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Ji J, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Shui L, Bai S, Huang L, Wang H, Fan S, Zhang Z, Luo L, Xu B. A Proteomic Analysis of Human Follicular Fluid: Proteomic Profile Associated with Embryo Quality. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:199-211. [PMID: 37607985 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01293-x] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Embryo selection is a key point of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The most commonly used method for embryo selection is morphological assessment. However, it is sometimes inaccurate. Follicular fluid (FF) contains a complex mixture of proteins that are essential for follicle development and oocyte maturation. Analyzing human FF proteomic profiles and identifying predictive biomarkers might be helpful for evaluating embryo quality. A total of 22 human FF samples were collected from 19 infertile women who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment between October 2021 and November 2021. FFs were grouped into two categories on the basis of the day 3 embryo quality, grade I or II in the hqFF group and grade III in the nhqFF group. FF was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The key differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Differentially expressed proteins were further analyzed using DAVID software. A total of 558 proteins were identified, of which 50 proteins were differentially expressed in the hqFF versus nhqFF group, including 32 upregulated proteins (> 1.20-fold, P < 0.05) and 18 downregulated proteins (< 0.67-fold, P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analyses showed that the upregulated DEPs were enriched in components of the coagulation and complement systems and negative regulation of peptidase activity, while the downregulated DEPs were enriched in molecular function of extracellular matrix structural and constituent collagen binding. Our results suggested that a number of protein biomarkers in FF were associated with embryo quality. It may help develop an effective and noninvasive method for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjuan Ji
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Lijun Shui
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Shun Bai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Lingli Huang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Shiwei Fan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Zelin Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Lihua Luo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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Yang Z, Pan J, Zhou C, Sheng J, Jin L, Huang H. Elevated follicular cortisone level is a negative predictor of clinical pregnancy in women undergoing fresh embryo transfer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17492. [PMID: 37415947 PMCID: PMC10320308 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17492] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although numerous studies have investigated the potential correlation between follicular fluid (FF) steroid concentrations and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes, few have accounted for the effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimes on FF steroid concentrations. Objective To comprehensively compare follicular steroid concentrations between women stimulated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and antagonist (GnRHant) protocols and to explore the associations between FF steroid concentrations and IVF/ICSI outcomes. Methods A total of 295 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI from January 2018 to May 2020 were enrolled. Eighty-four and 211 women received GnRHa and GnRHant protocols, respectively. Seventeen steroids in FF were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the correlation of follicular steroids with clinical pregnancy was explored. Results Follicular steroid concentrations were similar between the GnRHa and GnRHant groups. Follicular cortisone levels were adversely associated with clinical pregnancy in fresh embryo transfers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.639 (95% confidence interval = 0.527-0.751, p = 0.025) for predicting non-pregnancy, with an optimal cutoff value of 15.81 ng/mL (sensitivity = 33.3%, specificity = 94.1%). Women with FF cortisone concentrations ≥15.81 ng/mL were fifty times less likely to achieve clinical pregnancy in fresh embryo transfers than those with FF cortisone levels below this threshold (adjusted OR = 0.019, 95% confidence interval = 0.002-0.207, p = 0.001) after adjusting for age, body mass index, baseline serum progesterone levels, serum levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone on human chorionic gonadotropin day, ovarian stimulation protocols, and the number of transferred embryos. Conclusions There was no significant difference in intrafollicular steroid levels between GnRHa and GnRHant protocols, and intrafollicular cortisone level ≥15.81 ng/mL was found to be a strong negative predictor of clinical pregnancy in fresh embryo transfers with high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuwei Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
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Schallmoser A, Einenkel R, Färber C, Sänger N. In vitro growth (IVG) of human ovarian follicles in frozen thawed ovarian cortex tissue culture supplemented with follicular fluid under hypoxic conditions. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1299-1311. [PMID: 35871693 PMCID: PMC9470640 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06672-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite its clinical success rates, transplantation after ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) remains a matter of concern. Certain cancer subtypes may lead to the transfer of malignant cells when transplantation of affected ovarian tissue is conducted. IVG and subsequent isolation of vital follicles obtained from frozen thawed ovarian tissue for further in vitro maturation (IVM) would expand current fertility protection techniques while reducing the risk of retransplanting malignant cells. Methods A total of 216 cortical biopsies from 3 patients were included in this study in 4 treatment groups. After freezing, thawing and 8 days of hypoxic tissue culture supplemented with different concentrations of human follicular fluid (HuFF) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), follicles were isolated enzymatically and stained with calcein to determine follicular viability. Numbers and size of vital follicles were assessed by fluorescence microscopy (Ti2, Nikon) and specified by computer assisted, semi-automated measurement (NIS software, Nikon). To estimate the effect of in vitro culture on apoptosis, tissue sections were stained for nicked DNA (TUNEL) prior and after tissue culture. Results Analysing 3025 vital follicles, we observed significant differences [P < 0.01] regarding follicle size when hypoxic tissue culture was supplemented with HuFF compared with the control group on day 1, individual follicles reached sizes > 100 µm. Conclusions The results implicate that HuFF contains valuable factors contributing to significant IVG of follicles in human ovarian tissue and could be regarded as an additional tool in personalized fertility restoration prior to retransplantation of ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schallmoser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cara Färber
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Kanaka V, Proikakis S, Drakakis P, Loutradis D, Tsangaris GT. Implementing a preimplantation proteomic approach to advance assisted reproduction technologies in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. EPMA J 2022; 13:237-260. [PMID: 35719135 PMCID: PMC9203609 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-022-00282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in the last 40 years has significantly contributed to the management of global infertility. Despite the great numbers of live births that have been achieved through ART, there is still potential for increasing the success rates. As a result, there is a need to create optimum conditions in order to increase ART efficacy. The selection of the best sperm, oocyte, and embryo, as well as the achievement of optimal endometrial receptivity, through the contribution of new diagnostic and treatment methods, based on a personalized proteomic approach, may assist in the attainment of this goal. Proteomics represent a powerful new technological development, which seeks for protein biomarkers in human tissues. These biomarkers may aid to predict the outcome, prevent failure, and monitor in a personalized manner in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In this review, we will present data from studies that have been conducted in the search for such biomarkers in order to identify proteins related to good sperm, oocyte, and embryo quality, as well as optimal endometrial receptivity, which may later lead to greater results and the desirable ART outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Kanaka
