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Oktem O, Esmaeilian Y, İltumur E, Yusufoglu S, Çimen DU, Incir S, Yakin K, Ata B, Urman B. Exposure of antral follicles to medroxyprogesterone acetate during stimulation does not cause molecular perturbations in gonadotropin-responsiveness and steroidogenic function of granulosa cells in progestin-primed cycles. Hum Reprod 2024:deae189. [PMID: 39180767 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae189] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) exposure in progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) cycles cause molecular perturbations in the steroidogenic function and gonadotropin responsiveness of the granulosa cells? SUMMARY ANSWER PPOS cycles are identical to traditional GnRH antagonist cycles not only for clinical IVF characteristics but also for gonadotropin receptor expression, response to gonadotropins, and steroidogenic function at the molecular level. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PPOS is increasingly used as an alternative to GnRH antagonists due to the inhibitory effect of progesterone on LH release by reducing GnRH pulsatility at the hypothalamic level. Although a growing body of evidence from clinical studies did not indicate significant differences between PPOS and antagonist protocols for IVF cycle characteristics and obstetrical outcomes, it is still unknown whether exposure of the antral follicle cohort to progesterone or its synthetic derivatives during ovarian stimulation causes any subtle molecular aberrations in terms of steroidogenesis and gonadotropin responsiveness. To address this issue, detailed comparative molecular analyses were conducted in the luteinized mural granulosa cells (GCs) obtained from normal responding IVF patients undergoing PPOS and antagonist cycles. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A clinical translational research study was conducted with IVF patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This study included 55 normal responding IVF patients who underwent ovarian stimulation with either PPOS using MPA (5 mg twice daily) or GnRH antagonist cetrorelix acetate. Recombinant forms of FSH and hCG were used for ovarian stimulation and ovulation triggering, respectively. Luteinized mural GCs obtained during the oocyte retrieval procedure were used for the experiments. Cell culture, quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, confocal time-lapse live cell imaging, and hormone assays were used. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Demographic and IVF cycle characteristics of the patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with PPOS and GnRH antagonist were similar, including ovarian response, mature oocyte yield, and fertilization rates. Molecular analyses revealed that the expression of the enzymes involved in sex-steroid synthesis (StAR, SCC, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, aromatase) and the uptake/storage/utilization of cholesterol (LDL receptor, Hormone-sensitive lipase, hydroxy-methyl glutaryl Co-enzyme-A reductase, and Sterol O-acyltransferase1) in the GCs of the PPOS cycles were comparable to those of the antagonist cycles. The expression of the receptors for gonadotropins, estrogen, and progesterone hormones was also similar. Basal and hCG-induced increases in 3β-HSD expression and progesterone production and basal and FSH-induced increases in aromatase expression and E2 output of the GCs from PPOS patients did not exhibit any meaningful differences when compared with GCs from antagonist cycles. Furthermore, basal and hCG-induced up-regulation in the LDL receptor expression and cholesterol uptake did not differ between the groups. Confocal imaging also revealed similar patterns of expression for the steroidogenic enzymes and their co-localization with mitochondria. Lastly, the expression of the other important genes regulating cumulus expansion, ovulation, and luteal function [Relaxin, ADAMTS-1, and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor amphiregulin] in the GCs of the PPOS and antagonist cycles were similar. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Caution should be exercised when interpreting our data which was derived from normally responding patients whose ovulation was triggered with hCG. It is unclear whether the molecular parameters assessed vary according to infertility etiologies, magnitude of ovarian response, mode of trigger, and any other underlying ovarian pathologies or systemic diseases. MPA was the progestin used for PPOS and whether these findings can be generalized to other progestins is unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides reassuring molecular evidence that exposure of antral follicle cohorts to MPA during the follicular growth phase does not have any detrimental effects on steroidogenic, ovulatory, and luteal functions when compared with GnRH antagonist cycles. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Health Sciences of Koc University and Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), and equally funded by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Development Research Infrastructure Support Program. All authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Oktem
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Yashar Esmaeilian
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Ece İltumur
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Sevgi Yusufoglu
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | | | - Said Incir
- Department of Biochemistry, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Kayhan Yakin
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkiye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Baris Ata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bulent Urman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
