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Lodde V, Luciano AM, Garcia Barros R, Giovanardi G, Sivelli G, Franciosi F. Review: The putative role of Progesterone Receptor membrane Component 1 in bovine oocyte development and competence. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100783. [PMID: 37567656 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of developmental competence is a complex process in which many cell types cooperate to support oocyte maturation, fertilisation, and preimplantation embryonic development. In recent years, compelling evidence has shown that Progesterone Receptor Membra Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in many cell types of the mammalian reproductive system where it exerts diverse functions. In the ovary, PGRMC1 affects follicular growth by controlling cell viability and proliferation of granulosa cells. PGRMC1 has also a direct role in promoting a proper completion of bovine oocyte maturation, as altering its function leads to defective chromosome segregation and polar body extrusion. Strikingly, the mechanism by which PGRMC1 controls mitotic and meiotic cell division seems to be conserved, involving an association with the spindle apparatus and the chromosomal passenger complex through Aurora kinase B. Conclusive data on a possible role of PGRMC1 in the preimplantation embryo are lacking and further research is needed to test whether the mechanisms that are set in place in mitotic cells also govern blastomere cleavage and subsequent differentiation. Finally, PGRMC1 is also expressed in oviductal cells and, as such, it might also impact fertilisation and early embryonic development, although this issue is completely unexplored. However, the study of PGRMC1 function in the mammalian reproductive system remains a complex matter, due to its pleiotropic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
| | - A M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - R Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - G Giovanardi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - G Sivelli
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - F Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Mei L, Huang Y, Wu X, He H, Ye R, Ma J, He X, Shi Y, Li P. Mutations in FIGLA Associated With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in a Chinese Population. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:714306. [PMID: 34778283 PMCID: PMC8585841 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.714306] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the most common reproductive endocrinological causes of infertility in women of child-bearing age. The purpose of this study was to identify FIGLA gene mutations in Chinese patients with POI and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods: A total of 113 patients with idiopathic POI and 100 healthy controls were recruited for the analysis of FIGLA variants. Based on the identification of common mutations in the FIGLA, wild-type and mutant plasmids were constructed and transfected into HEK293 cells. Luciferase reporter genes were used to determine the effect of wild-type and mutant FIGLA genotypes on the transcriptional activity of its downstream targets, the zona pellucida glycoprotein genes ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the level of binding between wild-type and mutant FIGLA with the ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 promoters. Results: Three different FIGLA mutations were identified in four patients with POI. Two patients carried the mutation c.11C>A (p.A4E), and the other two patients, respectively, carried the mutations c.625G>A (p.V209I) and c.84C>A (p.D28E). The luciferase reporter assay indicated that ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 transcriptional activities were significantly reduced in individuals with FIGLA mutations. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that the FIGLA mutation significantly decreased binding with the ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 promoters. Conclusion:FIGLA mutation affects gene transcriptional regulation of its downstream target genes ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3, highlighting a new candidate genetic factor that causes POI. Our study demonstrates that FIGLA has a regulatory effect on reproduction-specific genes, thereby providing a basis for elucidating the specific regulatory mechanism of FIGLA in germ cell growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Mei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanru Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoling Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huang He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ronghui Ye
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinxiu Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - XueMei He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuhua Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Lodde V, Luciano AM, Musmeci G, Miclea I, Tessaro I, Aru M, Albertini DF, Franciosi F. A Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Characterization of Bovine Oocytes Reveals That Cysteamine Partially Rescues the Embryo Development in a Model of Low Ovarian Reserve. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071936. [PMID: 34209664 PMCID: PMC8300191 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071936] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Women’s reproductive performance starts declining in the mid-30s, and by age 40–45, the possibility of becoming pregnant becomes very small. Reproductive aging is a physiological process of fertility decline characterized by a decrease in quality and stockpile of eggs (also called ovarian reserve) in most mammals. However, young individuals too can show an accelerated reproductive aging that similarly results in a low ovarian reserve and hypofertility. This syndrome, called premature ovarian failure (POF), is becoming a relevant problem due to the general tendency to postpone the first pregnancy. In this study, we used bovine ovaries that were classified in two categories, according to the number of follicles visible on the ovarian surface, and analyzed some parameters of egg maturation. We observed that eggs from the ‘aging-like’ ovaries carry several defects that impair