1
|
Chesnokov MS, Mamedova AR, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. A matter of new life and cell death: programmed cell death in the mammalian ovary. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:31. [PMID: 38509545 PMCID: PMC10956231 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian ovary is a unique organ that displays a distinctive feature of cyclic changes throughout the entire reproductive period. The estrous/menstrual cycles are associated with drastic functional and morphological rearrangements of ovarian tissue, including follicular development and degeneration, and the formation and subsequent atrophy of the corpus luteum. The flawless execution of these reiterative processes is impossible without the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD). MAIN TEXT PCD is crucial for efficient and careful clearance of excessive, depleted, or obsolete ovarian structures for ovarian cycling. Moreover, PCD facilitates selection of high-quality oocytes and formation of the ovarian reserve during embryonic and juvenile development. Disruption of PCD regulation can heavily impact the ovarian functions and is associated with various pathologies, from a moderate decrease in fertility to severe hormonal disturbance, complete loss of reproductive function, and tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated information on the role of PCD in various processes occurring in normal and pathologic ovaries. Three major events of PCD in the ovary-progenitor germ cell depletion, follicular atresia, and corpus luteum degradation-are described, alongside the detailed information on molecular regulation of these processes, highlighting the contribution of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Ultimately, the current knowledge of PCD aberrations associated with pathologies, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and tumors of ovarian origin, is outlined. CONCLUSION PCD is an essential element in ovarian development, functions and pathologies. A thorough understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating PCD events is required for future advances in the diagnosis and management of various disorders of the ovary and the female reproductive system in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S Chesnokov
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aygun R Mamedova
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang JN, Wang RT, Klinger FG, Cheng SF, Shen W, Sun XF. RNA m6A dynamic modification mediated by nucleus-localized FTO is involved in follicular reserve. Zool Res 2024; 45:415-428. [PMID: 38485509 PMCID: PMC11017081 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.236] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic organisms, the most common internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). This modification can be dynamically and reversibly controlled by specific enzymes known as m6A writers and erasers. The fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) catalyzes RNA demethylation and plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. Our research identified dynamic alterations in both m6A and FTO during the assembly of primordial follicles, with an inverse relationship observed for m6A levels and nuclear-localized FTO expression. Application of Fto small interfering RNA (siRNA) altered the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, hormone regulation, and cell chemotaxis, and affected RNA alternative splicing. Overexpression of the full-length Fto gene led to changes in m6A levels, alternative splicing of Cdk5, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and proportion of primordial follicles. Conversely, overexpression of Fto lacking a nuclear localization signal (NLS) did not significantly alter m6A levels or primordial follicle assembly. These findings suggest that FTO, localized in the nucleus but not in the cytoplasm, regulates RNA m6A demethylation and plays a role in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and primordial follicle assembly. These results highlight the potential of m6A and its eraser FTO as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Na Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, China
| | - Rui-Ting Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, China
| | | | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, China. E-mail:
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, China. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Samare-Najaf M, Neisy A, Samareh A, Moghadam D, Jamali N, Zarei R, Zal F. The constructive and destructive impact of autophagy on both genders' reproducibility, a comprehensive review. Autophagy 2023; 19:3033-3061. [PMID: 37505071 PMCID: PMC10621263 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is characterized by a series of massive renovations at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Recent studies have strongly tended to reveal the involvement of basic molecular pathways such as autophagy, a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling, during reproductive processes. This review comprehensively describes the current knowledge, updated to September 2022, of autophagy contribution during reproductive processes in males including spermatogenesis, sperm motility and viability, and male sex hormones and females including germ cells and oocytes viability, ovulation, implantation, fertilization, and female sex hormones. Furthermore, the consequences of disruption in autophagic flux on the reproductive disorders including oligospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, globozoospermia, premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and other disorders related to infertility are discussed as well.Abbreviations: AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy related; E2: estrogen; EDs: endocrine disruptors; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; FOX: forkhead box; GCs: granulosa cells; HIF: hypoxia inducible factor; IVF: in vitro fertilization; IVM: in vitro maturation; LCs: Leydig cells; LDs: lipid droplets; LH: luteinizing hormone; LRWD1: leucine rich repeats and WD repeat domain containing 1; MAP1LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa B; P4: progesterone; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; PDLIM1: PDZ and LIM domain 1; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; POI: premature ovarian insufficiency; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SCs: Sertoli cells; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TSGA10: testis specific 10; TST: testosterone; VCP: vasolin containing protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Neisy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Jamali
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu WX, Liu HN, Weng ZP, Geng Q, Zhang Y, Li YF, Shen W, Zhou Y, Zhang T. Maternal vitamin B1 is a determinant for the fate of primordial follicle formation in offspring. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7403. [PMID: 37973927 PMCID: PMC10654754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The mediation of maternal-embryonic cross-talk via nutrition and metabolism impacts greatly on offspring health. However, the underlying key interfaces remain elusive. Here, we determined that maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy in mice impaired preservation of the ovarian primordial follicle pool in female offspring, which was concomitant with mitochondrial dysfunction of germ cells. Furthermore, this occurred through a reduction in maternal gut microbiota-related vitamin B1 while the defects were restored via vitamin B1 supplementation. Intriguingly, vitamin B1 promoted acetyl-CoA metabolism in offspring ovaries, contributing to histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility at the promoters of cell cycle-related genes, enhancement of mitochondrial function, and improvement of granulosa cell proliferation. In humans, vitamin B1 is downregulated in the serum of women with gestational diabetes mellitus. In this work, these findings uncover the role of the non-gamete transmission of maternal high-fat diet in influencing offspring oogenic fate. Vitamin B1 could be a promising therapeutic approach for protecting offspring health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Hai-Ning Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Zhan-Ping Weng
- Department of obstetrical, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Qi Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Ya-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock (R2BGL), College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang L, Liu K, Liu Z, Tao H, Fu X, Hou J, Jia G, Hou Y. Fetal hypoxia expose caused autophagy in ovary granulosa cells via PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway and mitigated by melatonin subheading. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00345-4. [PMID: 37956860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal hypoxia has long-term effects on postnatal reproductive functions and the mitochondrial impairments of ovarian granulosa cells may be one of the causes. Melatonin applied to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy in mammalian cells has been reported. However, the potential mechanisms by which fetal hypoxia damages reproductive function in neonatal female mice and the melatonin effects on this problem remain unclear. OBJECTIVES This research aimed to explore the mechanism that fetal hypoxia damages reproductive function in neonatal female mice and attempt to improve the reproductive function by treating with melatonin in vivo and in vitro. METHODS We established a fetal hypoxia model and confirmed that fetal hypoxia affects ovarian function by inducing GC excessive autophagy. Transcriptomic analysis, gene interference, cell immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blot were conducted to explore and verify the underlying mechanisms in mice GCs and KGN cells. Finally, melatonin treatment was executed on hypoxia-treated mice GCs and KGN cells and melatonin injection to fetal-hypoxia-treated mice to determine its effect. RESULTS The results of in vitro experiments found that fetal hypoxia led to mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian GCs causing autophagic cell death. And the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway mediated the occurrence of this process by transcriptome analysis of ovarian GCs from normal and fetal hypoxia mice, which was further verified in mice GCs and KGN cells. Additionally, melatonin administration prevented autophagic injuries and mitochondrial impairments in hypoxia-treated mice GCs and KGN cells. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments by melatonin injection ameliorated oxidative stress of ovary in fetal-hypoxia-treated mice and improved their low fertility. CONCLUSION Our data found that fetal hypoxia causes ovarian GCs excessive autophagy leading to low fertility in neonatal female mice and mitigated by melatonin. These results provide a potential therapy for hypoxic stress-related reproductive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Kexiong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiping Tao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Jian Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Gongxue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng D, Zheng B, Sheng Y, Zeng Z, Mo Z. The Roles of Autophagy in the Genesis and Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2920-2931. [PMID: 37204635 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and frequent disease and always leads endocrine and metabolic disorder among women in reproductive age. Ovary is the main organ involved in polycystic ovary syndrome, and its function impairment will lead to reproductive dysfunction. Some recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and there are many different mechanisms that affect autophagy and the occurrence of PCOS, and they provide a new direction for us to predict the mechanism of PCOS. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy in different ovarian cells: granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca cells, and introduce the important role that they play in the progress of PCOS. The main purpose of this review is to provide the research background and some relevant suggestions for our future work in autophagy and help us better explore the pathogenesis and autophagy mechanisms of PCOS. Furthermore, it will help us gain a new insight of the pathophysiology and treatment of PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Cheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China
| | - Biao Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China
| | - Ying Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoming Zeng
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China.
