 4/group) which were treated with progesterone alone or in combination with forskolin or human chorionic gonadotropin for seven days or to one control and one experimental group ( n = 3/group) which was treated with progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin for 10 days followed by 7 days without treatment. At the end of the experiments, lesions were measured and analyzed for markers of decidualization (FOXO-1, prolactin) and proliferation (Ki-67). Decidualization was induced in the ectopic lesions by systemic treatment in vivo. This induction was significantly stronger after treatment with progesterone in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin than with forskolin or with progesterone alone. Only the combination with human chorionic gonadotropin led to induction of FOXO1 protein expression and a significant physiologic transformation of the ectopic endometrial stromal cells after seven days of treatment. After termination of human chorionic gonadotropin treatment, the decidualization process continued, leading to a significant inhibition of proliferation. Thus, decidualization of human ectopic endometrial tissue can be induced in a humanized endometriosis mouse model in vivo. This model may help to decipher the signal pathways involved in this decidualization process and to develop novel therapeutical approaches to alleviate this painful disease. Impact statement Impaired decidualization of endometrial stromal cells may contribute to the development of endometriosis, and an increased decidualization reaction may prevent or alleviate this prevalent gynecological disease. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been shown to promote decidualization in eutopic endometrium. Up to now in vitro studies mainly used cAMP for successful induction of decidualization of isolated endometrial stromal cells. Here, for the first time, decidualization of ectopic endometrial lesions is induced in an experimental endometriosis mouse model, comparing the effectiveness of hCG with that of the direct adenylyl cyclase activator Forskolin. In this 3D-organ structure in vivo, hCG proved to be more effective in the induction of decidualization than forskolin. Particularly in case of progesterone resistance, alternative pathways inducing decidualization could alleviate endometriosis, and the sophisticated hCG action could constitute a therapeutical tool to induce terminal differentiation in ectopic endometrial lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Koch
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Ruth Grümmer
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
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Simitsidellis I, Saunders PTK, Gibson DA. Androgens and endometrium: New insights and new targets. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:48-60. [PMID: 28919297 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are synthesised in both the ovary and adrenals in women and play an important role in the regulation of female fertility, as well as in the aetiology of disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The endometrium is an androgen target tissue and the impact of AR-mediated effects has been studied using human endometrial tissue samples and rodent models. In this review we highlight recent evidence that endometrial androgen biosynthesis and intracrine action is important in preparation of a tissue microenvironment that can support implantation and establishment of pregnancy. The impact of androgens on endometrial cell proliferation, in repair of the endometrial wound at the time of menstruation and in endometrial disorders is discussed. Future directions for research focused on AR function as a therapeutic target are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Douglas A Gibson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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20
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James-Allan LB, Whitley GS, Leslie K, Wallace AE, Cartwright JE. Decidual cell regulation of trophoblast is altered in pregnancies at risk of pre-eclampsia. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 60:239-246. [PMID: 29437882 PMCID: PMC5854865 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Successful implantation and placentation are dependent on the interaction between decidual stromal cells (DSC) and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. The extent of trophoblast invasion relies on communication between the placenta and maternal decidua. The cyclical process of decidualisation induces a transformation of endometrial fibroblasts to secretory DSC; these secreted products have many functions including the control of trophoblast invasion. Inadequate trophoblast invasion and remodelling of the uterine vessels (the spiral arteries) are associated with pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia. Uterine artery Doppler resistance index (RI) in the first trimester of pregnancy can be used as a proxy measure of remodelling. DSC were isolated from pregnancies with normal (normal RI) or impaired (high RI) spiral artery remodelling. Following isolation, DSC were re-decidualised using cAMP and MPA and secretion of the decidualisation markers IGFBP-1 and prolactin assessed. We examined the impact of DSC-secreted factors on trophoblast cell function, using the EVT cell line SGHPL-4. We demonstrated that DSC exposed to decidual factors were able to re-decidualise in vitro and that the chemoattraction of trophoblasts by DSC is impaired in pregnancies with high RI. This study provides new insights into the role that DSC play in regulating EVT functions during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is the first study to demonstrate that DSC from pregnancies with impaired vascular remodelling in the first trimester secrete factors that inhibit the directional movement of trophoblast cells. This finding may be important in understanding aberrant trophoblast invasion in pregnancies where vascular remodelling is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B James-Allan
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - G S Whitley
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - K Leslie
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt. George's, University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine UnitSt. George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - A E Wallace
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - J E Cartwright