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Ersahin A, Celik O, Gungor ND, Celik N, Melil S, Yardim M, Dalkilic S, Ersahin C, Dogukargin E, Celik S, Akkoc RF. Long pentraxin 3 and vitamin D receptor mRNA expression pattern of cumulus granulosa cells isolated from PCOS oocytes at different stages of nuclear maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:6. [PMID: 38167474 PMCID: PMC10759607 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A fine-tuned pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory balance in the follicular unit is essential for cumulus expansion and successful ovulation. While the long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) gene is required for the expansion of cumulus cells (CCs), ovulation, resumption of meiosis and fertilization, the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR-X2) is required for intra-follicle redox balance. This study was planned to determine the expression pattern of VDR-X2 and PTX3 mRNA in CCs isolated from germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII) oocytes of PCOS patients with ovulatory dysfunction. METHODS The relative expression of CC-PTX3 and CC-VDR-X2 mRNA were evaluated using qRT-PCR in a total of 79 CC samples collected from individual cumulus-oocyte complex of 40 infertile patients (20 PCOS and 20 non-PCOS normal responders) who underwent ovarian stimulation with the GnRH antagonist protocol. RESULTS Relative PTX3 mRNA expressions of CCMI-control and CCMII-control showed 3- and 9-fold significant upregulation compared to CCGV-control, respectively. The relative PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMII-control increased approximately three fold compared to CCMI-control. Compared to CCGV-pcos, a 3-fold increase was noted in the relative PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMI-pcos and an approximately 4-fold increase in the PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMII-pcos. Relative PTX3 mRNA expression values of CCMII-pcos and CCMI-pcos were similar. A 6-fold upregulation of relative PTX3 mRNA and a 4-fold upregulation of VDR-X2 mRNA were detected in CCMII-control compared to CCMII-pcos. CC-VDR-X2 expression patterns of the PCOS and control groups overlapped with the CC-PTX3 pattern. Fertilization rates of the PCOS group exhibiting failed transcript expression were similar to normal responders. CONCLUSION The fact that relative CC-PTX3 and CC-VDR mRNA expression does not increase during the transition from MI to MII stage in PCOS as in normal responders suggests that PTX3 and VDR expression may be defective in cumulus cells of PCOS patients with ovulatory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynur Ersahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bahcesehir University Goztepe Medicalpark Hospital, Istanbul, 34732, Turkey
| | - Onder Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Clinic, Usak, 64000, Turkey.
| | - Nur D Gungor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bahcesehir University Goztepe Medicalpark Hospital, Istanbul, 34732, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Celik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, 35210, Turkey
| | - Sureyya Melil
- Göztepe Medicalpark Hospital IVF-Unit, Istanbul, 34732, Turkey
| | - Meltem Yardim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Yerkoy State Hospital, Yozgat, 66900, Turkey
| | - Semih Dalkilic
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Cenk Ersahin
- Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, 34732, Turkey
| | - Ece Dogukargin
- Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Istanbul, 34732, Turkey
| | - Sudenaz Celik
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Ramazan F Akkoc
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, 34060, Turkey
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Niribili R, Jeyakumar S, Kumaresan A, Lavanya M, Sinha MK, Kausik M, Elango K, Patil S, Allu T, Veerappa VG, Manimaran A, Das DN, Bhuyan M, Ramesha KP. Prolonged follicular dominance is associated with dysregulated proteomic profile of the follicular fluid in Bos indicus cows. Theriogenology 2024; 213:34-42. [PMID: 37793223 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged follicular dominance is one of the conditions associated with disconcerted follicular dynamics that result in substantial economic losses to the farmers through low reproductive efficiency in cattle. Hormonal aberrations associated with prolonged follicular dominance may affect the follicular microenvironment and composition of follicular fluid. The current study focused on proteome changes of follicular fluid in prolonged follicular dominance compared to physiological follicular dominance. Prolonged dominance was induced in Deoni cows (n = 6) by using CIDR (previously used for 7 days) from day 4-8 of estrus, with PGF2 injection on day 6 and day 7 at 12 h intervals. Follicular fluid was collected by ultrasound guided transvaginal follicular aspiration method. Global proteomic analysis of follicular fluid revealed 217 proteins in the Deoni cow, with the majority of proteins involved in 21 pathways, 42 molecular functions, and 106 biological processes. Complement and coagulation cascades (22.8%) and cholesterol metabolism (4.68%) were the major pathways in which identified proteins were involved. Comparison of physiological and prolonged dominant follicular fluid revealed differential expression of 26 proteins, of which 15 were upregulated and 11 were downregulated. Proteins involved in complement and coagulation cascades, and vitamin digestion and absorption were found to be dysregulated in PFD. The present study suggests that the expression of proteins involved in inflammation, oocyte metabolism, and ovulation cascade were found to be dysregulated in the follicular fluid of prolonged follicular dominance consequently resulting in delayed ovulation or anovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajbangshi Niribili
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Sakthivel Jeyakumar
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India.