| | - Zhongcheng Mo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China.
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen J, Pu L, Niu Y, Tian K, Jia X, Zhang L, Lu Y. Prolonged fasting induces significant germ cell loss in chickens after hatching. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102815. [PMID: 37356301 PMCID: PMC10404744 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102815] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cell loss is a crucial biological event during germ cell development. The number of female germ cells determines the reproductive performance and egg production of hens. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect germ cell loss, such as germ cell nest breakdown in early life and nutritional deficiencies during daily husbandry. Here, we examined the effect of fasting on the germ cell number of chicks. The results showed that 72 h fasting resulted in a higher germ cell loss than that by 24 h fasting in chicks. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that the genes of ribosome pathway were down-regulated and the biological processes of protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum were inhibited in starved chicks. Furthermore, in female chicks treated with 72 h fasting, the qPCR of ovaries showed down-regulation of ribosome-related genes, and transmission electron microscopy imaging of ovaries showed fewer ribosomes. The blood biochemical indices indicated that 72 h fasting reduced the liver functions and affected the glucose metabolism, lipid metabolites and ion metabolites. In summary, the present results concluded negative impacts on the germ cell pool by prolonged fasting in the early life of chicks and manifested that adequate management should be cared for fasted time for breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Liping Pu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yajing Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Kui Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stringer JM, Alesi LR, Winship AL, Hutt KJ. Beyond apoptosis: evidence of other regulated cell death pathways in the ovary throughout development and life. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:434-456. [PMID: 36857094 PMCID: PMC10320496 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulated cell death is a fundamental component of numerous physiological processes; spanning from organogenesis in utero, to normal cell turnover during adulthood, as well as the elimination of infected or damaged cells throughout life. Quality control through regulation of cell death pathways is particularly important in the germline, which is responsible for the generation of offspring. Women are born with their entire supply of germ cells, housed in functional units known as follicles. Follicles contain an oocyte, as well as specialized somatic granulosa cells essential for oocyte survival. Follicle loss-via regulated cell death-occurs throughout follicle development and life, and can be accelerated following exposure to various environmental and lifestyle factors. It is thought that the elimination of damaged follicles is necessary to ensure that only the best quality oocytes are available for reproduction. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Understanding the precise factors involved in triggering and executing follicle death is crucial to uncovering how follicle endowment is initially determined, as well as how follicle number is maintained throughout puberty, reproductive life, and ovarian ageing in women. Apoptosis is established as essential for ovarian homeostasis at all stages of development and life. However, involvement of other cell death pathways in the ovary is less established. This review aims to summarize the most recent literature on cell death regulators in the ovary, with a particular focus on non-apoptotic pathways and their functions throughout the discrete stages of ovarian development and reproductive life. SEARCH METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar for human, animal, and cellular studies published until August 2022 using the following search terms: oogenesis, follicle formation, follicle atresia, oocyte loss, oocyte apoptosis, regulated cell death in the ovary, non-apoptotic cell death in the ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency, primordial follicles, oocyte quality control, granulosa cell death, autophagy in the ovary, autophagy in oocytes, necroptosis in the ovary, necroptosis in oocytes, pyroptosis in the ovary, pyroptosis in oocytes, parthanatos in the ovary, and parthanatos in oocytes. OUTCOMES Numerous regulated cell death pathways operate in mammalian cells, including apoptosis, autophagic cell death, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. However, our understanding of the distinct cell death mediators in each ovarian cell type and follicle class across the different stages of life remains the source of ongoing investigation. Here, we highlight recent evidence for the contribution of non-apoptotic pathways to ovarian development and function. In particular, we discuss the involvement of autophagy during follicle formation and the role of autophagic cell death, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos during follicle atresia, particularly in response to physiological stressors (e.g. oxidative stress). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Improved knowledge of the roles of each regulated cell death pathway in the ovary is vital for understanding ovarian development, as well as maintenance of ovarian function throughout the lifespan. This information is pertinent not only to our understanding of endocrine health, reproductive health, and fertility in women but also to enable identification of novel fertility preservation targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tang SB, Zhang TT, Yin S, Shen W, Luo SM, Zhao Y, Zhang CL, Klinger FG, Sun QY, Ge ZJ. Inheritance of perturbed methylation and metabolism caused by uterine malnutrition via oocytes. BMC Biol 2023; 21:43. [PMID: 36829148 PMCID: PMC9960220 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undernourishment in utero has deleterious effects on the metabolism of offspring, but the mechanism of the transgenerational transmission of metabolic disorders is not well known. In the present study, we found that undernourishment in utero resulted in metabolic disorders of female F1 and F2 in mouse model. RESULTS Undernutrition in utero induced metabolic disorders of F1 females, which was transmitted to F2 females. The global methylation in oocytes of F1 exposed to undernutrition in utero was decreased compared with the control. KEGG analysis showed that genes with differential methylation regions (DMRs) in promoters were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways. The altered methylation of some DMRs in F1 oocytes located at the promoters of metabolic-related genes were partially observed in F2 tissues, and the expressions of these genes were also changed. Meanwhile, the abnormal DNA methylation of the validated DMRs in F1 oocytes was also observed in F2 oocytes. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that DNA methylation may mediate the transgenerational inheritance of metabolic disorders induced by undernourishment in utero via female germline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Bin Tang
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 People’s Republic of China ,grid.414011.10000 0004 1808 090XReproductive Medicine Center, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shen Yin
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Shen
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi-Ming Luo
- grid.413405.70000 0004 1808 0686Fertility Preservation Lab and Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhao
- grid.464332.4State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cui-Lian Zhang
- grid.414011.10000 0004 1808 090XReproductive Medicine Center, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003 People’s Republic of China
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- grid.512346.7Histology and Embryology, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab and Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhao-Jia Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tian Y, Liu X, Pei X, Gao H, Pan P, Yang Y. Mechanism of Mitochondrial Homeostasis Controlling Ovarian Physiology. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6828017. [PMID: 36378567 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cells, including oocytes, granulosa/cumulus cells, theca cells, and stromal cells, contain abundant mitochondria, which play indispensable roles in the processes of ovarian follicle development. Ovarian function is closely controlled by mitochondrial proteostasis and mitostasis. While mitochondrial proteostasis and mitostasis are disturbed by several factors, leading to dysfunction of ovarian function and initiating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and mitophagy to maintain or recover ovarian function and mitochondrial function, clear interactions between the 2 pathways in the ovary have not been fully elucidated. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular networks or regulatory mechanisms behind further mitochondrial research in the ovary. This review provides novel insights into the interactions between the UPRmt and mitophagy in ovarian functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Pengge Pan