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research InstituteSt. George's, University of London, London, UK
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Ashary N, Tiwari A, Modi D. Embryo Implantation: War in Times of Love. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1188-1198. [PMID: 29319820 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Contrary to widespread belief, the implantation of an embryo for the initiation of pregnancy is like a battle, in that the embryo uses a variety of coercive tactics to force its acceptance by the endometrium. We propose that embryo implantation involves a three-step process: (1) identification of a receptive endometrium; (2) superimposition of a blastocyst-derived signature onto the receptive endometrium before implantation; and finally (3) breaching by the embryo and trophoblast invasion, culminating in decidualization and placentation. We review here the story that is beginning to emerge, focusing primarily on the cells that are in "combat" during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ashary
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhishek Tiwari
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
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Impact of exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone on gelatinase expression and steroidogenesis in the newly formed corpus luteum in sows. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Zhai XH, Zhang P, Wu FX, Wang AC, Liu PS. GnRH antagonist for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in fresh cycles. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:3097-3102. [PMID: 28587385 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist compared with a GnRH agonist on the in vitro fertilization cycle outcome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The outcomes of pregnancy were evaluated. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also used to evaluate whether the endometrial thickness (cm) and estradiol (E2) level (pg/ml) on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (the hCG day) had the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting a clinical pregnancy. The results demonstrated that there were significant differences in the E2 and progesterone levels between the two treatment groups on the hCG day. Furthermore, the mean number of total oocytes retrieved, mean number of 2 pronuclei oocytes, mean number of oocytes cleaved (P<0.05), mean number of embryos available (P=0.022) and mean number of embryos transferred (P=0.014) were significantly different. Additionally, the rates of ectopic pregnancy (P=0.984) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (P=0.976) did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. Although the biochemical pregnancy (P=0.592), clinical pregnancy (P=0.617) and live birth (P=0.365) rates were lower with the GnRH antagonist than with the GnRH agonist, there were no significant differences in the outcomes between the two groups. Analysis of the influence of endometrial thickness with respect to the clinical pregnancy using the ROC (AUC) method revealed that when the best cutoff of 9.75 cm was used, the sensitivity was 62.5%, the specificity was 43.1% and the AUC was 0.53. Additionally, the Youden index was 0.056. Analysis of the influence of the E2 level on the hCG day on clinical pregnancy, using the ROC (AUC) method showed that the best cutoff was 2,984.5 pg/ml, which had a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 52.9%, while the AUC was 0.573 (with a Youden index of 0.217). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that neither the endometrial thickness nor the E2 level on the hCG day had the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting a clinical pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Hong Zhai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi Health School, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Feng-Xia Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - An-Cong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Shu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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Uterine contractility and elastography as prognostic factors for pregnancy after intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:961-968.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Individualized Hormone Adjustment in the Treatment of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions. Cell Biochem Biophys 2017; 72:817-20. [PMID: 25638341 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-015-0539-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Our goal was to develop a safe, efficient, and practical clinical plan for successful pregnancies for patients with recurrent spontaneous miscarriages by adjustment of their hormone levels after ovulation. We treated 61 patients with recurrent miscarriages and 110 patients with two miscarriages. All patients had miscarriages before or during the 12th week of pregnancy, and unsuccessfully underwent progesterone therapy. We measured their hormone levels and administered appropriate doses of estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormones to attain normal levels (respectively, 150 pg/ml, 16 ng/ml, and 6 mIU/ml). The hormone doses were reduced upon detection of fetal heart beating, and the treatment continued until the 12th week of pregnancy. The patients were followed up by phone after the child birth. In patients with recurrent miscarriages, these were prevented in 57/61 (93.44 %). In patients with two miscarriages, successful pregnancies were in 106/110 (96.4 %) patients. The vast majority of patients in both groups gave birth to healthy babies. There was only one case per each group of induced labor due to trisomy 21 (patient with a history of recurrent miscarriages) or trisomy 17 (patient with two previous miscarriages). Individualized adjustment of hormone levels after ovulation prevents miscarriages and improves the pregnancy success rates.