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros Proikakis
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Th. Tsangaris
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Differential proteomic analysis demonstrates follicle fluid participate immune reaction and protein translation in yak. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:34. [PMID: 35031034 PMCID: PMC8758897 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03097-0] [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: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian follicle fluid (FF) as a microenvironment surrounding oocyte plays critical roles in physio-biochemical processes of follicle development and oocyte maturation. It is hypothesized that proteins in yak FF participate in the physio-biochemical pathways. The primary aims of this study were to find differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between mature and immature FF, and to elucidating functions of the mature and immature FF in yak. Results The mature and immature FF samples were obtained from three healthy yaks that were nonpregnant, aged from four to five years, and free from any anatomical reproductive disorders. The FF samples were subjected to mass spectrometry with the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). The FF samples went through correlation analysis, principle component analysis, and expression pattern analysis based on quantification of the identified proteins. Four hundred sixty-three DEPs between mature and immature FF were identified. The DEPs between the mature and immature FF samples underwent gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The DEPs highly expressed in the mature FF mainly took parts in the complement and coagulation cascades, defense response, acute-phase response, response to other organism pathways to avoid invasion of exogenous microorganisms. The complement activation pathway contains eight DEPs, namely C2, C5, C6, C7, C9, C4BPA, CFH, and MBL2. The three DEPs, CATHL4, CHGA, and PGLYRP1, take parts in defense response pathway to prevent invasion of exogenetic microorganism. The coagulation cascades pathway involves many coagulation factors, such as F7, F13A1, FGA, FGB, FGG, KLKB1, KNG1, MASP1, SERPINA1, and SERPIND1. While the DEPs highly expressed in the immature FF participated in protein translation, peptide biosynthetic process, DNA conformation change, and DNA geometric change pathways to facilitate follicle development. The translation pathway contains many ribosomal proteins, such as RPL3, RPL5, RPS3, RPS6, and other translation factors, such as EIF3J, EIF4G2, ETF1, MOV10, and NARS. The DNA conformation change and DNA geometric change involve nine DEPs, DDX1, G3BP1, HMGB1, HMGB2, HMGB3, MCM3, MCM5, MCM6, and RUVBL2. Furthermore, the expressed levels of the main DEPs, C2 and SERPIND1, were confirmed by western blot. Conclusions The differential proteomics revealed the up-regulated DEPs in mature FF take parts in immunoreaction to prevent invasion of microorganisms and the up-regulated DEPs in immature FF participate in protein synthesis, which may improve our knowledge of the follicular microenvironment and its biological roles for reproductive processes in yak. The DEPs, C2 and SERPIND1, can be considered as protein markers for mature yak follicle. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03097-0.
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Yu L, Liu M, Xu S, Wang Z, Liu T, Zhou J, Zhang D, Dong X, Pan B, Wang B, Liu S, Guo W. Follicular fluid steroid and gonadotropic hormone levels and mitochondrial function from exosomes predict embryonic development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1025523. [PMID: 36440207 PMCID: PMC9682035 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1025523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human follicular fluid (FF) is a complex biological fluid that contributes to the micro-environment of oocyte development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of steroid and gonadotropic hormones levels and mitochondrial function in embryo development during in vitro fertilization cycles. METHODS This was a cohort study of 138 women receiving IVF/ICSI, including 136 FF samples from 109 infertile women. FF steroid and gonadotropic hormones levels were tested by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunoassays. The mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex genes from FF exosomes were detected by qPCR. RESULTS Analysis of these individual FF concentrations revealed that LH and FSH concentrations were higher in follicles in which the oocyte developed into a top quality (TQ) blastocyst (LH: 9.44 ± 2.32mIU/ml, FSH: 9.32 ± 1.01mIU/ml) than those in which there was a failure of fertilization (LH: 5.30 ± 0.84mIU/ml, FSH: 6.91 ± 0.62mIU/ml). In contrast, follicular cortisone concentrations were lower for oocytes that resulted in a TQ blastocyst (12.20 ± 0.82mIU/ml). The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that FF LH and FSH levels predicted TQ blastocyst with excellent AUC value of 0.711 and 0.747. Mitochondrial ETC complex I and III mRNA levels were increased in the FF exosomes of TQ blastocyst. Correlation analysis showed that mRNA levels of ETC complex I was positively correlated with LH and FSH levels in FF. CONCLUSION The levels of FF steroid and gonadotropic hormones from single follicle can predetermine subsequent embryo development to some extent. Furthermore, impaired exosome mitochondrial dysfunction is a potiential event that causes hormone change in embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiji Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaye Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Doudou Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo, ; Suying Liu, ; Beili Wang,
| | - Suying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo, ; Suying Liu, ; Beili Wang,
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo, ; Suying Liu, ; Beili Wang,
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Taiwo BG, Frettsome-Hook RL, Taylor AE, Correia JN, Lefievre L, Publicover SJ, Conner SJ, Kirkman-Brown JC. Complex combined steroid mix of the female tract modulates human sperm. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100561. [PMID: 34619633 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human spermatozoa interact with a complex biochemical environment in the female reproductive tract en route to the site of fertilisation. Ovarian follicular fluid contributes to this complex milieu and is known to contain steroids such as progesterone, whose effects on sperm physiology have been widely characterised. We have previously reported that progesterone stimulates intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) signalling and acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. To characterise the effects of the unified complete follicular fluid steroid hormone complement on human spermatozoa, a comprehensive, data-based, 'physiological standard' steroid hormone balance of follicular fluid (shFF) was created from individual constituents. shFF induced a rapid biphasic [Ca2+]i elevation in human spermatozoa. Using population fluorimetry, we compared [Ca2+]i signal amplitude in cells exposed to serial applications of shFF (6 steps from 10-5X up to 1X shFF) with responses to the equivalent progesterone component alone (6 steps from 135 pM - 13.5μM). Threshold for the response to shFF was right-shifted (≈10-fold) compared to progesterone alone, but the maximum response to shFF was greatly enhanced. An acrosome reaction assay was used to assess functional effects of shFF-induced sperm calcium signalling. shFF as well as progesterone-treated spermatozoa showed a significant increase in % acrosome reaction (P < 0.01). All of this evidence suggests the modulation of progesterone-mediated responses by other follicular fluid steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gbenro Taiwo
