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Huang QY, Zheng HD, Shi QY, Xu JH. Validity of stem cell-loaded scaffolds to facilitate endometrial regeneration and restore fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1397783. [PMID: 38846497 PMCID: PMC11153789 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1397783] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Various stem cell-loaded scaffolds have demonstrated promising endometrial regeneration and fertility restoration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell-loaded scaffolds in treating uterine injury in animal models. Methods The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. Data were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager version 5.4. Improvements in endometrial thickness, endometrial glands, fibrotic area, and number of gestational sacs/implanted embryos were compared after transplantation in the stem cell-loaded scaffolds and scaffold-only group. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using forest plots. Results Thirteen studies qualified for meta-analysis. Overall, compared to the scaffold groups, stem cell-loaded scaffolds significantly increased endometrial thickness (SMD = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.44, P < 0.00001; I² = 16%) and the number of endometrial glands (SMD = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.41, P < 0.00001; I² = 0). Moreover, stem cell-loaded scaffolds present a prominent effect on improving fibrosis area (SMD = -2.50, 95% CI: -3.07 to -1.93, P < 0.00001; I² = 36%) and fertility (SMD = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.58 to 5.09, P = 0.0002; I² = 83%). Significant heterogeneity among studies was observed, and further subgroup and sensitivity analyses identified the source of heterogeneity. Moreover, stem cell-loaded scaffolds exhibited lower inflammation levels and higher angiogenesis, and cell proliferation after transplantation. Conclusion The evidence indicates that stem cell-loaded scaffolds were more effective in promoting endometrial repair and restoring fertility than the scaffold-only groups. The limitations of the small sample sizes should be considered when interpreting the results. Thus, larger animal studies and clinical trials are needed for further investigation. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024493132.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-yi Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Hui-da Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qi-yang Shi
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jian-hua Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Douglas JC, Sekulovski N, Arreola MR, Oh Y, Hayashi K, MacLean JA. Normal Ovarian Function in Subfertile Mouse with Amhr2-Cre-Driven Ablation of Insr and Igf1r. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:616. [PMID: 38790245 PMCID: PMC11121541 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050616] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin receptor signaling promotes cell differentiation, proliferation, and growth which are essential for oocyte maturation, embryo implantation, endometrial decidualization, and placentation. The dysregulation of insulin signaling in women with metabolic syndromes including diabetes exhibits poor pregnancy outcomes that are poorly understood. We utilized the Cre/LoxP system to target the tissue-specific conditional ablation of insulin receptor (Insr) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (Igf1r) using an anti-Mullerian hormone receptor 2 (Amhr2) Cre-driver which is active in ovarian granulosa and uterine stromal cells. Our long-term goal is to examine insulin-dependent molecular mechanisms that underlie diabetic pregnancy complications, and our conditional knockout models allow for such investigation without confounding effects of ligand identity, source and cross-reactivity, or global metabolic status within dams. Puberty occurred with normal timing in all conditional knockout models. Estrous cycles progressed normally in Insrd/d females but were briefly stalled in diestrus in Igf1rd/d and double receptor (DKO) mice. The expression of vital ovulatory genes (Lhcgr, Pgr, Ptgs2) was not significantly different in 12 h post-hCG superovulated ovaries in knockout mice. Antral follicles exhibited an elevated apoptosis of granulosa cells in Igf1rd/d and DKO mice. However, the distribution of ovarian follicle subtypes and subsequent ovulations was normal in all insulin receptor mutants compared to littermate controls. While ovulation was normal, all knockout lines were subfertile suggesting that the loss of insulin receptor signaling in the uterine stroma elicits implantation and decidualization defects responsible for subfertility in Amhr2-Cre-derived insulin receptor mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C. Douglas
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.C.D.)
| | - Nikola Sekulovski
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Madison R. Arreola
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.C.D.)
| | - Yeongseok Oh
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.C.D.)
| | - Kanako Hayashi
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.C.D.)
| | - James A. MacLean
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.C.D.)