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Integrins β1 and β3 are biomarkers of uterine condition for embryo transfer. J Transl Med 2016; 14:303. [PMID: 27782833 PMCID: PMC5080684 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical ovulation induction induces blood estrogen (E2) in excess of physiological levels, which can hinder uterine receptivity. In contrast, progesterone produces the opposite clinical effect, suggesting that it might be capable of recovering the lost receptivity resulting from exposure to high estrogen levels. Integrins are the most widely used biological markers for monitoring uterine conditions. We studied progesterone-induced changes in integrin β expression patterns as biomarkers for changes in uterine receptivity in response to increased estrogen levels. Methods Endometrial biopsy samples from patients were screened for their estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) content and expressing levels of integrin β1 and β3. Uterine receptivity was evaluated using human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells in an embryo attachment model. The respective and concatenated effects of embryo attachment and changes in the integrin β1 and β3 expression patterns on the adenocarcinoma cell plasma membranes in response to 100 nM concentrations of E2 and P4 were evaluated. Results Increased blood E2 concentrations were associated with significantly decreased the levels of integrin β3 expression in uterine biopsy samples. In vitro experiments revealed that a 100 nM E2 concentration inhibited the distribution of integrin β3 on the plasma membranes of human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells used in the embryo attachment model, and resulted in decreased rates of embryo attachment. In contrast, P4 enhanced the expression of integrin β1 and promoted its distribution on the plasma membranes. Furthermore, P4 recovered the embryo attachment efficiency that was lost by exposure to 100 nM E2. Conclusions Blood E2 and P4 levels and integrin β3 and β1 expression levels in uterine biopsy samples should be considered as biomarkers for evaluating uterine receptivity and determining the optimal time for embryo transfer. Trial registration Trial number: ChiCTR-TRC-13003777; Name of registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; Date of registration: 4 September 2013; Date of enrollment of the first study participant: 15 October 2013 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-016-1052-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Moser G, Weiss G, Sundl M, Gauster M, Siwetz M, Lang-Olip I, Huppertz B. Extravillous trophoblasts invade more than uterine arteries: evidence for the invasion of uterine veins. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:353-366. [PMID: 27774579 PMCID: PMC5344955 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During the first trimester of pregnancy, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade into the decidual interstitium to the first third of the myometrium, thereby anchoring the placenta to the uterus. They also follow the endovascular and endoglandular route of invasion; plug, line and remodel spiral arteries, thus being responsible for the establishment of hemotrophic nutrition with the beginning of the second trimester and invade and open uterine glands toward the intervillous space for a histiotrophic nutrition during the first trimester. The aim of this study was to provide proof that uterine veins are invaded by EVTs similar to uterine arteries and glands in first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, serial sections from in situ first trimester placenta were immuno-single- and immuno-double-stained to distinguish in a first step between arteries and veins and secondly between invaded and non-invaded vessels. Subsequently, invasion of EVTs into uterine vessels was quantified. Our data show that uterine veins are significantly more invaded by EVTs than uterine arteries (29.2 ± 15.7 %) during early pregnancy. Counted vessel cross sections revealed significantly higher EVT invasion into veins (59.5 ± 7.9 %) compared to arteries (29.2 ± 15.7 %). In the lumen of veins, single EVTs were repeatedly found, beside detached glandular epithelial cells or syncytial fragments. This study allows the expansion of our hitherto postulated concept of EVT invasion during first trimester of pregnancy. We suggest that invasion of EVTs into uterine veins is responsible the draining of waste and blood plasma from the intervillous space during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerit Moser
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Gregor Weiss
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Monika Sundl
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Monika Siwetz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Ingrid Lang-Olip
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Outcome Analysis of Day-3 Frozen Embryo Transfer v/s Fresh Embryo Transfer in Infertility: A Prospective Therapeutic Study in Indian Scenario. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2015; 66:345-51. [PMID: 27486280 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-015-0700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced fertilization techniques like frozen embryo transfer (FET) and assisted reproductive technology have become popular and commonly used methods to treat patients suffering from infertility. Incidences of infertility are on a rise due to increased representation of females in the work place, delay in marriages, stress, and ignorance. METHODS We performed this prospective therapeutic study to compare FET and fresh embryo transfer in the treatment of infertility in terms of conception rate, patient acceptance, complications, and patient's compliance. A prospective screening therapeutic study on 108 patients, from September 2013 to September 2014 in Karnataka, India, randomized the patients into 2 groups (n = 54), Group-I treated with day-3 FET while Group-II was treated with fresh embryo transfer, after performing ICSI. RESULTS In 108 patients, 45 % patients were within 35 years of age, 35 % were in the age group 35-39. Significantly, 22 (40.75 %) patients treated with FET conceived (P = 0.022), whereas 16 (29.63 %) patients treated with fresh embryo transfer conceived (P = 0.59). DISCUSSION There is limited published literature from the subcontinent, comparing techniques like FET and embryo transfers in the treatment of infertility. Awareness and economic reforms must be formulated in India to facilitate individuals facing infertility problems to conceive. CONCLUSION FET has better and significant conception rates compared to fresh embryo transfers. FET shares an advantage of providing good quality embryos for future and subsequent implantations in cases of failure. Patient counseling and motivation play a pivotal role in the success of therapeutic procedure.
