Quantitative analysis of expression level of estrogen and progesterone receptors and VEGF genes in human endometrial stromal cells after treatment with nicotine

Fertility-enhancing effects of inositol & vitamin C on cisplatin induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Cisplatin can lead to infertility due to its negative impact on the uterus and ovaries. This study aimed to explore the effects of Inositol and vitamin C on cisplatin-induced infertility. Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (N = 6) and orally treated for 21 days. The treatments were as follows: negative control (saline), positive control (saline and cisplatin injected into the abdomen on day 15), T1-T3: rats given vitamin C (150 mg/kg), Inositol (420 mg/kg), and vitamin C + Inositol, respectively, along with cisplatin injected into the abdomen on day 15, T4-T6: rats given only vitamin C, Inositol, and vitamin C + Inositol, respectively. Vitamin C and Inositol enhanced cisplatin-induced histopathological improvements in the uterus and ovaries, raising progesterone and estradiol serum levels. Furthermore, the supplements enhanced ESR1 gene expression in the uterus and ovary, reducing uterine and ovarian apoptosis caused by cisplatin through modulation of caspase 3, 8, and Bcl-2 gene levels. These substances decreased ovarian and uterine malondialdehyde levels, boosted total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, and alleviated oxidative stress. The findings reveal that vitamin C and Inositol shield against cisplatin-related infertility by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in the uterus and ovaries.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Reduces the Adverse Effects of Nicotine on the Endometrium

Background

Tobacco smoke contains various toxins that negatively affect the human reproductive system. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a potent antioxidant, has protective effects on the reproductive system against oxygen-free radicals, methotrexate, and pesticides. Herein, the effect of CAPE on some key markers of endometrial receptivity has been evaluated.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2018-2019 in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences (Fasa, Iran). Primary endometrial cells were divided into five groups, namely control, nicotine, CAPE, vehicle, and nicotine+CAPE. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and methylation-specific PCR were performed to evaluate gene expressions and methylation, respectively. Appropriate doses of CAPE and nicotine were determined using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0) with a one-way analysis of variance. P<0.01 was considered statistically significant. The fold change was calculated using the 2-∆ΔCT method.

Results

Treatment of cells with nicotine significantly reduced the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) genes (P<0.0001). However, the expression levels increased significantly when treated with nicotine+CAPE (P<0.0001). Despite the reduced CXCL12 gene expression in cells treated with nicotine, CXCL12 was unmethylated in all study groups, indicating that the methylation status of the CXCL12 gene was not affected by nicotine or CAPE.

Conclusion

CAPE can be a suitable agent to protect female smokers from the harmful effects of nicotine. This manuscript is available as a preprint on the Research Gate website.

Effect of folic acid and vitamin E on promoter DNA methylation and expression of TGF-β1, ESR-1 and CDH-1 in the uterus of STZ-induced diabetic rats

The present study is the first attempt made to investigate the effects of diabetes on expression and promoter DNA methylation of TGF-β1, ESR-1, and CDH-1 genes and also the effects of folic acid (FA) and vitamin E (Vit E) supplementations on improving diabetes mellitus. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated with Vit E (200 mg/kg/day) and FA (25 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks and expression and DNA methylation of TGF-β1, ESR-1, and CDH-1 genes in uterus were analysed. Data indicated that diabetes increases the expression of TGFβ-1 and ESR-1 and decreases CDH-1 expression and TGFβ-1 promoter methylation in the uterus of rats. Vit E and FA improved the negative effects of diabetes by decreasing the expression of TGFβ-1 and ESR-1 and increasing that of CDH-1 in diabetic rats. In conclusion, these findings emphasise that Vit E and FA supplementations could improve negative effects caused by diabetes on uterus function and fertility in diabetic rats.

Identification of Potential Molecular Mechanism Related to Infertile Endometriosis

Objectives

In this research, we aim to explore the bioinformatic mechanism of infertile endometriosis in order to identify new treatment targets and molecular mechanism.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to download MRNA sequencing data from infertile endometriosis patients. The “limma” package in R software was used to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to classify genes into modules, further obtained the correlation coefficient between the modules and infertility endometriosis. The intersection genes of the most disease-related modular genes and DEGs are called gene set 1. To clarify the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for infertile endometriosis, we used Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) enrichment, Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) on these intersecting genes. We identified lncRNAs and miRNAs linked with infertility and created competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulation networks using the Human MicroRNA Disease Database (HMDD), mirTarBase database, and LncRNA Disease database.

