Leptin and ObRa/MEK signalling in mouse oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development

The intrafollicular concentration of leptin as a potential biomarker to predict oocyte maturity in in-vitro fertilization

Oocyte maturity is critical to the development potential of the embryo and pregnancy outcomes in natural and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, oocyte maturity is typically evaluated using morphological criteria, although such assessment remains highly subjective. To identify reliable biomarkers of oocyte maturity, this study investigates the relationship between follicular cytokine concentrations and oocyte maturity in IVF patients with different ovarian reserves. In this prospective study, follicular fluid was collected during oocyte retrieval and the concentrations of cytokines involved in ovarian folliculogenesis were determined. Follicular fluid cytokine concentrations were compared between participants in three groups according to serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration, as follows: low AMH, < 2 ng/mL; normal AMH, 2-5 ng/mL; and high AMH, > 5 ng/mL. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis showed that the number of mature oocytes correlated positively and strongly with serum AMH level (r = 0.719; p < 0.01). The leptin concentration in follicular fluid was significantly higher in women with normal AMH level than in those with low or high levels. ROC curve analysis showed that the follicular fluid levels of leptin (area under ROC curve, 0.829; 95% confidence interval, 0.659-0.998; p < 0.01) and SCF (area under ROC curve, 0.706; 95% confidence interval, 0.491-0.921; p = 0.087) were the best predictors of oocyte maturity. At an optimal cut-off value of 16 ng/mL, leptin had positive predictive value (sensitivity) up to 70% and negative predictive value (specificity) of 91% for indicating oocyte maturity. The concentration of leptin in follicular fluid is closely related to ovarian reserve and may serve as a biomarker to predict oocyte maturity.

Revisiting the Impact of Local Leptin Signaling in Folliculogenesis and Oocyte Maturation in Obese Mothers

The complex nature of folliculogenesis regulation accounts for its susceptibility to maternal physiological fitness. In obese mothers, progressive expansion of adipose tissue culminates with severe hyperestrogenism and hyperleptinemia with detrimental effects for ovarian performance. Indeed, maternal obesity is associated with the establishment of ovarian leptin resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge on potential effects of impaired leptin signaling throughout folliculogenesis and oocyte developmental competence in mice and women.

The Importance of Leptin to Reproduction

A healthy nutritional state is required for all aspects of reproduction and is signaled by the adipokine leptin. Leptin acts in a relatively narrow concentration range: too much or too little will compromise fertility. The leptin signal timing is important to prepubertal development in both sexes. In the brain, leptin acts on ventral premammillary neurons which signal kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons to stimulate gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Suppression of Kiss1 neurons occurs when agouti-related peptide neurons are activated by reduced leptin, because leptin normally suppresses these orexigenic neurons. In the pituitary, leptin stimulates production of GnRH receptors (GnRHRs) and follicle-stimulating hormone at midcycle, by activating pathways that derepress actions of the messenger ribonucleic acid translational regulatory protein Musashi. In females, rising estrogen stimulates a rise in serum leptin, which peaks at midcycle, synchronizing with nocturnal luteinizing hormone pulses. The normal range of serum leptin levels (10-20 ng/mL) along with gonadotropins and growth factors promote ovarian granulosa and theca cell functions and oocyte maturation. In males, the prepubertal rise in leptin promotes testicular development. However, a decline in leptin levels in prepubertal boys reflects inhibition of leptin secretion by rising androgens. In adult males, leptin levels are 10% to 50% of those in females, and high leptin inhibits testicular function. The obesity epidemic has elucidated leptin resistance pathways, with too much leptin in either sex leading to infertility. Under conditions of balanced nutrition, however, the secretion of leptin is timed and regulated within a narrow level range that optimizes its trophic effects.

Adipokines Expression and Effects in Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization and Early Embryo Development: Lessons from Mammals and Birds

Some evidence shows that body mass index in humans and extreme weights in animal models, including avian species, are associated with low in vitro fertilization, bad oocyte quality, and embryo development failures. Adipokines are hormones mainly produced and released by white adipose tissue. They play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, they are also involved in many other physiological processes including reproductive functions. Indeed, leptin and adiponectin, the most studied adipokines, but also novel adipokines including visfatin and chemerin, are expressed within the reproductive tract and modulate female fertility. Much of the literature has focused on the physiological and pathological roles of these adipokines in ovary, placenta, and uterine functions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and chemerin in the oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in both mammals and birds.