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Su RW, Fazleabas AT. Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Human and Nonhuman Primates. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2015; 216:189-213. [PMID: 26450500 PMCID: PMC5098399 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Implantation and the establishment of pregnancy are critical for the propagation of the species, but yet remain the limiting steps in human and primate reproduction. Successful implantation requires a competent blastocyst and a receptive endometrium during a specific window of time during the menstrual cycle to initiate the bilateral communication required for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. This chapter provides an overview of these processes and discusses the molecular mechanisms associated with implantation of the blastocyst and decidualization of the uterus in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Wei Su
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
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Vergetaki A, Jeschke U, Vrekoussis T, Taliouri E, Sabatini L, Papakonstanti EA, Makrigiannakis A. Galectin-1 overexpression in endometriosis and its regulation by neuropeptides (CRH, UCN) indicating its important role in reproduction and inflammation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114229. [PMID: 25473847 PMCID: PMC4256414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease of women of reproductive age featured by the presence of ectopic endometrium and is strongly related to infertility. Galectins, carbonhydrate-binding proteins, have been found to have pro- or anti-inflammatory roles in the reproductive tract and in pathological conditions concerning infertility. Galectin-1, which is expressed at endometrium and decidua, plays a major role in implantation and trophoblast invasion. Also, the neuropeptides, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (UCN) and their receptors are expressed in eutopic and ectopic endometrium showing a differential expression pattern in endometriotic women compared to healthy ones. The aim of this study was to examine the galectin-1 expression in endometriotic lesions and compare its expression in eutopic endometrium of endometriotic and healthy women. Furthermore, we examined the effect of CRH and UCN in galectin-1 expression in Ishikawa cell line and macrophages and investigated the implication of CRHR1 in these responses. Eutopic and ectopic endometrium specimens, Ishikawa cell line and mice macrophages were used. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed in order to identify galectin-1 expression in ectopic and eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis and the regulatory effect of CRH and UCN on galectin-1 expression. This study presents for the first time that galectin-1 is overexpressed in endometriotic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium of endometriotic women and is more abundantly expressed in eutopic endometrium of disease women compared to healthy ones. Furthermore, it is shown that CRH and UCN upregulate galectin-1 expression in Ishikawa cell line and macrophages and this effect is mediated through CRHR1. These results suggest that galectin-1 might play an important role in endometriosis pathology and infertility profile of women suffering from endometriosis by being at the same time regulated by CRH and UCN interfering in the immune disequilibrium which characterizes this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Vergetaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Innenstadt campus, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eirini Taliouri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Luca Sabatini
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Shapiro D, Boostanfar R, Silverberg K, Yanushpolsky EH. Examining the evidence: progesterone supplementation during fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29 Suppl 1:S1-14; quiz S15-6. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(14)50063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells and their conditioned media: potential candidates for uterine regenerative therapy in the horse. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111324. [PMID: 25360561 PMCID: PMC4216086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) are considered suitable candidates for a variety of cell-based applications. In view of cell therapy application in uterine pathologies, we studied AMCs in comparison to cells isolated from the endometrium of mares at diestrus (EDCs) being the endometrium during diestrus and early pregnancy similar from a hormonal standpoint. In particular, we demonstrated that amnion tissue fragments (AM) shares the same transcriptional profile with endometrial tissue fragments (ED), expressing genes involved in early pregnancy (AbdB-like Hoxa genes), pre-implantantion conceptus development (Erα, PR, PGRMC1 and mPR) and their regulators (Wnt7a, Wnt4a). Soon after the isolation, only AMCs express Wnt4a and Wnt7a. Interestingly, the expression levels of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) were found greater in AM and AMCs than their endometrial counterparts thus confirming the role of AMCs as mediators of inflammation. The expression of nuclear progesterone receptor (PR), membrane-bound intracellular progesterone receptor component 1 (PGRMC1) and membrane-bound intracellular progesterone receptor (mPR), known to lead to improved endometrial receptivity, was maintained in AMCs over 5 passages in vitro when the media was supplemented with progesterone. To further explore the potential of AMCs in endometrial regeneration, their capacity to support resident cell proliferation was assessed by co-culturing them with EDCs in a transwell system or culturing in the presence of AMC-conditioned medium (AMC-CM). A significant increase in EDC proliferation rate exhibited the crucial role of soluble factors as mediators of stem cells action. The present investigation revealed that AMCs, as well as their derived conditioned media, have the potential to improve endometrial cell replenishment when low proliferation is associated to pregnancy failure. These findings make AMCs suitable candidates for the treatment of endometrosis in mares.
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Knoedler JR, Denver RJ. Krüppel-like factors are effectors of nuclear receptor signaling. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 203:49-59. [PMID: 24642391 PMCID: PMC4339045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Binding of steroid and thyroid hormones to their cognate nuclear receptors (NRs) impacts virtually every aspect of postembryonic development, physiology and behavior, and inappropriate signaling by NRs may contribute to disease. While NRs regulate genes by direct binding to hormone response elements in the genome, their actions may depend on the activity of other transcription factors (TFs) that may or may not bind DNA. The Krüppel-like family of transcription factors (KLF) is an evolutionarily conserved class of DNA-binding proteins that influence many aspects of development and physiology. Several members of this family have been shown to play diverse roles in NR signaling. For example, KLFs (1) act as accessory transcription factors for NR actions, (2) regulate expression of NR genes, and (3) as gene products of primary NR response genes function as key players in NR-dependent transcriptional networks. In mouse models, deletion of different KLFs leads to aberrant transcriptional and physiological responses to hormones, underscoring the importance of these proteins in the regulation of hormonal signaling. Understanding the functional relationships between NRs and KLFs will yield important insights into mechanisms of NR signaling. In this review we present a conceptual framework for understanding how KLFs participate in NR signaling, and we provide examples of how these proteins function to effect hormone action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Knoedler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA
| | - Robert J Denver
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA.
