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Li F, Wang X, Zhang J, Nie H, He S, Li Y, Xia R, Zhu Y. Low levels of Cd 2+ combined with procymidone may cause ovarian damage in mice via unfolded protein response. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3160-3171. [PMID: 38323353 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
As no study about the combined effect of low levels of Cd2+ with procymidone (PCM) on organs and organisms, we investigated their actions on mouse-ovary in vivo and in vitro. Four-week mice were treated with corn oil for the control group, corn oil + 0.0045 mg/L Cd2+ (CdCl2 was dissolved in ultrapure water and freely consumed by mice) for Cd2+ group, 50 mg/kg/d PCM (suspended in corn oil and administered orally to mice) for PCM group, and 50 mg/kg/d PCM + 0.0015 (0.0045 and 0.0135) mg/L Cd2+ for L+ (M+ and H+) PCM group for 21 days. For in vitro experiment, the cultured ovaries were treated with acetone for the control group, 0.1% acetone + 8.4 μg/L Cd2+ for the Cd2+ group, 0.63 mg/L PCM (dissolved in acetone) for the PCM-group, and 0.63 mg/L PCM + 2.8 (8.4 and 25.2) μg/L Cd2+ for L+ (M+ and H+) PCM group for 7 days. Mouse body weight in each treatment group, the weight and volume of ovaries in all PCM groups were lower than the control. Both in vivo and in vitro, all-stage follicle numbers were lower in M+PCM and H+PCM groups, whereas the atretic follicles and CASPASE3/8 were higher; meanwhile, lower estradiol and progesterone and higher unfolded protein response (UPR) members in all PCM groups. L+, M+, and H+PCM groups had further ovarian damage and stronger UPR than PCM groups, as did M+PCM groups over Cd2+ groups. It is hypothesized low-level PCM and Cd2+ may mutually promote each other's triggered UPR and exacerbate ovarian damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Li
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Nie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shiyun He
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yushan Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruowen Xia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Hsieh TB, Jin JP. Loss of Calponin 2 causes premature ovarian insufficiency in mice. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:37. [PMID: 38336796 PMCID: PMC10854048 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01346-y] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition defined as women developing menopause before 40 years old. These patients display low ovarian reserve at young age and difficulties to conceive even with assisted reproductive technology. The pathogenesis of ovarian insufficiency is not fully understood. Genetic factors may underlie most of the cases. Actin cytoskeleton plays a pivotal role in ovarian folliculogenesis. Calponin 2 encoded by the Cnn2 gene is an actin associated protein that regulates motility and mechanical signaling related cellular functions. RESULTS The present study compared breeding of age-matched calponin 2 knockout (Cnn2-KO) and wild type (WT) mice and found that Cnn2-KO mothers had significantly smaller litter sizes. Ovaries from 4 weeks old Cnn2-KO mice showed significantly lower numbers of total ovarian follicles than WT control with the presence of multi-oocyte follicles. Cnn2-KO mice also showed age-progressive earlier depletion of ovarian follicles. Cnn2 expression is detected in the cumulus cells of the ovarian follicles of WT mice and colocalizes with actin stress fiber, tropomyosin and myosin II in primary cultures of cumulus cells. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that the loss of calponin 2 impairs ovarian folliculogenesis with premature depletion of ovarian follicles. The role of calponin 2 in ovarian granulosa cells suggests a molecular target for further investigations on the pathogenesis of POI and for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Bou Hsieh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jian-Ping Jin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Huang Z, Xu T, Liu C, Wu H, Weng L, Cai J, Liang N, Ge H. Correlation between ovarian follicular development and Hippo pathway in polycystic ovary syndrome. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:14. [PMID: 38216976 PMCID: PMC10785326 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01305-z] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For women of childbearing age, the biggest problem caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is infertility, which is mainly caused by anovulation, abnormal follicular development, proliferation of small antral follicles, and cystic follicles. The mechanism underlying its occurrence is not clear. The abnormal proliferation and development of follicles in PCOS patients is a complex process, which is affected by many factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Hippo pathway and follicular development in PCOS, and to further explore this relationship by using the YAP inhibitor verteporfin (VP). METHOD 30 3-week-old BALB/C female rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 10), DHEA group (n = 10) and DHEA + VP group (n = 10). The morphology of ovary and the degree of follicular development were observed by HE staining, and the expression and location of AMH in ovarian follicles were observed by immunofluorescence. The ovarian reserve function index AMH, cell proliferation index PCNA and the ratio of Hippo pathway related proteins MST, LATS, YAP, P-YAP and P-YAP/YAP were detected by Western blot. RESULTS After dividing 30 3-week-old female mice into control, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; model of PCOS), and DHEA + VP groups, we found that the number of small follicles increased in the DHEA group compared to the control group. Additionally, in the DHEA group compared to the control group, anti-müllerian hormone (AMH; ovarian reserve index) increased, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA; cell proliferation index) decreased, and upstream (MST and LATS) and downstream (YAP and p-YAP) proteins in the Hippo pathway increased, though the p-YAP/YAP ratio decreased. VP ameliorated the increases in AMH, MST, LATS, YAP and p-YAP, but did not ameliorate the decrease in the p-YAP/YAP ratio. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that the increased small follicles in the ovaries and changes in ovarian reserve and cell proliferation may be closely related to Hippo pathway activation. This suggests that the Hippo pathway may be an important pathway affecting the proliferation and development of follicles and the occurrence of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichao Huang
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Reproduction Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Tianyue Xu
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Reproduction Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Chunling Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Honghui Wu
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Linglin Weng
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Reproduction Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jieyu Cai
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Reproduction Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Na Liang
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongshan Ge
- Graduate School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Reproduction Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China.
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, China.
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Zhang T, Lin H, Ren T, He M, Zheng W, Tong Y, Jin B, Xie K, Deng A, Liu S, Chen Y, Xu G, Chen T, Pan W, Xiao Z. ROCK1 is a multifunctional factor maintaining the primordial follicle reserve and follicular development in mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C27-C39. [PMID: 37661919 PMCID: PMC11192470 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00019.2023] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The follicle is the basic structural and functional unit of the ovary in female mammals. The excessive depletion of follicles will lead to diminished ovarian reserve or even premature ovarian failure, resulting in diminished ovarian oogenesis and endocrine function. Excessive follicular depletion is mainly due to loss of primordial follicles. Our analysis of published human ovarian single-cell sequencing results by others revealed a significant increase in rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression during primordial follicle development. However, the role of ROCK1 in primordial follicle development and maintenance is not clear. This study revealed a gradual increase in ROCK1 expression during primordial follicle activation. Inhibition of ROCK1 resulted in reduced primordial follicle activation, decreased follicular reserve, and delayed development of growing follicles. This effect may be achieved through the HIPPO pathway. The present study indicates that ROCK1 is a key molecule for primordial follicular reserve and follicular development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY ROCK1, one of the Rho GTPases, plays an important role in primordial follicle reserve and follicular development. ROCK1 was primarily expressed in the cytoplasm of oocytes and granulosa cell in mice. Inhibition of ROCK1 significantly reduced the primordial follicle reserve and delayed growing follicle development. ROCK1 regulates primordial follicular reserve and follicle development through the HIPPO signaling pathway. These findings shed new lights on the physiology of sustaining female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zhang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Lin
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianhe Ren
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meina He
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuntong Tong
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bangming Jin
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiyun Xie
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Deng
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqian Chen
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqiang Xu
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengxiang Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Transformation Engineering Research Center of Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Pan
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center in Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwen Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
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Li X, Liu H, Lin G, Xu L. The effect of ovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma in patients with poor ovarian responder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1292168. [PMID: 38155954 PMCID: PMC10754527 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1292168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effects of ovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (aPRP) on patients with poor ovarian responder (POR) based on the existing clinical evidence. Methods According to systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched nine databases established as of September 6, 2023, and evaluated the impact of ovarian PRP infusion on poor ovarian responder. The research results include serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH) levels, antral Follicle Count(AFC), oocyte number, and embryo number. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of inclusion in trials. Results Add up to 10 studies consisting of 793 participants were included in the meta-analysis. A review of existing evidence showed that intraovarian injection of PRP has significant therapeutic effects in increasing levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) (SMD=0.44,95% CI [0.07,0.81], p=0.02), antral follicle count (AFC) (MD=1.15,95% CI [0.4,1.90], p=0.003), oocyte count (MD=0.91, 95% CI [0.40, 1.41], p=0.0004), and embryo number (MD=0.78, 95% CI [0.5,1.07], p<0.0001). We compared the relevant data of patients before and after treatment after 2 months of intervention. It can be seen that ovarian injection of PRP treatment for 2 months has better effects in reducing FSH levels, increasing AMH levels, increasing antral follicle count, and increasing the number of oocytes and embryos (p<0.05). When the dose of PRP injected into each ovary was ≥ 4ml, there was also a significant correlation (p<0.05) with improving the number of AFC, oocytes and embryos. Significant heterogeneity existed among the studies. Conclusion The pooled results suggest that intra-ovarian injection of PRP can promote ovarian regeneration and improve the reproductive outcomes of patients with ovarian dysfunction. This therapy may have significant clinical potential in improving sex hormone levels, increasing AFC, oocyte count, and embryo count. However, this findings still requires more rigorous and extensive trials worldwide to determine the value of intra-ovarian injection of PRP in POR patients. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk, Identifier CRD42023451232.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lianwei Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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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.
