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Wu JS, Gong S, Zhang M, Ma RJ, Wang HL, Luo MJ, He N, Tan JH. Role and action mechanisms of miR-149 and miR-31 in regulating function of pig cumulus cells and oocytes. Theriogenology 2024; 220:84-95. [PMID: 38490113 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms for oocyte maturation and optimizing the protocols for in vitro maturation (IVM) are greatly important for improving developmental potential of IVM oocytes. The miRNAs expressed in cumulus cells (CCs) play important roles in oocyte maturation and may be used as markers for selection of competent oocytes/embryos. Although a recent study from our group identified several new CCs-expressed miRNAs that regulate cumulus expansion (CE) and CC apoptosis (CCA) in mouse oocytes, validation of these findings and further investigation of mechanisms of action in other model species was essential before wider applications. By using both in vitro and in vivo pig oocyte models with significant differences in CE, CCA and developmental potential, the present study validated that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes. We demonstrated that miR-149 and miR-31 targeted SMAD family member 6 (SMAD6) and transforming growth factor β2 (TGFB2), respectively, in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Furthermore, both miR-149 and miR-31 increased CE and decreased CCA via activating SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) and increasing the expression of SMAD2 and SMAD family member 4. In conclusion, the present results show that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes by activating the TGF-β signaling, suggesting that they might be used as markers for pig oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Shun Wu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China
| | - Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China
| | - Rui-Jie Ma
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China
| | - Hui-Li Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, PR China
| | - Ming-Jiu Luo
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China
| | - Nan He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China.
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, PR China.
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Ruvolo G, Matranga D, Barreca MM, Bosco L. AKT, p-AKT, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 in Mural Granulosa Cells Are Not Correlated to Different Ovarian Stimulation Protocols in Patients Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Treatment. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:554. [PMID: 38792576 PMCID: PMC11121759 DOI: 10.3390/life14050554] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In this paper we aim to study the relationship between the expression levels of molecules involved in apoptotic/survival pathways, considered as molecular markers of oocyte competence (i.e., AKT, p-AKT, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2) in mural granulosa cells (MGCs) and the administration of r-FSH alone or combined with exogenous r-LH, in ovarian stimulation protocol. Moreover, we aim to evaluate oocyte competence by comparing normally cleaved embryos that were transferred in the uterus, with embryos that were arrested during in vitro culture. (2) Methods: The study included 34 normo-responder women undergoing ICSI procedures. All subjects were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 18 women stimulated with r-FSH and used as a control group; Group B consisted of 14 women stimulated with r-FSH combined with r-LH. The MGCs were obtained from individual follicles. Immunoblot analyses were carried out to analyze the AKT, p-AKT, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 levels in MGCs and to correlate them with the ovarian stimulation protocol. Furthermore, the oocyte competence was evaluated, for each follicle, according to the development of the embryo during in vitro culture and the pregnancy outcome. (3) Results: We found no significant difference in the levels of molecules in isolated MGCs between groups A and B. These results, in light of our previous research, suggest for the first time, to our knowledge, that cumulus cells and mural granulosa cells in the same follicle show different expression levels of molecules involved in the apoptotic mechanism. (4) Conclusions: Our results could clarify some controversial data in the literature where cumulative cell pools of cumulus and granulosa were analyzed, described as ovarian follicle cells, and used as markers of oocyte competence. In this paper, we found evidence that cumulus and granulosa cells need to be analyzed separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ruvolo
- Centro di Biologia della Riproduzione, 90141 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Domenica Matranga
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Magdalena Barreca
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Liana Bosco
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