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Xiong F, Gui J, Yang W, Li J, Huang GY. Effects of acupuncture on progesterone and prolactin in rats of embryo implantation dysfunction. Chin J Integr Med 2014; 21:58-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-014-1755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Tapia-Pizarro A, Argandoña F, Palomino WA, Devoto L. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) modulation of TIMP1 secretion by human endometrial stromal cells facilitates extravillous trophoblast invasion in vitro. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2215-27. [PMID: 23696542 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling elements, relevant to embryo implantation and placentation, modified by hCG in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER hCG decreases tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) secretion in ESCs, thereby facilitating extravillous trophoblast invasion in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Successful embryo implantation and placentation depend on the appropriate invasion of the trophoblast into the maternal endometrial stroma. hCG is one of the earliest embryo-derived secreted signals in the endometrium which abundantly expresses hCG receptors. However, there is little data concerning the effects of hCG on endometrial ECM remodelling with respect to embryo implantation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study was conducted in an academic research laboratory within a tertiary-care hospital. Samples were collected from 36 women undergoing benign gynaecological surgery during the mid-secretory phase. ESCs were isolated and stimulated with hCG (10 UI/ml) or vehicle. Conditioned media (CM) were analysed to determine changes in the secreted profile of nine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and three tissue-specific inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) using an ELISA array. Data were confirmed by gelatine zymography, western blot and ELISA. The HTR8/SVneo cell line served as a model for trophoblast cells. The invasive potential of trophoblast cells was assessed using Transwell invasion assays under CM or co-culture conditions with ECS and the role of regulated molecules was examined by using immunoprecipitation in CM prior to the assessment of invasive potential. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE MMP-2 levels increased 30%, whereas TIMP-1 levels decreased 20% in CM from ESCs stimulated with hCG (P < 0.05). Gelatine zymography confirmed an increase in MMP-2 activity (P < 0.05). ELISA and western blotting also confirmed the reduction in TIMP-1 upon hCG treatment (P < 0.05). Invasion assays revealed a ∼50% increase in invading HTR8/SVneo cells in chambers with hCG-stimulated ESCs compared with the control (P < 0.05). Immunodepletion of TIMP-1 from control ESC-CM partially resembled the effect of CM from hCG-stimulated ESCs in the trophoblast invasion assays. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The assays were performed in vitro and ESCs were not decidualized, therefore they reflected the very early stages of embryo implantation or the advanced stages when decidualization fails. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our data suggest that hCG induces endometrial stromal extracellular remodelling by modulating secreted MMP-2 and TIMP-1. This regulation may be physiologically relevant because it increases the invasive potential of trophoblast-derived cells. At present, few data exist concerning the implications of hCG and endometrial ECM remodelling in embryo implantation. Hence, our results should be confirmed by further in vivo studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by FONDECYT 11100443, PBCT-PSD51 (IDIMI) and FONDAP 15010006. None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tapia-Pizarro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Logan PC, Ponnampalam AP, Steiner M, Mitchell MD. Effect of cyclic AMP and estrogen/progesterone on the transcription of DNA methyltransferases during the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:302-12. [PMID: 23233487 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone, estrogen and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) together regulate the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells in a time-dependent manner. The role of DNA methylation and the three active DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the regulation of decidualization is gaining interest but the exact role of this epigenetic mechanism during decidualization is largely unknown. We aimed to understand the effect of the main regulators of decidualization on the expression of the DNMTs and in turn on the expression of steroid hormone receptors during the decidualization. We conducted a time-course analysis from 6 h to 10 days to examine the change in gene expression of the DNMTs and the steroid hormone receptors over time in response to estradiol, medroxy-progesterone acetate (MPA) and dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) in a human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) cell line. Only the combination treatment with MPA-mix (estradiol + MPA + db-cAMP) up-regulated ERα, PGR, progesterone receptor B (PRB) and androgen receptor at 24 h. Both decidualization pathways of db-cAMP and estradiol/MPA, independently and combined, consistently down-regulated DNMT3B mRNA expression from 6 h till 10 days, whereas DNMT1 and DNMT3A mRNA expression were down-regulated transiently. Forced expression of DNMT3B in HESC for 10 days attenuated IGFBP1 mRNA and protein expression; and forced expression of DNMT3B combined with MPA-mix treatment synergistically increased the expression of PRB at 24 h. The HESC morphology and proliferation remained unchanged in response to forced expression of DNMT3B. In conclusion, mRNA expression of the DNMTs during decidualization is dynamic, so that expression varies according to the cAMP or estradiol/MPA pathway treatments that regulate them in a time-dependent manner. Although forced expression of DNMT3B by itself is insufficient to inhibit decidualization, forced expression of DNMT3B in combination with MPA-mix synergistically up-regulated PRB, as well as attenuated the expression of IGFBP1, the decidualization marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C Logan
- The Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
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Kajihara T, Brosens JJ, Ishihara O. The role of FOXO1 in the decidual transformation of the endometrium and early pregnancy. Med Mol Morphol 2013; 46:61-8. [PMID: 23381604 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-013-0018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy requires coordination of embryo development, decidualization of endometrium, and placenta formation. Decidualization denotes the transformation of endometrial stromal cells into specialized secretory cells, a process further characterized with influx of specialized immune cells into stroma, predominantly uterine natural killer cells and macrophages, and vascular remodeling. This differentiation process depends on the convergence of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate and progesterone signaling pathways. The decidual process is indispensable for the formation of a functional feto-maternal interface as it controls tissue homeostasis during endovascular trophoblast invasion and bestows tissue resistance to environmental stress signals, including protection against oxidative cell death. FOXO proteins have emerged as key mediators of cell fate because of their ability to regulate either pro-apoptotic genes or genes involved in differentiation, cell cycle arrest, oxidative defenses, and DNA repair. In the endometrium, FOXO1 is of particular importance as a critical regulator of progesterone-dependent differentiation, menstrual shedding, and protection of the feto-maternal against oxidative damage during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kajihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan.