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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
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Chang CL. Facilitation of Ovarian Response by Mechanical Force-Latest Insight on Fertility Improvement in Women with Poor Ovarian Response or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14751. [PMID: 37834198 PMCID: PMC10573075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914751] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline in fertility in aging women, especially those with poor ovarian response (POR) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a major concern for modern IVF centers. Fertility treatments have traditionally relied on gonadotropin- and steroid-hormone-based IVF practices, but these methods have limitations, especially for women with aging ovaries. Researchers have been motivated to explore alternative approaches. Ovarian aging is a complicated process, and the deterioration of oocytes, follicular cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the stromal compartment can all contribute to declining fertility. Adjunct interventions that involve the use of hormones, steroids, and cofactors and gamete engineering are two major research areas aimed to improve fertility in aging women. Additionally, mechanical procedures including the In Vitro Activation (IVA) procedure, which combines pharmacological activators and fragmentation of ovarian strips, and the Whole Ovary Laparoscopic Incision (WOLI) procedure that solely relies on mechanical manipulation in vivo have shown promising results in improving follicle growth and fertility in women with POR and POI. Advances in the use of mechanical procedures have brought exciting opportunities to improve fertility outcomes in aging women with POR or POI. While the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to fertility decline in aging women remains a major challenge for further improvement of mechanical-manipulation-based approaches, recent progress has provided a better view of how these procedures promote folliculogenesis in the fibrotic and avascular aging ovaries. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the potential mechanisms that contribute to ovarian aging in POI and POR patients, followed by a discussion of measures that aim to improve ovarian folliculogenesis in aging women. At last, we discuss the likely mechanisms that contribute to the outcomes of IVA and WOLI procedures and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
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Zhu M, Xu M, Zhang J, Zheng C. The role of Hippo pathway in ovarian development. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198873. [PMID: 37334049 PMCID: PMC10275494 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary, whereby ovarian development is largely dependent on the development of the follicles themselves. The activation, growth, and progression of follicles are modulated by a diverse range of factors, including reproductive endocrine system and multiple signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway exhibits a high degree of evolutionary conservation between both Drosophila and mammalian systems, and is recognized for its pivotal role in regulating cellular proliferation, control of organ size, and embryonic development. During the process of follicle development, the components of the Hippo pathway show temporal and spatial variations. Recent clinical studies have shown that ovarian fragmentation can activate follicles. The mechanism is that the mechanical signal of cutting triggers actin polymerization. This process leads to the disruption of the Hippo pathway and subsequently induces the upregulation of downstream CCN and apoptosis inhibitors, thereby promoting follicle development. Thus, the Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in both the activation and development of follicles. In this article, we focused on the development and atresia of follicles and the function of Hippo pathway in these processes. Additionally, the physiological effects of Hippo pathway in follicle activation are also explored.
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Liu W, Du C, Nan L, Li C, Wang H, Fan Y, Zhou A, Zhang S. Influence of Estrus on Dairy Cow Milk Exosomal miRNAs and Their Role in Hormone Secretion by Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119608. [PMID: 37298559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrus is crucial for cow fertility in modern dairy farms, but almost 50% of cows do not show the behavioral signs of estrus due to silent estrus and lack of suitable and high-accuracy methods to detect estrus. MiRNA and exosomes play essential roles in reproductive function and may be developed as novel biomarkers in estrus detection. Thus, we analyzed the miRNA expression patterns in milk exosomes during estrus and the effect of milk exosomes on hormone secretion in cultured bovine granulosa cells in vitro. We found that the number of exosomes and the exosome protein concentration in estrous cow milk were significantly lower than in non-estrous cow milk. Moreover, 133 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were identified in estrous cow milk vs. non-estrous cow milk. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that exosomal miRNAs were involved in reproduction and hormone-synthesis-related pathways, such as cholesterol metabolism, FoxO signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, Wnt signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. Consistent with the enrichment signaling pathways, exosomes derived from estrous and non-estrous cow milk both could promote the secretion of estradiol and progesterone in cultured bovine granulosa cells. Furthermore, genes related to hormonal synthesis (CYP19A1, CYP11A1, HSD3B1 and RUNX2) were up-regulated after exosome treatment, while exosomes inhibited the expression of StAR. Moreover, estrous and non-estrous cow-milk-derived exosomes both could increase the expression of bcl2 and decrease the expression of p53, and did not influence the expression of caspase-3. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate exosomal miRNA expression patterns during dairy cow estrus and the role of exosomes in hormone secretion by bovine granulosa cells. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for further investigating milk-derived exosomes and exosomal miRNA effects on ovary function and reproduction. Moreover, bovine milk exosomes may have effects on the ovaries of human consumers of pasteurized cow milk. These differential miRNAs might provide candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of dairy cow estrus and will assist in developing new therapeutic targets for cow infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
| | - Chao Du
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liangkang Nan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunfang Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haitong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yikai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ao Zhou
- Laboratory of Genetic Breeding, Reproduction and Precision Livestock Farming, School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Xia L, Shen Y, Liu S, Du J. Iron overload triggering ECM-mediated Hippo/YAP pathway in follicle development: a hypothetical model endowed with therapeutic implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1174817. [PMID: 37223010 PMCID: PMC10200985 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1174817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of iron homeostasis plays a negative role in follicle development. The dynamic changes in follicle growth are dependent on Hippo/YAP signaling and mechanical forces. However, little is known about the liaison between iron overload and the Hippo/YAP signalling pathway in term of folliculogenesis. Here, based on the available evidence, we established a hypothesized model linking excessive iron, extracellular matrix (ECM), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signal regarding follicle development. Hypothetically, the TGF-β signal and iron overload may play a synergistic role in ECM production via YAP. We speculate that the dynamic homeostasis of follicular iron interacts with YAP, increasing the risk of ovarian reserve loss and may enhance the sensitivity of follicles to accumulated iron. Hence, therapeutic interventions targeting iron metabolism disorders, and Hippo/YAP signal may alter the consequences of the impaired developmental process based on our hypothesis, which provides potential targets and inspiration for further drug discovery and development applied to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjin Xia
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yupei Shen
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Fiorentino G, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Soscia D, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Gennarelli G, Garagna S, Rienzi L, Zuccotti M. Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:1-23. [PMID: 35856663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment, growth and ovulation, as well as to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We will describe the changes occurring during folliculogenesis to the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) and to the vasculature, their influence on the mechanical properties of the ovarian tissue, and, in turn, their influence on the regulation of signal transduction. Also, we will outline how their dysregulation might be associated with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Finally, for each of these three pathologies, we will highlight therapeutic strategies attempting to correct the altered biomechanical context in order to restore fertility. SEARCH METHODS For each area discussed, a systematic bibliographical search was performed, without temporal limits, using PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus search engines employing the keywords extracellular matrix, mechanobiology, biomechanics, vasculature, angiogenesis or signalling pathway in combination with: ovary, oogenesis, oocyte, folliculogenesis, ovarian follicle, theca, granulosa, cumulus, follicular fluid, corpus luteum, meiosis, oocyte developmental competence, preimplantation, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis. OUTCOMES Through search engines queries, we yielded a total of 37 368 papers that were further selected based on our focus on mammals and, specifically, on rodents, bovine, equine, ovine, primates and human, and also were trimmed around each specific topic of the review. After the elimination of duplicates, this selection process resulted in 628 papers, of which 287 were cited in the manuscript. Among these, 89.2% were published in the past 22 years, while the remaining 8.0%, 2.4% or 0.3% were published during the 1990s, 1980s or before, respectively. During folliculogenesis, changes occur to the ovarian ECM composition and organization that, together with vasculature modelling around the growing follicle, are aimed to sustain its recruitment and growth, and the maturation of the enclosed oocyte. These events define the scenario in which mechanical forces are key to the regulation of cascades of molecular signals. Alterations to this context determine impaired folliculogenesis and decreased oocyte developmental potential, as observed in pathological conditions which are causes of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The knowledge of these mechanisms and the rules that govern them lay a sound basis to explain how follicles recruitment and growth are modulated, and stimulate insights to develop, in clinical practice, strategies to improve follicular recruitment and oocyte competence, particularly for pathologies like PCOS, endometriosis and POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daria Soscia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Tan Z, Gong X, Li Y, Hung SW, Huang J, Wang CC, Chung JPW. Impacts of endometrioma on ovarian aging from basic science to clinical management. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1073261. [PMID: 36686440 PMCID: PMC9848590 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1073261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common reproductive disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial implants outside of the uterus. It affects ~1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis in the ovary, also known as endometrioma (OMA), is the most frequent implantation site and the leading cause of reproductive failure in affected women. Ovarian aging is one of the characteristic features of OMA, however its underlying mechanism yet to be determined. Accumulated evidence has shown that pelvic and local microenvironments in women with OMA are manifested, causing detrimental effects on ovarian development and functions. Whilst clinical associations of OMA with poor ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and early menopause have been reported. Moreover, surgical ablation, fenestration, and cystectomy of OMA can further damage the normal ovarian reservoir, and trigger hyperactivation of primordial follicles, subsequently resulting in the undesired deterioration of ovarian functions. Nevertheless, there is no effective treatment to delay or restore ovarian aging. This review comprehensively summarised the pathogenesis and study hypothesis of ovarian aging caused by OMA in order to propose potential therapeutic targets and interventions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouyurong Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xue Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sze Wan Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Reproduction and Development, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Chinese University of Hong Kong-Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Zhang L, Xie J, Sun G, Ji R, Li X, Zhang X, Wang J. Identification of differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways in Gaoyou duck ovary at different physiological stages. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1190998. [PMID: 37206435 PMCID: PMC10189055 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1190998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gaoyou duck is famous in China and abroad for its good production of double-yolk eggs. However, there has been no systematic research on the egg-laying characteristics of the Gaoyou duck, which limits the development and utilization of breed resource. Methods To identify the essential genes related to ovarian development, the transcriptome profiles of the ovaries of Gaoyou ducks at different physiological stages were analyzed. The transcriptome profiles of the ovaries of Gaoyou ducks at 150 d (before laying), 240 d (egg laying) and 500 d (nesting) were constructed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent GO (gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses. Results The 6 randomly selected DEGs were verified by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR that their relative expression was consistent with the transcriptional expression profile. Furthermore, KEGG analysis found that 8 candidate signaling pathways were essential for ovarian development, including the MAPK signaling pathway, Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion, TGF-beta signaling path-way and Phagosome. Finally, 5 key DEGs were identified to participate in ovarian development, including TGIF1, TGFBR2, RAF1, PTK2 and FGF10. Discussion Our findings reveal the mechanisms under-lying the molecular regulation of related genes in Gaoyou duck ovarian development.