Results

Firstly, WGCNA enrichment analysis was used to examine the infertile endometriosis dataset GSE120103, and we discovered that the Meorangered1 module was the most significantly related with infertile endometriosis. The intersection genes were mostly enriched in the metabolism of different amino acids, the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and the cAMP signaling pathway according to KEGG enrichment analysis. The Meorangered1 module genes and DEGs were then subjected to bioinformatic analysis. The hub genes in the PPI network were performed KEGG enrichment analysis, and the results were consistent with the intersection gene analysis. Finally, we used the database to identify 13 miRNAs and two lncRNAs linked to infertility in order to create the ceRNA regulatory network linked to infertile endometriosis.

Conclusion

In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach for the first time to identify amino acid metabolism as a possible major cause of infertility in patients with endometriosis and to provide potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Toxic effects of smokeless tobacco on female reproductive health: A review

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Smokeless tobacco use can lead to impairments of ovarian function, morphology, oocyte quality and hormonal regulation.

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Use of smokeless tobacco during pregnancy has adverse health effects on both the mother and fetus.

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Exposure to smokeless tobacco in utero has long term health consequences on offspring.

The habitual consumption of tobacco in its various form is widespread and a serious public health issue globally. In particular, the use of smokeless tobacco has increased substantially due to its easy availability and misconception that it is relatively harmless compared to smoking. Tobacco use has been well established from numerous studies as a causative agent of devastating illnesses such as cancer, insulin resistance, hypertension, acute respiratory disease, osteoporosis, etc. Limited but growing evidence have also suggested its role in adversely affecting reproductive capabilities and outcomes in women of reproductive age and during pregnancy. This paper provides an updated review on available literature regarding the negative effects of smokeless tobacco use on female reproductive health, during pregnancy and its adverse consequences on the offspring. Existing data suggests the association between chronic smokeless tobacco use and impairment of ovarian morphology and function, oocyte quality, hormonal perturbations, fetal development and long-term health effects on the fetus. Improved understanding of these issues can contribute to better awareness of the dangers of smokeless tobacco products.

Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murray reduce nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety and craving in mice

Lycium ruthenicum Murray is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-fatigue effects. Anthocyanins are considered to be one of the main active components. The previous work by our research team found that the anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum extract (ALRM) produce a stable anti-anxiety effect. The mechanisms of action include reducing the level of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) as well as regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activation, protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathways, and others, all of which are related to the mechanisms of nicotine addiction. To investigate the effects of ALRM on anxiety and craving behavior after nicotine withdrawal, the components of ALRM were analyzed using the UPLC-Orbitrap MS method. The effects of ALRM on anxiety behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal were investigated in mice using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark box (LDB) tests. The effects of ALRM on craving behavior after nicotine withdrawal were further investigated using the conditional place preference (CPP) test. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated that ALRM could alleviate the anxiety behavior induced by nicotine withdrawal and reduce nicotine craving in mice. Based on the identified ALRM components, the network pharmacology method was used to predict the mechanism of ALRM alleviating anxiety after nicotine withdrawal in mice. It was speculated that ALRM was involved in the production and transmission of dopamine, choline, and other nervous system functions and exhibited a potential role in treating nicotine addiction.

In Vivo Cigarette Smoke Exposure to Examine the Expression of Genes Involved in the Inflammatory Response in the Mouse Uterus

Cigarette smoke may impair uterine function, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. In this article, we describe the methodology for whole-body exposure to cigarette smoke together with assessment of the impact of this exposure on the expression of a panel of genes related to stress and toxicity pathways in mouse uteri using an in vivo model. C57BL/6 mice are whole-body-exposed to three cigarettes daily, 7 days/week, for 2 months using a specific rodent ventilator. Uteri are then collected and subjected to qRT-PCR analysis using the Stress & Toxicity PathwayFinder RT2 Profiler PCR Array (Qiagen). Cigarette smoke was found to be associated with an upregulation (≥2-fold) of C-reactive protein (Crp; 2.65-fold, p-value = 0.02), growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible45γ (Gadd45γ; 2.11-fold, p-value = 0.04), interferon γ (Ifnγ; 2.05-fold, p-value = 0.01), and interleukin1α (Il1α; 7.74-fold, p-value = 0.003) and downregulation of matrix metallopeptidase-9 (Mmp9; -2.42-fold, p-value = 0.01). The protocol used in this study may represent a new experimental model of mouse in vivo mainstream exposure to cigarette smoke. In addition, the resulting overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and genes involved in cell cycle proliferation, together with the downregulation of extracellular matrix metallopeptidases, may represent a toxicological response to cigarette smoke exposure, with potential repercussion for the processes of uterine remodeling and growth that are essential for uterine receptiveness. A recommendation to expand upon this research area is made. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Relationship between chronic hyperglycemia and contrast extravasation in revascularization of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: A retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Contrast extravasation is one of the most common perioperative complications in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) patients after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stenting (PTAS). This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the relevant serum biochemical indicators of carbohydrate metabolism and the occurrence of contrast extravasation.