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Oviductal, endometrial and embryonic gene expression patterns as molecular clues for pregnancy establishment. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 134:9-18. [PMID: 22925402 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In higher animals, the beginning of new life and transfer of genetic material to the next generation occurs in the oviduct when two distinct gametes cells unite resulting in the formation of a zygote. The zygote then undergoes serial developmental processes in the oviduct and enters into the uterus where it faces challenges and scrutiny from the endometrial ecosystem. Thus, embryos that are able to establish an appropriate embryo-maternal dialogue are capable of developing to term whereas the incompetent ones can perish any time during the gestation period. Although several lines of evidences indicated that pregnancy loss is a multi-factorial phenomenon, the biochemical composition of the embryo and maternal environment are the main players to determine pregnancy outcome. Indeed, expression patterns of the genes are the driving forces that induce biochemical composition changes in embryo, oviduct and uterine environment. Thus, examining the molecular signals that are associated with oviductal or endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation is essential for establishing strategies to improve pregnancy success. Therefore, this review focuses on the contribution of oviduct and its transcriptome profile on early stage embryo development and the impact of endometrium and its transcriptome changes on peri and post embryo implantation. In addition, this paper integrates established facts about hormonal and molecular signatures associated with endometrial receptivity. Finally, the blastocyst and pre-conception endometrial gene expression profiles have been discussed in relation to the pregnancy outcome to highlight the potentials of blastocyst and pre-transfer endometrial transcriptome profile approach for selecting appropriate recipient and developmentally competent embryo.
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Haydardedeoglu B, Kilicdag EB, Parlakgumus AH, Zeyneloglu HB. IVF/ICSI outcomes of the OCP plus GnRH agonist protocol versus the OCP plus GnRH antagonist fixed protocol in women with PCOS: a randomized trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 286:763-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2348-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Grimaldi G, Christian M, Steel JH, Henriet P, Poutanen M, Brosens JJ. Down-regulation of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 contributes to the epigenetic programming of decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells. Mol Endocrinol 2011; 25:1892-903. [PMID: 21903722 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) into decidual cells represents a highly coordinated process essential for embryo implantation. We show that decidualizing HESC down-regulate the histone methyltransferase enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), resulting in declining levels of trimethylation of histone 3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) at the proximal promoters of key decidual marker genes PRL and IGFBP1. Loss of H3K27me3 was associated with a reciprocal enrichment in acetylation of the same lysine residue, indicating active remodeling from repressive to transcriptionally permissive chromatin. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that decidualization triggers genome-wide changes in H3K27me3 distribution that only partly overlap those observed upon EZH2 knockdown in undifferentiated HESC. Gene ontology revealed that gain of the repressive H3K27me3 mark in response to decidualization and upon EZH2 knockdown in undifferentiated cells was enriched at the promoter regions of genes involved in transcriptional regulation and growth/cell proliferation, respectively. However, loss of the H3K27me3 mark (indicating increased chromatin accessibility) in decidualizing cells and upon EZH2 knockdown occurred at selective loci enriched for genes functionally implicated in responses to stimulus. In agreement, EZH2 knockdown in undifferentiated HESC was sufficient to augment the induction of decidual marker genes in response to cyclic AMP and progesterone signaling. Thus, loss of EZH2-dependent methyltransferase activity in the endometrium is integral to the process of chromatin remodeling that enables the transition from a proliferative to a decidual phenotype in response to differentiation cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Grimaldi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
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de Ziegler D, de Mouzon J, Fauque P, Zanette M, Marszałek A, Blanchet V, Boissonas CC, Wolf JP, Chapron C. Multiplying recipients paired with oocyte donors optimizes the use of donated oocytes. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:1633-8. [PMID: 21300342 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review donor-egg assisted reproductive technology (ART) activity using young fertile donors (<37 years of age) paired with multiple recipients. DESIGN Age-matched cohort study. SETTING Tertiary ART center at Cochin Hospital, Paris. PATIENT(S) A total of 125 oocyte donors and 361 age-matched control subjects. Donated oocytes were attributed to 163 different recipients undertaking 258 transfer cycles. INTERVENTION(S) Donor-egg and regular ART. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) outcome-oocytes provided-was compared in donors and control subjects. Clinical pregnancy (cPR), ongoing pregnancy (oPR), and implantation (IR) rates per transfer in recipients were compared with age-matched controls. IRs were analyzed in the various recipients as a function of the number of oocytes harvested. RESULT(S) COH outcome was similar in donors and control subjects. cPR (37.5%), oPR (28.4%), and IR (24.4%) were slightly but significantly lower in donor-egg recipients compared with control subjects (44.9%, 37.4%, and 31.8%, respectively). More embryos (average +2.06) were transferred fresh and fewer frozen. In recipients, IRs were independent from the number of oocytes received in the donor. CONCLUSION(S) Multiplying recipients paired with oocyte donors slightly lowered per-transfer outcome, but enabled more (average +2.06) embryos to be transferred fresh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique de Ziegler
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique II, Hôpital St Vincent de Paul, 82 Bd Denfert-Rocherau, 75014 Paris, France.