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14
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Han S, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Amevor FK, Tan B, Ma M, Kang H, Wang J, Zhu Q, Yin H, Cui C. MiR-34a-5p promotes autophagy and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells via the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway by targeting LEF1 in chicken. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102374. [PMID: 36529101 PMCID: PMC9791594 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular atresia is a natural physiological phenomenon in poultry reproduction. It is well known that follicular atresia is caused by both autophagy and apoptosis of granulosa cells. In current experiment, we evaluated the function of miR-34a-5p on autophagy and apoptosis in chicken follicular atresia. First, the follicular atresia model of chicken was successfully constructed by subcutaneous injection of tamoxifen (TMX), and found the expression of miR-34a-5p in the atresia follicles obviously increased. Then, we confirmed that miR-34a-5p accelerates autophagy and apoptosis of chicken granulose cells in vitro, and miR-34a-5p could induce apoptosis by mediating autophagy. Mechanistically, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) was deemed as a target gene for miR-34a-5p. On the contrary, LEF1 overexpression attenuated the autophagy and apoptosis of chicken granular cells. In addition, it was confirmed that the miR-34a-5p/LEF1 axis plays a regulatory role in chicken granulosa cells by mediating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Taken together, this study demonstrated that miR-34a-5p contributes to autophagy and apoptosis of chicken follicular granulosa cells by targeting LEF1 to mediate the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshuan Han
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiyu Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Tan
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengen Ma
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Houyang Kang
- Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Huadong Yin
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China,Corresponding author:
| | - Can Cui
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
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15
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Biswas A, Ng BH, Prabhakaran VS, Chan CJ. Squeezing the eggs to grow: The mechanobiology of mammalian folliculogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1038107. [PMID: 36531957 PMCID: PMC9756970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1038107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of functional eggs (oocyte) in ovarian follicles is arguably one of the most important events in early mammalian development since the oocytes provide the bulk genetic and cytoplasmic materials for successful reproduction. While past studies have identified many genes that are critical to normal ovarian development and function, recent studies have highlighted the role of mechanical force in shaping folliculogenesis. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanobiological principles and the force-generating cellular structures and extracellular matrix that control the various stages of follicle development. We also highlight emerging techniques that allow for the quantification of mechanical interactions and follicular dynamics during development, and propose new directions for future studies in the field. We hope this review will provide a timely and useful framework for future understanding of mechano-signalling pathways in reproductive biology and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arikta Biswas
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Heng Ng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chii Jou Chan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Clark KL, George JW, Przygrodzka E, Plewes MR, Hua G, Wang C, Davis JS. Hippo Signaling in the Ovary: Emerging Roles in Development, Fertility, and Disease. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:1074-1096. [PMID: 35596657 PMCID: PMC9695108 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Emerging studies indicate that the Hippo pathway, a highly conserved pathway that regulates organ size control, plays an important role in governing ovarian physiology, fertility, and pathology. Specific to the ovary, the spatiotemporal expression of the major components of the Hippo signaling cascade are observed throughout the reproductive lifespan. Observations from multiple species begin to elucidate the functional diversity and molecular mechanisms of Hippo signaling in the ovary in addition to the identification of interactions with other signaling pathways and responses to various external stimuli. Hippo pathway components play important roles in follicle growth and activation, as well as steroidogenesis, by regulating several key biological processes through mechanisms of cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell fate determination. Given the importance of these processes, dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to loss of follicular homeostasis and reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency, and ovarian cancers. This review highlights what is currently known about the Hippo pathway core components in ovarian physiology, including ovarian development, follicle development, and oocyte maturation, while identifying areas for future research to better understand Hippo signaling as a multifunctional pathway in reproductive health and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Clark
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Emilia Przygrodzka
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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17
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Gonfloni S, Jodice C, Gustavino B, Valentini E. DNA Damage Stress Response and Follicle Activation: Signaling Routes of Mammalian Ovarian Reserve. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214379. [PMID: 36430860 PMCID: PMC9693393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy are common strategies to fight cancer. In women, these therapies may cause side effects such as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and infertility. Clinical strategies to protect the ovarian reserve from the lethal effect of cancer therapies needs better understanding of the mechanisms underlying iatrogenic loss of follicle reserve. Recent reports demonstrate a critical role for p53 and CHK2 in the oocyte response to different DNA stressors, which are commonly used to treat cancer. Here we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the DNA damage stress response (DDR) and discuss crosstalk between DDR and signaling pathways implicated in primordial follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Gonfloni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Jodice
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Gustavino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvia Valentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, 00133 Rome, Italy
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18
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Maher JY, Islam MS, Yin O, Brennan J, Gough E, Driggers P, Segars J. The role of Hippo pathway signaling and A-kinase anchoring protein 13 in primordial follicle activation and inhibition. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:118-129. [PMID: 35560009 PMCID: PMC11096729 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the mechanotransduction and pharmacomanipulation of A-kinase anchoring protein 13 (AKAP13) altered Hippo signaling pathway transcription and growth factors in granulosa cells. Primary ovarian insufficiency is the depletion or dysfunction of primordial ovarian follicles. In vitro activation of ovarian tissue in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency alters the Hippo and phosphatase and tensin homolog/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/forkhead box O3 pathways. A-kinase anchoring protein 13 is found in granulosa cells and may regulate the Hippo pathway via F-actin polymerization resulting in altered nuclear yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif coactivators and Tea domain family (TEAD) transcription factors. DESIGN Laboratory studies. SETTING Translational science laboratory. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) COV434 cells, derived from a primary human granulosa tumor cell line, were studied under different cell density and well stiffness conditions. Cells were transfected with a TEAD-luciferase (TEAD-luc) reporter as well as expression constructs for AKAP13 or AKAP13 mutants and then treated with AKAP13 activators, inhibitors, and follicle-stimulating hormone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) TEAD gene activation or inhibition was measured by TEAD-luciferase assays. The messenger ribonucleic acid levels of Hippo pathway signaling molecules, including connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), baculoviral inhibitors of apoptosis repeat-containing 5, Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 1, YAP1, and TEAD1, were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expressions for AKAP13, CTGF, YAP1, and TEAD1 were measured using Western blot. RESULT(S) Increased TEAD-luciferase activity and expression of markers for cellular growth were associated with decreased cell density, increased well stiffness, and AKAP13 activator (A02) treatment. Additionally, decreased TEAD-luc activity and expression of markers for cellular growth were associated with AKAP13 inhibitor (A13) treatment, including a reduced expression of the BIRC5 and ANKRD1 (YAP-responsive genes) transcript levels and CTGF protein levels. There were no changes in TEAD-luc with follicle-stimulating hormone treatment, supporting Hippo pathway involvement in the gonadotropin-independent portion of folliculogenesis. CONCLUSION(S) These findings suggest that AKAP13 mediates Hippo-regulated changes in granulosa cell growth via mechanotransduction and pharmacomanipulation. The AKAP13 regulation of the Hippo pathway may represent a potential target for regulation of follicle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Yano Maher
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C..
| | | | - Ophelia Yin
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Ethan Gough
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul Driggers
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James Segars
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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19
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Díaz-García C, Herraiz S, Pamplona L, Subirá J, Soriano MJ, Simon C, Seli E, Pellicer A. Follicular activation in women previously diagnosed with poor ovarian response: a randomized, controlled trial. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:747-755. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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20
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Moon S, Hwang S, Kim B, Lee S, Kim H, Lee G, Hong K, Song H, Choi Y. Hippo Signaling in the Endometrium. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073852. [PMID: 35409214 PMCID: PMC8998929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus is essential for embryo implantation and fetal development. During the estrous cycle, the uterine endometrium undergoes dramatic remodeling to prepare for pregnancy. Angiogenesis is an essential biological process in endometrial remodeling. Steroid hormones regulate the series of events that occur during such remodeling. Researchers have investigated the potential factors, including angiofactors, involved in endometrial remodeling. The Hippo signaling pathway discovered in the 21st century, plays important roles in various cellular functions, including cell proliferation and cell death. However, its role in the endometrium remains unclear. In this review, we describe the female reproductive system and its association with the Hippo signaling pathway, as well as novel Hippo pathway genes and potential target genes.