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Maharajan Lavanya
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Majumder Kausik
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Shivanagouda Patil
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Teja Allu
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Vedamurthy G Veerappa
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Ayyasamy Manimaran
- Livestock Research Centre, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - D N Das
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Manjyoti Bhuyan
- Department of ARGO, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, 781 022, India
| | - K P Ramesha
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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5
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Du X, Zhu Q, Pian H, Yang X, Zhao D, Wu X, He J, Yu D. Transcriptome Analysis of Granulosa Cells Reveals Regulatory Mechanisms Related to Chicken Follicle Development. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:20. [PMID: 38200750 PMCID: PMC10777934 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010020] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to better understand the difference between the functions of the two types of granulosa cells and sought to discover more key genes involved in follicle development and follicle selection. Herein, we separately collected pre-hierarchical follicle granulosa cells (PHGCs) and preovulatory follicle granulosa cells (POGCs) for RNA extraction; the transcriptomes of the two groups were compared via RNA-seq. A total of 5273 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the PHGCs and POGCs; 2797 genes were up-regulated and 2476 were down-regulated in the PHGCs compared with the POGCs. A qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression patterns of 16 randomly selected DEGs were highly consistent with the RNA-seq results. In the POGCs, many of the genes with the most significant increase in expression were related to steroid hormone synthesis. In addition, the genes with the most significant decline in expression, including AMH and WT1, were related to the inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis. These results suggest that steroid hormones play a key role in follicle development. Furthermore, a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the primary metabolic process, the carbohydrate metabolic process, the cellular process, ribosomes, the cytoplasm, and intracellular processes. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in steroid biosynthesis, the cell cycle, ribosomes, the TGF-beta signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and so on. We also observed the morphology of the follicles at different developmental stages, and the results showed that the thickness of the granular layer of the small yellow follicles (SYFs) decreased significantly with further development. In addition, we also found that the thickness of the granulosa layer of hens over 300 days old was significantly lower than that of 200-day-old hens. In short, these data indicate that the tissue morphology and function of granulosa cells change throughout follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xubin Du
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
- Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Qizhao Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Huifang Pian
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- College of Animal Science, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China;
| | - Dong Zhao
- Single Molecule Nanometry Laboratory (Sinmolab), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Jiawen He
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Debing Yu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.D.); (Q.Z.); (H.P.); (X.W.); (J.H.)
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6
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Hoffmann JP, Liu JA, Seddu K, Klein SL. Sex hormone signaling and regulation of immune function. Immunity 2023; 56:2472-2491. [PMID: 37967530 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune responses to antigens, including innocuous, self, tumor, microbial, and vaccine antigens, differ between males and females. The quest to uncover the mechanisms for biological sex differences in the immune system has intensified, with considerable literature pointing toward sex hormonal influences on immune cell function. Sex steroids, including estrogens, androgens, and progestins, have profound effects on immune function. As such, drastic changes in sex steroid concentrations that occur with aging (e.g., after puberty or during the menopause transition) or pregnancy impact immune responses and the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases. The effect of sex steroids on immunity involves both the concentration of the ligand and the density and distribution of genomic and nongenomic receptors that serve as transcriptional regulators of immune cellular responses to affect autoimmunity, allergy, infectious diseases, cancers, and responses to vaccines. The next frontier will be harnessing these effects of sex steroids to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Hoffmann
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer A Liu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kumba Seddu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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7