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Louise Frettsome-Hook
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Elizabeth Taylor
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - João Natalino Correia
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Lefievre
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Jayne Conner
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jackson Carl Kirkman-Brown
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Lewandowska AE, Fel A, Thiel M, Czaplewska P, Łukaszuk K, Wiśniewski JR, Ołdziej S. Compatibility of Distinct Label-Free Proteomic Workflows in Absolute Quantification of Proteins Linked to the Oocyte Quality in Human Follicular Fluid. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7415. [PMID: 34299044 PMCID: PMC8304916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We present two separate label-free quantitative workflows based on different high-resolution mass spectrometers and LC setups, which are termed after the utilized instrument: Quad-Orbitrap (nano-LC) and Triple Quad-TOF (micro-LC) and their directed adaptation toward the analysis of human follicular fluid proteome. We identified about 1000 proteins in each distinct workflow using various sample preparation methods. With assistance of the Total Protein Approach, we were able to obtain absolute protein concentrations for each workflow. In a pilot study of twenty samples linked to diverse oocyte quality status from four donors, 455 and 215 proteins were quantified by the Quad-Orbitrap and Triple Quad-TOF workflows, respectively. The concentration values obtained from both workflows correlated to a significant degree. We found reasonable agreement of both workflows in protein fold changes between tested groups, resulting in unified lists of 20 and 22 proteins linked to oocyte maturity and blastocyst development, respectively. The Quad-Orbitrap workflow was best suited for an in-depth analysis without the need of extensive fractionation, especially of low abundant proteome, whereas the Triple Quad-TOF workflow allowed a more robust approach with a greater potential to increase in effectiveness with the growing number of analyzed samples after the initial effort of building a comprehensive spectral library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E. Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Anna Fel
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Marcel Thiel
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Krzysztof Łukaszuk
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Polna 64, 81-740 Sopot, Poland;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek R. Wiśniewski
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany;
| | - Stanisław Ołdziej
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
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Yu L, Liu M, Wang Z, Liu T, Liu S, Wang B, Pan B, Dong X, Guo W. Correlation between steroid levels in follicular fluid and hormone synthesis related substances in its exosomes and embryo quality in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:74. [PMID: 34001150 PMCID: PMC8127216 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00749-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder with various manifestations and complex etiology. Follicular fluid (FF) serves as the complex microenvironment for follicular development. However, the correlation between the concentration of steroid in FF and the pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. METHODS Twenty steroid levels in FF from ten patients with PCOS and ten women with male-factor infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization were tested by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in order to explore their possibly correlation with PCOS. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of core enzymes in steroid synthesis pathway from exosomes of FF were also detected by qPCR. RESULTS The estriol (p < 0.01), estradiol (p < 0.05) and prenenolone (p < 0.01) levels in FF of PCOS group were significantly increased, compared to the normal group, and the progesterone levels (p < 0.05) were decreased in PCOS group. Increased mRNA levels of CYP11A, CYP19A and HSD17B2 of exosomes were accompanied by the hormonal changes in FF. Correlation analysis showed that mRNA levels of CYP11A and HSD17B2 were negatively correlated with percent of top-quality embryos and rate of embryos develop to blastocyst. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that increased levels of estrogen and pregnenolone in follicular fluid may affect follicle development in PCOS patients, and the mechanism is partially related to HSD17B1, CYP19A1 and CYP11A1 expression change in FF exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 111 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 250 Xiao Mu Qiao Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 111 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.725 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Suying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 250 Xiao Mu Qiao Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 111 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 111 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 250 Xiao Mu Qiao Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 111 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 668 Jin Hu Road, Xiamen, 361015, PR China.
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10
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Yang Z, Zhou W, Zhou C, Zhou Y, Liu X, Ding G, Hu Y, Pan J, Sheng J, Jin L, Huang H. Steroid metabolome profiling of follicular fluid in normo- and hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 206:105806. [PMID: 33340681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disease defined by the presence of at least two of the following features: hyperandrogenism, oligoanovulation (OA), and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Hyperandrogenism is considered the cornerstone of PCOS. However, the most prevalent phenotype in Chinese women with PCOS is OA + PCOM [normo-androgenic PCOS (NA-PCOS)]. It has been reported that PCOS women have higher androgen levels in follicular fluid (FF), but whether NA-PCOS women have the same intrafollicular steroid profiles as hyperandrogenic PCOS (HA-PCOS) women has not been explored. In this study, we analyzed 17 steroids in stimulated size-matched ovarian follicles (16-18 mm) from 166 controls and 141 PCOS women [87 NA-PCOS and 54 HA-PCOS women, defined by a single serum testosterone (T) immunoassay measurement] using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and investigated their relationship with baseline characteristics. No significant differences in intrafollicular steroid levels and product/precursor ratios between NA-PCOS and HA-PCOS women were observed, though HA-PCOS women had significantly higher serum luteinizing hormone and T levels than NA-PCOS women. NA-PCOS and HA-PCOS women had significantly higher levels of androstenedione (AD), T and free androgen index, higher enzyme activity of P450c17 (AD/17OH-progesterone), 3βHSD2 (17OH-progesterone /17OH-pregnenolone) and P450c11 (corticosterone /11-deoxycorticosterone), lower levels of pregnenolone, 17OH-pregnenolone and 11-deoxycorticosterone, and decreased enzyme activity of P450aro (estrone/AD and estradiol/T) and 5α-reductase (dihydrotestosterone/T) in FF than controls. NA-PCOS women had significantly higher intrafollicular cortisol levels and lower 11βHSD2 (cortisone/cortisol) activity than controls. Baseline serum T levels were slightly correlated with intrafollicular estrogens (E1: r = 0.192, p = 0.019; E2: r = 0.248, p = 0.002; E3: r = 0.248, p = 0.002) and androgens (DHEAS: r = 0.276, p = 0.001; AD: r = 0.185, p = 0.032; T: r = 0.173, p = 0.044) in controls and PCOS women respectively. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC) were correlated with intrafollicular cortisol (AMH: r = 0.380, p = 0.000; AFC: r = 0.177, p = 0.036) and corticosterone (AMH: r = 0.212, p = 0.048; AFC: r = 0.219, p = 0.009) levels in PCOS women. In conclusion, NA-PCOS and HA-PCOS women had statistically similar steroid metabolome profiles in FF, both of which showed a generally decreased steroidogenesis and hyperandrogenism compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuwei Yang
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhou
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengliang Zhou
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhong Zhou
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guolian Ding