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yanzhou Yang
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feng YQ, Zhao AH, Wang JJ, Tian Y, Yan ZH, Dri M, Shen W, De Felici M, Li L. Oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for zearalenone to induce genome toxicity. Gene 2022; 829:146511. [PMID: 35447234 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN), a common non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin of the Fusarium genus, is one of the most frequent and powerful contaminant of grains and cereal products representing a serious threat for people and livestock health. In fact, ZEN causes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in a variety of cell types at least in part through binding to estrogen receptors (ERs). The main pathways through which ZEN induces such effects remain, however, elusive. In particular, how the mycotoxin causes DNA damage, dysregulates DNA repair mechanisms, changes epigenome of targeted cells and, not least, affects chromatin conformation and non-coding RNA (ncRNA), is unclear. In the present paper, following extensive review of the literature about such ZEN effects and our own experience in studying the effects of this compound on reproductive processes, we propose that increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently oxidative stress (OS) are central in ZEN genotoxicity. Besides to shed light on the action mechanisms of the mycotoxin, this notion might help to develop effective strategies to counteract its deleterious biological effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qin Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zhao
- Qingdao Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yu Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Zi-Hui Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Maria Dri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Feng YQ, Wang JJ, Li MH, Tian Y, Zhao AH, Li L, De Felici M, Shen W. Impaired primordial follicle assembly in offspring ovaries from zearalenone-exposed mothers involves reduced mitochondrial activity and altered epigenetics in oocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:258. [PMID: 35469021 PMCID: PMC11071983 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous works have shown that zearalenone (ZEA), as an estrogenic pollutant, has adverse effects on mammalian folliculogenesis. In the present study, we found that prolonged exposure of female mice to ZEA around the end of pregnancy caused severe impairment of primordial follicle formation in the ovaries of newborn mice and altered the expression of many genes in oocytes as revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). These changes were associated with morphological and molecular alterations of mitochondria, increased autophagic markers in oocytes, and epigenetic changes in the ovaries of newborn mice from ZEA-exposed mothers. The latter increased expression of HDAC2 deacetylases was leading to decreased levels of H3K9ac and H4K12ac. Most of these modifications were relieved when the expression of Hdac2 in newborn ovaries was reduced by RNA interference during in vitro culture in the presence of ZEA. Such changes were also alleviated in offspring ovaries from mothers treated with both ZEA and the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is known to be able to restore mitochondrial activities. We concluded that impaired mitochondrial activities in oocytes caused by ZEA are at the origin of metabolic alterations that modify the expression of genes controlling autophagy and primordial follicle assembly through changes in epigenetic histones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qin Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Ming-Hao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yu Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zhao
- Qingdao Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li XY, Pan JX, Zhu H, Ding GL, Huang HF. Environmental epigenetic interaction of gametes and early embryos. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:196-204. [PMID: 35323884 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the developmental origins of diseases have been increasingly recognized and accepted. As such, it has been suggested that most adulthood chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even tumors may develop at a very early stage. In addition to intrauterine environmental exposure, germ cells carry an important inheritance role as the primary link between the two generations. Adverse external influences during differentiation and development can cause damage to germ cells, which may then increase the risk of chronic disease development later in life. Here, we further elucidate and clarify the concept of gamete and embryo origins of adult diseases by focusing on the environmental insults on germ cells, from differentiation to maturation and fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yuan Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Jie-Xue 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
| | - Hong Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Guo-Lian Ding
- 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 Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- 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 Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China.,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Zhejiang University), Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Watanabe R, Takano T, Sasaki S, Obara M, Umeno K, Sato H, Kimura N. Retention of higher fertility depending on ovarian follicle reserve in cystine-glutamate transporter gene-deficient mice. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:347-357. [PMID: 35239019 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cystine-glutamate transporter (xCT) is responsible for the transport of cystine into cells. We recently found that xCT-deficient (xCTKO) aged mice maintained a higher rate of ovulation and ovarian weight compared with wild-type (WT) mice. It has been reported that a xCT deficiency in cultured cells induces autophagy through the suppression of mTOR survival pathways. We have previously reported that starvation in neonatal mice increases the number of primordial follicles with concomitant autophagy activation. Therefore, we investigated age-related changes in follicle reserve and fertility in xCTKO mice and clarified whether the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway contributes to this. The numbers of offspring in the xCTKO mice aged 10 and 12 months were significantly higher than those in the WT mice. The primordial follicle numbers in xCTKO neonatal mice tended to be higher than WT mice during all times evaluated. In contrast, the primary follicle number was significantly lower in the xCTKO mice at 60 h after birth. The expression of p-AKT, which promotes follicle development, was significantly lower in xCTKO mice than that in WT mice, whereas the expression ratios of LC3-II/LC3-I were significantly higher. The xCTKO mice had significantly more primordial follicles than WT mice at 2 months of age and showed a similar trend at 13-15 months of age. These results suggest that the maintenance of fertility in aged xCTKO mice can be attributed to high follicle reserve after puberty by suppression of follicle activation during the neonatal period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Watanabe
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, 997-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoe Takano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, 997-8555, Japan
| | - Sho Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, 997-8555, Japan
| | - Mizuho Obara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, 997-8555, Japan
| | - Ken Umeno
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, 997-8555, Japan
| | - Hideyo Sato