maturation. However, one of the parameters was improved upon supplementation with a scavenger of free radicals, providing a proof of concept that in-depth knowledge of the cellular mechanisms is essential to find solutions to everyday-life problems. Abstract Decreased oocyte quality is a major determinant of age-associated fertility decline. Similarly, individuals affected by early ovarian aging carry low-quality oocytes. Using an established bovine model of early ovarian aging, we investigated key features of ‘quality’ oocyte maturation, associated with the onset of egg aneuploidy and reproductive aging, such as histone modifications, mitochondria distribution and activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and gap junction functionality. Bovine ovaries were classified according to the antral follicle count (AFC), and the retrieved oocytes were processed immediately or matured in vitro. We observed alterations in several cellular processes, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of the reduced oocyte quality. Furthermore, we performed a rescue experiment for one of the parameters considered. By adding cysteamine to the maturation medium, we experimentally increased the free radical scavenger ability of the ‘low competence’ oocytes and obtained a higher embryo development. Our findings show that adopting culture conditions that counteract the free radicals has a positive impact on the quality of ‘compromised’ oocytes. Specifically, cysteamine treatment seems to be a promising option for treating aging-related deficiencies in embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Ileana Miclea
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Irene Tessaro
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Mariella Aru
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Reproductive outcome re-evaluation for women with primary ovarian insufficiency using office microlaparoscopy. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Modina SC, Tessaro I, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Corbani D, Luciano AM. Reductions in the number of mid-sized antral follicles are associated with markers of premature ovarian senescence in dairy cows. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:235-44. [PMID: 23327793 DOI: 10.1071/rd12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
High-producing dairy cows are subfertile; however, the mechanisms responsible for the decreased fertility are unknown. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that culled dairy cows (4-8 years old) characterised by 'Lo' ovaries (i.e. those with <10 mid-antral follicles) are affected by premature ovarian senescence. Cows in which both ovaries were 'Lo' ovaries represented 5% of the total population analysed, and exhibited reduced ovarian size (P<0.001) and increased perifollicular stroma (P<0.05) compared with age-matched controls (i.e. cows in which both ovaries had >10 mid-antral follicles; 'Hi' ovaries). The total number of follicles, including healthy and atretic primordial, primary, secondary and small antral follicles, was lower in Lo ovaries (P<0.01). Interestingly, the primordial follicle population in Lo ovaries was lower (P<0.05) than in the control. Finally, the follicular fluid of mid-antral follicles from Lo ovaries had reduced oestradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels (P<0.05), but increased progesterone concentrations (P<0.05). Together, these data account for the reduced fertility of cows with Lo ovaries and are in agreement with previous observations that oocytes isolated from Lo ovaries have reduced embryonic developmental competence. Cows with a specific Lo ovary condition may represent a suitable model to address the causes of low fertility in high-yielding dairy cows, as well as the condition of premature ovarian aging in single-ovulating species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia C Modina
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Tessaro
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Corbani
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 10, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Chen CP, Lin SP, Chern SR, Kuo YL, Wu PS, Chen YT, Lee MS, Wang W. Array CGH characterization of an unbalanced X-autosome translocation associated with Xq27.2–qter deletion, 11q24.3–qter duplication and Xq22.3–q27.1 duplication in a girl with primary amenorrhea and mental retardation. Gene 2014; 535:88-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes as markers of ovarian reserve and response in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:970-8.e1. [PMID: 23380184 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Since gonadotropins are the fundamental hormones that control ovarian activity, genetic polymorphisms may alter gonadal responsiveness to glycoproteins; hence they are important regulators of hormone activity at the target level. The establishment of the pool of primordial follicles takes place during fetal life and is mainly under genetic control. Consequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gonadotropins and their receptors do not seem to be associated with any significant modification in the endowment of nongrowing follicles in the ovary. Indeed, the age at menopause, a biological characteristic strongly related to ovarian reserve, as well as markers of functional ovarian reserve such as anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, are not different in women with different genetic variants. Conversely, some polymorphisms in FSH receptor (FSHR) seem to be associated with modifications in ovarian activity. In particular, studies suggest that the Ser680 genotype for FSHR is a factor of relative resistance to FSH stimulation resulting in slightly higher FSH serum levels, thus leading to a prolonged duration of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, some FSHR gene polymorphisms show a positive association with ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin administration, hence exhibiting some potential for a pharmacogenetic estimation of the FSH dosage in controlled ovarian stimulation. The study of SNPs of the FSHR gene is an interesting field of research that could provide us with new information about the way each woman responds to exogenous gonadotropin administration during ovulation induction.