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulian Hu
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Hernández-Vargas P, Muñoz M, Domínguez F. Identifying biomarkers for predicting successful embryo implantation: applying single to multi-OMICs to improve reproductive outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:264-301. [PMID: 32096829 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryo implantation is a complex process that requires the coordination of a series of events, involving both the embryo and the maternal endometrium. Key to this process is the intricate cascade of molecular mechanisms regulated by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators of embryonic and maternal origin. Despite significant progress in ART, implantation failure still affects numerous infertile couples worldwide and fewer than 10% of embryos successfully implant. Improved selection of both the viable embryos and the optimal endometrial phenotype for transfer remains crucial to enhancing implantation chances. However, both classical morphological embryo selection and new strategies incorporated into clinical practice, such as embryonic genetic analysis, morphokinetics or ultrasound endometrial dating, remain insufficient to predict successful implantation. Additionally, no techniques are widely applied to analyse molecular signals involved in the embryo-uterine interaction. More reliable biological markers to predict embryo and uterine reproductive competence are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes. Recent years have seen a trend towards 'omics' methods, which enable the assessment of complete endometrial and embryonic molecular profiles during implantation. Omics have advanced our knowledge of the implantation process, identifying potential but rarely implemented biomarkers of successful implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Differences between the findings of published omics studies, and perhaps because embryonic and endometrial molecular signatures were often not investigated jointly, have prevented firm conclusions being reached. A timely review summarizing omics studies on the molecular determinants of human implantation in both the embryo and the endometrium will help facilitate integrative and reliable omics approaches to enhance ART outcomes. SEARCH METHODS In order to provide a comprehensive review of the literature published up to September 2019, Medline databases were searched using keywords pertaining to omics, including 'transcriptome', 'proteome', 'secretome', 'metabolome' and 'expression profiles', combined with terms related to implantation, such as 'endometrial receptivity', 'embryo viability' and 'embryo implantation'. No language restrictions were imposed. References from articles were also used for additional literature. OUTCOMES Here we provide a complete summary of the major achievements in human implantation research supplied by omics approaches, highlighting their potential to improve reproductive outcomes while fully elucidating the implantation mechanism. The review highlights the existence of discrepancies among the postulated biomarkers from studies on embryo viability or endometrial receptivity, even using the same omic analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the huge amount of biomarker information provided by omics, we still do not have enough evidence to link data from all omics with an implantation outcome. However, in the foreseeable future, application of minimally or non-invasive omics tools, together with a more integrative interpretation of uniformly collected data, will help to overcome the difficulties for clinical implementation of omics tools. Omics assays of the embryo and endometrium are being proposed or already being used as diagnostic tools for personalised single-embryo transfer in the most favourable endometrial environment, avoiding the risk of multiple pregnancies and ensuring better pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purificación Hernández-Vargas
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muñoz
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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12
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Klobučar M, Pavlić SD, Car I, Severinski NS, Milaković TT, Badovinac AR, Pavelić SK. Mass spectrometry-based glycomic profiling of the total IgG and total proteome N-glycomes isolated from follicular fluid. Biomol Concepts 2020; 11:153-171. [PMID: 33099516 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2020-0015] [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: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Couples with infertility issues have been assisted by in vitro fertilization reproduction technologies with high success rates of 50-80%. However, complications associated with ovarian stimulation remain, such as ovarian hyperstimulation. Oocyte quality is a significant factor impacting the outcome of in vitro fertilization procedures, but other processes are also critical for fertilization success. Increasing evidence points to aberrant inflammation as one of these critical processes reflected in molecular changes, including glycosylation of proteins. Here we report results from a MALDI-TOF-MS-based glycomic profiling of the total IgG and total proteome N-glycomes isolated from the follicular fluid obtained from patients undergoing fertilization through either (1) assisted reproduction by modified natural cycle or (2) controlled ovarian stimulation (GnRH antagonist, GnRH Ant) protocols. Significant inflammatory-related differences between analyzed N-glycomes were observed from samples and correlated with the ovarian stimulation protocol used in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Klobučar
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sanja Dević Pavlić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, B. Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Iris Car
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Neda Smiljan Severinski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Cambierieva 17/5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tamara Tramišak Milaković
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Cambierieva 17/5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Anđelka Radojčić Badovinac
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Centre for high-throughput technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- University of Rijeka, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, B. Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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13
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LH supplementation of ovarian stimulation protocols influences follicular fluid steroid composition contributing to the improvement of ovarian response in poor responder women. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12907. [PMID: 32737326 PMCID: PMC7395161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69325-z] [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: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this prospective study, we evaluated the steroid levels in 111 follicular fluids (FF) collected from 13 women stimulated with FSH monotherapy and 205 FF collected from 28 women stimulated with FSH + LH because of a previous history of hypo-responsiveness to FSH. Steroid levels were measured by HPLC/MS–MS and related to ovarian stimulation protocol, oocyte maturity, fertilization and quality of blastocysts, after individually tracking the fate of all retrieved oocytes. 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone, Androstenedione, Estradiol and Estrone were significantly higher in the FSH + LH protocol. Progesterone, 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone and Estradiol were more expressed in FF yielding a mature oocyte (p < 0.01) in the FSH + LH protocol. FF Progesterone concentration was correlated with the rate of normal fertilization in the FSH protocol. None of the FF steroids measured were associated with blastocyst quality and achievement of pregnancy. Our results indicate that LH supplementation in hypo-responsive women modifies ovarian steroid production, mimicking physiological production better and likely contributing to an improved ovarian response. Employing a correct methodological procedure to evaluate the relationship between FF steroid hormones and assisted reproduction outcomes, our study reveals that some steroids in single follicles may be helpful in predicting oocyte maturity and fertilization.