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Li T, Ren X, Li T, Yu L, Teng M, Zheng Y, Lei A. Low-Dose Sodium Salicylate Promotes Ovulation by Regulating Steroids via CYP17A1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032579. [PMID: 36768902 PMCID: PMC9916436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
To meet the current demand of assisted reproduction and animal breeding via superovulation and reduce the impact of hormone drugs, it is necessary to develop new superovulation drugs. This study examined the role of inflammation and steroids in ovulation. Sodium salicylate can regulate inflammation and steroids. However, the effect of sodium salicylate on ovulation has not been studied. In this study, mice were intraperitoneally injected with different concentrations of sodium salicylate for four consecutive days. The effects of sodium salicylate on oocyte quality and on the number of ovulations were examined, and these effects were compared with those of pregnant horse serum gonadotropin (PMSG)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment. We found that low-dose sodium salicylate increased the levels of ovulation hormones and inflammation by promoting the expression of CYP17A1. Sodium salicylate had the same effect as the commonly used superovulation drug PMSG/FSH and reduced the histone methylation level. Sodium salicylate can promote ovulation in mice and Awang sheep. It can greatly decrease the use of hormone drugs, reduce breeding costs and physical impacts, and can thus be used for livestock breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Xuehua Ren
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Mingming Teng
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Anmin Lei
- Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
- Correspondence:
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Teng M, Luo Y, Wang C, Lei A. Effect of Disulfiram on the Reproductive Capacity of Female Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032371. [PMID: 36768698 PMCID: PMC9916984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the process of assisted reproduction, the high-oxygen in vitro environment can easily cause oxidative damage to oocytes. Disulfiram (DSF) can play an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant role in different cells, and the effect of DSF on oocytes remains unclear. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the use of DSF in the early stages of pregnancy has a negative impact on the fetus. In this study, we found that DSF increased serum FSH levels and increased the ovulation rate in mice. Moreover, DSF enhanced the antioxidant capacity of oocytes and contributed to the success rate of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, the use of DSF in early pregnancy in mice increased the uterine horn volume and the degree of vascularization, which contributed to a successful pregnancy. In addition, it was found that DSF regulated the mRNA expression of angiogenesis-related genes (VEGF), follicular development-related genes (C1QTNF3, mTOR and PI3K), ovulation-related genes (MAPK1, MAPK3 and p38 MAPK) and antioxidant-related genes (GPX4 and CAT). These results indicate that DSF is helpful for increasing the antioxidant capacity of oocytes and the ovulation rate. In early pregnancy in mice, DSF promotes pregnancy by increasing the degree and volume of uterine vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anmin Lei
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-029-87080068
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Intraovarian, Isoform-Specific Transcriptional Roles of Progesterone Receptor in Ovulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091563. [PMID: 35563869 PMCID: PMC9105733 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) activity is obligatory for mammalian ovulation; however, there is no established direct functional pathway explaining how progesterone receptor completely and specifically regulates oocyte release. This study examined the overarching cell- and isoform-specific effects of the PGR within each cellular compartment of the ovary, using mice null for the PGR (PRKO), as well as isoform-specific null mice. The PGR was expressed in ovarian granulosa and stromal cells and although PRKO ovaries showed no visible histological changes in preovulatory ovarian morphology, follicle rupture did not occur. Reciprocal ovarian transplant experiments established the necessity of ovarian PGR expression for ovulation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of PRKO mice exhibited normal morphology but showed some altered gene expression. The examination of mitochondrial activity showed subtle differences in PRKO oocytes but no differences in granulosa cell respiration, glycolysis or β-oxidation. Concurrently, RNA-seq identified novel functional pathways through which the PGR may regulate ovulation. PGR-A was the predominant transcriptionally active isoform in granulosa cells and 154 key PGR-dependent genes were identified, including a secondary network of transcription factors. In addition, the PGR regulated unique gene networks in the ovarian stroma. Collectively, we establish the effector pathways activated by the PGR across the ovarian cell types and conclude that PGR coordinates gene expression in the cumulus, granulosa and stromal cells at ovulation. Identifying these networks linking the PGR to ovulation provides novel targets for fertility therapeutics and nonhormonal contraceptive development.