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Hu Y, Sun J, Wang J, Wang L, Bai Y, Yu M, Lian Z, Zhang S, Hua J. Characterization of female germ-like cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells through expression of GFP under the control of Figla promoter. J Cell Biochem 2012; 113:1111-21. [PMID: 22213070 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that germ cells can be derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, there is still no efficient system, which can visualize the stage of germ cell specification in vitro, and further to identify and enrich germ cells derived from ESCs. Figla (factor in the germline, alpha) gene encodes a germ cell specific transcription factor that coordinates the expression of the oocyte-specific zona pellucida (Zp) genes and is essential for folliculogenesis in mouse. Here, we first constructed a pFigla-EGFP recombinant plasmid that expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of Figla promoter, and generated and characterized an ESC line stably carrying this pFigla-EGFP reporter construct. Then the ESCs were induced to differentiate into female germ-like cells by culturing adherent embryoid bodies (EBs) in retinoic acid (RA) induction medium or transplanting ESCs under the kidney capsule with ovarian cells. A population of differentiated ESCs expressed GFP, and these cells were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The GFP positive cells showed the expression of germ cell markers Vasa, meiotic specific gene Stra8, Scp3, oocyte markers Gdf9, Zp3 and Figla, indicating that this method could be used for the purification and selection of female germ cells. Our study establishes a new selective system of female germ-like cell derivation and offers an approach for further research on the development and the differentiation of germ cells derived from stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Key Lab for Animal Biotechnology of Agriculture Ministry of China, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Siam EM. Office Microlaparoscopy Using Augmented Local Anesthesia for Assessment of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. J Gynecol Surg 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/gyn.2010.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emad M. Siam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, El-Minya University, El-Minya, Egypt
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Elassar A, Liu X, Scranton V, Wu CA, Peluso JJ. The relationship between follicle development and progesterone receptor membrane component-1 expression in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:572-8. [PMID: 22245528 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) expression and the outcome of IVF treatment. DESIGN A prospective study in which PGRMC1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, methylation status of the Pgrmc1 promoter, and the presence of point mutations within Pgrmc1 were obtained from granulosa (GC)/luteal cells of women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). SETTING Fertility center/basic science laboratory. PATIENT(S) Eighty-five patients undergoing IVF treatment and 10 women who were undergoing COH for the purpose of oocyte donation were included in this study. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The PGRMC1 measurements were correlated with clinical outcomes, such as number of follicles, number of retrieved oocytes, and ongoing pregnancy rates (PR). RESULT(S) The PGRMC1 mRNA levels within GC/luteal cells of 18% of IVF patients were >2.25-fold higher than those of oocyte donors. Individuals with elevated PGRMC1 mRNA levels had 30% fewer large follicles and fewer oocytes retrieved. The elevated PGRMC1 mRNA levels were associated with an increase in the methylation of Pgrmc1 promoter. CONCLUSION(S) In patients with elevated PGRMC1 mRNA levels, gonadotropin-induced follicle development is attenuated, although sufficient numbers of follicles develop to allow for ET and subsequent pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa Elassar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