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14
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Liu Y, Wu Y, Tian M, Luo W, Zhang C, Liu Y, Li K, Cheng W, Liu D. Protein Expression Profile in IVF Follicular Fluid and Pregnancy Outcome Analysis in Euthyroid Women with Thyroid Autoimmunity. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:11439-11447. [PMID: 32478232 PMCID: PMC7254522 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the thyroid autoantibodies on the protein expression in follicular fluid and the clinical outcome of assisted reproductive technology. A total of 602 patients treated for infertility were screened; 49 euthyroid women who were positive for thyroid autoantibodies and 63 negative controls were recruited. Follicular fluid samples were analyzed using proteomics. Validation of target proteins in follicular fluid was performed by using parallel reaction monitoring. Differentially expressed proteins in follicular fluid, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and live-birth rate were analyzed. Clinical pregnancy rates and take-home baby rates in the thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) group were less than in the control group, but abortion rates in the TAI group were higher than in the control group (all P < 0.005). A total of 49 proteins were differentially expressed in the TAI-positive group. In Gene Ontology secondary annotations of all the proteins identified, five types of proteins were associated with the reproductive process. Among 11 proteins quantitatively identified by parallel reaction monitoring, angiotensinogen and fetuin-B were associated with reproduction. These differentially expressed proteins identified in this study involved multiple pathways according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Our study provides evidence that some differentially expressed proteins between TAI-positive women and controls were associated with the reproductive process and closely related to important physiologic effects, which could partially explain the underlying mechanism link between TAI and the adverse outcomes of assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Liu
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ninth
People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Yijia Wu
- Reproductive
Medical Center, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical
University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Mingyuan Tian
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Wenwen Luo
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Chanyu Zhang
- Reproductive
Medical Center, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical
University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yongjian Liu
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department
of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second
Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
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15
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Costermans NGJ, Soede NM, Blokland M, van Tricht F, Keijer J, Kemp B, Teerds KJ. Steroid profile of porcine follicular fluid and blood serum: Relation with follicular development. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14320. [PMID: 31883224 PMCID: PMC6934872 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify follicular fluid (FF) steroids which reflect follicular development in the early stages of the follicular phase and to establish whether the levels of these FF steroids correspond to their levels in serum. If these relations are established, serum steroid profiles may be used to monitor follicular development already in this early stage of the follicular phase. We used samples of two experiments, one with multiparous sows at the onset of the follicular phase (weaning) and one with primiparous sows at the midfollicular phase (48 hr after weaning). Complete steroid profiles were measured in pooled FF of the 15 largest follicles and serum using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In experiment 1, pooled FF volume, as a measure for average follicle size, tended to be positively related to higher FF 17β-estradiol levels (β = 0.56, p = .08). In experiment 2, a larger FF volume was related not only to FF higher 17β-estradiol levels (β = 2.11, p < .001) but also to higher levels of β-nortestosterone (β = 1.15, p < .0001) and its metabolite 19-norandrostenedione (β = 1.27, p < .01). In addition, FF volume was related to higher FF 17α-OH-pregnenolone (β = 1.63, p = .03) and 17α-OH-progesterone (β = 1.83, p < .001), which could indicate that CYP17,20-lyase activity is limiting for 17β-estradiol production in larger follicles at the beginning of the follicular phase. In serum, most of the steroids were present at lower levels compared to FF, except for the corticosteroids. Serum progestins and androgens were never related to follicle pool volume and steroid levels did not differ in the midfollicular phase compared to the onset of the follicular phase in the second experiment. Serum steroid levels therefore poorly reflect the developmental stage of the follicle pool in the first half of the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja G J Costermans
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicoline M Soede
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Blokland
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike van Tricht
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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16
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Domingues TS, Bonetti TC, Pimenta DC, Mariano DOC, Barros B, Aquino AP, Motta ELA. Proteomic profile of follicular fluid from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) submitted to in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to oocyte donors. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:367-391. [PMID: 31173497 PMCID: PMC6798591 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The follicular fluid (FF) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seems to exhibit a profile different from that of fertile women, which may be related to folliculogenesis disruption in PCOS patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentially expressed proteins in the FF of women with PCOS compared to oocyte donors (ODs). METHODS This screening study included thirteen (13) women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles: seven (7) ODs and six (6) PCOS patients. The patients underwent standard ovarian stimulation, and the FF was analysed using ion trap and time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF). RESULTS The FF of the patients was matched to 229 proteins, with 61 proteins exclusive to the PCOS group, 123 proteins exclusive to the ODs, and 45 proteins found in both groups. We highlight fetuin-A and vitamin D ligand protein, which were exclusively expressed in the PCOS group; Complement C3 overexpressed in the PCOS group; and 26S protease only expressed in the OD group. The canonical pathways LXR/RXR activation, FXR/RXR activation, prothrombin activation are directly related to the disrupted metabolism and increased inflammatory status found in PCOS patients. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the differentially expressed proteins and matched pathways are associated with folliculogenesis, indicating it relevance to oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais S Domingues
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM). São Paulo - SP, Brazil.,Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva. São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Cs Bonetti
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM). São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan. São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Douglas O C Mariano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan. São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna Barros
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva. São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo L A Motta
- Departamento de Ginecologia. Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM). São Paulo - SP, Brazil.,Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva. São Paulo - SP, Brazil
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17
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Walters KA, Eid S, Edwards MC, Thuis-Watson R, Desai R, Bowman M, Marren AJ, Handelsman DJ. Steroid profiles by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of matched serum and single dominant ovarian follicular fluid from women undergoing IVF. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:30-37. [PMID: 30527851 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can IVF outcomes be predicted from the steroid profile generated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) from follicular fluid collected from a single dominant follicle and serum after ovarian stimulation. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study in which serum and follicular fluid were collected from women and used to generate steroid profiles by LC-MS/MS. A total of 93 consecutive women enrolled for IVF treatment were recruited at the Fertility Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Women and Babies Hospital, Sydney between September 2014 and July 2015. Baseline and serum levels at oocyte retrieval, as well as follicular fluid samples from the largest single antral follicle, were collected. All samples underwent steroid analysis within a single batch to measure progesterone (P4), oestradiol (E2), oestrone (E1), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 3 α, 5α androstanediol (3α-diol) and 3β, 5α androstanediol (3β-diol). RESULTS P4, E2, E1, A4, T, DHEA and A4 were detectable in all baseline serum levels, at oocyte retrieval and in follicular fluid samples, whereas DHT, 3α-diol and 3β-diol were only detectable in a minority of samples. The most consistent predictor of pre-transfer (number of follicles >14mm in diameter, oocytes retrieved or fertilized, day-5 blastocysts) outcomes was baseline serum anti-Müllerian hormone. In follicular fluid, E2 was a negative predictor of the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of day-5 blastocysts but no follicular fluid steroids predicted pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS None of the nine steroids measured in follicular fluid predicted pregnancy outcome in women undergoing IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.; Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia..