METHODS

Patients' demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors and laboratory examination data were collected. Blood routine test, blood biochemical examination and hormone level test within 1 week before surgery were measured in all enrolled subjects. Patients underwent non-contrast CT scans immediately after the endovascular procedure. Follow-up non-contrast CT scans were performed in the next 24 h and repeated as per clinical condition.

RESULTS

104 patients who have undergone effective PTAS were involved in this study. 18 patients have identified as contrast extravasation and there was no obvious abnormality in another 86 cases. There were significant differences in the pre-operative HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and cortisol levels in the subjects regardless of gender between two groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there were statistical differences in E2 and testosterone levels between two groups in both male population (p = 0.035 and p = 0.028, respectively) and female population (p = 0.036 and p = 0.003, respectively). Besides, the AUC value of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and cortisol levels were all over 0.7 (0.858, 0.780 and 0.752, respectively). The highest AUC value of various combinations was obtained from the combination of HbA1c and cortisol level, which was 0.898.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient with chronic hyperglycemia is closely related to contrast extravasation after PTAS. Specific mechanisms might be explored and regarded as promising candidates to prevent contrast extravasation.

Quercetin and vitamin E alleviate ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis by modulating autophagy and apoptosis in rat bone cells

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease and one of the most important postmenopausal consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin (Q) and vitamin E (vitE) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. Animals were ovariectomized and treated with Q (15 mg/kg/day), vitE (60 mg/kg/day), estradiol (10 µg/kg/day), and Q (7.5 mg/kg/day) + vitE (30 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks by gavage, and osteoporosis markers and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed in serum and tibia of rats. Data indicated that ovariectomy resulted in development of osteoporosis as demonstrated by reduction in serum calcium, bone weight, bone volume, trabeculae volume, and the total number of osteocytes and osteoblasts, and increase in the total number of osteoclasts and serum osteocalcin. Total mRNA expressions of LC3, beclin1, and caspase 3 were also increased and bcl2 expression was decreased in the tibia. By reversing these changes, treatment with Q and vitE markedly improved osteoporosis. In conclusion, Q, and to a lesser extent, vitE, prevented osteoporosis by regulating the total number of bone cells, maybe through regulating autophagy and apoptosis.

Antioxidant ameliorative effect of caffeic acid on the ectopic endometrial cells separated from patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Considering the role of oxidative stress in the development and progression of endometriosis, the ameliorative effect of caffeic acid treatment on ectopic, eutopic endometrial cells enzyme activities was investigated. We also determined the underlying cellular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ectopic endometrial specimens were collected from women with confirmed cases of endometriosis (n = 10) and eutopic specimens from (n = 10) controls. Following endometrial cell isolation and culture, eutopic and ectopic endometrial cells were treated with caffeic acid. Then, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) enzyme activities, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) gene expression were measured.

RESULTS

In ectopic endometrial cells, caffeic acid caused a significant elevation in Nrf-2 gene expression level, NQO1, and HO-1 enzyme activities. In addition, reduced ROS level was observed in caffeic acid-treated ectopic endometrial cells in comparison with the control. On the contrary, we did not observe any significant changes in caffeic acid-treated eutopic endometrial ones.

CONCLUSION

Caffeic acid can protect the endometrial cells against oxidative stress and might be able to prevent the progression of endometriosis and its related complications, such as pain and infertility.

Exposure to cigarette smoke affects endometrial maturation including angiogenesis and decidualization

PURPOSE

To elucidate the effects of cigarette smoking on human endometrial maturation for reproductive function, the authors examined the in vitro effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on angiogenesis and decidualization in primary human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).

METHODS

Endometrial stromal cells were cultured with CSE and/or estradiol-17β (E2) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The mRNA, protein levels, and protein secretion of the angiogenic factors and decidual specific factors were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Decidualization was also monitored by the changes in cellular morphology.