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21
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Ouni E, Nedbal V, Da Pian M, Cao H, Haas KT, Peaucelle A, Van Kerk O, Herinckx G, Marbaix E, Dolmans MM, Tuuri T, Otala M, Amorim CA, Vertommen D. Proteome-wide and matrisome-specific atlas of the human ovary computes fertility biomarker candidates and open the way for precision oncofertility. Matrix Biol 2022; 109:91-120. [PMID: 35341935 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Our modern era is witnessing an increasing infertility rate worldwide. Although some of the causes can be attributed to our modern lifestyle (e.g., persistent organic pollutants, late pregnancy), our knowledge of the human ovarian tissue has remained limited and insufficient to reverse the infertility statistics. Indeed, all efforts have been focused on the endocrine and cellular function in support of the cell theory that dates back to the 18th century, while the human ovarian matrisome is still under-described. Hereby, we unveil the extracellular side of the story during different periods of the ovary life, demonstrating that follicle survival and development, and ultimately fertility, would not be possible without its involvement. We examined the human ovarian matrisome and described its remodeling from prepuberty until menopause, creating the first ovarian proteomic codex. Here, we confidently identified and quantified 98 matrisome proteins present in the three ovary groups. Among them, 26 were expressed differently among age groups, delineating a peculiar matrisomal fingerprint at each stage. Such proteins could be potential biomarkers phenotyping ovarian ECM at each age phase of female reproductive life. Beyond proteomics, our study presents a unique approach to understanding the data and depicting the spatiotemporal ECM-intracellular signaling networks and remodeling with age through imaging, advanced text-mining based on natural language processing technology, machine learning, and data sonification. Our findings provide essential context for healthy ovarian physiology, identifying and characterizing disease states, and recapitulating physiological tissues or development in vitro. This comprehensive proteomics analysis represents the ovarian proteomic codex and contributes to an improved understanding of the critical roles that ECM plays throughout the ovarian life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Ouni
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valerie Nedbal
- Global Technical Enablement, SAS Institute GmbH, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kalina T Haas
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Alexis Peaucelle
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Olivier Van Kerk
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gaetan Herinckx
- PHOS Unit & MASSPROT platform de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Marbaix
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Gynecology and Andrology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Gynecology and Andrology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjut Otala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Didier Vertommen
- PHOS Unit & MASSPROT platform de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Dri M, Klinger FG, De Felici M. The ovarian reserve as target of insulin/IGF and ROS in metabolic disorder-dependent ovarian dysfunctions. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:R103-R112. [PMID: 35118400 PMCID: PMC8801032 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known for a long time that metabolic disorders can cause ovarian dysfunctions and affect a woman’s fertility either by direct targeting follicular cells and/or the oocytes or by indirect interference with the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, resulting in dysfunctional oogenesis. Such disorders may also influence the efficiency of the embryo implantation and the quality of the embryo with permanent effects on the fertility and health of the offspring. Thanks to the expanding knowledge on the molecular mechanisms governing oogenesis and folliculogenesis in mammals, we are beginning to understand how such disorders can negatively affect this process and consequently fertility in women. In the present review, we point out and discuss how the disturbance of insulin/IGF-dependent signalling and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the ovary typically associated to metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes and obesity can dysregulate the dynamics of the ovarian reserve and/or impair the survival and competence of the oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dri
- 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
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23
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Huang QY, Chen SR, Chen JM, Shi QY, Lin S. Therapeutic options for premature ovarian insufficiency: an updated review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:28. [PMID: 35120535 PMCID: PMC8815154 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00892-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare gynecological condition. This disease causes menstrual disturbances, infertility, and various health problems. Historically, hormone replacement therapy is the first-line treatment for this disorder. Women diagnosed with POI are left with limited therapeutic options. In order to remedy this situation, a new generation of therapeutic approaches, such as in vitro activation, mitochondrial activation technique, stem cell and exosomes therapy, biomaterials strategies, and platelet-rich plasma intra-ovarian infusion, is being developed. However, these emerging therapies are yet in the experimental stage and require precise design components to accelerate their conversion into clinical treatments. Thus, each medical practitioner bears responsibility for selecting suitable therapies for individual patients. In this article, we provide a timely analysis of the therapeutic strategies that are available for POI patients and discuss the prospects of POI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Yi Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shao-Rong Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jia-Ming Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qi-Yang Shi
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
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24
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Del Valle JS, Mancini V, Laverde Garay M, Asseler JD, Fan X, Metzemaekers J, Louwe LA, Pilgram GSK, van der Westerlaken LAJ, van Mello NM, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. Dynamic in vitro culture of cryopreserved-thawed human ovarian cortical tissue using a microfluidics platform does not improve early folliculogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:936765. [PMID: 35966050 PMCID: PMC9372461 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.936765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current strategies for fertility preservation include the cryopreservation of embryos, mature oocytes or ovarian cortical tissue for autologous transplantation. However, not all patients that could benefit from fertility preservation can use the currently available technology. In this regard, obtaining functional mature oocytes from ovarian cortical tissue in vitro would represent a major breakthrough in fertility preservation as well as in human medically assisted reproduction. In this study, we have used a microfluidics platform to culture cryopreserved-thawed human cortical tissue for a period of 8 days and evaluated the effect of two different flow rates in follicular activation and growth. The results showed that this dynamic system supported follicular development up to the secondary stage within 8 days, albeit with low efficiency. Surprisingly, the stromal cells in the ovarian cortical tissue were highly sensitive to flow and showed high levels of apoptosis when cultured under high flow rate. Moreover, after 8 days in culture, the stromal compartment showed increase levels of collagen deposition, in particular in static culture. Although microfluidics dynamic platforms have great potential to simulate tissue-level physiology, this system still needs optimization to meet the requirements for an efficient in vitro early follicular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta S. Del Valle
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Mancini
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maitane Laverde Garay
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joyce D. Asseler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Xueying Fan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Metzemaekers
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Leoni A. Louwe
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Norah M. van Mello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes,
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25
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Sun X, Niu X, Qin N, Shan X, Zhao J, Ma C, Xu R, Mishra B. Novel insights into the regulation of LATS2 kinase in prehierarchical follicle development via the Hippo pathway in hen ovary. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101454. [PMID: 34649058 PMCID: PMC8517930 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The large tumor suppressor homolog 2 (LATS2), one of the central regulators of the Hippo/MST signaling pathway, plays an inhibitory role in ovarian function and different organ development and growth in mammals. However, the exact roles and molecular regulatory mechanisms of LATS2 in chicken granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, differentiation, and steroidogenesis required for ovarian follicle growth, development, and follicular selection remain poorly understood. This study demonstrated that the LATS2 protein was predominantly localized in the oocytes and undifferentiated GCs of various-sized prehierarchical follicles of the hen ovary. Expression levels of LATS2 mRNA were significantly higher in the smaller follicles (from 1 mm to 5.9 mm in diameter) and the GCs than in the larger follicles (6–6.9 mm in diameter up to F1). Moreover, we found that high levels of LATS2 suppressed the GC proliferation and the mRNA and protein expression of the genes serving as the biomarkers of follicle selection, GC differentiation, and steroidogenesis in the GCs, including FSHR, STAR, CYP11A1, ESR1, and ESR2. Interestingly, the LATS2 significantly downregulated SAV1 and YAP1 transcripts but upregulated the expression of STK3, STK4, TEAD1, and TEAD3 mRNA. Our study provided evidences that STK3/4-LATS2-YAP1 not only acts as a suppressor of cell proliferation and follicle selection but also LATS2 may serve as an enhancer in cell proliferation and follicle selection through the YAP1-LATS2 and the LATS2-STK3/4 feedback loops by promoting the expression of TEAD1/3 but inhibiting the expression of SAV1 transcripts in the prehierarchical follicle development of hen ovary. Taken together, the present study initially revealed the pivotal role and molecular mechanism of LATS2 in the regulation of hen prehierarchical follicle development by controlling GC proliferation, differentiation, steroidogenesis, and follicle selection via the Hippo/MST signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Sun