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Massoud G, Spann M, Vaught KC, Das S, Dow M, Cochran R, Baker V, Segars J, Singh B. Biomarkers Assessing the Role of Cumulus Cells on IVF Outcomes: A Systematic Review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:253-275. [PMID: 37947940 PMCID: PMC10894783 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02984-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although significant improvements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes have been accomplished, a critical question remains: which embryo is most likely to result in a pregnancy? Embryo selection is currently based on morphological and genetic criteria; however, these criteria do not fully predict good-quality embryos and additional objective criteria are needed. The cumulus cells are critical for oocyte and embryo development. This systematic review assessed biomarkers in cumulus-oocyte complexes and their association with successful IVF outcomes. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until November 2022. Only English-language publications were included. Inclusion criteria consisted of papers that evaluated genetic biomarkers associated with the cumulus cells (CCs) in humans and the following three outcomes of interest: oocyte quality, embryo quality, and clinical outcomes, including fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULTS The search revealed 446 studies of which 42 met eligibility criteria. Nineteen studies correlated genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with oocyte quality. A positive correlation was reported between oocyte quality and increased mRNA expression in CCs of genes encoding for calcium homeostasis (CAMK1D), glucose metabolism (PFKP), extracellular matrix (HAS2, VCAN), TGF-β family (GDF9, BMP15), and prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2). Nineteen studies correlated genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with embryo quality. A positive correlation was reported between embryo quality and increased mRNA expression in CCs of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (HAS2), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2), steroidogenesis (GREM1), and decreased expression of gene encoding for hormone receptor (AMHR2). Twenty-two studies assessed genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with clinical outcomes. Increased expression of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (VCAN), and TGF-β family (GDF9, BMP15) were positively correlated with pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Genetic biomarkers from cumulus cells were associated with oocyte quality (CAMK1D, PFKP, HAS2, VCAN, GDF-9, BMP-15, PTGS2), embryo quality (GREM1, PTGS2, HAS2), and pregnancy rate (GDF9, BMP15, VCAN). These results might help guide future studies directed at tests of cumulus cells to devise objective criteria to predict IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Massoud
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Marcus Spann
- Informationist Services, Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kamaria Cayton Vaught
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Samarjit Das
- Department of Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Dow
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard Cochran
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Valerie Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Segars
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Bhuchitra Singh
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Zarezadeh R, Abbasi K, Aboutalebi Vand Beilankouhi E, Navali N, Hakimi P, Fattahi A, Farzadi L. Programmed cell death 4: A novel player in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3905. [PMID: 38115175 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a pathological condition recognized by menstrual cycle irregularities, androgen excess, and polycystic ovarian morphology, affecting a significant proportion of women of childbearing age and accounting for the most prevalent cause of anovulatory sterility. In addition, PCOS is frequently accompanied by metabolic and endocrine disturbances such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia, indicating the multiplicity of mechanisms implicated in the progression of PCOS. However, the exact pathogenesis of PCOS is yet to be elucidated. Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a ubiquitously expressed protein that contributes to the regulation of various cellular processes, including gene expression, cell cycle progression, proliferation, and apoptosis. Despite some disparities concerning its exact cellular effects, PDCD4 is generally characterized as a protein that inhibits cell cycle progression and proliferation and instead drives the cell into apoptosis. The apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) is speculated to take a major part in the occurrence and progression of PCOS by ceasing antral follicle development and compromising oocyte competence. Given the possible involvement of GC apoptosis in the progression of PCOS, as well as the contribution of PDCD4 to the regulation of cell apoptosis and the development of metabolic diseases, the current review aimed to discuss whether or how PDCD4 can play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS by affecting GC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Zarezadeh
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Abbasi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Nazli Navali
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Hakimi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Tetrabromobisphenol Exposure Impairs Bovine Oocyte Maturation by Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27228111. [PMID: 36432212 PMCID: PMC9696588 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) is the most widely used brominated flame retardant in the world and displays toxicity to humans and animals. However, few studies have focused on its impact on oocyte maturation. Here, TBBPA was added to the culture medium of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to examine its effect on oocytes. We found that TBBPA exposure displayed an adverse influence on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. The results of this study showed that TBBPA exposure induced oocyte meiotic failure by disturbing the polar-body extrusion of oocytes and the expansion of cumulus cells. We further found that TBBPA exposure led to defective spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. Meanwhile, TBBPA induced oxidative stress and early apoptosis by mediating the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). TBBPA exposure also caused mitochondrial dysfunction, displaying a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial content, mtDNA copy number, and ATP levels, which are regulated by the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3). In addition, the developmental competence of oocytes and the quality of blastocysts were also reduced after TBBPA treatment. These results demonstrated that TBBPA exposure impaired oocyte maturation and developmental competence by disrupting both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of the oocyte, which might have been caused by oxidative stress induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Lin N, Lin J, Plosch T, Sun P, Zhou X. An Oxidative Stress-Related Gene Signature in Granulosa Cells Is Associated with Ovarian Aging. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1070968. [PMID: 36466095 PMCID: PMC9713466 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1070968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian aging is associated with a decrease in fecundity. Increased oxidative stress of granulosa cells (GCs) is an important contributor. We thus asked whether there is an oxidative stress-related gene signature in GCs associated with ovarian aging. Public nonhuman primate (NHP) single-cell transcriptome was processed to identify GC cluster. Then, a GC signature for ovarian aging was established based on six oxidative stress-related differentially expressed genes (MAPK1, STK24, AREG, ATG7, ANXA1, and PON2). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed good discriminating capacity in both NHP single-cell and human bulk transcriptome datasets. Gene expression levels were investigated using qPCR in the human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) and mouse GCs. In an oxidative stress model, KGN cells were treated with menadione (7.5 μM, 24 h) to induce oxidative stress, after which upregulation of MAPK1, STK24, ATG7, ANXA1, and PON2 and downregulation of AREG were observed (p < 0.05). In an aging model, KGN cells were continuously cultured for 3 months, leading to increased expressions of all genes (p < 0.05). In GCs of reproductively aged (8-month-old) Kunming mice, upregulated expression of Mapk1, Stk24, Atg7, and Pon2 and downregulated expression of Anxa1 and Areg were observed (p < 0.01). We therefore here identify a six-gene GC signature associated with oxidative stress and ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jiazhe Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Torsten Plosch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Pingnan Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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Turathum B, Gao EM, Grataitong K, Liu YB, Wang L, Dai X, Chian RC. Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism and autophagy in granulosa cells of women with endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:906570. [PMID: 35992117 PMCID: PMC9381821 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.906570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated metabolic profiles between cumulus cells (CCs) and mural granulosa cells (MGCs) derived from women with endometriosis to identify their correlations with oocyte quality. CCs and MGCs were collected from women with and without endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. The metabolomics of CCs and MGCs were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) followed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction to further confirm the genes involved in the metabolic results. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed differences in 24 metabolites of CCs and 71 metabolites of MGCs between groups. Among them, five metabolites were upregulated and 19 metabolites were downregulated in CCs with endometriosis, whereas three metabolites were upregulated and 68 metabolites were downregulated in MGCs with endometriosis. Metabolites related to sphingolipid metabolism, which included palmitic acid (PA) and docosahexaenoic acid, increased significantly only in CCs with endometriosis, whereas sphingosine and PA were significantly downregulated in MGCs with endometriosis compared with CCs and MGCs without endometriosis. Gene expression involved in ceramide synthesis (CERS1, SPTL1, and SMPD1) and autophagy (BECN1, LAMP, and PC3) were significantly higher in CCs with endometriosis according to FASN, BECN1, and LAMP protein expressions. However, gene expression involved in ceramide synthesis (SPHK1, ASAH1, and SGPP1) and autophagy (BECN1, LAMP, and PC3) were significantly lower in MGCs with endometriosis, whereas CERS1 and UGCG expression increased. There are differences in sphingolipid metabolites in CCs and MGCs with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis. These differences seem to be involved in the regulation of autophagic cell death in preovulatory follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongkoch Turathum
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Er-Meng Gao
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Khwanthana Grataitong
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yu-Bing Liu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Dai
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ri-Cheng Chian
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ri-Cheng Chian,