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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Qin CM, Wei XW, Wu JY, Liu XQ, Lin Y. Decreased NSD2 impairs stromal cell proliferation in human endometrium via reprogramming H3K36me2. Reproduction 2024; 167:e230254. [PMID: 38236723 PMCID: PMC10895284 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In brief The proliferation of the endometrium is regulated by histone methylation. This study shows that decreased NSD2 impairs proliferative-phase endometrial stromal cell proliferation in patients with recurrent implantation failure via epigenetic reprogramming of H3K36me2 methylation on the promoter region of MCM7. Abstract Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a formidable challenge in assisted reproductive technology because of its unclear molecular mechanism. Impaired human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) proliferation disrupts the rhythm of the menstrual cycle, resulting in devastating disorders between the embryo and the endometrium. The molecular function of histone methylation enzymes in modulating HESC proliferation remains largely uncharacterized. Herein, we found that the levels of histone methyltransferase nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 2 (NSD2) and the dimethylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 are decreased significantly in the proliferative-phase endometrium of patients with RIF. Knockdown of NSD2 in an HESC cell line markedly impaired cell proliferation and globally reduced H3K36me2 binding to chromatin, leading to altered expression of many genes. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that cell cycle-related gene sets were downregulated in the endometrium of patients with RIF and in NSD2‑knockdown HESCs. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing and CUT&Tag sequencing analysis suggested that NSD2 knockdown reduced the binding of H3K36me2 to the promoter region of cell cycle marker gene MCM7 (encoding minichromosome maintenance complex component 7) and downregulated its expression. The interaction of H3K36me2 with the MCM7 promoter was verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative real-time PCR. Our results demonstrated a unifying epigenome-scale mechanism by which decreased NSD2 impairs endometrial stromal cell proliferation in the proliferative-phase endometrium of patients with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Mei Qin
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wei
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Yi Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qing Liu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Zhu J, Chen Y, Chen H, Sun Y, Yan L, Zhu M, Chen L, Wang Q, Zhang J. Comparison of microbial abundance and diversity in uterine and peritoneal fluid in infertile patients with or without endometriosis. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:148. [PMID: 38424540 PMCID: PMC10903057 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02985-5] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis (EM) is a multifactorial disease that affects 10 - 15% of women of reproductive age. Additionally, 30-50% of women with EM suffer from infertility. The mechanism of infertility caused by EM has not yet been consistently explained. In recent years, studies have shown a link between infertility associated with EM and changes in the reproductive tract microbiota. METHODS In this study, we involved 26 EM patients (8 cases of stage I-II and 18 cases of stage III-IV) and 31 control subjects who were tubal obstruction-related infertility (TORI). The samples from peritoneal fluid (PF) and uterine fluid (UF) were collected and sequenced by 16 S rRNA amplicon. RESULTS In the comparison of microbial diversity, we found no significant differences in the microbial diversity of PF and UF between patients with stage I-II EM and those with TORI. However, there was a significant difference in microbial diversity among patients with stage III-IV EM compared to the previous two groups. Lactobacillus decreased in PF of EM compared to the control group, while it increased in UF. In PF, the abundance of Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Dubosiella and Klebsiella was significantly higher in patients with stage III-IV compared to TORI patients. And in UF, the main differences existed between stage I-II EM compared to the other two groups. The abundance of pontibacter, aquabacterium, Rikenellaceae and so on at the genus level was significantly enriched in the EM patients with stage I-II. In the analysis based on KEGG database, EM may affect the receptivity related pathways of the endometrium by influencing changes in the uterine microbiota. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that as EM progresses, the microorganisms in UF and PF keep changing. These changes in the microbiota, as well as the resulting alternations in gene functional classification, may play an important role in the infertility associated with EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, #339 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yichen Chen
- Department of Basic Research Laboratory, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhui Sun
- Department of Basic Research Laboratory, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lifeng Yan
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, #339 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miaohua Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, #339 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, #339 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, #339 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, #339 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
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Jiang NX, Zhao WJ, Shen HR, Du DF, Li XL. Hyperinsulinemia impairs decidualization via AKT-NR4A1 signaling: new insight into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38310251 PMCID: PMC10837998 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01334-8] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for endometrial dysfunction in women with PCOS is essential, particularly focusing on the role of hyperinsulinemia. METHODS We explored the role of insulin in the decidualization process using a synthetic decidualization assay. To dissect the effects of PI3K/AKT-NR4A signaling, we employed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the NR4A genes and inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT pathway. We also investigated the disruption of AKT-NR4A1 signaling in the endometrium of PCOS female rats induced with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) analyses were utilized to evaluate gene expression regulation. RESULTS Insulin was found to