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiaotian Niu
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Ning Qin
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xuesong Shan
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Chang Ma
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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26
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Matsuzaki S. Mechanobiology of the female reproductive system. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:371-401. [PMID: 34646066 PMCID: PMC8499606 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanobiology in the field of human female reproduction has been extremely challenging technically and ethically. METHODS The present review provides the current knowledge on mechanobiology of the female reproductive system. This review focuses on the early phases of reproduction from oocyte development to early embryonic development, with an emphasis on current progress. MAIN FINDINGS RESULTS Optimal, well-controlled mechanical cues are required for female reproductive system physiology. Many important questions remain unanswered; whether and how mechanical imbalances among the embryo, decidua, and uterine muscle contractions affect early human embryonic development, whether the biomechanical properties of oocytes/embryos are potential biomarkers for selecting high-quality oocytes/embryos, whether mechanical properties differ between the two major compartments of the ovary (cortex and medulla) in normally ovulating human ovaries, whether durotaxis is involved in several processes in addition to embryonic development. Progress in mechanobiology is dependent on development of technologies that enable precise physical measurements. CONCLUSION More studies are needed to understand the roles of forces and changes in the mechanical properties of female reproductive system physiology. Recent and future technological advancements in mechanobiology research will help us understand the role of mechanical forces in female reproductive system disorders/diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Matsuzaki
- CHU Clermont‐FerrandChirurgie GynécologiqueClermont‐FerrandFrance
- Université Clermont AuvergneInstitut Pascal, UMR6602, CNRS/UCA/SIGMAClermont‐FerrandFrance
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27
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Mechanical mapping of mammalian follicle development using Brillouin microscopy. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1133. [PMID: 34580426 PMCID: PMC8476509 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In early mammalian development, the maturation of follicles containing the immature oocytes is an important biological process as the functional oocytes provide the bulk genetic and cytoplasmic materials for successful reproduction. Despite recent work demonstrating the regulatory role of mechanical stress in oocyte growth, quantitative studies of ovarian mechanical properties remain lacking both in vivo and ex vivo. In this work, we quantify the material properties of ooplasm, follicles and connective tissues in intact mouse ovaries at distinct stages of follicle development using Brillouin microscopy, a non-invasive tool to probe mechanics in three-dimensional (3D) tissues. We find that the ovarian cortex and its interior stroma have distinct material properties associated with extracellular matrix deposition, and that intra-follicular mechanical compartments emerge during follicle maturation. Our work provides an alternative approach to study the role of mechanics in follicle morphogenesis and might pave the way for future understanding of mechanotransduction in reproductive biology, with potential implications for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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28
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A blueprint of the topology and mechanics of the human ovary for next-generation bioengineering and diagnosis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5603. [PMID: 34556652 PMCID: PMC8460685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the first dissection of the human ovary dates back to the 17th century, the biophysical characteristics of the ovarian cell microenvironment are still poorly understood. However, this information is vital to deciphering cellular processes such as proliferation, morphology and differentiation, as well as pathologies like tumor progression, as demonstrated in other biological tissues. Here, we provide the first readout of human ovarian fiber morphology, interstitial and perifollicular fiber orientation, pore geometry, topography and surface roughness, and elastic and viscoelastic properties. By determining differences between healthy prepubertal, reproductive-age, and menopausal ovarian tissue, we unravel and elucidate a unique biophysical phenotype of reproductive-age tissue, bridging biophysics and female fertility. While these data enable to design of more biomimetic scaffolds for the tissue-engineered ovary, our analysis pipeline is applicable for the characterization of other organs in physiological or pathological states to reveal their biophysical markers or design their bioinspired analogs. Although the first dissection of the human ovary dates back to the 17th century, its characterization is still limited. Here, the authors have unraveled a unique biophysical and topological phenotype of reproductive-age tissue, bridging biophysics and female fertility and providing a blueprint for the artificial ovary.
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29
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Hopkins TIR, Bemmer VL, Franks S, Dunlop C, Hardy K, Dunlop IE. Micromechanical mapping of the intact ovary interior reveals contrasting mechanical roles for follicles and stroma. Biomaterials 2021; 277:121099. [PMID: 34537501 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Follicle development in the ovary must be tightly regulated to ensure cyclical release of oocytes (ovulation). Disruption of this process is a common cause of infertility, for example via polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Recent ex vivo studies suggest that follicle growth is mechanically regulated, however, crucially, the actual mechanical properties of the follicle microenvironment have remained unknown. Here we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) spherical probe indentation to map and quantify the mechanical microenvironment in the mouse ovary, at high resolution and across the entire width of the intact (bisected) ovarian interior. Averaging over the entire organ, we find the ovary to be a fairly soft tissue comparable to fat or kidney (mean Young's Modulus 3.3±2.5 kPa). This average, however, conceals substantial spatial variations, with the overall range of tissue stiffnesses from c. 0.5-10 kPa, challenging the concept that a single Young's Modulus can effectively summarize this complex organ. Considering the internal architecture of the ovary, we find that stiffness is low at the edge and centre which are dominated by stromal tissue, and highest in an intermediate zone that is dominated by large developmentally-advanced follicles, confirmed by comparison with immunohistology images. These results suggest that large follicles are mechanically dominant structures in the ovary, contrasting with previous expectations that collagen-rich stroma would dominate. Extending our study to the highest resolutions (c. 5 μm) showed substantial mechanical variations within the larger zones, even over very short (sub-100 μm) lengths, and especially within the stiffer regions of the ovary. Taken together, our results provide a new, physiologically accurate, framework for ovarian biomechanics and follicle tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas I R Hopkins
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Victoria L Bemmer
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Stephen Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Carina Dunlop
- Department of Mathematics, University of Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Kate Hardy
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Iain E Dunlop
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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30
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PI3K/PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathways in Germ Cell Development and Their Involvement in Germ Cell Tumors and Ovarian Dysfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189838. [PMID: 34575999 PMCID: PMC8467417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways are critical regulators of ovarian function including the formation of the germ cell precursors, termed primordial germ cells, and the follicular pool maintenance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the functional role of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathways during primordial germ cell development and the dynamics of the ovarian primordial follicle reserve and how dysregulation of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of some types of germ cell tumors and ovarian dysfunctions.