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Conway DA, Liem J, Patel S, Fan KJ, Williams J, Pisarska MD. The effect of infertility and assisted reproduction on first-trimester placental and fetal development. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:1801-4. [PMID: 21195402 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Our investigation of differences in first-trimester placentation and/or fetal biometry in pregnancies conceived spontaneously compared with those conceived through fertility treatment, and comparing less invasive fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization found no statistically significant difference in first-trimester abnormal placentation or fetal growth between pregnancies conceived spontaneously and those conceived through fertility treatment, or between the in vivo and in vitro subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre A Conway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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Farhi J, Ben-Haroush A, Haroush AB, Andrawus N, Pinkas H, Sapir O, Fisch B, Ashkenazi J. High serum oestradiol concentrations in IVF cycles increase the risk of pregnancy complications related to abnormal placentation. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:331-7. [PMID: 20688571 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The study was designed to evaluate the isolated effect of high serum oestradiol concentration on human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) day in IVF cycles on endometrial receptivity and placentation. A retrospective cohort included all women attending the IVF unit in 2006 and 2007, with the best prognosis to achieve pregnancy: age (<38 years), less than three IVF cycles, transfer of two highest grade embryos and no evidence of factors known to impair implantation or that are associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. The total included 280 patients were categorized into three groups according to their serum oestradiol concentration on HCG day: group 1, oestradiol <5000 pmol/l, group 2, oestradiol in the range 5000-10,000 pmol/l and group 3, oestradiol in the range of 10,000-15,000 pmol/l. No significant differences were found between the groups in implantation, pregnancy and abortion rates. The high oestradiol group was characterized by high rate (20.8%) of pregnancy complications related to abnormal placentation--fetal growth restriction, pregnancy-induced hypertension and abnormal implantation of the placenta. Hence, the decision to perform embryo transfer in high-responder patients should take into consideration both possible risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pregnancy complications related to abnormal placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Farhi
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Beilinson Campus, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Clancy KBH. Reproductive ecology and the endometrium: physiology, variation, and new directions. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2010; 140 Suppl 49:137-54. [PMID: 19890864 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial function is often overlooked in the study of fertility in reproductive ecology, but it is crucial to implantation and the support of a successful pregnancy. Human female reproductive physiology can handle substantial energy demands that include the production of fecund cycles, ovulation, fertilization, placentation, a 9-month gestation, and often several years of lactation. The particular morphology of the human endometrium as well as our relative copiousness of menstruation and large neonatal size suggests that endometrial function has more resources allocated to it than many other primates. The human endometrium has a particularly invasive kind of hemochorial placentation and trophoblast that maximizes surface area and maternal-fetal contact, yet these processes are actually less efficient than the placentation of some of our primate relatives. The human endometrium and its associated processes appear to prioritize maximizing the transmission of oxygen and glucose to the fetus over efficiency and protection of maternal resources. Ovarian function controls many aspects of endometrial function and thus variation in the endometrium is often a reflection of ecological factors that impact the ovaries. However, preliminary evidence and literature from populations of different reproductive states, ages and pathologies also suggests that ecological stress plays a role in endometrial variation, different from or even independent of ovarian function. Immune stress and psychosocial stress appear to play some role in the endometrium's ability to carry a fetus through the mechanism of inflammation. Thus, within reproductive ecology we should move towards a model of women's fecundity and fertility that includes many components of ecological stress and their effects not only on the ovaries, but on processes related to endometrial function. Greater attention on the endometrium may aid in unraveling several issues in hominoid and specifically human evolutionary biology: a low implantation rate, high rates of early pregnancy loss, prenatal investment in singletons but postnatal support of several dependent offspring at once, and higher rate of reproductive and pregnancy-related pathology compared to other primates, ranging from endometriosis to preeclampsia. The study of the endometrium may also complicate some of these issues, as it raises the question of why humans have a maximally invasive placentation method and yet slow fetal growth rates. In this review, I will describe endometrial physiology, methods of measurement, variation, and some of the ecological variables that likely produce variation and pregnancy losses to demonstrate the necessity of further study. I propose several basic avenues of study that leave room for testable hypotheses in the field of reproductive ecology. And finally, I describe the potential of this work not just in reproductive ecology, but in the resolution of broader women's health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn B H Clancy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Groll JM, Usadi RS, Lessey BA, Lininger R, Young SL, Fritz MA. Effects of variations in serum estradiol concentrations on secretory endometrial development and function in experimentally induced cycles in normal women. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:2058-61. [PMID: 19608171 PMCID: PMC3752379 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Eighteen normal women underwent pituitary down-regulation with leuprolide, followed by a 10-day treatment with 0.2 mg/d transdermal estradiol (E(2)) with subsequent allocation to one of two 10-day estradiol regimens plus 40 mg daily intramuscular P: supraphysiologic (0.2 mg/d transdermal E(2) mg/d vaginal micronized E(2)) or subphysiologic (no exogenous E(2) treatment). Average E(2) and P in the supraphysiologic, physiologic, and subphysiologic groups were 1,175.9 pg/mL and 17.5 ng/mL, 136.9 pg/mL and 21.2 pg/mL, and 23.8 ng/mL and 22.0 ng/mL, respectively, and there were no differences between groups in endometrial histology or expression of biomarkers of receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Groll
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, USA.