| | - Stephanie Eid
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.; Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Rachel Thuis-Watson
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for Women and Babies, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.; Genea Fertility, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Mark Bowman
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for Women and Babies, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.; Genea Fertility, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Anthony J Marren
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for Women and Babies, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.; Genea Fertility, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
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18
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Castillo J, Jodar M, Oliva R. The contribution of human sperm proteins to the development and epigenome of the preimplantation embryo. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:535-555. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Lewandowska AE, Macur K, Czaplewska P, Liss J, Łukaszuk K, Ołdziej S. Human follicular fluid proteomic and peptidomic composition quantitative studies by SWATH-MS methodology. Applicability of high pH RP-HPLC fractionation. J Proteomics 2018. [PMID: 29530678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of proteomic composition of human follicular fluid (hFF) has been previously proposed as a potential tool of oocyte quality evaluation. In order to develop an efficient method to investigate the hFF proteome and peptidome components, we applied and tested a few prefractionation schemes of hFF material consisting of ultrafiltration, optional immunodepletion, and high pH RP-HPLC separation by building spectral libraries and comparing their quantification capabilities of unfractionated samples. Low Molecular-Weight Fraction peptides (LMWF, <10 kDa) and High Molecular-Weight Fraction proteins (HMWF, >10 kDa) resulting from ultrafiltration were analyzed separately. We identified 302 proteins in HMWF and 161 proteins in LMWF in all qualitative experiments. All LMWF peptidomic libraries turned out to be of poor quantification quality, however they enabled measurement of higher numbers of peptides with increasing input of experiment data, in contrast to HMWF proteomic libraries. We were able to quantify a total of 108 HMWF proteins and 250 LMWF peptides (from 84 proteins) in all experiments. Employment of high RP-HPLC fractionation allowed for identification of a much broader set of proteins, however did not significantly improve the quantification capabilities of the applied method. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008073. SIGNIFICANCE: In the search of biomarkers for assessment of oocyte quality in assisted reproductive technology, many studies are devoted to analysis of follicular fluid composition. Candidates for such biomarkers can be located in both the proteome and the recently investigated peptidome of hFF. Reliable qualitative and especially quantitative analysis of complex mixtures such as hFF, requires development of a fast and preferably inexpensive analytical procedure. The powerful SWATH-MS technique is well suited for quantitative label-free analysis of complex protein and peptide mixtures. However, for efficient usage it needs well designed and constructed MS-spectral libraries as well as a proper protocol for sample preparation. We investigated the influence of the size and quality of MS-spectral libraries (different spectral libraries are constructed using various sample prefractionation protocols) on SWATH experiments on hFF proteome and peptidome. In the case of peptidome investigation, increasing the size of spectral libraries led to quantification of more peptides in a single experiment. For the proteome, increasing the size of spectral libraries improved quantification only to a limited extend, and further extension of spectral libraries even worsened results. Nevertheless, using the best selected prefractionation schemes and spectral libraries we were able to quantify as many as 79 proteins of hFF proteome and 106 peptides (from 53 proteins) of hFF peptidome in single experiments. The spectral libraries and prefractionation protocols we developed allow for a large scale fast scan of hundreds of clinical hFF samples in the search for biomarkers for evaluation of oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, Gdańsk 80-307, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Macur
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, Gdańsk 80-307, Poland
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, Gdańsk 80-307, Poland
| | - Joanna Liss
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Trzy Lipy 3, Gdańsk 80-172, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Łukaszuk
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Trzy Lipy 3, Gdańsk 80-172, Poland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, Gdańsk 80-211, Poland; Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Karowa 2, Warsaw 00-315, Poland
| | - Stanisław Ołdziej
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, Gdańsk 80-307, Poland.
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20
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Ferrazza RDA, Garcia HDM, Schmidt EMDS, Mihm Carmichael M, Souza FFD, Burchmore R, Sartori R, Eckersall PD, Ferreira JCP. Quantitative proteomic profiling of bovine follicular fluid during follicle development†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:835-849. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Andrade Ferrazza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henry David Mogollón Garcia
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Moreira dos Santos Schmidt
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monika Mihm Carmichael
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics Facility, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter David Eckersall
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Freitas C, Neto AC, Matos L, Silva E, Ribeiro Â, Silva-Carvalho JL, Almeida H. Follicular Fluid redox involvement for ovarian follicle growth. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:44. [PMID: 28701210 PMCID: PMC5508613 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the human ovarian follicle enlarges in the course of a regular cycle or following controlled ovarian stimulation, the changes in its structure reveal the oocyte environment composed of cumulus oophorus cells and the follicular fluid (FF). In contrast to the dynamic nature of cells, the fluid compartment appears as a reservoir rich in biomolecules. In some aspects, it is similar to the plasma, but it also exhibits differences that likely relate to its specific localization around the oocyte. The chemical composition indicates that the follicular fluid is able to detect and buffer excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species, employing a variety of antioxidants, some of them components of the intracellular milieu. An important part is played by albumin through specific cysteine residues. But the fluid contains other molecules whose cysteine residues may be involved in sensing and buffering the local oxidative conditions. How these molecules are recruited and regulated to intervene such process is unknown but it is a critical issue in reproduction. In fact, important proteins in the FF, that regulate follicle growth and oocyte quality, exhibit cysteine residues at specific points, whose untoward oxidation would result in functional loss. Therefore, preservation of controlled oxidative conditions in the FF is a requirement for the fine-tuned oocyte maturation process. In contrast, its disturbance enhances the susceptibility to the establishment of reproductive disorders that would require the intervention of reproductive medicine technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Freitas
- Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, SESARAM, Funchal, Portugal.,Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Neto
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Ageing and Stress Group, Experimental Biology Unit - Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Ageing and Stress Group, Experimental Biology Unit - Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação and Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Silva
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Ageing and Stress Group, Experimental Biology Unit - Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela Ribeiro
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Ageing and Stress Group, Experimental Biology Unit - Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CETI - Centro de Estudo e Tratamento da Infertilidade, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Luís Silva-Carvalho
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CETI - Centro de Estudo e Tratamento da Infertilidade, Porto, Portugal.,Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital CUF-Porto, 4100 180, Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Almeida
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular and Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde - i3S, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Ageing and Stress Group, Experimental Biology Unit - Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital CUF-Porto, 4100 180, Porto, Portugal.