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31
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Devos M, Grosbois J, Demeestere I. Interaction between PI3K/AKT and Hippo pathways during in vitro follicular activation and response to fragmentation and chemotherapy exposure using a mouse immature ovary model. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:717-729. [PMID: 31786608 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding and control of the massive and accelerated follicular growth that occurs during in vitro culture of ovarian tissue is a crucial step toward the development of efficient culture systems that offer an attractive alternative to ovarian tissue transplantation for fertility restoration in cancer survivors. One outstanding question focuses on processes that occur prior to cryopreservation, such as tissue sectioning or chemotherapeutic treatment, might exacerbate this follicular activation. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is well known as a major trigger of physiological and chemotherapy-induced follicular activation, studies have shown that disruption of Hippo pathway due to ovarian fragmentation acts as an additional stimulator. This study aimed to characterize the possible interactions between these pathways using post-natal day 3 mouse ovaries cultured for 4 or 48 h. Morphology, gene transcription, and protein levels were assessed to investigate the impact of sectioning or chemotherapy exposure (4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide [4HC], 3 and 20 μM). The effect of an mTORC1 inhibitor, Everolimus, alone or as a 4HC co-treatment to prevent follicle activation was evaluated. The results showed that organ removal from its physiological environment was as effective as sectioning for disruption of Hippo pathway and induction of follicle activation. Both PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hippo pathways were involved in chemotherapy-induced follicular activation and responded to fragmentation. Surprisingly, Everolimus was able to prevent the activation of both pathways during chemotherapy exposure, suggesting cross-talk between them. This study underscores the major involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hippo pathways in in vitro follicle activation and provides evidence that both can be regulated using mTORC1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Devos
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Fertility Clinic, CUB-Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
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32
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Yang Q, Mumusoglu S, Qin Y, Sun Y, Hsueh AJ. A kaleidoscopic view of ovarian genes associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and senescence. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21753. [PMID: 34233068 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian infertility and subfertility presenting with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are major issues facing the developed world due to the trend of delaying childbirth. Ovarian senescence and POI represent a continuum of physiological/pathophysiological changes in ovarian follicle functions. Based on advances in whole exome sequencing, evaluation of gene copy variants, together with family-based and genome-wide association studies, we discussed genes responsible for POI and ovarian senescence. We used a gene-centric approach to sort out literature deposited in the Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (http://okdb.appliedbioinfo.net) by sub-categorizing candidate genes as ligand-receptor signaling, meiosis and DNA repair, transcriptional factors, RNA metabolism, enzymes, and others. We discussed individual gene mutations found in POI patients and verification of gene functions in gene-deleted model organisms. Decreased expression of some of the POI genes could be responsible for ovarian senescence, especially those essential for DNA repair, meiosis and mitochondrial functions. We propose to set up a candidate gene panel for targeted sequencing in POI patients together with studies on mitochondria-associated genes in middle-aged subfertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sezcan Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Aaron J Hsueh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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33
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Pors SE, Harðardóttir L, Olesen HØ, Riis ML, Jensen LB, Andersen AS, Cadenas J, Grønning AP, Colmorn LB, Dueholm M, Andersen CY, Kristensen SG. Effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate on activation of dormant follicles in murine and human ovarian tissue. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:301-311. [PMID: 32202615 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro activation of resting ovarian follicles, with the use of mechanical stress and/or pharmacological compounds, is an emerging and novel approach for infertility treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the sphingolipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), as a potential in vitro activation agent in murine and human ovarian tissues and isolated follicles. Juvenile murine ovaries and donated human ovarian tissues, from 10 women undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation, were incubated with or without 12 μM S1P for 3 h for quantitative PCR analysis, and 12 h for xenotransplantation or culture studies. Gene expression analyses were performed for genes downstream of the Hippo signaling pathway. Murine ovaries and isolated murine and human preantral follicles showed significantly increased mRNA expression levels of Ccn2/CCN2 following S1P treatment compared to controls. This increase was shown to be specific for the Hippo signaling pathway and for the S1P2 receptor, as co-treatment with Hippo-inhibitor, verteporfin and S1PR2 antagonist, JTE-013, reduced the S1P-induced Ccn2 gene expression in murine ovaries. Histological evaluation of human cortical tissues (5 × 5 × 1 mm; n = 30; three pieces per patient) xenografted for 6 weeks and juvenile murine ovaries cultured for 4 days (n = 9) or allografted for 2 weeks (n = 48) showed no differences in the distribution of resting or growing follicles in S1P-treated ovarian tissues compared to controls. Collectively, S1P increased Ccn2/CCN2 gene expression in isolated preantral follicles and ovarian tissue from mice and human, but it did not promote follicle activation or growth in vivo. Thus, S1P does not appear to be a potent in vitro activation agent under these experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lilja Harðardóttir
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Current workplace: Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Ørnes Olesen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Bejstrup Jensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Astrid Sten Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesús Cadenas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annika Patricia Grønning
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lotte Berdiin Colmorn
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margit Dueholm
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Atkinson L, Martin F, Sturmey RG. Intraovarian injection of platelet-rich plasma in assisted reproduction: too much too soon? Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1737-1750. [PMID: 33963408 PMCID: PMC8366566 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prospect of ovarian rejuvenation offers the tantalising prospect of treating age-related declines in fertility or in pathological conditions such as premature ovarian failure. The concept of ovarian rejuvenation was invigorated by the indication of the existence of oogonial stem cells (OSCs), which have been shown experimentally to have the ability to differentiate into functional follicles and generate oocytes; however, their clinical potential remains unknown. Furthermore, there is now growing interest in performing ovarian rejuvenation in situ. One proposed approach involves injecting the ovary with platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a component of blood that remains after the in vitro removal of red and white blood cells. It contains blood platelets, tiny anucleate cells of the blood, which are responsible for forming athrombus to prevent bleeding. In addition, PRP contains an array of cytokines and growth factors, as well as a number of small molecules.The utility ofPRP has been investigatedin a range of regenerative medicine approaches and has been shown to induce differentiation of a range of cell types, presumably through the action of cytokines. A handful ofcasereports have described the use of PRP injections into the ovaryin the human, and while these clinical data report promising results, knowledge on the mechanisms and safety of PRP injections into the ovary remain limited.In this article, we summarise some of the physiological detail of platelets and PRP, before reviewing the existing emerging literature in this area. We then propose potential mechanisms by which PRP may be eliciting any effects before reflecting on some considerations for future studies in the area. Importantly, on the basis of our existing knowledge, we suggest that immediate use of PRP in clinical applications is perhaps premature and further fundamental and clinical research on the nature of ovarian insufficiency, as well as the mechanism by which PRP may act on the ovary, is needed to fully understand this promising development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Atkinson
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Francesca Martin
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Roger G Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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de Ávila ACFCM, Bridi A, Andrade GM, Del Collado M, Sangalli JR, Nociti RP, da Silva Junior WA, Bastien A, Robert C, Meirelles FV, Perecin F, da Silveira JC. Estrous cycle impacts microRNA content in extracellular vesicles that modulate bovine cumulus cell transcripts during in vitro maturation†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:362-375. [PMID: 31504242 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles secreted by ovarian follicle cells. Extracellular vesicles are an important form of intercellular communication, since they carry bioactive contents, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA capable of modulating mRNA translation. Thus, EVs can play a role in follicle and oocyte development. However, it is not clear if EV contents vary with the estrous cycle stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the bovine miRNA content in EVs obtained from follicles at different estrous cycle stages, which are associated with different progesterone (P4) levels in the follicular fluid (FF). We collected FF from 3 to 6 mm follicles and evaluated the miRNA profile of the EVs and their effects on cumulus-oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation. We observed that EVs from low P4 group have a higher abundance of miRNAs predicted to modulate pathways, such as MAPK, RNA transport, Hippo, Cell cycle, FoxO, oocyte meiosis, and TGF-beta. Additionally, EVs were taken up by cumulus cells and, thus, affected the RNA global profile 9 h after EV supplementation. Cumulus cells supplemented with EVs from low P4 presented upregulated genes that could modulate biological processes, such as oocyte development, immune responses, and Notch signaling compared with genes of cumulus cells in the EV free media or with EVs from high P4 follicles. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EV miRNA contents are distinct in follicles exposed to different estrous cycle stage. Supplementation with EVs impacts gene expression and biological processes in cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Bridi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Mamede Andrade
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maite Del Collado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Rodrigues Sangalli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Perecin Nociti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Bastien
- Animal Science Department, Research Center in Reproductive Biology, Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Animal Science Department, Research Center in Reproductive Biology, Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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36
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Yu H, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Wen K, Yan Z, Fu H, Zhu Y. Flutamide induces uterus and ovary damage in the mouse via apoptosis and excessive autophagy of cells following triggering of the unfolded protein response. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:466-475. [PMID: 33789078 DOI: 10.1071/rd20287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine exposure to flutamide not only causes abnormal development of the reproductive organs in male offspring, but also damages ovaries and uteri. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is believed to play an important role in embryo development and teratogenic processes. In the present study, pregnant mice were administered either flutamide (300mg kg-1 day-1, p.o.) on an equivalent volume of soybean oil (control) on Days 12-18 of gestation. Eight weeks after birth, female offspring in the flutamide-treated group had a lower bodyweight and lower ovarian and uterine weights, but there was no significant difference in uterine and ovarian weights normalised by bodyweight between the flutamide-treated and control groups. Furthermore, histopathological changes were observed in all uteri and ovaries in the flutamide-treated group, with fewer and less-developed follicles in the ovaries. In both the uteri and ovaries, flutamide increased the expression of UPR members, although the expression of cell cycle-related genes remained unchanged compared with the control group. Flutamide increased the expression of all autophagy- and apoptosis-related genes evaluated in the uterus, as well as some in the ovary. The results suggest that the in utero exposure of mice to flutamide may contribute to uterine and ovarian damage in the offspring, with endoplasmic reticulum stress possibly triggered by the UPR leading to the induction of excessive autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiming Yu
- Department of Critical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (The People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha 410002, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, PR China; and Department of Infection Control, The Eighth Hospital of Xi'An/Shanxi Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital, Xi'An 710061, PR China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Kexin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, PR China; and Changsha Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, PR China
| | - Zhengli Yan
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Hu Fu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Yongfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Medical School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, PR China; and Corresponding author.
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37
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Vo KCT, Kawamura K. In Vitro Activation Early Follicles: From the Basic Science to the Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073785. [PMID: 33917468 PMCID: PMC8038686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of early follicles, especially the activation of primordial follicles, is strictly modulated by a network of signaling pathways. Recent advance in ovarian physiology has been allowed the development of several therapies to improve reproductive outcomes by manipulating early folliculogenesis. Among these, in vitro activation (IVA) has been recently developed to extend the possibility of achieving genetically related offspring for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysfunction. This method was established based on basic science studies of the intraovarian signaling pathways: the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the Hippo signaling pathways. These two pathways were found to play crucial roles in folliculogenesis from the primordial follicle to the early antral follicle. Following the results of rodent experiments, IVA was implemented in clinical practice. There have been multiple recorded live births and ongoing pregnancies. Further investigations are essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of IVA before used widely in clinics. This review aimed to summarize the published literature on IVA and provide future perspectives for its improvement.