Endothelin-1 promotes human germinal vesicle-stage oocyte maturation by downregulating connexin-26 expression in cumulus cells

STUDY QUESTION

Does endothelin-1 (ET-1) promote human oocyte maturation and by what mechanism?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Addition of ET-1 to the medium in which human germinal vesicle (GV)-stage immature oocytes are cultured enhances the GV breakdown (GVBD) rate; the resumption of meiosis may be initiated by ET-1 downregulating the expression of connexin-26 (Cx26) in cumulus cells via endothelin receptor type B (ETRB), leading to decreased cAMP levels in the oocyte.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The paracrine factor ET-1 is secreted by ovarian somatic cells in pre-ovulatory follicles and regulates oocyte maturation in mice. Connexins, or gap junction proteins, form intercellular membrane channels that play important roles in the resumption of meiosis.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This laboratory study was conducted over a 1-year period. The effects of ET-1 on meiotic resumption were evaluated in human GV-stage cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs; 70 oocytes/group). The transcriptome profiles of ET-1-treated or untreated cumulus cells were compared to explore the possible mechanisms by which ET-1 may regulate oocyte maturation.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The ET-1, ETRA and ETRB expression levels in human cumulus cells from oocytes at different stages of maturation were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. Human GV-stage COCs collected from patients undergoing IVF at a university-affiliated infertility centre were cultured with or without ET-1, and cumulus cells were subsequently denuded using hyaluronidase and cultured in α-MEM. A GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array was applied to explore differences in the whole-genome transcriptome profiles of cumulus cells treated with or without ET-1. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used respectively to examine Cx26 mRNA and protein levels in cumulus cells. Changes in cAMP levels in both oocytes and cumulus cells after ET-1 treatment were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Cumulus cells from MII-stage oocytes exhibited upregulated ET-1 expression, compared to those from GV-stage oocytes. The addition of ET-1 to the culture medium enhanced the GVBD rate of cumulus cell-enclosed human oocytes. Whole-genome transcriptome microarray analyses revealed significantly downregulated Cx26 expression in cumulus cells after ET-1 treatment, and this action was blocked by an ETRB antagonist. The involvement of Cx26 was further supported by the finding that ET-1 treatment led to decreased cAMP levels in oocytes but increased cAMP levels in cumulus cells.

LARGE SCALE DATA

Microarray data are published in the GEO database (GSE97684).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The heterogeneity of human COCs collected from patients undergoing IVF might affect the maturation results in vitro. Although we focused on the effects of ET-1 on human oocyte maturation in the present study, mammalian oocyte maturation is a complicated process involving many endocrine and paracrine factors.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our present study suggests that in vitro, human GV-stage oocyte maturation could be enhanced by adding ET-1 to the culture medium. In the present study, we explored the molecular mechanisms by which ET-1 initiates the resumption of meiosis and demonstrated that ET-1 promotes oocyte maturation by downregulating the expression of the gap junction protein Cx26 in cumulus cells. These results expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian oocyte maturation and provide a basis for better in-vitro maturation strategies.

STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was supported by grants from the China Natural Science Foundation (Grant Nos. 81170567 and 81370761). The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest associated with this manuscript.

Regulation of follicle growth through hormonal factors and mechanical cues mediated by Hippo signaling pathway

The ovary is an interesting organ that shows major structural changes within a short period of time during each reproductive cycle. Follicle development is controlled by local paracrine and systemic endocrine factors. Many hormonal and molecular analyses have been conducted to find the mechanisms underlying structural changes in ovaries, However, exact mechanisms still remain to be determined. Recent development of mechanobiology facilitates the understanding on the contribution of physical forces and changes in the mechanical properties of cells and tissues to physiology and pathophysiology. The Hippo signaling pathway is one of the key players in mechanotransduction, providing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to mechanical signals to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis for maintaining optimal organ sizes. Our group recently demonstrated the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway in the regulation of ovarian follicle development. Fragmentation of ovarian cortex into small cubes changed cytoskeletal actin dynamics and induced disruption of the Hippo signaling pathway, leading to the production of CCN growth factors and anti-apoptotic BIRC. These factors, in turn, stimulated secondary follicle growth in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarized hormonal regulation of follicular structural changes and further focused on the role of Hippo signaling in the regulation of follicle development. We also suggest a new strategy of infertility treatments in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency based on mechanobiology.

Selective Regulation of Oocyte Meiotic Events Enhances Progress in Fertility Preservation Methods