suppress the expression of decidualization markers in human endometrial stromal cells (hESC) in a dose-dependent manner, concurrently triggering an inappropriate activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Members of the NR4A family, as downstream effectors in the PI3K/AKT pathway, were implicated in the insulin-induced disruptions during the decidualization process. Moreover, the endometrium of PCOS models showed significantly elevated levels of phosphorylated (Ser473) AKT, with a corresponding reduction in Nr4a1 protein. CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates that insulin negatively regulates decidualization in hESC via the PI3K/AKT-NR4A pathway. In vivo analysis revealed a significant dysregulation of the AKT-NR4A1 pathway in the endometrium of PCOS rats. These findings offer novel insights into the pathogenesis of infertility and endometrial disorders associated with hyperinsulinemia in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Xing Jiang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Ran Shen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Feng Du
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Lian Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 200011, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Trohl J, Schindler M, Buske M, de Nivelle J, Toto Nienguesso A, Navarrete Santos A. Advanced maternal age leads to changes within the insulin/IGF system and lipid metabolism in the reproductive tract and preimplantation embryo: insights from the rabbit model. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad040. [PMID: 38001038 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad040] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive potential in women declines with age. The impact of ageing on embryo-maternal interactions is still unclear. Rabbits were used as a reproductive model to investigate maternal age-related alterations in reproductive organs and embryos on Day 6 of pregnancy. Blood, ovaries, endometrium, and blastocysts from young (16-20 weeks) and advanced maternal age phase (>108 weeks, old) rabbits were analysed at the mRNA and protein levels to investigate the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, lipid metabolism, and stress defence system. Older rabbits had lower numbers of embryos at Day 6 of pregnancy. Plasma insulin and IGF levels were reduced, which was accompanied by paracrine regulation of IGFs and their receptors in ovaries and endometrium. Embryos adapted to hormonal changes as indicated by reduced embryonic IGF1 and 2 levels. Aged reproductive organs increased energy generation from the degradation of fatty acids, leading to higher oxidative stress. Stress markers, including catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, and receptor for advanced glycation end products were elevated in ovaries and endometrium from aged rabbits. Embryonic fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation were increased in both embryonic compartments (embryoblast and trophoblast) in old rabbits, associated with minor changes in the oxidative and glycative stress defence systems. In summary, the insulin/IGF system, lipid metabolism, and stress defence were dysregulated in reproductive tissues of older rabbits, which is consistent with changes in embryonic metabolism and stress defence. These data highlight the crucial influence of maternal age on uterine adaptability and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Trohl
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maximilian Buske
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johanna de Nivelle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alicia Toto Nienguesso
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Navarrete Santos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Hummel J, Benkendorff C, Fritsche L, Prystupa K, Vosseler A, Gancheva S, Trenkamp S, Birkenfeld AL, Preissl H, Roden M, Häring HU, Fritsche A, Peter A, Wagner R, Kullmann S, Heni M. Brain insulin action on peripheral insulin sensitivity in women depends on menstrual cycle phase. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1475-1482. [PMID: 37735274 PMCID: PMC10513929 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00869-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Insulin action in the human brain modulates eating behaviour, whole-body metabolism and body fat distribution1,2. In particular, brain insulin action increases whole-body insulin sensitivity, but these studies were mainly performed in lean men3,4. Here we investigate metabolic and hypothalamic effects of brain insulin action in women with a focus on the impact of menstrual cycle ( ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03929419 ).Eleven women underwent four hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, two in the follicular phase and two in the luteal phase. Brain insulin action was introduced using nasal insulin spray5-7 and compared to placebo spray in a fourfold crossover design with change in glucose infusion rate as the primary endpoint. Here we show that during the follicular phase, more glucose has to be infused after administration of nasal insulin than after administration of placebo. This remains significant after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin. During the luteal phase, no significant influence of brain insulin action on glucose infusion rate is detected after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin (secondary endpoint). In 15 other women, hypothalamic insulin sensitivity was assessed in a within-subject design by functional magnetic resonance imaging with intranasal insulin administration8. Hypothalamus responsivity is influenced by insulin in the follicular phase but not the luteal phase.Our study therefore highlights that brain insulin action improves peripheral insulin sensitivity also in women but only during the follicular phase. Thus, brain insulin resistance could contribute to whole-body insulin resistance in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hummel
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Charlotte Benkendorff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Louise Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Prystupa
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Vosseler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sofiya Gancheva
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sandra Trenkamp
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hubert Preissl
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Fritsche
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Peter
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Wagner
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kullmann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany.
- Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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8
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Dong J, Wang L, Xing Y, Qian J, He X, Wu J, Zhou J, Hai L, Wang J, Yang H, Huang J, Gou X, Ju Y, Wang X, He Y, Su D, Kong L, Liang B, Wang X. Dynamic peripheral blood microRNA expression landscape during the peri-implantation stage in women with successful pregnancy achieved by single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad034. [PMID: 37700872 PMCID: PMC10493182 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad034] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the dynamic expression features of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) during the peri-implantation period in women with successful pregnancy via single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER There is a significant change in the plasma miRNA expression profile before and after blastocyst transfer, during the window of implantation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The expression of miRNAs in peripheral blood has indicative functions during the peri-implantation period. Nevertheless, the dynamic expression profile of circulating miRNAs during the peri-implantation stage in women with a successful pregnancy has not been studied. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Seventy-six women treated for infertility with a single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer in a natural cycle were included in this study. Among them, 57 women had implantation success and a live birth, while 19 patients experienced implantation failure. Peripheral blood samples were collected at five different time points throughout the peri-implantation period, including D0 (ovulation day), D3, D5, D7, and D9 in this cycle of embryo transfer. The plasma miRNAs in women with blastocyst transfer were isolated, sequenced, and analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Peripheral blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes and stored at -80°C until further use. miRNAs were isolated from blood, cDNA libraries were constructed, and the resulting sequences were mapped to the human genome. The plasma miRNAs were initially analyzed in a screening cohort (n = 34) with successful pregnancy. Trajectory analysis, including a global test and pairwise comparisons, was performed to detect dynamic differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs. Fuzzy c-means clustering was conducted for all dynamic DE miRNAs. The correlation between DE miRNAs and clinical characteristics of patients was investigated using a linear mixed model. Target genes of the miRNAs were predicted, and functional annotation analysis was performed. The expression of DE miRNAs was also identified in a validation set consisting of women with successful (n = 23) and unsuccessful (n = 19) pregnancies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Following small RNA sequencing, a total of 2656 miRNAs were determined as valid read values. After trajectory analysis, 26 DE miRNAs (false discovery rate < 0.05) were identified by the global test, while pairwise comparisons in addition identified 20 DE miRNAs. A total of seven distinct clusters representing different temporal patterns of miRNA expression were discovered. Nineteen DE miRNAs were further identified to be associated with at least one clinical trait. Endometrium thickness and progesterone level showed a correlation with multiple DE miRNAs (including two of the same miRNAs, hsa-miR-1-3p and hsa-miR-6741-3p). Moreover, the 19 DE miRNAs were predicted to have 403 gene targets, and there were 51 (12.7%) predicted genes likely involved in both decidualization and embryo implantation. Functional annotation for predicted targets of those clinically related DE miRNAs suggested the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor and Wnt signaling pathways, as well as responses to hormones, immune responses, and cell adhesion-related signaling pathways during the peri-implantation stage. LARGE SCALE DATA The raw miRNA sequence data reported in this article have been deposited in the Genome Sequence Archive (GSA-Human: HRA005227) and are publicly accessible at https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/gsa-human/browse/HRA005227. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the RNA sequencing results revealed the global dynamic changes of miRNA expression, further experiments examining the clinical significance of the identified DE miRNAs in embryo implantation outcome and the relevant regulatory mechanisms involved are warranted. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Understanding the dynamic landscape of the miRNA transcriptome could shed light on the physiological mechanisms involved from ovulation to the post-implantation stage, as well as identifying biomarkers that characterize stage-related biological process. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The study was funded by the Major clinical research project of Tangdu Hospital (2021LCYJ004) and the Discipline Platform Improvement Plan of Tangdu Hospital (2020XKPT003). The funders had no influence on the study design, data collection, and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the article. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yanru Xing
- Research Department, Basecare Medical Device Co, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Research Department, Basecare Medical Device Co, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Li Hai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hongya Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jianlei Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xingqing Gou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ying Ju
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiyi Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yunan He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Danjie Su
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lingyin Kong