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Naoko Kimura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, 997-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Burton JJN, Luke AJ, Pepling ME. Regulation of mouse primordial follicle formation by signaling through the PI3K pathway. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:515-525. [PMID: 34725674 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab204] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling mediated by the KIT receptor is critical for many aspects of oogenesis including the proliferation and migration of primordial germ cells, as well as the survival, growth, and maturation of ovarian follicles. We previously showed that KIT regulates cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation, and in this study, have investigated the mechanisms downstream of the receptor by modulating the activity of two downstream signaling cascades: the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. E17.5 ovaries were cultured for five days with a daily dose of media supplemented with either the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the MEK inhibitor U0126, or a DMSO vehicle control. Our histological observations aligned with the established role of PI3K in oocyte growth and primordial follicle activation but also revealed that LY294002 treatment delayed the processes of cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation. U0126 treatment also led to a reduction in oocyte growth and follicle development but did not appear to affect cyst breakdown. The delay in cyst breakdown was mitigated when ovaries were dually dosed with LY294002 and KITL, suggesting that while KIT may signal through PI3K to promote cyst breakdown, other signaling networks downstream of the receptor could compensate. These observations unearth a role for PI3K signaling in the establishment of the ovarian reserve and suggest that PI3K might be the primary mediator of KIT-induced cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation in the mouse ovary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J Luke
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bhardwaj JK, Paliwal A, Saraf P, Sachdeva SN. Role of autophagy in follicular development and maintenance of primordial follicular pool in the ovary. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1157-1170. [PMID: 34668576 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive life span of the organism mainly depends on follicular development that maintains the primordial follicle pool in the cohort of follicles within the ovary. The total count of primordial follicles decreases with age due to ovulation and follicular atresia. Follicular atresia, a process of ovarian follicles degradation, mainly occurs via apoptosis, but recent studies also favor autophagy existence. Autophagy is a cellular and energy homeostatic response that helps to maintain the number of healthy primordial follicles, germ cell survival, and removal of corpus luteum remnants. But the excessive autophagic cell death changes both the quality and quantity of oocytes that ultimately affect female reproductive health. Autophagy regulation occurs by various autophagy-regulated genes like BECN1 and LC3-II (autophagy marker genes). Their abnormal regulation or mutation highly influences follicular development by alteration of primordial follicles formation, the decline in oocytes count, and germ cell loss. Various classical signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK1/2, AMPK, and IRE1 are involved in granulosa and oocytes autophagy, while mTOR signaling is the primary mechanism. Along with basal level autophagy, chemical/hormone/stress-mediated autophagy also affects follicular development and female reproduction. In this review, we have primarily focused on granulosa cell and oocytes' autophagy, mechanism, and the role of autophagy determining marker genes in follicular development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitender K Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Aakansha Paliwal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Priyanka Saraf
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Som N Sachdeva
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu WX, Zhang YJ, Wang YF, Klinger FG, Tan SJ, Farini D, De Felici M, Shen W, Cheng SF. Protective Mechanism of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Against Nicotine-Induced Damage of Mouse Early Folliculogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:723388. [PMID: 34557491 PMCID: PMC8452944 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.723388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that nicotine could impair the germ cell cyst breakdown and the primordial follicle assembly by autophagy. In this paper, we discovered that luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could counteract the damage caused by nicotine of mouse germ cell cyst breakdown. The neonatal mice were separately intraperitoneally injected with nicotine, nicotine plus LH, nicotine plus FSH, and saline (control) for 4 days. Compared with the nicotine group, the quality of oocytes and the number of follicles were remarkably increased in the nicotine plus LH group or nicotine plus FSH group. LH and FSH could alleviate nicotine-induced oocyte autophagy by different pathways. LH reduced the nicotine-induced autophagy by restoring the phosphorylation level of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α-1, while FSH by downregulating the phosphorylation level of Forkhead box class O 1. In addition, in a subsequent study of 6-week mice in different treated groups, we found that LH and FSH supplementation significantly improved normal maturation rates, fertilization rates, and embryo’s developmental potential of oocytes in oocytes exposed to nicotine. Taken together, these results suggested that LH and FSH could counteract the damage caused by nicotine and finally ensure normal germ cell cyst breakdown and early embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xiang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan-Jie Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Shao-Jing Tan
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Watanabe R, Sasaki S, Kimura N. Activation of autophagy in early neonatal mice increases primordial follicle number and improves lifelong fertility†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:399-411. [PMID: 31566206 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of stockpiled primordial follicles is thought to be responsible for the fate of female fertility and reproductive lifetime. We previously reported that starvation in nonsuckling early neonatal mice increases the number of primordial follicles with concomitant autophagy activation, suggesting that autophagy may accelerate the formation of primordial follicles. In this study, we attempted to upregulate the numbers of primordial follicles by administering an autophagy inducer and evaluated the progress of primordial follicle formation and their fertility during the life of the mice. To induce autophagy, mice were intraperitoneally injected with the Tat-beclin1 D-11 peptide (0.02 mg/g body weight) at 6-54 h or 60-84 h after birth. In animals that received Tat-beclin 1 D-11 by 54 h after birth, the primordial follicle numbers were significantly increased compared with the control group at 60 h. The ratio of expressed LC3-II/LC3-I proteins was also significantly greater. The numbers of littermates from pregnant females that had been treated with Tat-beclin 1 D-11 were maintained at remarkably greater levels until 10 months old. These results were supported by an abundance of primordial follicles at even 13-15 months old.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Watanabe
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowships for Young Scientists, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Naoko Kimura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Formation of primordial follicles occurs when germ cell nests break apart and individual oocytes become surrounded by pregranulosa cells. Why mammalian germ cells develop in germ cell nests is not fully understood but recent work has provided evidence that some oocytes serve as nurse cells supporting other oocytes in the cyst. Headway has also been made in understanding interactions that occur between cyst cells that must change as individual oocytes separate to associate with pregranulosa cells. As germ cell nests undergo breakdown some oocytes are lost by programmed cell death that has been attributed to apoptosis, but newer studies have implicated autophagy in counteracting apoptosis to promote cell survival and maintain the ovarian reserve. Work in the past few years has added to already known pathways regulating primordial follicle formation and has identified new players including signaling molecules, transcription factors and RNA binding proteins.