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Visser JA, Schipper I, Laven JSE, Themmen APN. Anti-Müllerian hormone: an ovarian reserve marker in primary ovarian insufficiency. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2012; 8:331-41. [PMID: 22231848 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2011.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure, is a disorder of infertility characterized by amenorrhoea, low estrogen levels and increased gonadotropin levels in women aged <40 years. POI is the result of premature exhaustion of the follicle pool or can be attributed to follicular dysfunction, for example, owing to mutations in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor or steroidogenic cell autoimmunity. Moreover, advances in cancer therapeutics over the past decades have led to increasing survival rates for both paediatric and adult malignancies. Given the gonadotoxic effect of many cancer treatments, more women develop POI. A marker that predicts whether women are at risk of POI would, therefore, aid in early diagnosis and fertility counselling. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a growth factor produced solely by small, growing follicles in the ovary, might constitute such a marker, as serum levels of this hormone correlate strongly with the number of growing follicles. In addition, AMH could potentially help assess the progression of ovarian senescence, as serum AMH levels are independent of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function and decrease to undetectable levels at menopause. In cancer survivors, serum AMH levels correlate with the extent of gonadal damage. In this Review, we provide an overview of the current studies that have measured AMH in women with POI of various aetiologies and discuss its possible application as a marker to determine ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ee532, Erasmus MC, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Casarini L, Pignatti E, Simoni M. Effects of polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes on reproductive function. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2011; 12:303-21. [PMID: 21912887 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-011-9192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins, the action of which is mediated at the level of their gonadal receptors, play a key role in sexual development, reproductive functions and in metabolism. The involvement of the gonadotropins and their receptor genotypes on reproductive function are widely studied. A large number of gonadotropins and their receptors gene polymorphisms are known, but the only one considerable as a clear, absolute genetic marker of reproductive features or disfunctions is the FSHR Asn680Ser polymorphism, since it modulates ovarian response to FSH. The aim of these studies would to be the prediction of the genetic causes of sex-related diseases to enable a customized clinical setting based on individual response of patients undergoing gonadotropin stimulation. In this review we discuss the latest information about the effects of polymorphisms of the gonadotropins and their receptor genes on reproductive functions of both male and female, and discuss their patho-physiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Fauser BCJM, Diedrich K, Bouchard P, Domínguez F, Matzuk M, Franks S, Hamamah S, Simón C, Devroey P, Ezcurra D, Howles CM. Contemporary genetic technologies and female reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 17:829-47. [PMID: 21896560 PMCID: PMC3191938 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Fifth Evian Annual Reproduction (EVAR) Workshop Meeting discussed knowledge regarding contemporary genetics in female reproduction. METHODS Specialist reproductive medicine clinicians and geneticists delivered presentations based on published literature and current research. The content of this report is based on the expert presentations and subsequent group discussions that took place during this Workshop. RESULTS Numerous ovarian genes with a role in infertility have been identified. Future challenges for genetic screening of patients, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis, include the identification of high-throughput strategies and how to apply these findings to infertile patients. The identification of high-quality embryos in IVF using objective technologies remains a high priority in order to facilitate single-embryo transfer. Gene expression profiling of cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte, and proteomic and metabolomic approaches in embryo culture media may significantly improve non-invasive embryo quality assessment. CONCLUSIONS The way forward in advancing the knowledge of genes involved in reproduction was considered to be through genome-wide association studies involving large numbers of patients. Establishing international collaboration is required to enable the application of such technologies in sufficient numbers of patients.