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Vo KCT, Kawamura K. Ovarian Fragmentation and AKT Stimulation for Expansion of Fertile Lifespan. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:636771. [PMID: 36304045 PMCID: PMC9580792 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.636771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first baby was born after in vitro fertilization, the female infertility treatment has been well-developed, yielding successful outcomes. However, successful pregnancies for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve are still difficult and diverse therapies have been suggested to improve the chances to have their genetically linked offspring. Recent studies demonstrated that the activation Akt pathway by using a phosphatase and tensin homolog enzyme inhibitor and a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase stimulator can activate dormant primordial follicles in both mice and human ovaries. Subsequent researches suggested that the disruption of Hippo signaling pathway by ovarian fragmentation increased the expression of downstream growth factors and secondary follicle growth. Based on the combination of ovarian fragmentation and Akt stimulation, the in vitro activation (IVA) approach has resulted in successful follicle growth and live births in premature ovarian insufficiency patients. The approach with disruption of Hippo signaling only was also shown to be effective for treating poor ovarian responders with diminishing ovarian reserve, including advanced age women and cancer patients undergoing sterilizing treatments. This review aims to summarize the effectiveness of ovarian fragmentation and Akt stimulation on follicle growth and the potential of IVA in extending female fertile lifespan.
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Premature ovarian insufficiency: pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:637-650. [PMID: 33641066 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02055-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as a reduction in ovarian function before the expected age of menopause. POI is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and mood disorders, resulting in a reduced quality of life. Appropriate hormone replacement for premenopausal women decreases these adverse health risks and improves quality of life for women with POI, but does not prolong life expectancy. The potential etiologies of POI include chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations, autoimmune factors, and iatrogenic causes, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. A major association is suggested to exist between reproductive longevity and the DNA damage pathway response genes. DNA damage and repair in ovarian granulosa cells is strongly associated with POI. Depletion of oocytes with damaged DNA occurs through different cell death mechanisms, such as apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis, mediated by the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/forkhead transcription factors 3 (FOXO3) pathway. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by the ability of self-renewal and differentiation and play an important role in the regeneration of injured tissues. Transplantation of MSCs has been shown to functionally restore ovarian reserve in a POI mouse model. Recent advances in stem cell therapy are likely to be translated to new therapeutic options bringing new hope to patients with POI. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathogenic mechanisms that involve cell death and DNA damage and repair pathways and to discuss the stem cell-based therapies as potential therapeutic options for this gynecologic pathology.
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Wang W, Todorov P, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Wang M, Isachenko V. In vitro activation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue: A single-arm meta-analysis and systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 258:258-264. [PMID: 33485262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primordial follicles in premature ovarian failure (POF) patients are very difficult to be activated spontaneously, so that mature oocytes are difficult to be obtained for in vitro fertilization. The aim of our review is to analyze and to systematize the published data regarding effectiveness of different strategies for in vitro activation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. STUDY DESIGN According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in PubMed in English. Meta-analysis conducted using STATA 14.0. The random-effects model was used to combine 8 study results because the examination of heterogeneity was minimal. RESULTS One hundred and seventy seven patients after in vitro activation treatment (IVA) of ovarian tissue had accumulatively 26 pregnancies through IVF or natural pregnancy and then produced 18 live births. The random-effects model showed that the total clinical pregnancy and baby born rates reported in 8 studies evidence about effectiveness of IVA. CONCLUSION In vitro activation of primordial follicles as a new potential treatment for ovarian disorder patients, can be a promising option for fertility preservation. Drug-free activation of ovarian tissue in comparison with drug-included activation seemed to be more efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxue Wang
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Tzarigradsko Shosse 73, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Mengying Wang
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Girsh E, Harlev A, Grin L. IN-VITRO ACTIVATION OF OVARIAN FOLLICULAR RESIDUAL RESERVE. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.37800/rm2020-1-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The newly developed in-vitro activation (IVA) method provides a novel fertility treatment for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. The IVA method pretends to promote growth of residual ovarian follicles at early stages of their development. Based on preliminary data, poor ovarian response (POR) patients with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) who have multiple secondary follicles, IVA is a promising technique to promote growth of secondary follicle as well.
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42
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The Anti-Cancer Effect of Linusorb B3 from Flaxseed Oil through the Promotion of Apoptosis, Inhibition of Actin Polymerization, and Suppression of Src Activity in Glioblastoma Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245881. [PMID: 33322712 PMCID: PMC7764463 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Linusorbs (LOs) are natural peptides found in flaxseed oil that exert various biological activities. Of LOs, LOB3 ([1–9-NαC]-linusorb B3) was reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its anti-cancer activity has been poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-cancer effect of LOB3 and its underlying mechanism in glioblastoma cells. LOB3 induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of C6 cells by inhibiting the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and p53, as well as promoting the activation of pro-apoptotic caspases, caspase-3 and -9. LOB3 also retarded the migration of C6 cells, which was achieved by suppressing the formation of the actin cytoskeleton critical for the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer. Moreover, LOB3 inhibited the activation of the proto-oncogene, Src, and the downstream effector, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in C6 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that LOB3 plays an anti-cancer role by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the migration of C6 cells through the regulation of apoptosis-related molecules, actin polymerization, and proto-oncogenes.
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Grosbois J, Devos M, Demeestere I. Implications of Nonphysiological Ovarian Primordial Follicle Activation for Fertility Preservation. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5882019. [PMID: 32761180 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, ovarian tissue cryopreservation has rapidly developed as a successful method for preserving the fertility of girls and young women with cancer or benign conditions requiring gonadotoxic therapy, and is now becoming widely recognized as an effective alternative to oocyte and embryo freezing when not feasible. Primordial follicles are the most abundant population of follicles in the ovary, and their relatively quiescent metabolism makes them more resistant to cryoinjury. This dormant pool represents a key target for fertility preservation strategies as a resource for generating high-quality oocytes. However, development of mature, competent oocytes derived from primordial follicles is challenging, particularly in larger mammals. One of the main barriers is the substantial knowledge gap regarding the regulation of the balance between dormancy and activation of primordial follicles to initiate their growing phase. In addition, experimental and clinical factors also affect dormant follicle demise, while the mechanisms involved remain largely to be elucidated. Moreover, most of our basic knowledge of these processes comes from rodent studies and should be extrapolated to humans with caution, considering the differences between species in the reproductive field. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to improving both the quantity and the quality of mature oocytes available for further fertilization, and may have valuable biological and clinical applications, especially in fertility preservation procedures. This review provides an update on current knowledge of mammalian primordial follicle activation under both physiological and nonphysiological conditions, and discusses implications for fertility preservation and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Grosbois
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melody Devos
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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Ito M, Yoshino O, Ono Y, Yamaki‐Ushijima A, Tanaka T, Shima T, Orisaka M, Iwase A, Nakashima A, Saito S. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 enhances gonadotropin‐independent follicular development via sphingosine kinase 1. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13374. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masami Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Toyama Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology School of Medicine Kitasato University Kanagawa Japan
| | - Yosuke Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Teinekeijinkai Hospital Hokkaido Japan
| | | | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Toyama Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Toyama Japan
| | - Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Fukui Fukui Japan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Gunma Maebashi Japan
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45
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Devenutto L, Quintana R, Quintana T. In vitro activation of ovarian cortex and autologous transplantation: A novel approach to primary ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa046. [PMID: 33225075 PMCID: PMC7668396 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are two conditions that affect women’s fertility. Oocyte donation remains an option for these patients; however, the development of certain novel technologies, such as in vitro activation of ovarian cortex (IVA), enables the possibility of activating the pool of resting primordial follicles, increasing the chance of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Here, we review the main pathways (PI3K and Hippo signaling) that govern the activation of primordial follicles and its application through the development of culture systems that support ovarian cortex for autologous transplantation. We also review the available data from case reports regarding outcomes of pregnancy and live birth rates with IVA. SEARCH METHODS A PubMed search was conducted using the PubMed-NCBI database to identify literature pertinent to the pathways involved in the activation of primordial follicles and the outcomes of IVA techniques from 2013 to the present. OUTCOMES Women with POI have around a 5% chance of spontaneous pregnancy. Recently, novel techniques involving the activation of primordial follicles through molecular pathways have been developed, thus increasing the odds of these patients. More recently, the introduction of a drug-free IVA technique has shown to increase the number of antral follicles with successful oocyte maturation after gonadotropin treatment, reaching pregnancy rates over 30%, either through spontaneous conception or by the implementation of assisted reproductive technology. LIMITATIONS The evidence of this review is based on a few small series, so data should be interpreted with caution, and only randomized controlled trials could estimate the real magnitude and success of the procedure. REASONS FOR CAUTION IVA technique remains an experimental strategy, with limited available data and the requirement of invasive procedures. Moreover, possible carcinogenic effects not yet determined after transplantation require special caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In view of the results achieved, IVA could provide a promising option for the preservation of fertility in some cancer patients and prepuberal girls where the only alternative is tissue cryopreservation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The authors received no specific funding for this work and declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Devenutto