Following early embryonic germ cell migration, oocytes are surrounded by somatic cells and remain arrested at diplotene stage until luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Strict regulation of both meiotic arrest and meiotic resumption during dormant stage are critical for future fertility. Inter-cellular signaling system between the somatic compartment and oocyte regulates these meiotic events and determines the follicle quality. As well as the collected number of eggs, their qualities are also important for in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. In spontaneous and IVF cycles, germinal vesicle (GV)–stage oocytes, premature GV breakdown, and persistence of first meiotic arrest limit the reproductive performance. Likewise, both women with premature ovarian aging and young cancer women are undergoing chemoradiotherapy under the risk of follicle loss because of unregulated meiotic events. Understanding of oocyte meiotic events is therefore critical for the prevention of functional ovarian reserve. High levels of cyclic guanosine monophophate (cGMP), cyclic adenosine monophophate (cAMP) and low phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3A enzyme activity inside the oocyte are responsible for maintaining of meiotic arrest before the LH surge. cGMP is produced in the somatic compartment, and natriuretic peptide precursor C (Nppc) and natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (Npr2) regulate its production. cGMP diffuses into the oocyte and reduces the PDE3A activity, which inhibits the conversion of cAMP to the 5′AMP, and cAMP levels are enhanced. In addition, oocyte itself has the ability to produce cAMP. Taken together, accumulation of cAMP inside the oocyte induces protein kinase activity, which leads to the inhibition of maturation-promoting factor and meiotic arrest also continues. By stimulating the expression of epidermal growth factor, LH inhibits the Nppc/Npr2 system, blocks cGMP synthesis, and initiates meiotic resumption. Oocytes lacking the functional of this pathway may lead to persistence of the GV oocyte, which reduces the number of good quality eggs. Selective regulation of somatic cell signals and oocyte meiotic events enhance progress in fertility preservation methods, which may give us the opportunity to prevent follicle loss in prematurely aging women and young women with cancer are undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Comparison of epigenetic mediator expression and function in mouse and human embryonic blastomeres

A map of human embryo development that combines imaging, molecular, genetic and epigenetic data for comparisons to other species and across pathologies would be greatly beneficial for basic science and clinical applications. Here, we compared mRNA and protein expression of key mediators of DNA methylation and histone modifications between mouse and human embryos, embryos from fertile/infertile couples, and following growth factor supplementation. We observed that individual mouse and human embryos are characterized by similarities and distinct differences in DNA methylation and histone modification patterns especially at the single-cell level. In particular, while mouse embryos first exhibited sub-compartmentalization of different histone modifications between blastomeres at the morula stage and cell sub-populations in blastocysts, differential histone modification expression was detected between blastomeres earlier in human embryos at the four- to eight-cell stage. Likewise, differences in epigenetic mediator expression were also observed between embryos from fertile and infertile couples, which were largely equalized in response to growth factor supplementation, suggesting that select growth factors might prevent alterations in epigenetic profiles during prolonged embryo culture. Finally, we determined that reduced expression via morpholino technologies of a single histone-modifying enzyme, Rps6ka4/Msk2, resulted in cleavage-stage arrest as assessed by time-lapse imaging and was associated with aneuploidy generation. Taken together, data document differences in epigenetic patterns between species with implications for fertility and suggest functional roles for individual epigenetic factors during pre-implantation development.

Relationship between follicular fluid adipocytokines and the quality of the oocyte and corresponding embryo development from a single dominant follicle in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of individual follicular fluid (FF) leptin and adiponectin levels with the quality of the corresponding oocyte and embryo.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 67 women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with 89 FF samples. FF and the corresponding oocyte was obtained from a single dominant preovulatory follicle at the time of oocyte retrieval. Concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in an individual follicle. The oocyte quality, fertilization rate, and corresponding embryo development were assessed.

RESULTS

The FF level of leptin was significantly associated with body mass index (r=0.334, p<0.01). The FF adiponectin level was significantly higher in the normal fertilization group than the abnormal fertilization group (p=0.009) in the non-obese women. A lower FF leptin level was associated with a trend toward mature oocytes, normal fertilization, and good embryo quality, although these relationships were not statistically significant. The leptin:adiponectin ratio of FF did not differ significantly according to oocyte and embryo quality. The quality of the oocyte and embryo was not associated with the FF leptin level tertile. However, the normal fertilization rate was positively associated with FF adiponectin level tertile. There was a trend towards improved oocytes and normal fertilization rates with the lowest tertile of the FF leptin:adiponectin ratio, but this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a high FF adiponectin concentration could be a predictor of normal fertilization. However, the FF leptin concentration and leptin:adiponectin ratio is not significantly related to oocyte maturity and corresponding embryo development.

Ovarian signalling pathways regulated by leptin during the ovulatory process

Leptin, a protein secreted by different tissues, is able to exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the ovulatory process. Thus, we investigated whether these opposite effects involve changes in the ovarian signalling pathways in response to different levels of leptin. To this end, we performed both in vivo and in vitro assays using immature rats primed with gonadotrophins to induce ovulation. The acute treatment with leptin, which inhibits the ovulatory process, caused a significant decrease in the phosphorylation of both STAT3 and ERK1/2 and a simultaneous increase in suppressors of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) protein. However, daily administration of a low dose of leptin, which induces the ovulatory process, showed increased phosphorylation of both STAT3 and ERK1/2 and a decreased expression of SOCS3 protein. Using ovarian explant cultures, we also found that leptin was able to activate both STAT3 and ERK1/2 at 10 ng/ml but only STAT3 at 300–500 ng/ml. In addition, at 100–300 ng/ml, leptin increased protein but not mRNA expression of SOCS3. The addition of specific inhibitors of JAK/STAT and MAPK signalling pathways suppressed both the increase and the decrease in leptin-induced progesterone secretion. These results indicate that i) different levels of leptin are able to regulate STAT3, ERK1/2 and SOCS3 at both intra- and extra-ovarian level and that ii) the dual action of leptin on steroidogenesis seems to occur, at least in part, through both the ERK and STAT cascades.