- Research Department, Basecare Medical Device Co, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
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9
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Cho SB. Molecular Mechanisms of Endometriosis Revealed Using Omics Data. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2210. [PMID: 37626707 PMCID: PMC10452455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082210] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder prevalent in women of reproductive age. The primary symptoms include dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and infertility. However, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, various omics experiments have been conducted to identify genes related to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis using omics. When genes identified in omics experiments were compared with endometriosis disease genes identified in independent studies, the number of overlapping genes was moderate. However, the characteristics of these genes were found to be equivalent when functional gene set enrichment analysis was performed using gene ontology and biological pathway information. These findings indicate that omics technology provides invaluable information regarding the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Moreover, the functional characteristics revealed using enrichment analysis provide important clues for discovering endometriosis disease genes in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Beom Cho
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Gachon University, 38-13, Dokgeom-ro 3 Street Namdon-gu, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
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10
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Zhang W, Li X, Jiang Y, Zhou M, Liu L, Su S, Xu C, Li X, Wang C. Genetic architecture and selection of Anhui autochthonous pig population revealed by whole genome resequencing. Front Genet 2022; 13:1022261. [PMID: 36324508 PMCID: PMC9618877 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1022261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic resources among pigs in Anhui Province are diverse, but their value and potential have yet to be discovered. To illustrate the genetic diversity and population structure of the Anhui pigs population, we resequenced the genome of 150 pigs from six representative Anhui pigs populations and analyzed this data together with the sequencing data from 40 Asian wild boars and commercial pigs. Our results showed that Anhui pigs were divided into two distinct types based on ancestral descent: Wannan Spotted pig (WSP) and Wannan Black pig (WBP) origins from the same ancestor and the other four populations origins from another ancestor. We also identified several potential selective sweep regions associated with domestication characteristics among Anhui pigs, including reproduction-associated genes (CABS1, INSL6, MAP3K12, IGF1R, INSR, LIMK2, PATZ1, MAPK1), lipid- and meat-related genes (SNX19, MSTN, MC5R, PRKG1, CREBBP, ADCY9), and ear size genes (MSRB3 and SOX5). Therefore, these findings expand the catalogue and how these genetic differences among pigs and this newly generated data will be a valuable resource for future genetic studies and for improving genome-assisted breeding of pigs and other domesticated animals.
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11
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Yuan W, Song C. Crosstalk between bone and other organs. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:331-348. [PMID: 37724328 PMCID: PMC10471111 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Bone has long been considered as a silent organ that provides a reservoir of calcium and phosphorus, traditionally. Recently, further study of bone has revealed additional functions as an endocrine organ connecting systemic organs of the whole body. Communication between bone and other organs participates in most physiological and pathological events and is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis. Here, we present an overview of the crosstalk between bone and other organs. Furthermore, we describe the factors mediating the crosstalk and review the mechanisms in the development of potential associated diseases. These connections shed new light on the pathogenesis of systemic diseases and provide novel potential targets for the treatment of systemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqiong Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chunli Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Spinal Disease, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
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12
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Abruzzese GA, Silva AF, Velazquez ME, Ferrer MJ, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects in pregnancy and offspring development. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1558. [PMID: 35475329 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Its etiology remains unclear. It is suggested that environmental factors, and particularly the intrauterine environment, play key roles in PCOS development. Besides the role of androgens in PCOS pathogenesis, exposure to endocrine disruptors, as is Bisphenol A, could also contribute to its development. Although PCOS is considered one of the leading causes of ovarian infertility, many PCOS patients can get pregnant. Some of them by natural conception and others by assisted reproductive technique treatments. As hyperandrogenism (one of PCOS main features) affects ovarian and uterine functions, PCOS women, despite reaching pregnancy, could present high-risk pregnancies, including implantation failure, an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Moreover, hyperandrogenism may also be maintained in these women during pregnancy. Therefore, as an altered uterine milieu, including hormonal imbalance, could affect the developing organisms, monitoring these patients throughout pregnancy and their offspring development is highly relevant. The present review focuses on the impact of androgenism and PCOS on fertility issues and pregnancy-related outcomes and offspring development. The evidence suggests that the increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes of PCOS women would be due to the factors involved in the syndrome pathogenesis and the related co-morbidities. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms is still needed and could contribute to a better management of these women and their offspring. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé F Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela E Velazquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria-José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Xu X, Li W, Zhang L, Ji Y, Qin J, Wang L, Wang M, Qi L, Xue J, Lv B, Zhang X, Xue Z. Effect of Sperm Cryopreservation on miRNA Expression and Early Embryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:749486. [PMID: 35004670 PMCID: PMC8728010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.749486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sperm preservation is a common means of personal fertility preservation, its effects on embryonic development potential need further investigation. The purpose of this study was to identify key microRNA (miRNA) in cryopreserved sperm and determine the changes of these miRNAs and their target genes during embryonic development using cryopreserved sperm. Moreover, the embryonic development potential of cryopreserved sperm was estimated in assisted reproductive technology (ART), where key miRNAs and target genes were validated in sperm and subsequent embryos. Clinical data of embryonic development from cryopreserved sperm indicated a significant decrease in fertilization rate in both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cases, as well as a reduction in blastocyst formation rate in ICSI cases. Meanwhile there was a significant increase in blocked embryo ratio of Day1, Day2, and Day3.5 embryos when frozen-thawed mouse sperm was used, compared with fresh mouse sperm, suggesting a potential negative effect of sperm cryopreservation on embryonic development. From frozen-thawed and fresh sperm in humans and mice, respectively, 21 and 95 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) were detected. miR-148b-3p were downregulated in both human and mouse frozen-thawed sperm and were also decreased in embryos after fertilization using cryopreserved sperm. Target genes of miR-148b-3p, Pten, was identified in mouse embryos using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB). In addition, common characters of cryopreservation of mouse oocytes compared with sperm were also detected; downregulation of miR-148b-3p was also confirmed in cryopreserved oocytes. In summary, our study suggested that cryopreservation of sperm could change the expression of miRNAs, especially the miR-148b-3p across humans and mice, and may further affect fertilization and embryo development by increasing the expression of Pten. Moreover, downregulation of miR-148b-3p induced by cryopreservation was conserved in mouse gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanqiong Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yazhong Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Qin
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingwen Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingbin Qi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinfeng Xue
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Lv
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xunyi Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhigang Xue
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Vrhovac Madunić I, Karin-Kujundžić V, Madunić J, Šola IM, Šerman L. Endometrial Glucose Transporters in Health and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:703671. [PMID: 34552924 PMCID: PMC8450505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.703671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss is a frequent occurrence during the peri-implantation period, when there is high glucose demand for embryonic development and endometrial decidualization. Glucose is among the most essential uterine fluid components required for those processes. Numerous studies associate abnormal glucose metabolism in the endometrium with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The endometrium is incapable of synthesizing glucose, which thus must be delivered into the uterine lumen by glucose transporters (GLUTs) and/or the sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1). Among the 26 glucose transporters (14 GLUTs and 12 SGLTs) described, 10 (9 GLUTs and SGLT1) are expressed in rodents and 8 (7 GLUTs and SGLT1) in the human uterus. This review summarizes present knowledge on the most studied glucose transporters in the uterine endometrium (GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, and GLUT8), whose data regarding function and regulation are still lacking. We present the recently discovered SGLT1 in the mouse and human endometrium, responsible for controlling glycogen accumulation essential for embryo implantation. Moreover, we describe the epigenetic regulation of endometrial GLUTs, as well as signaling pathways included in uterine GLUT’s expression. Further investigation of the GLUTs function in different endometrial cells is of high importance, as numerous glucose transporters are associated with infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gestational diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Vrhovac Madunić
- Molecular Toxicology Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Karin-Kujundžić
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Madunić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ida Marija Šola
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sisters of Charity University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Šerman
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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