Collapse
|
21
|
Moore CL, Savenka AV, Basnakian AG. TUNEL Assay: A Powerful Tool for Kidney Injury Evaluation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010412. [PMID: 33401733 PMCID: PMC7795088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay is a long-established assay used to detect cell death-associated DNA fragmentation (3'-OH DNA termini) by endonucleases. Because these enzymes are particularly active in the kidney, TUNEL is widely used to identify and quantify DNA fragmentation and cell death in cultured kidney cells and animal and human kidneys resulting from toxic or hypoxic injury. The early characterization of TUNEL as an apoptotic assay has led to numerous misinterpretations of the mechanisms of kidney cell injury. Nevertheless, TUNEL is becoming increasingly popular for kidney injury assessment because it can be used universally in cultured and tissue cells and for all mechanisms of cell death. Furthermore, it is sensitive, accurate, quantitative, easily linked to particular cells or tissue compartments, and can be combined with immunohistochemistry to allow reliable identification of cell types or likely mechanisms of cell death. Traditionally, TUNEL analysis has been limited to the presence or absence of a TUNEL signal. However, additional information on the mechanism of cell death can be obtained from the analysis of TUNEL patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Moore
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #638, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.L.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Alena V. Savenka
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #638, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.L.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Alexei G. Basnakian
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #638, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.L.M.); (A.V.S.)
- John L. McClellan Memorial VA Hospital, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 4300 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-501-352-2870
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Maternally inherited intron coordinates primordial germ cell homeostasis during Drosophila embryogenesis. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1208-1221. [PMID: 33093656 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) give rise to the germline stem cells (GSCs) in the adult Drosophila gonads. Both PGCs and GSCs need to be tightly regulated to safeguard the survival of the entire species. During larval development, a non-cell autonomous homeostatic mechanism is in place to maintain PGC number in the gonads. Whether such germline homeostasis occurs during early embryogenesis before PGCs reach the gonads remains unclear. We have previously shown that the maternally deposited sisRNA sisR-2 can influence GSC number in the female progeny. Here we uncover the presence of a homeostatic mechanism regulating PGCs during embryogenesis. sisR-2 represses PGC number by promoting PGC death. Surprisingly, increasing maternal sisR-2 leads to an increase in PGC death, but no drop in PGC number was observed. This is due to ectopic division of PGCs via the de-repression of Cyclin B, which is governed by a genetic pathway involving sisR-2, bantam and brat. We propose a cell autonomous model whereby germline homeostasis is achieved by preserving PGC number during embryogenesis.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sun X, Klinger FG, Liu J, De Felici M, Shen W, Sun X. miR-378-3p maintains the size of mouse primordial follicle pool by regulating cell autophagy and apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:737. [PMID: 32913213 PMCID: PMC7483766 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primordial follicle pool provides all available oocytes throughout the whole reproductive life span. Abnormal regulation in primordial follicle assembly leads to abnormal size of primordial follicle pool, even causes infertility. Here, miR-378-3p was proved to regulate mouse primordial follicle assembly both in vivo and in vitro. The expression of miR-378-3p significantly increased in mice ovaries from 17.5 dpc (days post coitum) up to 3 dpp (day post partum) compared with the expression of 16.5 dpc ovaries, which suggested that miR-378-3p was involved in primordial follicle assembly. To uncover the underlying mechanism, newborn mice ovaries were cultured in vitro in the presence of rapamycin and 3-methyladenine, which showed that the expression of miR-378-3p changed together with the percentage of primordial follicle. Moreover, during the normal process of primordial follicle assembly between 17.6 dpc and 3 dpp, autophagy is activated, while, apoptosis is inhibited. The in vivo results showed that newborn mice starved for 1.5 days showing the increased miR-378-3p, activated autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in the ovaries, had more percentage of primordial follicles. Over-expression of miR-378-3p using miR-378-3p agomir caused increased percentage of primordial follicle, increased level of autophagy, and decreased level of apoptosis. Knockdown of miR-378-3p by miR-378-3p antiagomir had the opposite results. Using pmirGLO Dual-Luciferase miRNA Target Expression system, we confirmed both PDK1 and Caspase9 were targets of miR-378-3p, which suggested that miR-378-3p activated autophagy by targeting PDK1 and inhibited apoptosis by targeting Caspase9. MiR-378-3p could be used as a biomarker of diseases caused by abnormal size of primordial follicle pool for diagnosis, prevention, or therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.,College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Jing Liu
- Central laboratory of Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Grive KJ. Pathways coordinating oocyte attrition and abundance during mammalian ovarian reserve establishment. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:843-856. [PMID: 32720428 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian ovarian reserve is comprised of a finite pool of primordial follicles, representing the lifetime reproductive capacity of females. In most mammals, the reserve is produced during embryonic and early postnatal development with oocyte numbers peaking during mid-to-late gestation, and then experiencing a dramatic decline continuing until shortly after birth. Oocytes remaining after the bulk of this attrition are subsequently surrounded by a layer of somatic pre-granulosa cells with these units then referred to as "primordial follicles." The complex and varied cell death mechanisms intrinsic to this process are not only characteristic of, but also essential for, the proper formation of this pool of follicles, and as a result must be immaculately balanced to ensure long-term fertility and reproductive health. Too few follicles can lead to Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, resulting in fertility loss and other features of aging, such as an overall shorter lifespan. On the other hand, whereas an excess of follicles might extend reproductive lifespan, this might also be the underlying etiology of other ovarian pathologies. The last decade, in particular, has vastly expanded our understanding of oocyte attrition and determinants of ovarian reserve abundance. By continuing to decipher the intricacies underlying the cell death processes and development of the initial primordial follicle pool, we may be in a much better position to understand idiopathic cases of premature follicle depletion and improve ovarian health in reproductive-age women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Grive
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Program in Women's Oncology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen KY, Cheng CJ, Cheng CC, Jhan KY, Chen YJ, Wang LC. The excretory/secretory products of fifth-stage larval Angiostrongylus cantonensis induces autophagy via the Sonic hedgehog pathway in mouse brain astrocytes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008290. [PMID: 32479527 PMCID: PMC7289448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongyliasis is induced by the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis and leads to eosinophilic meningitis and meningoencephalitis in humans. Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) are important investigation targets for studying the relationship between hosts and nematodes. These products assist worms in penetrating the blood-brain barrier and avoiding the host immune response. Autophagy is a catabolic process that is responsible for digesting cytoplasmic organelles, proteins, and lipids and removing them through lysosomes. This process is essential to cell survival and homeostasis during nutritional deficiency, cell injury and stress. In this study, we investigated autophagy induction upon treatment with the ESPs of the fifth-stage larvae (L5) of A. cantonensis and observed the relationship between autophagy and the Shh pathway. First, the results showed that A. cantonensis infection induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction and pathological changes in the brain. Moreover, A. cantonensis L5 ESPs stimulated autophagosome formation and the expression of autophagy molecules, such as LC3B, Beclin, and p62. The data showed that upon ESPs treatment, rapamycin elevated cell viability through the activation of the autophagy mechanism in astrocytes. Finally, we found that ESPs induced the activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway and that the expression of autophagy molecules was increased through the Shh signaling pathway. Collectively, these results suggest that A. cantonensis L5 ESPs stimulate autophagy through the Shh signaling pathway and that autophagy has a protective effect in astrocytes. In helminthes, Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) contains a wide range of molecules, including proteins, lipids, glycans, and nucleic acids, that assist in the penetration of host defensive barriers, reduction of oxidative stress, and avoid the host immune attack. It has been known as a key factor for parasite development, including feeding, invasion and molting. Therefore, ESPs is a valuable target for the investigation of the host-parasite relationships. However, only a few researches about the function of Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis ESPs have been verified to date. Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis, a blood-feeding nematode, and it is an important causative agent of eosinophilic meningitis and meningoencephalitis in human. Recent our studies have demonstrated that the A. cantonensis ESPs can induce oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune response. In this study, we will use a mouse astrocytes as a model to investigate the signaling mechanisms of autophagy induction by ESPs treatment. First, the Microarray, Western blotting, and Transmission electron microscopy data demonstrated that A. cantonensis ESPs can induce autophagy generation in astrocytes. Next, ESPs-induced autophagy was activated via Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, and it has a protective potential for astrocytes. These finding will provide new insights into the mechanisms and effects of the A. cantonensis ESPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chieh Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Jhan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ding C, Zhu L, Shen H, Lu J, Zou Q, Huang C, Li H, Huang B. Exosomal miRNA-17-5p derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improves ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency by regulating SIRT7. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1137-1148. [PMID: 32442343 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is clinically irreversible in women aged over 40 years. Although numerous studies have demonstrated satisfactory outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell therapy, the underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. Exosomes were collected from the culture medium of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) and assessed by electron microscopy and Western blot (WB) analysis. Then, exosomes were added to the culture medium of cyclophosphamide (CTX)-damaged human granulosa cells (hGCs), and the mixture was injected into the ovaries of CTX-induced POI model mice before detection of antiapoptotic and apoptotic gene expression. Next, the microRNA expression profiles of hUMSC-derived exosomes (hUMSC-Exos) were detected by small RNA sequencing. The ameliorative effect of exosomal microRNA-17-5P (miR-17-5P) was demonstrated by miR-17-5P knockdown before assessment of ovarian phenotype and function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and SIRT7 expression. Finally, SIRT7 was inhibited or overexpressed by RNA interference or retrovirus transduction, and the protein expression of PARP1, γH2AX, and XRCC6 was analyzed. The ameliorative effect of hUMSC-Exos on POI was validated. Our results illustrated that hUMSC-Exos restored ovarian phenotype and function in a POI mouse model, promoted proliferation of CTX-damaged hGCs and ovarian cells, and alleviated ROS accumulation by delivering exosomal miR-17-5P and inhibiting SIRT7 expression. Moreover, our findings elucidated that miR-17-5P repressed PARP1, γH2AX, and XRCC6 by inhibiting SIRT7. Our findings suggest a critical role for exosomal miR-17-5P and its downstream target mRNA SIRT7 in hUMSC transplantation therapy. This study indicates the promise of exosome-based therapy for POI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Ding
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiafeng Lu
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinyan Zou
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Huang
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Boxian Huang
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sakae Y, Oikawa A, Sugiura Y, Mita M, Nakamura S, Nishimura T, Suematsu M, Tanaka M. Starvation causes female-to-male sex reversal through lipid metabolism in the teleost fish, medaka ( Olyzias latipes). Biol Open 2020; 9:9/4/bio050054. [PMID: 32265199 PMCID: PMC7132775 DOI: 10.1242/bio.050054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The teleost fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes), employs the XX/XY genetic sex determination system. We show here that the phenotypic sex of medaka is affected by changes in lipid metabolism. Medaka larvae subjected to 5 days of starvation underwent female-to-male sex reversal. Metabolomic and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that pantothenate metabolism was suppressed by starvation. Consistently, inhibiting the pantothenate metabolic pathway caused sex reversal. The final metabolite in this pathway is coenzyme A, an essential factor for lipogenesis. Inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, the first step of lipogenesis, also caused sex reversal. The expression of dmrt1, a critical gene for male development, was suppressed by starvation, and a dmrt1 (Δ13) mutant did not show sex reversal under starvation. Collectively, these results indicate that fatty acid synthesis is involved in female-to-male sex reversal through ectopic expression of male gene dmrt1 under starvation. Summary: We investigated the effects of starvation on sex differentiation in medaka. Starvation caused female-to-male sex reversal through pantothenate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and dmrt1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Sakae
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics for Reproduction, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.,SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Akira Oikawa
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Metabolomics Research Group, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan
| | - Yuki Sugiura
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Mita
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nakamura
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishimura
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan .,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics for Reproduction, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.,SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jin LY, Song XX, Li XF. The role of estrogen in intervertebral disc degeneration. Steroids 2020; 154:108549. [PMID: 31812622 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main contributor to low back and radicular pain, which imposes heavy economic burdens on society. However, the etiology and mechanism of IVDD are complex and still not completely clear. In particular, the role of estrogen in IVDD has not received much attention in recent research, although estrogen plays a crucial role in the metabolic dysfunction of others musculoskeletal structures, such as bone, muscle, and tendon. In this review, we attempt to describe the role of estrogen in IVDD and to summarize the proposed mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, as well as, to outline several interesting questions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yu Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 1058, Huan Zheng Bei Rd, Shanghai 200444, China; Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Xing Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xin-Feng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 1058, Huan Zheng Bei Rd, Shanghai 200444, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Melatonin alleviates meiotic defects in fetal mouse oocytes induced by Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in vitro. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:4175-4187. [PMID: 30591620 PMCID: PMC6326675 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an estrogen-like compound that is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been reported to adversely affect human and mammalian reproduction. Many studies have found that exposure to DEHP during pregnancy perturbs female germ cell meiosis and is detrimental to oogenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin (MLT) is beneficial to reproductive endocrinology, oogenesis, and embryonic development as the ability to antioxidative and antiapoptotic. However, whether the meiotic defect of germ cells exposed to DEHP could be rescued by MLT is not clear. Here, we cultured 12.5 days post coitum (dpc) fetal mouse ovaries for 6 days, exposed them to 100 μM DEHP with or without 1 μM MLT in vitro.. The results showed that DEHP exposure induced the abnormal formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and inhibited the repair of DSBs during meiotic recombination. In addition, we found defective oocytes were prone to undergo apoptosis. Notably, this defect could be remarkably ameliorated by the addition of MLT via a reduction of the levels of reactive oxygen species and an inhibition of apoptosis. In conclusion, our data revealed that MLT had a protective action against the meiotic deterioration of fetal oocytes induced by DEHP in the mouse in vitro.