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10
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Castiglione Morelli MA, Iuliano A, Schettini SCA, Ferri A, Colucci P, Viggiani L, Matera I, Ostuni A. Are the Follicular Fluid Characteristics of Recovered Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Different From Those of Vaccinated Women Approaching in vitro Fertilization? Front Physiol 2022; 13:840109. [PMID: 35283772 PMCID: PMC8905595 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.840109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate if SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection induce observable metabolic effects in follicular fluid of women who are following in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. The possible impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on fertility and IVF outcome is considered. We have selected for this study: six women vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection, five recovered COVID-19 patients, and we used nine healthy women as the control group. At the time of oocytes retrieval from participants in the study, follicular fluids were collected and metabolomic analysis was performed by 1H NMR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis to interpret the spectral data. The search for antibody positivity in the follicular fluid aspirates was also carried out, together with the western blotting analysis of some inflammatory proteins, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and the free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase 2. Higher levels of Ala and Pro together with lower levels of lipids and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were found in follicular fluids (FFs) of vaccinated women while lower levels of many metabolites were detected in FFs of recovered COVID patients. Expression level of TNF-α was significantly lower both in recovered COVID-19 patients and vaccinated women in comparison to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Assunta Iuliano
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of "San Carlo" Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Angela Ferri
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of "San Carlo" Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | - Paola Colucci
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of "San Carlo" Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | - Licia Viggiani
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Ilenia Matera
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Angela Ostuni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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11
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Levina IS, Shchelkunova TA, Polikarpova AV, Kuznetsov YV, Zavarzin IV. Synthesis of 19-hydroxypregn-4-en-20-one and 19-hydroxy-5β-pregn-3-en-20-one that selectively bind to membrane progesterone receptors, and assessment of their immunomodulatory effects. Russ Chem Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-021-3337-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Ogiwara K, Hoyagi M, Takahashi T. A central role for cAMP/EPAC/RAP/PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling in LH-induced follicular Pgr expression at medaka ovulation†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:413-426. [PMID: 33880506 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear progestin receptor (PGR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that has been identified as a pivotal mediator of many processes associated with ovarian and uterine function, and aberrant control of PGR activity causes infertility and disease including cancer. The essential role of PGR in vertebrate ovulation is well recognized, but the mechanisms by which PGR is rapidly and transiently induced in preovulatory follicles after the ovulatory LH surge are not known in lower vertebrates. To address this issue, we utilized the small freshwater teleost medaka Oryzias latipes, which serves as a good model system for studying vertebrate ovulation. In the in vitro ovulation system using preovulatory follicles dissected from the fish ovaries, we found that inhibitors of EPAC (brefeldin A), RAP (GGTI298), PI3K (Wortmannin), AKT (AKT inhibitor IV), and CREB (KG-501) inhibited LH-induced follicle ovulation, while the PKA inhibitor H-89 had no effect on follicle ovulation. The inhibitors capable of inhibiting follicle ovulation also inhibited follicular expression of Pgr and matrix metalloproteinase-15 (Mmp15), the latter of which was previously shown to not only be a downstream effector of Pgr but also a proteolytic enzyme indispensable for follicle rupture in medaka ovulation. Further detailed analysis revealed for the first time that the cAMP/EPAC/RAP/PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway mediates the LH signal to induce Pgr expression in preovulatory follicles. Our data also showed that phosphorylated Creb1 is a transcription factor essential for pgr expression and that Creb1 phosphorylated by Akt1, rather than PKA, may be preferably used to induce pgr expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Hoyagi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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13
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Takahashi T, Ogiwara K. Roles of melatonin in the teleost ovary: A review of the current status. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 254:110907. [PMID: 33482340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.110907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin, the neurohormone mainly synthesized in and secreted from the pineal gland of vertebrates following a circadian rhythm, is an important factor regulating various physiological processes, including reproduction. Recent data indicate that melatonin is also synthesized in the ovary and that it acts directly at the level of the ovary to modulate ovarian physiology. In some teleosts, melatonin is reported to affect ovarian steroidogenesis. The direct action of melatonin on the ovary could be a possible factor promoting oocyte maturation in teleosts. A role for melatonin in follicle rupture during ovulation in the teleost medaka has recently emerged. In addition, melatonin is suggested to affect oocyte maturation by its antioxidant activity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these direct effects of melatonin are largely unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
| | - Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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14