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Haydardedeoglu B, Bagis T, Simsek E, Cok T, Hacivelioglu SO, Erkanli S. The impact of rescue in vitro fertilization converted from high-response gonadotropin intrauterine insemination cycles in terms of implantation and pregnancy rates as compared with matched controls. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:137-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2008] [Revised: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Koler M, Achache H, Tsafrir A, Smith Y, Revel A, Reich R. Disrupted gene pattern in patients with repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:2541-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Keshri G, Kumar S, Kulshreshtha DK, Rajendran SM, Singh MM. Postcoital interceptive activity of Wrightia tinctoria in Sprague-Dawley rats: a preliminary study. Contraception 2008; 78:266-70. [PMID: 18692619 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2008.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 03/10/2008] [Accepted: 03/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was aimed to investigate the pregnancy-interceptive activity of the stem bark of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. (Family Apocynaceae) administered during the preimplantation, peri-implantation and early postimplantation periods by oral route in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. STUDY DESIGN The ethanolic extract of the stem bark and its serial fractions were administered to female rats on Days 1-7 or 1-5 postcoitum (Day 1: day of sperm-positive vaginal smear) by the oral route. At autopsy on Day 10 postcoitum, the number and status of corpora lutea and implantations were recorded. For estrogen-agonistic activity, immature rats ovariectomized 7 days earlier received the test extract or the vehicle once daily for 3 days and, at autopsy on Day 4, uterine weight, status of vaginal opening and extent of vaginal cornification were recorded. RESULTS The ethanolic extract of the stem bark of W. tinctoria R.Br. inhibited pregnancy in 100% of rats when administered orally at a 250-mg/kg dose on Days 1-7 or 1-5 postcoitum. On fractionation, the hexane-soluble, chloroform-soluble, water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions showed 100% anti-implantation effect, while n-butanol-soluble fraction intercepted pregnancy in 75% of animals when administered in the Days 1-5 postcoitum schedule. In immature rat bioassay, the active ethanolic extract and its fractions exhibited moderate to potent estrogen-agonistic activity, which might be responsible for their contraceptive action in this species. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate the antifertility activity of the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of W. tinctoria and its hexane-soluble, chloroform-soluble, water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions. Studies that pursue promising natural products (to identify contraceptive agents from natural sources lacking potent estrogenic activity) towards a fruitful conclusion for development/lead generation should continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govind Keshri
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, India
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Yanaihara A, Yorimitsu T, Motoyama H, Ohara M, Kawamura T. Mild stimulation with clomiphene citrate in combination with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist and its influence on serum estradiol level and pregnancy rate. Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7:85-89. [PMID: 29699288 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2008.00204.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The mild ovarian stimulation protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is carried out to minimize adverse side-effects as well as cost. While performing mild ovarian stimulation with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, the pregnancy rate was examined in cases that exhibited a serum estradiol (E2) drop down. Methods: In this study, 174 patients who requested mild ovarian stimulation for IVF began clomiphene citrate on day 3 and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on day 5 of their menstrual cycles. A GnRH antagonist was administered when the dominant follicle reached a diameter of 14 mm. Serum luteinizing hormone and estradiol were measured at the time of GnRH antagonist administration and at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. Pregnancy rates and implantation rates were compared between 24 cycles in which the E2 level fell at the time of hCG injection and 150 cycles in which it did not fall. Results: The pregnancy rate in the cases in which the E2 level fell (25% decrease) at the time of hCG injection was significantly lower than it was in the cases in which it did not fall (16.7 vs 41.0%). The implantation rate for the cases in which the E2 level fell was also lower than that of the control group (7.0 vs 31.0%). There was no significant difference in the number of good-quality embryos between the two groups. Conclusion: When performing the mild ovarian stimulation protocol, serum E2 should be followed. It is prudent to avoid embryo transfer in the same cycle in cases that exhibit E2 drop down. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 85-89).
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Yanaihara
- Reproductive Center, Denentoshi Ladies Clinic, Kanagawa, and.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Motohiro Ohara
- Reproductive Center, Denentoshi Ladies Clinic, Kanagawa, and
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Kimber SJ. Blastocyst implantation:the adhesion cascade. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNIQUES 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/9780203091500.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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