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22
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Lewandowska AE, Macur K, Czaplewska P, Liss J, Łukaszuk K, Ołdziej S. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Proteome and Peptidome of Human Follicular Fluid Using Multiple Samples from Single Donor with LC-MS and SWATH Methodology. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:3053-3067. [PMID: 28658951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Human follicular fluid (hFF) is a natural environment of oocyte maturation, and some components of hFF could be used to judge oocyte capability for fertilization and further development. In our pilot small-scale study three samples from four donors (12 samples in total) were analyzed to determine which hFF proteins/peptides could be used to differentiate individual oocytes and which are patient-specific. Ultrafiltration was used to fractionate hFF to high-molecular-weight (HMW) proteome (>10 kDa) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) peptidome (<10 kDa) fractions. HMW and LMW compositions were analyzed using LC-MS in SWATH data acquisition and processing methodology. In total we were able to identify 158 proteins, from which 59 were never reported before as hFF components. 55 (45 not reported before) proteins were found by analyzing LMW fraction, 67 (14 not reported before) were found by analyzing HMW fraction, and 36 were identified in both fractions of hFF. We were able to perform quantitative analysis for 72 proteins from HMW fraction of hFF. We found that concentrations of 11 proteins varied substantially among hFF samples from single donors, and those proteins are promising targets to identify biomarkers useful in oocyte quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Macur
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Liss
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center , Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Łukaszuk
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center , Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk , Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Stanisław Ołdziej
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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23
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Kushnir MM, Naessén T, Wanggren K, Hreinsson J, Rockwood AL, Meikle AW, Bergquist J. Exploratory study of the association of steroid profiles in stimulated ovarian follicular fluid with outcomes of IVF treatment. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 162:126-33. [PMID: 26388251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Steroid concentrations in stimulated follicular fluid (sFF) samples have been linked to the quality of oocytes used in IVF treatments. Most of the published studies focused on evaluating the association of the IVF outcomes with only a few of the steroids, measured by immunoassays (IA). We performed a treatment outcome, prospective cohort study using stimulated FF sampled from 14 infertile women undergoing IVF treatment; single oocyte was used per IVF cycle. Fourteen endogenous steroids were analyzed in 22 ovarian follicle aspirations, which corresponded to the embryos used in the IVF. Ten oocytes were associated with live birth (LB) and 12 with no pregnancy (NP). Steroids were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods. Differences in distribution of concentrations in association with the pregnancy outcome (LB or NP), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis were performed for the entire cohort and for within-women data. The predominant androgen and estrogen in stimulated sFF were androstenedione (A4) and estradiol (E2), respectively. Lower concentrations of pregnenolone (Pr), lower ratios of A4/ dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone (Te)/DHEA, and greater ratios of E2/Te, and estrone/A4 were observed in sFF samples associated with LB. Among the oocytes associated with NP, in four out of 12 samples total concentration of androgens was above the distribution of the concentrations in the oocytes corresponding to the LB group. Observations of the study indicated increased consumption of precursors and increased biosynthesis of estrogens in the follicles associated with LB. Our data suggest that potentially steroid profiles in sFF obtained during oocyte retrieval may serve as biomarkers for selection of the best embryo to transfer after IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Kushnir
- ARUP (®) Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA; Analytical Chemistry/Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Center and SciLife Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Tord Naessén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kjell Wanggren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Alan L Rockwood
- ARUP (®) Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - A Wayne Meikle
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA; Analytical Chemistry/Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Center and SciLife Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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24
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Protein pathways working in human follicular fluid: the future for tailored IVF? Expert Rev Mol Med 2016; 18:e9. [DOI: 10.1017/erm.2016.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human follicular fluid (HFF) contains molecules and proteins that may affect follicle growth, oocyte maturation and competence acquiring. Despite the numerous studies, an integrated broad overview on biomolecular and patho/physiological processes that are proved or supposed to take place in HFF during folliculogenesis and oocyte development is still missing. In this review we report, for the first time, all the proteins unambiguously detected in HFF and, applying DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) and MetaCore bioinformatic resources, we shed new lights on their functional correlation, delineating protein patterns and pathways with reasonable potentialities for oocyte quality estimation in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programs. Performing a rigorous PubMed search, we redacted a list of 617 unique proteins unambiguously-annotated as HFF components. Their functional processing suggested the occurrence in HFF of a tight and highly dynamic functional-network, which is balanced by specific effectors, primarily involved in extracellular matrix degradation and remodelling, inflammation and coagulation. Metalloproteinases, thrombin and vitamin-D-receptor/retinoid-X-receptor-alpha resulted as the main key factors in the nets and their differential activity may be indicative of ovarian health and oocyte quality. Despite future accurate clinical investigations are absolutely needed, the present analysis may provide a starting point for more accurate oocyte quality estimation and for defining personalised therapies in reproductive medicine.