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Baratas A, Gosálvez J, de la Casa M, Camacho S, Dorado-Silva M, Johnston SD, Roy R. Cumulus Cell DNA Damage as an Index of Human Oocyte Competence. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:3194-3200. [PMID: 34907517 PMCID: PMC9646542 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00817-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The determination of oocyte quality is crucial for achieving effective syngamy post-sperm injection and embryonic development. Cumulus cells (CCs) have been proposed as biomarkers of oocyte quality because of their close bio-dynamic relationship with the oocyte. To determine the quality of the oocyte, CCs were sampled during oocyte preparation for ICSI to determine a CC DNA fragmentation index (CCDFI) of each individual oocyte using a variant of the chromatin dispersion test. One hundred and thirty oocytes were selected and studied from two Spanish fertility clinics, 90 of which were fertilized and developed to embryos. Significant differences were found between the CCDFI of unfertilized and fertilized oocytes (p < .001) and between the CCDFI of embryos that were discarded and those that developed suitable for transfer or cryopreservation (p < .001). Oocyte quality was negatively correlated with CCDFI (Spearman’s rho = − 0.45; p < .001). Receiver operator characteristics curves (ROC) suggested that a cut-off value of 24% CCDFI was able to discriminate the capacity of the gametes to result in syngamy with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.6% and 65%, respectively. This cut-off supports the application of CCDFI as potential index for the evaluation of the reproductive potential of oocytes prior to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rosa Roy
- Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Ferrigno A, Ruvolo G, Capra G, Serra N, Bosco L. Correlation between the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and sperm morphology of infertile patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:979-986. [PMID: 33532883 PMCID: PMC8079535 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the correlation between the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and sperm morphology in patients undergoing ICSI, as a predictive parameter in reproductive outcomes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 125 infertile patients enrolled in a fertility clinic. Seminal characteristics were measured following the WHO guidelines (2010) for the examination of the seminal fluid. After collecting motile sperm population by pellet swim up, DFI was calculated and simultaneously associated with sperm morphology using in situ TUNEL assay and an image analyzer software in at least 250 spermatozoa for each patient. Results All subjects were divided into two groups according to a cutoff established, by choice, of the sperm DFI (15%): group A (< 15%) consisting of 65 patients and group B (≥ 15%) of 60 patients. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods. The results demonstrate that there is no statistical difference between the two groups in seminal characteristics. The collective data show a high significant correlation, suggesting that spermatozoa with abnormal morphology are the best candidates to contain DNA damage (p < 0.001). Also, when group A is compared with group B, an increased percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was observed in patients, with DFI values ≥ 15% (p < 0.001). Conclusion These results are aimed at providing an exact value of DFI in morphologically normal spermatozoa, which will be helpful to the embryologist in evaluating the risk of transferring, during the ICSI procedure, a spermatozoon whit normal morphology but fragmented DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferrigno
- Department of Sciences for Department of Biological, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ruvolo
- Centro di Biologia della Riproduzione, Via Villareale 54, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Capra
- Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care 'G. D'Alessandro' (PROSAMI), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicola Serra
- Biostatistics Unit - Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II of Naples, via S. Pansini, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Liana Bosco
- Department of Sciences for Department of Biological, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.16, 90128, Palermo, Italy. .,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Palermo, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
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Human Cumulus Cells in Long-Term In Vitro Culture Reflect Differential Expression Profile of Genes Responsible for Planned Cell Death and Aging-A Study of New Molecular Markers. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051265. [PMID: 32455542 PMCID: PMC7291080 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the ovarian follicle, maturation of the oocyte increases in the presence of somatic cells called cumulus cells (CCs). These cells form a direct barrier between the oocyte and external environment. Thanks to bidirectional communication, they have a direct impact on the oocyte, its quality and development potential. Understanding the genetic profile of CCs appears to be important in elucidating the physiology of oocytes. Long-term in vitro culture of CCs collected from patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization procedure was conducted. Using microarray expression analysis, transcript levels were assessed on day 1, 7, 15, and 30 of culture. Apoptosis and aging of CCs strictly influence oocyte quality and subsequently the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Thus, particular attention was paid to the analysis of genes involved in programmed cell death, aging, and apoptosis. Due to the detailed level of expression analysis of each of the 133 analyzed genes, three groups were selected: first with significantly decreased expression during the culture; second with the statistically lowest increase in expression; and third with the highest significant increase in expression. COL3A1, SFRP4, CTGF, HTR2B, VCAM1, TNFRSF11B genes, belonging to the third group, were identified as potential carriers of information on oocyte quality.