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Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Nuclear receptors: Key regulators of somatic cell functions in the ovulatory process. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100937. [PMID: 33288229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the ovarian follicle to its culmination by ovulation is an essential element of fertility. The final stages of ovarian follicular growth are characterized by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, and steroid synthesis under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a population of granulosa cells poised to respond to the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors play indispensable roles in the regulation of these events. The key regulators of the final stages of follicular growth that precede ovulation from this family include the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), with additional roles for others, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Following the LH surge, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells undergo rapid changes that result in expansion of the cumulus layer, and a shift in ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis from estradiol to progesterone production. The nuclear receptor best associated with these events is LRH-1. Inadequate cumulus expansion is also observed in the absence of AR and ESR2, but not the progesterone receptor (PGR). The terminal stages of ovulation are regulated by PGR, which increases the abundance of the proteases that are directly responsible for rupture. It further regulates the prostaglandins and cytokines associated with the inflammatory-like characteristics of ovulation. LRH-1 regulates PGR, and is also a key regulator of steroidogenesis, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling. In summary, nuclear receptors are among the panoply of transcriptional regulators with roles in ovulation, and several are necessary for normal ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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15
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Do the clinical outcomes of Covid-19 differ in pregnancy? JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.770082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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16
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Dinh DT, Breen J, Akison LK, DeMayo FJ, Brown HM, Robker RL, Russell DL. Tissue-specific progesterone receptor-chromatin binding and the regulation of progesterone-dependent gene expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11966. [PMID: 31427604 PMCID: PMC6700090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) co-ordinately regulates ovulation, fertilisation and embryo implantation through tissue-specific actions, but the mechanisms for divergent PGR action are poorly understood. Here we characterised PGR activity in mouse granulosa cells using combined ChIP-seq for PGR and H3K27ac and gene expression microarray. Comparison of granulosa, uterus and oviduct PGR-dependent genes showed almost complete tissue specificity in PGR target gene profiles. In granulosa cells 82% of identified PGR-regulated genes bound PGR within 3 kb of the gene and PGR binding sites were highly enriched in proximal promoter regions in close proximity to H3K27ac-modified active chromatin. Motif analysis showed highly enriched PGR binding to the PGR response element (GnACAnnnTGTnC), but PGR also interacted significantly with other transcription factor binding motifs. In uterus PGR showed far more tendency to bind intergenic chromatin regions and low evidence of interaction with other transcription factors. This is the first genome-wide description of PGR action in granulosa cells and systematic comparison of diverse PGR action in different reproductive tissues. It clarifies finely-tuned contextual PGR-chromatin interactions with implications for more targeted reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Dinh
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Breen
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,University of Adelaide Bioinformatics Hub, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - L K Akison
- Child Health Research Centre, Centre for Children's Health Research, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia
| | - F J DeMayo
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - H M Brown
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - R L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - D L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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17
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Jiang YX, Shi WJ, Ma DD, Zhang JN, Ying GG, Zhang H, Ong CN. Dydrogesterone exposure induces zebrafish ovulation but leads to oocytes over-ripening: An integrated histological and metabolomics study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 128:390-398. [PMID: 31078873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dydrogesterone (DDG) is a synthetic progestin widely used in numerous gynecological diseases. DDG has been shown to disturb fish reproduction, however, the mechanism is still unclear. Here we studied the histological changes and differences of metabolome between exposed and control fish gonads after exposure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to 2.8, 27.6, and 289.8 ng/L DDG until sexual maturity for a total of 140 days. Dydrogesterone exposure led to male-biased zebrafish sex ratios. Histological examination revealed that DDG induced postovulatory follicles and atretic follicles in the ovary of the female fish. Postovulatory follicles indicated the occurrence of ovulation. DDG also increased spermatids and spermatozoa in the male fish testis, suggesting promotion of spermatogenesis. Ovarian metabolome showed that DDG increased the concentrations of free amino acids, urea, putrescine, free fatty acids, acylcarnitines, lysophospholipids, and other metabolites catabolized from phospholipids. Most of these metabolites are biodegradation products of proteins and lipids, suggesting the existence of ovulated oocytes over-ripening. Further, DDG upregulated arachidonic acid (AA) and its 5‑lipoxygenase (5-LOX) metabolites 5‑oxo‑6,8,11,14‑eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) in the ovary, which could lead to suppression of AA cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolite prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). It is believed that AA induced oocyte maturation, while 5-oxo-ETE and related metabolites in purinergic signaling promoted ovulation. Whereas, the suppression of PGF2α production might block spawning and damaged follicular tissue digestion, which explained the oocytes over-ripening and atretic follicles in the treated ovary. Overall, our results suggested that DDG exposure induced zebrafish oocyte maturation and ovulation but led to oocytes over-ripening via the AA metabolic pathway and purinergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin-Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Choon-Nam Ong
- School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 117547, Singapore.