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Gersak K, Veble A. Low-level X chromosome mosaicism in women with sporadic premature ovarian failure. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22:399-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Premature ovarian failure (POF) is characterized by secondary amenorrhea before the age of 40 years, along with repeated increased follicle-stimulating hormone and low estrogen concentrations. POF is considered a complex genetic disease with a familial presentation in 12% to 50% of cases. POF may originate from different genes and various gene-environment interactions. The aim of this study was to identify possible differences in phenotype comparing women with familial and women with sporadic POF. METHODS A multicenter study was initiated in the Netherlands using standardized phenotyping. For each woman, medical history, menstrual cycle, and fertility and smoking status were assessed and a standardized examination was performed. Based on a detailed three-generation family history, women were identified as having either familial (defined as having at least one relative with POF) or sporadic POF. RESULTS A total of 58 familial cases and 142 sporadic cases of POF were identified. Maternal age at menopause was significantly lower in the women with familial compared with the women with sporadic POF (41.0 +/- 7.5 and 49.7 +/- 2.6 y, respectively; P < 0.001). Sex hormone-binding globulin concentration was significantly higher in the women with familial than in the women with sporadic POF (73.6 +/- 37.1 and 55.2 +/- 26.9 nmol/L, respectively; P = 0.002). All other characteristics, such as parity, bone mineral density, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone and lipid levels were similar, as was the incidence of autoimmunity and cytogenetic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Familial and sporadic POF do not differ in phenotype except for maternal menopause age and sex hormone-binding globulin concentration. Future studies are needed to unravel the genotype-phenotype interactions in POF.
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Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common cause of infertility in women, and is characterised by amenorrhoea, hypo-oestrogenism and elevated gonadotrophin levels in women under the age of 40. Known causes include iatrogenic agents that cause permanent damage to the ovaries, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, autoimmune conditions, X-chromosome abnormalities and autosomal genetic conditions. However, few genes have been identified that can explain a substantial proportion of cases of POF. Most women with POF are deeply upset by the diagnosis, partly due to the unexpected menopausal symptoms, but also due to infertility. Therefore, early detection would provide better opportunity for early intervention, and furthermore, the identification of specific gene defects will help to direct potential targets for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Shelling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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18
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Pyun JA, Kang H, Kim J, Cha DH, Kwack K. Thyroglobulin gene is associated with premature ovarian failure. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:397-400. [PMID: 20864102 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 07/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Variants of the thyroglobulin gene were significantly associated with premature ovarian failure in a Korean population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms and one haplotype were found to be associated with a significant increase in the risk for premature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-A Pyun
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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19
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Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency is a subclass of ovarian dysfunction in which the cause is within the ovary. In most cases, an unknown mechanism leads to premature exhaustion of the resting pool of primordial follicles. Primary ovarian insufficiency might also result from genetic defects, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. The main symptom is absence of regular menstrual cycles, and the diagnosis is confirmed by detection of raised follicle-stimulating hormone and declined oestradiol concentrations in the serum, suggesting a primary ovarian defect. The disorder usually leads to sterility, and has a large effect on reproductive health when it arises at a young age. Fertility-preservation options can be offered to some patients with cancer and those at risk of early menopause, such as those with familial cases of primary ovarian insufficiency. Long-term deprivation of oestrogen has serious implications for female health in general; and for bone density, cardiovascular and neurological systems, wellbeing, and sexual health in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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20
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Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. NR5A1/SF-1 and development and function of the ovary. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2010; 71:177-82. [PMID: 20394914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2010.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as cessation of menstruation with associated elevation of gonadotropin levels as a result of decreased ovarian function before the age of 40. The incidence of POI is 1% in women prior to age 40, and 0.1% prior to age 30. There is evidence of a strong genetic component associated with POI. However, the gene mutations/variations influencing POI still remain uncharacterized. NR5A1, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key transcriptional regulator of genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal steroidogenic axis. Newborn mice deficient in NR5A1 lack both gonads and adrenal glands and have impaired expression of pituitary gonadotrophins. NR5A1 is also expressed in multiple cell types in the fetal, postnatal, prepubertal and mature ovary. Until 2008, 18 NR5A1 mutations were described in the human. Three of these were identified in individuals with adrenal insufficiency, two associated with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) and the third a 46,XX female with conserved ovarian function. Other mutations were associated with various anomalies of testis development with no evidence of adrenal failure. We have identified further 19 mutations in NR5A1 including mutations in four familial cases having individuals with 46,XY DSD as well as POI. A further analysis of 25 sporadic cases of POI revealed two additional mutations. Functional analysis revealed that each mutant protein had altered transactivational properties on gonadal promoters. These data reveal novels insights into the role of NR5A1 in ovarian developmental and function and indicate that mutations of the NR5A1 gene may be a significant cause of human ovarian insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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