RESULTS

Endometrial stromal cell proliferation substantially decreased after dose-dependent treatments with CSE at concentrations above 1%, whereas cell death was induced at treatment concentrations above 1% CSE. Treatments above 0.025% CSE led to increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α accumulation. CSE concentrations at 0.01% and 0.025% increased the prolactin expression levels after treatment with E2 and MPA, whereas 0.1% and 0.25% CSE concentrations suppressed prolactin. Similar tendencies were observed in cellular morphology and other decidual specific factors.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke affects endometrial appropriate maturation including the processes of angiogenesis and decidualization in the reproductive system.

Nicotine uncovers endotoxic-like cardiovascular manifestations in female rats: Estrogen and nitric oxide dependency

Endotoxic manifestations are diminished in female populations due to immune boosting actions of sex steroids. Considering that tobacco constituents including nicotine inhibit estrogen synthesis, we tested the hypothesis that nicotine exposure unveils cardiovascular anomalies of endotoxemia in female rats. Studies were undertaken in conscious female rats treated with i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg) in absence and presence of nicotine. In contrast to no effects for LPS when used alone, dose-related decreases in blood pressure (BP) and serum estrogen were noted in endotoxic rats treated consequently with nicotine (25, 50, or 100 μg/kg i.v.). Signs of cardiac autonomic dysfunction appeared in LPS/nicotine-treated rats such as (i) decreased time-domain indices of heart rate variability (HRV), e.g. standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences in R-R interval durations (rMSSD), and (ii) reduced total power of the frequency spectrum and shifted cardiac sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic dominance. Nicotine reversed the LPS-evoked modest rises in serum TNFα and IL-1β while had no effect on associated arterial baroreflex dysfunction, inferring no roles for inflammation or baroreflexes in LPS-nicotine interaction. Estrogen or aminoguanidine (iNOS inhibitor), but not pentoxifylline (TNFα inhibitor), abolished LPS/nicotine hypotension. Together, nicotine acts probably via reducing estrogen availability to uncover nitric oxide-dependent hypotension and autonomic dysregulation in endotoxic female rats.

Structural binding perspectives of a major tobacco alkaloid, nicotine, and its metabolite cotinine with sex-steroid nuclear receptors

Globally, more than a billion people smoke tobacco making it one of the biggest public health problems and a leading risk factor for global deaths. Nicotine, the main alkaloid in tobacco, has been shown to be associated with fertility problems in men and women. The adverse effects of tobacco/nicotine on reproduction have been attributed to deleterious effects on gametes, steroidogenic imbalance, and competitive inhibition of steroid receptors. The present study reports the sex-steroid receptor disrupting potential of nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine against the estrogen receptor-α (ERα), ERβ, androgen receptor (AR), and progesterone receptor (PR). Both ligands bound in the ligand-binding pockets of ERα, ERβ, AR and PR and formed important hydrophobic interactions with different amino-acid residues of receptors. Most of the residues of ERα, ERβ, AR and PR interacting with nicotine and cotinine were common with those of native/bound ligands of the receptors. Interacting amino acids most important for binding of nicotine and cotinine with each receptor were identified by loss in accessible surface area. Amino acids Leucine-346, Leucine-384 and Phenylalanine-404 for ERα; Methionine-336, Phenylalanine-356 and Leucine-298 for ERβ; and Leucine-704 and Leucine-718, respectively for AR and PR, were the most important residues for binding with nicotine and cotinine. Among the four receptors, based on the number of interactions, nicotine and cotinine had greater potential to interfere in the signaling of ERβ. In conclusion, the results suggested that nicotine and cotinine bind and interact with sex-steroid nuclear receptors and have potential to interfere in the steroid hormone signaling resulting in reproductive dysfunction.

Tiron protects against nicotine-induced lung and liver injury through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in rats in vivo

AIMS

Tobacco smoking is a major health problem associated with lung and liver damage. Lung and liver damage secondary to tobacco smoking is mediated through nicotine-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that antioxidant treatment with tiron may improve nicotine-induced lung and liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into six groups, a control, nicotine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.; for 8 weeks) and tiron (100 or 200 mg/kg/day, i.p.; for 8 weeks) with or without nicotine administration.