Collapse
|
30
|
Andrade GM, del Collado M, Meirelles FV, da Silveira JC, Perecin F. Intrafollicular barriers and cellular interactions during ovarian follicle development. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:485-496. [PMID: 32435292 PMCID: PMC7234062 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicles are composed of different interdependent cell types including oocytes, cumulus, granulosa, and theca cells. Follicular cells and oocytes exchange signaling molecules from the beginning of the development of the primordial follicles until the moment of ovulation. The follicular structure transforms during folliculogenesis; barriers form between the germ and the somatic follicular cells, and between the somatic follicular cells. As such, communication systems need to adapt to maintain the exchange of signaling molecules. Two critical barriers are established at different stages of development: the zona pellucida, separating the oocyte and the cumulus cells limiting the communication through specific connections, and the antrum, separating subpopulations of follicular cells. In both situations, communication is maintained either by the development of specialized connections as transzonal projections or by paracrine signaling and trafficking of extracellular vesicles through the follicular fluid. The bidirectional communication between the oocytes and the follicle cells is vital for driving folliculogenesis and oogenesis. These communication systems are associated with essential functions related to follicular development, oocyte competence, and embryonic quality. Here, we discuss the formation of the zona pellucida and antrum during folliculogenesis, and their importance in follicle and oocyte development. Moreover, this review discusses the current knowledge on the cellular mechanisms such as the movement of molecules via transzonal projections, and the exchange of extracellular vesicles by follicular cells to overcome these barriers to support female gamete development. Finally, we highlight the undiscovered aspects related to intrafollicular communication among the germ and somatic cells, and between the somatic follicular cells and give our perspective on manipulating the above-mentioned cellular communication to improve reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Mamede Andrade
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maite del Collado
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Interplay between Caspase 9 and X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) in the oocyte elimination during fetal mouse development. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:790. [PMID: 31624230 PMCID: PMC6797809 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian female fertility is limited by the number and quality of oocytes in the ovarian reserve. The number of oocytes is finite since all germ cells cease proliferation to become oocytes in fetal life. Moreover, 70-80% of the initial oocyte population is eliminated during fetal and neonatal development, restricting the ovarian reserve. Why so many oocytes are lost during normal development remains an enigma. In Meiotic Prophase I (MPI), oocytes go through homologous chromosome synapsis and recombination, dependent on formation and subsequent repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). The oocytes that have failed in DSB repair or synapsis get eliminated mainly in neonatal ovaries. However, a large oocyte population is eliminated before birth, and the cause or mechanism of this early oocyte loss is not well understood. In the current paper, we show that the oocyte loss in fetal ovaries was prevented by a deficiency of Caspase 9 (CASP9), which is the hub of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, CASP9 and its downstream effector Caspase 3 were counteracted by endogenous X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis (XIAP) to regulate the oocyte population; while XIAP overexpression mimicked CASP9 deficiency, XIAP deficiency accelerated oocyte loss. In the CASP9 deficiency, more oocytes were accumulated at the pachytene stage with multiple γH2AFX foci and high LINE1 expression levels, but with normal levels of synapsis and overall DSB repair. We conclude that the oocytes with LINE1 overexpression were preferentially eliminated by CASP9-dependent apoptosis in balance with XIAP during fetal ovarian development. When such oocytes were retained, however, they get eliminated by a CASP9-independent mechanism during neonatal development. Thus, the oocyte is equipped with multiple surveillance mechanisms during MPI progression to safe-guard the quality of oocytes in the ovarian reserve.
Collapse
|
32
|
The role of autophagy during murine primordial follicle assembly. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:197-211. [PMID: 29410391 PMCID: PMC5842841 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that significant germ cell loss occurs during the establishment of the primordial follicle pool in most mammalian ovaries around the time of birth. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these processes remain largely unknown. In this investigation, we explored the role of autophagy during the establishment of the primordial follicle pool and found that autophagy was active in this process. Our data suggested that 17.5 dpc ovaries treated with rapamycin displayed a delay in germ cell cyst breakdown resulting in more oocytes at day 5 of treatment, while, ovaries that treated with 3-MA showed the opposite effect. We found that rapamycin treatment promoted autophagy and depressed cell apoptosis increasing the number of NOBOX positive oocytes. Furthermore, our results also revealed that epigenetic regulator, Sirt1, plays a role in germ cell loss. An epigenetic inhibitor or RNAi treatment of Sirt1, showed an increased level of H4K16ac and a decreased level of autophagy. Thus, these data indicate that autophagy prevents germ cell over loss during the establishment of primordial follicle pool, and this process may be influenced by Sirt1-invovled epigenetic regulation.
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang YF, Sun XF, Han ZL, Li L, Ge W, Zhao Y, De Felici M, Shen W, Cheng SF. Protective effects of melatonin against nicotine-induced disorder of mouse early folliculogenesis. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:463-480. [PMID: 29615536 PMCID: PMC5892698 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we show that neonatal mice injected for five consecutive days with nicotine display impaired germ cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly resulting in decreased ovarian reserve lasting until sex maturation age. The effects of nicotine on the pups ovaries were associated with decreased expression of oocyte specific genes such as Nobox, Lhx8, Figlα and Sohlh2. Moreover, the ovaries of pups injected with nicotine showed increased level of cell oxidative stress and autophagic markers (upregulation of AMPKα-1, increased ratio LC3-II/LC3-I, downregulation of AKT and mTOR). Noteworthy, all these effects were counteracted by the administration of the hormone melatonin in 1 μM. In vitro culture of 0 dpp ovaries for 5 days in the presence of 10 μM nicotine reproduced its effect on germ cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly, furthermore it also revealing about 20% reduction of somatic cells proliferation, and these effects was prevented when melatonin was added to the medium. Taken together these results show that nicotine exposure can adversely affect the establishment of the ovarian reserve in the mouse likely by locally inducing cellular stress altering the primordial follicle assembly and that melatonin, however, is able to counteract such effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Feng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ze-Li Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.,College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pharmacological modulation of autophagy as a novel potential target in the successful implementation of in vitro fertilization. Life Sci 2019; 229:93-97. [PMID: 31095948 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an important intracellular process to maintain homeostasis and studies have shown the key role of autophagy in modulating the functions of reproductive system. Alongside with it, the activation of autophagy has also been found to regulate a number of important processes involved in in vitro fertilization including degeneration of granulosa cells and oocyte defects in obese and aging women; apoptosis of oocytes during vitrification-warming; quality and viability of embryo; developmental competence and pre-implantation development of in vitro produced blastocysts; placental vascularization and fetal growth. The different mechanisms that may contribute in autophagy-mediated increase in developmental competence and pre-implantation development include decrease in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, activation of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARP) and reduction in free radical production. The present review discusses the role of autophagy activation in increasing the efficiency of in vitro fertilization by modulating different aspects related to fertilization.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ge W, Li L, Dyce PW, De Felici M, Shen W. Establishment and depletion of the ovarian reserve: physiology and impact of environmental chemicals. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1729-1746. [PMID: 30810760 PMCID: PMC11105173 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive life span in women starts at puberty and ends at menopause, following the exhaustion of the follicle stockpile termed the ovarian reserve. Increasing data from experimental animal models and epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to a number of ubiquitously distributed reproductively toxic environmental chemicals (RTECs) can contribute to earlier menopause and even premature ovarian failure. However, the causative relationship between environmental chemical exposure and earlier menopause in women remains poorly understood. The present work, is an attempt to review the current evidence regarding the effects of RTECs on the main ovarian activities in mammals, focusing on how such compounds can affect the ovarian reserve at any stages of ovarian development. We found that in rodents, strong evidence exists that in utero, neonatal, prepubescent and even adult exposure to RTECs leads to impaired functioning of the ovary and a shortening of the reproductive lifespan. Regarding human, data from cross-sectional surveys suggest that human exposure to certain environmental chemicals can compromise a woman's reproductive health and in some cases, correlate with earlier menopause. In conclusion, evidences exist that exposure to RTECs can compromise a woman's reproductive health. However, human exposures may date back to the developmental stage, while the adverse effects are usually diagnosed decades later, thus making it difficult to determine the association between RTECs exposure and human reproductive health. Therefore, epidemiological surveys and more experimental investigation on humans, or alternatively primates, are needed to determine the direct and indirect effects caused by RTECs exposure on the ovary function, and to characterize their action mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Paul W Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
He YT, Yang LL, Zhao Y, Shen W, Yin S, Sun QY. Fenoxaprop-ethyl affects mouse oocyte quality and the underlying mechanisms. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:844-851. [PMID: 30152098 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fenoxaprop-ethyl (FE) is an active ingredient of commercially available herbicide formulations. Its overuse has caused much damage to the environment, livestock breeding, agricultural crops and humans. However, little is known about the effects of FE exposure on female reproductive health and the mechanisms underlying those effects. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of FE on oocyte quality and their underlying mechanisms in mice fed a diet containing FE. RESULTS Ovary weight and numbers of oocytes were reduced in FE-treated mice. Moreover, oocyte quality was seriously impaired, as shown by the reduced rate of first polar body extrusion and fertilization ability in vivo. In FE-treated mice, oocytes presented reduced actin expression and abnormal meiotic spindle morphology, which indicate that cytoskeletal integrality is disrupted. Also, FE induced mitochondrial dysfunction, reflected by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and autophagy, as revealed by fluorescent staining analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Finally, FE led to changes in epigenetic modifications such as histone H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 in oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that FE has adverse effects on oocyte quality as assessed by maturation and fertilization potential, due to disrupted cytoskeletal integrality, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to ROS accumulation, apoptosis and autophagy. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei-Lei Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shen Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Starvation during pregnancy impairs fetal oogenesis and folliculogenesis in offspring in the mouse. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:452. [PMID: 29670080 PMCID: PMC5906686 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0492-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although it is becoming increasingly evident that maternal starvation during pregnancy can have permanent effects on a range of physiological processes in the offspring, scant information is available about the consequence of such condition for oogenesis and hence for lifetime reproductive success of progeny in mammals. In the present study, we address this topic by starving pregnant mice at the time of ovarian differentiation (12.5 days post coitum (dpc)) for three consecutive days and analyzed the consequence first on the survival of the fetal oocytes and their capability to progress throughout the stages of meiotic prophase I (MPI) and then on the postnatal folliculogenesis of the offspring. The results showed that maternal starvation increased apoptosis in the fetal ovaries, resulting in reduction of the oocyte number. Moreover, MPI progression was slowed down in the surviving oocytes and the expression of DNA repair players in the starved ovaries increased. Transcriptome analysis identified 61 differentially expressed genes between control and starved ovaries, the most part of these being involved in metabolic processes. A significant decrease in the percentage of oocytes enclosed in primordial follicles and the expression of oocyte genes critically involved in folliculogenesis such as Nobox, Lhx8 and Sohlh2 in the 3 days post partum (dpp) starved ovaries were found. Finally, at the time of juvenile period (21 dpp), the number of oocytes and antral follicles resulted significantly lower in the ovaries of the offspring from starved mothers in comparison to controls. Our findings support the notion that maternal starvation can affect ovary development in the offspring that could adversely affect their reproductive success in the adult life.
Collapse
|
38
|
Watanabe R, Kimura N. Non-suckling starvation of neonatal mice promotes primordial follicle formation with activation of ovarian autophagy. J Reprod Dev 2017; 64:89-94. [PMID: 29269608 PMCID: PMC5830363 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Around the time of oocyte meiotic arrest, germ cell nest breakdown occurs, and primordial follicle (PF) formation is initiated at the perinatal stage. Recently, autophagy was implicated in this process. Autophagy is
induced by nutrient starvation. This study was conducted to understand how starvation affects PF formation and autophagy induction during neonatal life. Suckling of neonatal female mice was blocked immediately after
birth for 12–36 h to induce starvation. The numbers of PFs at each stage were subsequently counted from serial sections of ovaries. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was also evaluated. The number of PFs
peaked at 60 h after birth in the control group. The numbers for the starvation groups were significantly higher than those for the control groups at 12 and 36 h. LC3B was clearly present in the oocyte cytoplasm. At 36 h
after birth, the starvation group showed a higher rate of LC3II/LC3-I expression as a marker for autophagy. Moreover, the expression of p62 as a selective substrate for autophagy decreased compared to the control group.
The expression of caspase-9 as a marker for apoptosis tended to be lower at 36 h in the starvation groups. These results indicate that starvation promotes PF formation with a concomitant activation of autophagy in early
neonatal ovaries, suggesting that autophagy induction during follicle assembly might increase the number of PFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Watanabe
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowships for Young Scientists, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Kimura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu KH, Sun XF, Feng YZ, Cheng SF, Li B, Li YP, Shen W, Li L. The impact of Zearalenone on the meiotic progression and primordial follicle assembly during early oogenesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 329:9-17. [PMID: 28552778 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by fusarium graminearum. It can cause abnormal reproductive function by acting as an environmental estrogen. Research has traditionally focused on acute and chronic injury on mammalian reproductive capacity after ZEA treatment. Little research has been done studying the effects of ZEA exposure on early oogenesis. In this study, we investigate the effects of ZEA exposure on meiotic entry, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and primordial follicle assembly during murine early oogenesis. The results show that ZEA exposure significantly decreased the percentage of diplotene stage germ cells, and made more germ cells remain at zygotene or pachytene stages. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of meiosis-related genes was significantly reduced after ZEA treatment. ZEA exposure significantly increased DNA-DSBs at the diplotene stage. Meanwhile, DNA damage repair genes such as RAD51 and BRCA1 were activated. Furthermore, maternal exposure to ZEA significantly decreased the number of primordial follicles in newborn mouse ovaries. In conclusion, ZEA exposure impairs mouse female germ cell meiotic progression, DNA-DSBs, and primordial follicle assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Han Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Feng
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Bo Li
- Chengguo Station of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Laizhou 261437, China
| | - Ya-Peng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|