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18
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Polikarpova AV, Levina IS, Sigai NV, Zavarzin IV, Morozov IA, Rubtsov PM, Guseva AA, Smirnova OV, Shchelkunova TA. Immunomodulatory effects of progesterone and selective ligands of membrane progesterone receptors. Steroids 2019; 145:5-18. [PMID: 30753845 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) and its analogues regulate various reproductive processes, such as ovulation, implantation, pregnancy maintenance and delivery. In these processes, an important role is played by the immune cells recruited to the female reproductive organs and tissues, where they are exposed to the action of P4. Progestins regulate cellular processes, acting through nuclear steroid receptors (nSRs), membrane P4 receptors (mPRs), and through the sensors. It remains unclear, what type of receptors is used by P4 and its derivatives to exert their effect on the immune cells and how similar their effects are in different types of these cells. We have previously synthesized new progesterone derivatives, among which two selective mPRs ligands, not interacting with nSRs were identified. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of P4 and new selective mPRs ligands on the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), THP-1 monocyte cells, and Jurkat T cells. It was demonstrated that the action of P4 and selective ligands was unidirectional, but in different types of the immune cells, their effects were different, and sometimes even opposite. In PBMCs, exposure to these steroids resulted in the increase of mRNA and secreted protein levels of IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6 cytokines, as well as in the increase of INFγ mRNA level, decrease of IL-2 mRNA level, increase of TGFβ mRNA level, and decrease of IL-4 mRNA and IL-10 secreted protein levels. In monocytes, similarly to PBMCs, expression of IL-1β and TNFα mRNA was increased, but expression of IL-10 was also increased, and the TGFβ expression statistically significantly remained the same. In Jurkat T cells, expression of IL-2 and TNFα mRNA decreased, while expression of IL-10 increased, and expression of TGFβ did not change. Thus, progestins act on the immune cells through mPRs and have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, depending on the phenotypes of these cells. The data obtained are important for understanding the complexity of the immune system regulation by progestins, which depends on the type of the immune cells and individual characteristics of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Polikarpova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - I S Levina
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - N V Sigai
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - I V Zavarzin
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - I A Morozov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - P M Rubtsov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - A A Guseva
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - O V Smirnova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - T A Shchelkunova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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19
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Duffy DM, Ko C, Jo M, Brannstrom M, Curry TE. Ovulation: Parallels With Inflammatory Processes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:369-416. [PMID: 30496379 PMCID: PMC6405411 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The midcycle surge of LH sets in motion interconnected networks of signaling cascades to bring about rupture of the follicle and release of the oocyte during ovulation. Many mediators of these LH-induced signaling cascades are associated with inflammation, leading to the postulate that ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response. First responders to the LH surge are granulosa and theca cells, which produce steroids, prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, which are also mediators of inflammatory processes. These mediators, in turn, activate both nonimmune ovarian cells as well as resident immune cells within the ovary; additional immune cells are also attracted to the ovary. Collectively, these cells regulate proteolytic pathways to reorganize the follicular stroma, disrupt the granulosa cell basal lamina, and facilitate invasion of vascular endothelial cells. LH-induced mediators initiate cumulus expansion and cumulus oocyte complex detachment, whereas the follicular apex undergoes extensive extracellular matrix remodeling and a loss of the surface epithelium. The remainder of the follicle undergoes rapid angiogenesis and functional differentiation of granulosa and theca cells. Ultimately, these functional and structural changes culminate in follicular rupture and oocyte release. Throughout the ovulatory process, the importance of inflammatory responses is highlighted by the commonalities and similarities between many of these events associated with ovulation and inflammation. However, ovulation includes processes that are distinct from inflammation, such as regulation of steroid action, oocyte maturation, and the eventual release of the oocyte. This review focuses on the commonalities between inflammatory responses and the process of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Misung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats Brannstrom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Curry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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20