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Qu P, Shen C, Du Y, Qin H, Luo S, Fu S, Dong Y, Guo S, Hu F, Xue Y, Liu E. Melatonin Protects Rabbit Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Embryos from Electrofusion Damage. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2186. [PMID: 32042116 PMCID: PMC7010831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study’s objectives were to examine the effects of electrofusion on rabbit somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, and to test melatonin as a protective agent against electrofusion damage to SCNT embryos. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the epigenetic state (H3K9me3), and the content of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated transcripts (IRE-1 and CHOP) were measured. Melatonin was added during the preimplantation development period. The total blastocyst cell numbers were counted, and the fragmentation rate and apoptotic index were determined and used to assess embryonic development. Electrofusion increased (1) ROS levels at the 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-cell stages; (2) H3K9me3 levels at the 2-, 4-, and 8-cell stage; and (3) the expression of IRE-1 and CHOP at the 8-cell, 16-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages. The treatment of SCNT embryos with melatonin significantly reduced the level of ROS and H3K9me3, and the expression levels of IRE-1 and CHOP. This treatment also significantly reduced the fragmentation rate and apoptotic index of blastocysts and increased their total cell number. In conclusion, the electrofusion of rabbit SCNT embryos induced oxidative stress, disturbed the epigenetic state, and caused ER stress, while melatonin reduced this damage. Our findings are of signal importance for improving the efficiency of SCNT and for optimizing the application of electrical stimulation in other biomedical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Qu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.,Research Institute of Atherosclerotic Disease, Xi'an Jiaotong University Cardiovascular Research Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Chong Shen
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yue Du
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Hongyu Qin
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Shiwei Luo
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Sixin Fu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yue Dong
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Shuaiqingying Guo
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Ying Xue
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China. .,Research Institute of Atherosclerotic Disease, Xi'an Jiaotong University Cardiovascular Research Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
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DNA fragmentation index, pAKT and pERK1/2 in cumulus cells are related to oocyte competence in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization programme. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:350-354. [PMID: 31411131 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Activated pERK1/2 and pAKT are key players in supporting cell survival and proliferation pathways. Translocation of pERK1/2 into the nucleus, where it interacts with transcription factors and DNA itself, is instrumental in exerting an anti-apoptotic effect. In this study, pAKT levels, pERK1/2 nuclear localization and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in cumulus cells of single cumulus-oocyte complexes of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization programmes were evaluated and correlated with the clinical outcome of the related embryos. For a positive clinical outcome of blastocyst development, pERK1/2 nuclear localization and DFI value had a significant inverse relationship, whereas the former and the intracellular accumulation of pAKT had a significant direct relationship. This relationship was not observed for the negative clinical outcome of the arrested embryos. Moreover, intracellular accumulation of pAKT and DFI value had a significant inverse relationship in all samples examined. The obtained data suggest that the intranuclear relocation of pERK1/2, along with an enhanced intracellular accumulation of pAKT, may exert a survival effect and increase cell viability, therefore providing a novel marker tool to choose the best oocyte to be fertilized and submitted to an intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle.
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13
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Tabibnejad N, Aflatoonian A, Motamedzadeh L, Soleimani M, Sadeghian-Nodoushan F, Talebi AR. Assessing ICSI outcome by combining non-invasive indicators: Early time-lapse morphokinetics and apoptosis in associated cumulus cells among women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:865-874. [PMID: 29995338 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cumulus cells features and embryo developmental events can be considered as noninvasive indicators for embryo selection and clinical outcomes. A combination of time-lapse morphokinetic parameters and cumulus cell apoptosis in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was evaluated for predicting pregnancy outcome. We assessed a total of 547 embryos from 100 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Time-lapse records were interpreted in time to pronuclear fading (tPNf), time to 2 to 8 cells (t2-t8), direct cleavage, reverse cleavage, and also for the presence of multinucleation. Percentages of apoptosis were identified in 100 associated cumulus cell samples using the TDT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling assay. The significant decrease of apoptotic cumulus cells was detected in patients with chemical and clinical pregnancies as well as live birth among patients PCOS and in the tubal infertility group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, significantly higher implantation rate and also significantly lower cases of early pregnancy loss were observed in the group of oocytes with less apoptotic cumulus cells. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tPNf together with cumulus cell apoptosis were independent prognostic factors of chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth. Time-lapse embryo parameters may not reflect the cumulus cell apoptosis rate. However, the rate of apoptotic cumulus cells is significantly associated with ICSI outcome using Day 3 embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Tabibnejad
- Reproductive Biology Department, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abbas Aflatoonian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Leila Motamedzadeh
- Reproductive Biology Department, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Soleimani
- Reproductive Biology Department, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghian-Nodoushan
- Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies Department, Medical Nanotechnology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Andrology Department, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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