- Reproductive Medicine Service, "Procrearte", Institution Affiliated with the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R Quintana
- Reproductive Medicine Service, "Procrearte", Institution Affiliated with the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - T Quintana
- Reproductive Medicine Service, "Procrearte", Institution Affiliated with the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Kong D, Yao G, Bai Y, Yang G, Xu Z, Kong Y, Fan H, He Q, Sun Y. Expression of sirtuins in ovarian follicles of postnatal mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1097-1108. [PMID: 32902077 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23418] [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: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian ovarian follicular development is an intricate, elaborate, and well-organized phenomenon regulated by various signaling pathways; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Mammalian sirtuins (sirtuin 1 to sirtuin 7) are a group of NAD+ -dependent deacetylases implicated in various physiological processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and insulin signaling. Mammalian ovarian sirtuins have been studied using adult and aged bovine, porcine, and murine models. However, limited information is available regarding their precise expression patterns and the localization of follicle development in mice. This study aimed to assess the dynamic expression and localization of all seven sirtuins in early postnatal mouse ovaries through real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively. During postnatal ovarian follicle development, sirtuin 1, sirtuin 4, and sirtuin 6 were downregulated compared with those in 1-day postnatal mouse ovaries (p < .05), indicating that these three sirtuin genes may be markers of follicular development. Combining their localization in granulosa cells through immunohistochemical studies, sirtuin 1, sirtuin 4, and sirtuin 6 are suggested to play negative regulatory roles in mammal ovarian follicular granulosa cell development. Furthermore, we found that sirtuin 2 (p < .05) and sirtuin 7 (p < .05) mRNA were constantly upregulated relative to sirtuin 1, although limited information is available regarding sirtuin 7. Among all sirtuins in mouse ovaries, sirtuin 1 was relatively and steadily downregulated. Upon sirtuin 1 overexpression in 1-day postnatal mouse ovaries via sirtuin 1-harboring adenoviruses in vitro, the emergence of primary follicles was delayed, as was the emergence of secondary follicles in 4-day postnatal ovaries. Further studies on KGN cell lines reported that interfering with sirtuin 1 expression in granulosa cell significantly affected granulosa cell proliferation and the expression of mitochondrial genes. This study presents the first systemic analysis of dynamic patterns of sirtuin family expression in early postnatal mice ovaries, laying the foundation for further studies on less discussed sirtuin subtypes, such as sirtuin 5 and sirtuin 7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deqi Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guidong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yucheng Bai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziwen Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yue Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiying Fan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qina He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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47
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Hsueh AJW, Kawamura K. Hippo signaling disruption and ovarian follicle activation in infertile patients. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:458-464. [PMID: 32782158 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway, which is important in organ size regulation, is present in organisms from the fly to mammals. Disruption of the Hippo signaling pathway leads to increased nuclear translocation of the effector Yes-associated protein (YAP), resulting in the expression of cystein-rich 61, connective tissue growth factor, and nephroblastoma overexpressed (CCN) growth factors and baculoviral inhibitors of apoptosis repeat containing (BIRC) apoptosis inhibitors to increase organ sizes. Furthermore, genome-wide knockdown of genes in insect cells demonstrated that actin polymerization promoted nuclear translocation of YAP. In the mammalian ovary, we demonstrated the expression of Hippo signaling pathway genes and showed that ovarian fragmentation increased actin polymerization, leading to YAP nuclear translocation and increased expression of cystein-rich 61, CCN growth factors and BIRC apoptosis inhibitors, followed by enhanced follicle growth. Here we summarize evidence suggesting the role of mechanical stress on follicle growth in the ovary and describe recent use of ovary-damaging procedures to treat ovarian infertility. Ovarian fragmentation, together with in vitro incubation with Akt-stimulating drugs, formed the basis of an in vitro activation (IVA) therapy to treat patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, whereas ovarian fragmentation alone (drug-free IVA) was successful in treating patients with premature ovarian insufficiency with recent menses cessation. For middle-aged women with poor ovarian responses and diminished ovarian reserve, drug-free IVA was also effective in promoting follicle growth for infertility treatment. In addition, an in vivo follicle activation approach based on laparoscopic ovarian incision showed promise for patients with resistant ovary syndrome. With initial success using mechanical disruption approaches, future investigation could evaluate possibilities to refine mechanical methods and to locally administer actin polymerization-enhancing drugs for ovarian infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Advanced Reproductive Medicine Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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48
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Takmaz O, Asoglu MR, Yuksel B, Gungor M, Tokat F, Kayhan KC, Ozaltin S, Dogan M, Buyru F, Bastu E. Ovarian incision enhances folliculogenesis: A rat model. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:2043-2049. [PMID: 32643253 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14373] [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: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether performing incision on the surface of the ovarian cortex in rats advances follicular development. METHODS Five to seven separate superficial incisions were performed on the surface of right ovaries of 6-7-month-old albino Wistar rats. Daily 40 IU of gonadotropins were administered for 14 days. On the 15th day, both ovaries of the rats were removed. The right (incised) ovaries were compared with the contralateral ovaries in terms of ovary's weight, numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles, their mean percentages and mean Ki-67 proliferation indices. RESULTS A total of 22 ovaries were evaluated, with 11 right ovaries (incised) and 11 left ovaries (non-incised). The mean weight of ovaries was greater in the right ovaries than in the left ovaries; however, no statistical difference was found between them (0.77 ± 1.22 vs. 0.22 ± 0.08 gr, P = 0.159). The numbers of secondary and antral follicle were statistically higher in the right ovaries than in the left ovaries (4.4 ± 1.5 vs. 2.1 ± 1.6, P = 0.003 and 18.6 ± 8.7 vs. 11.3 ± 7.5, P = 0.046, respectively). The right ovaries also significantly differed from the left ovaries in terms of mean percentages of primordial and antral follicles (P < 0.05 for both). The mean Ki-67 proliferation index had a marginal difference between the groups (P = 0.064). CONCLUSION Performing incisions on the surface of the ovarian cortex in rats may advance the ovarian follicular development. Future animal studies may provide more evidence regarding potential benefits of mechanical stimulation to the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozguc Takmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Bahar Yuksel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Esenler Maternity and Children's Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mete Gungor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Tokat
- Department of Pathology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kerem Cavit Kayhan
- Department of Pathology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selin Ozaltin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Dogan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buyukcekmece Mimar Sinan State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Faruk Buyru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Fulya Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ercan Bastu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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49
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Hara S, Aoki S, Nagata M, Shirasuna K, Noguchi T, Iwata H. Xanthan gum and locust bean gum substrate improves bovine embryo development. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1124-1131. [PMID: 32562321 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the major difference between the in vivo and in vitro embryonic environments is the stiffness of the culture substrate. Xanthan gum (XG) and locust bean gum (LBG) are natural materials that are safe, inexpensive and easy to handle. In this study, we investigated the effects of using a polysaccharide culture substrate made from 1% XG and 1% LBG (XG-LBG gel) on bovine embryonic development. Oocytes collected from bovine ovaries were subjected to maturation, and fertilization to generate embryos at an early developmental stage (>4 cell stage). Cleaved embryos were further cultured in a well of 96-well cell culture plate coated with or without XG-LBG gel for 5 days. While the developmental rate up to the blastocyst stage did not differ between the two culture systems (control, 38.0 vs. gel, 38.6%), blastocysts developed on the XG-LBG gel produced significantly high cell numbers and ATP content. Embryos cultured on XG-LBG gels for 24 hr had high expression levels of F-actin and a highly even distribution of E-cadherin. In addition, embryos developed on XG-LBG gel demonstrated increased translocation of YAP to the nucleus and increased connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein levels (downstream of Hippo signalling). These findings suggest that soft culture substrates improve embryonic development by enhancing mechanotransduction, including YAP-CTGF signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Hara
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Sogo Aoki
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Miki Nagata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Noguchi
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
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50
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Lunding SA, Andersen AN, Hardardottir L, Olesen HØ, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Pors SE. Hippo signaling, actin polymerization, and follicle activation in fragmented human ovarian cortex. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:711-719. [PMID: 32506789 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway has been associated with regulation of early follicle growth. Studies of murine ovaries suggest that changes in the actin cytoskeleton, caused by fragmentation, result in inhibition of the Hippo pathway, and in turn, may activate follicle growth. In humans, the connections between fragmentation, the actin cytoskeleton, and follicle activation are yet to be confirmed. In this study, we investigated the impact in vitro fragmentation of a human ovarian cortex on (a) actin polymerization, (b) components of the Hippo pathway, and (c) follicle growth in vivo. The results showed that the ratio between globular and filamentous actin remained unchanged at all timepoints (0, 10, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min) following tissue fragmentation. Neither was the Hippo pathway effector protein YES-associated protein upregulated nor was gene expression of the downstream growth factors CCN2, CCN3, or CCN5 increased at any timepoint in the fragmented cortex. Furthermore, the number of growing follicles was similar in fragmented and intact cortex pieces after 6 weeks' xenotransplantation. However, the total number of surviving follicles was considerably lower in the fragmented cortex compared with intact tissue, suggesting detrimental effects of fragmentation on tissue grafting. These results indicate that fragmentation is likely to be ineffective to activate follicle growth in the human ovarian cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine A Lunding
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders N Andersen
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lilja Hardardottir
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanna Ø Olesen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne E Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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