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Camaioni A, Klinger FG, Campagnolo L, Salustri A. The Influence of Pentraxin 3 on the Ovarian Function and Its Impact on Fertility. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2808. [PMID: 30555480 PMCID: PMC6283082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular development is a highly coordinated process that in humans takes more than 6 months. Pituitary gonadotropins and a variety of locally produced growth factors and cytokines are involved in determining a precise sequence of changes in cell metabolism, proliferation, vascularization, and matrix remodeling in order to obtain a follicle with full ovulatory and steroidogenic capability. A low-grade inflammation can alter such processes leading to premature arrest of follicular growth and female reproductive failure. On the other hand, factors that are involved in inflammatory response as well as in innate immunity are physiologically upregulated in the follicle at the final stage of maturation and play an essential role in ovulation and fertilization. The generation of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) deficient mice provided the first evidence that this humoral pattern recognition molecule of the innate immunity has a non-redundant role in female fertility. The expression, localization, and molecular interactions of PTX3 in the periovulatory follicle have been extensively studied in the last 10 years. In this review, we summarize findings demonstrating that PTX3 is synthesized before ovulation by cells surrounding the oocyte and actively participates in the organization of the hyaluronan-rich provisional matrix required for successful fertilization. Data in humans tend to confirm these findings, indicating PTX3 as a biomarker of oocyte quality. Moreover, we discuss the emerging evidence that in humans altered PTX3 systemic levels, determined by genetic variations and/or low-grade chronic inflammation, can also impact the growth and development of the follicle and affect the incidence of ovarian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Camaioni
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia Klinger
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Salustri
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
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21
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Schuermann Y, Rovani MT, Gasperin B, Ferreira R, Ferst J, Madogwe E, Gonçalves PB, Bordignon V, Duggavathi R. ERK1/2-dependent gene expression in the bovine ovulating follicle. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16170. [PMID: 30385793 PMCID: PMC6212447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovulation is triggered by gonadotropin surge-induced signaling cascades. To study the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in bovine ovulation, we administered the pharmacological inhibitor, PD0325901, into the preovulatory dominant follicle by intrafollicular injection. Four of five cows treated with 50 µM PD0325901 failed to ovulate. To uncover the molecular basis of anovulation in ERK1/2-inhibited cows, we collected granulosa and theca cells from Vehicle and PD0325901 treated follicles. Next-generation sequencing of granulosa cell RNA revealed 285 differentially expressed genes between Vehicle and PD0325901-treated granulosa cells at 6 h post-GnRH. Multiple inflammation-related pathways were enriched among the differentially expressed genes. The ERK1/2 dependent LH-induced genes in granulosa cells included EGR1, ADAMTS1, STAT3 and TNFAIP6. Surprisingly, PD0325901 treatment did not affect STAR expression in granulosa cells at 6 h post-GnRH. Granulosa cells had higher STAR protein and theca cells had higher levels of STAR mRNA in ERK1/2-inhibited follicles. Further, both granulosa and theca cells of ERK1/2-inhibited follicles had higher expression of SLC16A1, a monocarboxylate transporter, transporting substances including β-hydroxybutyrate across the plasma membrane. Taken together, ERK1/2 plays a significant role in mediating LH surge-induced gene expression in granulosa and theca cells of the ovulating follicle in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Schuermann
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Monique T Rovani
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Gasperin
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction-ReproPEL, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-610, Capão do Leão, Brazil
| | - Rogério Ferreira
- Department of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ferst
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Ejimedo Madogwe
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Paulo B Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Raj Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Robker RL, Hennebold JD, Russell DL. Coordination of Ovulation and Oocyte Maturation: A Good Egg at the Right Time. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3209-3218. [PMID: 30010832 PMCID: PMC6456964 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovulation is the appropriately timed release of a mature, developmentally competent oocyte from the ovary into the oviduct, where fertilization occurs. Importantly, ovulation is tightly linked with oocyte maturation, demonstrating the interdependency of these two parallel processes, both essential for female fertility. Initiated by pituitary gonadotropins, the ovulatory process is mediated by intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural, and cumulus granulosa cells, as well as the oocyte itself. The result is the induction of cumulus expansion, proteolysis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction, which are each required for follicular rupture. These complex intercellular communication networks and the essential ovulatory genes have been well defined in mouse models and are highly conserved in primates, including humans. Importantly, recent discoveries in regulation of ovulation highlight new areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Correspondence: Rebecca L. Robker, PhD, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. E-mail:
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Darryl L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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