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25
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Parks JC, Patton AL, McCallie BR, Griffin DK, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Corona cell RNA sequencing from individual oocytes revealed transcripts and pathways linked to euploid oocyte competence and live birth. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 32:518-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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26
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Benkhalifa M, Madkour A, Louanjli N, Bouamoud N, Saadani B, Kaarouch I, Chahine H, Sefrioui O, Merviel P, Copin H. From global proteome profiling to single targeted molecules of follicular fluid and oocyte: contribution to embryo development and IVF outcome. Expert Rev Proteomics 2015; 12:407-23. [DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2015.1056782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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27
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Wu YT, Wu Y, Zhang JY, Hou NN, Liu AX, Pan JX, Lu JY, Sheng JZ, Huang HF. Preliminary proteomic analysis on the alterations in follicular fluid proteins from women undergoing natural cycles or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:417-27. [PMID: 25595538 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the differences in protein expression profiles of follicular fluid (FF) between controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and natural ovulatory cycles. METHODS Twelve infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), with matched clinical information, were retrospectively recruited in the IVF center of our university hospital, including six undergoing COH and another six with natural cycles. FF was sampled from dominant follicles with mature oocytes. Protein expression profiles in each FF sample were analyzed respectively using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and validated by western blotting. Differentially expressed proteins were further analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. RESULTS Two proteins were downregulated and 11 proteins were upregulated (change ≥1.5-fold, P < 0.05) in the COH group. We identified one down-egulated and seven upregulated proteins using MALDI-TOF MS. Four differentially expressed proteins, including transferrin, complement component C3 (C3), haptoglobin and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), were further validated by rate nephelometry and western blotting analyses. The IPA analysis revealed a significant network involved in the humoral immune and inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS The eight differentially expressed proteins were related to immune and inflammatory responses in the ovary. Our results provide new insights into the influence of COH on follicular (spp) development and IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ting Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China welfare Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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28
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Oocyte environment: follicular fluid and cumulus cells are critical for oocyte health. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:303-16. [PMID: 25497448 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bidirectional somatic cell-oocyte signaling is essential to create a changing intrafollicular microenvironment that controls primordial follicle growth into a cohort of growing follicles, from which one antral follicle is selected to ovulate a healthy oocyte. Such intercellular communications allow the oocyte to determine its own fate by influencing the intrafollicular microenvironment, which in turn provides the necessary cellular functions for oocyte developmental competence, which is defined as the ability of the oocyte to complete meiosis and undergo fertilization, embryogenesis, and term development. These coordinated somatic cell-oocyte interactions attempt to balance cellular metabolism with energy requirements during folliculogenesis, including changing energy utilization during meiotic resumption. If these cellular mechanisms are perturbed by metabolic disease and/or maternal aging, molecular damage of the oocyte can alter macromolecules, induce mitochondrial mutations, and reduce adenosine triphosphate production, all of which can harm the oocyte. Recent technologies are now exploring transcriptional, translational, and post-translational events within the human follicle with the goal of identifying biomarkers that reliably predict oocyte quality in the clinical setting.
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29
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Egea RR, Puchalt NG, Escrivá MM, Varghese AC. OMICS: Current and future perspectives in reproductive medicine and technology. J Hum Reprod Sci 2014; 7:73-92. [PMID: 25191020 PMCID: PMC4150148 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.138857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many couples present fertility problems at their reproductive age, and although in the last years, the efficiency of assisted reproduction techniques has increased, these are still far from being 100% effective. A key issue in this field is the proper assessment of germ cells, embryos and endometrium quality, in order to determine the actual likelihood to succeed. Currently available analysis is mainly based on morphological features of oocytes, sperm and embryos and although these strategies have improved the results, there is an urgent need of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The emergence of the - OMICS technologies (epigenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) permitted the improvement on the knowledge in this field, by providing with a huge amount of information regarding the biological processes involved in reproductive success, thereby getting a broader view of complex biological systems with a relatively low cost and effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Rivera Egea
- Andrology Laboratory and Semen Bank, Instituto Universitario, IVI Valencia, Spain
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30
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Proteomes of animal oocytes: what can we learn for human oocytes in the in vitro fertilization programme? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:856907. [PMID: 24804254 PMCID: PMC3996292 DOI: 10.1155/2014/856907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oocytes are crucial cells for mammalian reproduction, yet the molecular principles underlying oocyte development are only partially understood. Therefore, contemporary proteomic approaches have been used increasingly to provide new insights into oocyte quality and maturation in various species such as mouse, pig, and cow. Especially, animal studies have helped in elucidating the molecular status of oocytes during in vitro maturation and other procedures of assisted reproduction. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature on mammalian oocyte proteome and secretome research in the light of natural and assisted reproduction and on lessons to be learned for human oocytes, which have so far remained inaccessible for proteome analysis.
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31
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Kampfer C, Saller S, Windschüttl S, Berg D, Berg U, Mayerhofer A. Pigment-Epithelium Derived Factor (PEDF) and the human ovary: A role in the generation of ROS in granulosa cells. Life Sci 2014; 97:129-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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32
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An integrated approach based on multiplexed protein array and iTRAQ labeling for in-depth identification of pathways associated to IVF outcome. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77303. [PMID: 24146976 PMCID: PMC3797768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of high-throughput protein quantification methodologies has enabled the comprehensive characterization by longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of biological fluids under physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, the simultaneous investigation of cytokines and growth factors signaling pathways and their associated downstream effectors by integrated multiplexed approaches offers a powerful strategy to gain insights into biological networks and processes in living systems. A growing body of research indicates that bioactive molecules of human reproductive fluids, including human follicular fluid (hFF), may affect oocyte quality, fertilization and embryo development, thus potentially influencing the physiopathology of pregnancy-related conditions. In this work, an iTRAQ labeling strategy has been complemented with a multiplexed protein array approach to analyze hFFs with the aim to investigate biological processes and pathways related to in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. The iTRAQ labeling strategy lead to the quantification of 89 proteins, 30 of which were differentially expressed in hFFs with successful compared to unsuccessful IVF outcome. The targeted study, based on multiplexed antibody protein arrays, allowed the simultaneous quantification of 27 low abundance proteins, including growth factors, chemokines and cytokines endowed with pro- and anti-inflammatory activity. A significant number of differentially regulated proteins were involved in biological functions related to blood coagulation, acute phase response signaling and complement system. Overall, the present results provide an integrated overview of protein changes in hFFs associated to IVF outcome, thus improving current knowledge in reproductive medicine and fertility research.
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33
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A methodological and functional proteomic approach of human follicular fluid en route for oocyte quality evaluation. J Proteomics 2013; 90:61-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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