Postnatal leptin promotes organ maturation and development in IUGR piglets

Babies with intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at increased risk for experiencing negative neonatal outcomes due to their general developmental delay. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a short postnatal leptin supply on the growth, structure, and functionality of several organs at weaning. IUGR piglets were injected from day 0 to day 5 with either 0.5 mg/kg/d leptin (IUGRLep) or saline (IUGRSal) and euthanized at day 21. Their organs were collected, weighed, and sampled for histological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses. Leptin induced an increase in body weight and the relative weights of the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and small intestine without any changes in triglycerides, glucose and cholesterol levels. Notable structural and functional changes occurred in the ovaries, pancreas, and secondary lymphoid organs. The ovaries of IUGRLep piglets contained less oogonia but more oocytes enclosed in primordial and growing follicles than the ovaries of IUGRSal piglets, and FOXO3A staining grade was higher in the germ cells of IUGRLep piglets. Within the exocrine parenchyma of the pancreas, IUGRLep piglets presented a high rate of apoptotic cells associated with a higher trypsin activity. In the spleen and the Peyer's patches, B lymphocyte follicles were much larger in IUGRLep piglets than in IUGRSal piglets. Moreover, IUGRLep piglets showed numerous CD79(+) cells in well-differentiated follicle structures, suggesting a more mature immune system. This study highlights a new role for leptin in general developmental processes and may provide new insight into IUGR pathology.

Characterization of foamy epithelial surface cells in the canine endometrium

In mature bitches, endometrial epithelial surface cells modify function and corresponding morphology during the oestrous cycle. During late metoestrous, endometrial epithelial surface cells frequently accumulate fat and thereby adopt a foamy morphology. This cyclic appearance of foamy endometrial epithelial cells (fEECs) seems to be physiological in the dog, whereas in other species, it indicates pathological changes. Function of these fEECs has not been identified until now. Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize the fEECs by means of transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Different manifestations of fEECs were observed and analysed with regard to proliferative activity and presence of different epithelial adhesion molecules including PLEKHA7, β-catenin and E-cadherin. PLEKHA7 was restricted to the apical regions of the fEECs, whereas E-cadherin and β-catenin were demonstrated basolateral. The immunohistochemical detection of steroid hormone receptors demonstrated the responsiveness of the fEECs to steroid hormones. Intense progesterone receptor expression was observed in the fEECs indicating a high responsiveness to this hormone. Considering a potential function of the fEECs, we hypothesized that leptin, a hormone produced by other lipid-accumulating cells and described to be involved in reproduction, in particular during implantation, might also originate from the fEECs which was confirmed by immunohistochemical methods. Moreover, leptin receptor was found in fEECs indicating the fEECs as both, source and target for leptin. Therefore, we conclude that fEECs in the canine uterus have a potential role in early pregnancy events and that the different observed manifestations might simply reflect the variations of signs of pseudopregnancy among bitches.

The effect of leptin on maturing porcine oocytes is dependent on glucose concentration

Increased body weight is often accompanied by increased circulating levels of leptin and glucose, which alters glucose metabolism in various tissues, including perhaps the oocyte. Alteration of glucose metabolism impacts oocyte function and may contribute to the subfertility often associated with obese individuals. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of leptin (0, 10, and 100 ng/ml) on the oocyte and cumulus cells during in vitro maturation under differing glucose concentrations. We examined the effects of leptin on oocyte maturation, blastocyst development, and/or gene expression in oocytes and cumulus cells (IRS1, IGF1, PPARγ, IL6, GLUT1) in a physiological glucose (2 mM) and high glucose (50 mM) environment. We also evaluated the effect of leptin on glucose metabolism via glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. In a physiological glucose environment, leptin did not have an influence on oocyte maturation, blastocyst development, or oocyte gene expression. Expression of GLUT1 in cumulus cells was downregulated with 100 ng/ml leptin treatment, but did not affect oocyte glucose metabolism. In a high glucose environment, oocyte maturation and glycolysis were decreased, but in the presence of 100 ng/ml leptin, these parameters were improved to levels similar to control. This effect is potentially mediated by an upregulation of oocyte IRS1 and a correction of cumulus cell IGF1 expression. The present study demonstrates that in a physiological glucose concentration, leptin plays a negligible role in oocyte function. However, leptin appears to modulate the deleterious impact of a high glucose environment on oocyte function.