KEY FINDINGS

Tiron improved survival rate and attenuated lung and liver damage as reflected by decreased total and differential cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum; also histopathological examination confirmed the protective effect of tiron in lung and liver tissues of nicotine treated rats. Tiron attenuated dyslipidemia, which is associated with nicotine. These ameliorative effects of tiron may be mainly due to its antioxidant effect as proved by a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels, and increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) level, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. This is likely related to suppression of protein levels of NADPH oxidase enzyme (NOX1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); and up-regulation of protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2).

SIGNIFICANCE

This makes tiron (synthetic analogue of vitamin E) good candidate for future use to minimize nicotine's hazards among smokers.

Primary and Secondary Markers of Doxorubicin-Induced Female Infertility and the Alleviative Properties of Quercetin and Vitamin E in a Rat Model

The incidence of cancer has recently risen among the women at the reproductive age. Therefore, exposure to doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy has become a cause of reproductive toxicity followed by secondary destructive effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of quercetin (QCT) and vitamin.E (Vit.E) on doxorubicin-induced toxicity in the ovary and uterus, and the secondary bone-related effects in a rat model. Animals were divided into six groups including control normal saline/corn oil (CON), QCT at 20 mg/Kg, Vit.E at 200 mg/Kg, DOX at accumulative 15 mg/Kg, DOX/QCT, and DOX/Vit.E. After 21 days of treatment, the alterations were analyzed in histoarchitecture, apoptosis, hormones secretion, the gene expression of aromatase and estrogen α-receptor (ER-α) in the uterine and ovarian tissues, and serum levels of bone-related factors. The results demonstrated the ameliorative effects of QCT and Vit.E on doxorubicin caused altered ovarian histology, increased apoptosis, decreased ovarian aromatase and ER-α gene expression (p-value<0.05), decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, decreased ALP (p-value<0.001), and increased osteocalcin (p-value<0.05). The findings suggested that the studied antioxidants administration could be a promising fertility preservation strategy in DOX-treated females.

Nicotine attenuates global genomic DNA methylation by influencing DNMTs gene expression in human endometrial stromal cells

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence indicating an incidence of infertility and also the risk of endometrial cancers among smokers. However, the mechanism underlying nicotine adverse effect on female reproduction remains unclear. Growing evidence has suggested that environmental exposures such as nicotine could modulate the epigenome. No study has yet been published to evaluate the direct effect of nicotine on the epigenome profiling of human endometrial stromal cells (HESC). Herein, we decided to examine the direct effects of nicotine on global genomic DNA methylation status and DNA methyl- transferases (DNMTs) gene expression in HESC. HESC were treated with different doses of nicotine (0 or control, 10- 11, 10- 8 and 10- 6) M for 24 h and their genomic global DNA methylation and gene expression of DNMTs (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) were investigated using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Nicotine treatments reduced the average level of DNMTs gene expression by 90, 79, and 73.4% in 10- 11, 10- 8 and 10- 6 M of nicotine treated cells as compared to control cells, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, 10- 8 and 10- 6 M of nicotine concentrations effectively reduced the amounts of 5-methylated cytosine (5-mC) by 1.09 and 1.87% compared to control cells, respectively (p < 0.05). The 5-mC percentages were positively correlated with the relative cellular DNMTs expression in HESC as verified by the Pearson correlation test.

CONCLUSION

An interesting possibility raised by the current study is that the reduced genomic global DNA methylation level in HESC may be partly due to the suppression of DNMTs gene expression caused by nicotine in these cells.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Amelioration by quercetin of insulin resistance and uterine GLUT4 and ERα gene expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Insulin resistance (IR) and infertility are two major complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are the results of changes in certain parts of the reproductive and metabolic systems. We aimed to observe the effect of quercetin on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS and insulin resistance in rats. All animals were divided into five groups and DHEA was used to induce PCOS. Bodyweight and ovarian morphology of all groups were observed. Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were analysed. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method was used for IR level determination. The expression of oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) genes in the uterus was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Liver hexokinase (HK) and glucokinase (GK) activity was determined using spectrophotometry. Quercetin significantly improved the IR state in PCOS rats. PCOS resulted in a decrease in liver GK and an increase in liver HK specific activity, whereas quercetin increased both liver HK and GK activity. Our data also showed a significant reduction in uterine ERα and GLUT4 expression in the PCOS group, which was increased by quercetin. A remarkable effect of quercetin was the intensive reduction of PCOS-IR and significant induction of uterine GLUT4 and ERα gene expression; it could thus be a possible effective treatment for PCOS and its complications, IR and infertility.

Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Primary Endometrial Cells

Nicotine is a major component of tobacco plants and is responsible for the development of reproductive problems in smokers. Nicotine has been recognized to result in oxidative stress by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in some parts of female reproductive system, but the effect of nicotine on endometrium that plays an important role in reproductive biology stays unexplored. The aim of this work was to clarify the direct effects of nicotine administration on the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation in human endometrial cells. Human endometrial stromal primary cells were treated with nicotine (0, 10−11, 10−8, and 10−6 M) for 24 hours. On nicotine administration, the endometrial cells were associated with a decrease in antioxidant defense markers such as Glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity and higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the control. We concluded that nicotine as a pro-oxidant affects the oxidative state of the endometrial cells.

Electroacupuncture facilitates implantation by enhancing endometrial angiogenesis in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) impairs the synchronized development of endometrium and embryo, resulting in the failure of embryo implantation. Here, we investigated what effects electroacupuncture had on embryo implantation in COH rats. Female rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal (N), model (M), electroacupuncture (EA), and electroacupuncture pretreatment (PEA). Rats in groups M, EA, PEA were injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin to establish the COH model. Rats in group EA received electroacupuncture treatment from the PMSG injection day to the 3rd day of pregnancy (D3), while those in group PEA received electroacupuncture treatment for 3 days before the PMSG day and continuing to D3. Furthermore, another 30 female rats who received the same treatment as the rats in group PEA were injected with siVEGFR2 into uterine lumen. The endometrial microvascular density (MVD) and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, angiopoietin-1, and fibroblast growth factor-2 were significantly lower in groups M than in groups N and PEA. The percentage of dolichos biflorus agglutinin positive uterine natural killer cells in groups N, EA and PEA was higher than that in group M. After the siVEGFR2 injection, the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK, the embryo number and the MVD were significantly reduced. In conclusion, electroacupuncture can facilitate embryo implantation in COH rats by activating the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT and VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathways which have a positive relationship with endometrial angiogenesis.

Serum VEGF Level Is Different in Adolescents Smoking Waterpipe versus Cigarettes: The Irbid TRY

Waterpipe (Wp) use is associated with most devastating diseases and particularly popular among adolescents. Vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) is essential for generating new vessels. The effect of smoking tobacco on VEGF is controversial and unknown among adolescents. Therefore, the current study compared serum VEGF in adolescents smoking cigarettes (Cg) only (9.3%), Wp only (19.6%), and dual (Wp and Cg) (36.4%) versus nonsmokers (34.6%) in adolescents. A self-reported questionnaire and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to obtain smoking status and serum VEGF, respectively, in 475 (age: 14.6 ± 1.0 years) boys (n = 263) and girls (n = 212) from Irbid, Jordan. The analysis showed that smoking status (R² = 0.021; p = 0.001) and gender (R² = 0.035; p = 0.000) can predict VEGF. Furthermore, 2-way-ANCOVA revealed that VEGF was lower in the dual cohort versus the Cg (33.4%; p = 0.04) and nonsmoker (29.6%; p = 0.003) cohorts; VEGF in smokers, was lower (33.6%; p = 0.04) in the Wp versus nonsmokers in the boys but not the girls. These results are unique and suggest that smoking lowers VEGF, which might adversely affect vascular growth and function. This is alarming given that adolescents are still in the development stage and smoking, particularly Wp, is popular among them. Therefore, interventions targeting smoking among schoolchildren are urgently needed to avoid the negative effects of smoking, especially on vascular health.

Protective effects of quercetin on nicotine induced oxidative stress in 'HepG2 cells'

Nicotine is a natural component of tobacco plants and is responsible for the addictive properties of tobacco. Nicotine has been recognized to result in oxidative stress by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of this work was to estimate the hepatotoxicity effect of nicotine on viability and on antioxidant defense system in cultures of HepG2 cell line and the other hand, ameliorative effect of quercetin (Q) as an antioxidant was analyzed. Nicotine induced concentration dependent loss in HepG2 cell line viability. The results indicated that nicotine decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) and increased activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) content in the HepG2 cells. Q significantly increased activity of SOD, GR and GSH content and decreased activity of GPX in nicotine + Q groups. Our data demonstrate that Q plays a protective role against the imbalance elicited by nicotine between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense systems, and suggest that administration of this antioxidant may find clinical application where cellular damage is a consequence of ROS.