The connection of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein inflammatory marker with anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic characteristic of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Functional study of Cygb in the immune response to Vibrio harveyi disease in yellow drum (Nibea albiflora)

Cytoglobin (Cygb) is a 21-kDa heme-protein that belongs to the globin superfamily and is expressed in vertebrate tissues. It can participate in the oxidative stress response in organisms through the porphyrin ring. Previous studies have shown that this protein, also known as YdCygb, has potential immune abilities in the infection of Vibrio harveyi in yellow drum (Nibea albiflora). In this study, we report the role of Cygb in the immune response of teleost fish for the first time. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that YdCygb was highly expressed in the liver and intestine of yellow drum, and its expression can be upregulated by pathogenic attack. The cellular distribution of YdCygb-EGFP proteins was observed in cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus in the kidney cells of N. albiflora. Furthermore, a comparative transcriptome analysis between the YdCygb overexpression group and control vector group identified 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The analysis showed that ANPEP, CLDN5, ORM1/2, SERPINC1 and HPN and ITGAM might play important regulatory roles to Cygb in fish. Notably, using GST-pull down technology, we identified 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase and intermediate filament protein as direct interactors with YdCygb, playing a role against V. harveyi. The molecular and functional characterization of YdCygb provides better understanding of the genetic basis of disease resistance traits in yellow drum and sheds new light on the functioning of Cygb and its potential regulatory signaling pathway as well.

The PCOS puzzle: putting the pieces together for optimal care

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted hormonal disorder that has significant ramifications for both women's reproductive and metabolic well-being. This analysis aims to offer a thorough comprehension of PCOS by investigating the various contributing factors that are crucial for its effective management. We delve into the topic of hormonal imbalances, such as elevated androgens and disrupted estrogen-progesterone dynamics, and their effects on reproductive and metabolic health. Furthermore, we explore the intricate connection between insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and PCOS, highlighting their pivotal role in metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, we examine fertility challenges, irregular menstrual patterns, and metabolic complications while also reviewing current treatment methodologies. Moreover, we address the latest research concerning genetic, environmental, and epigenetic influences on PCOS. By piecing together these essential elements, healthcare professionals can attain a comprehensive understanding of PCOS and deliver optimal care for those affected by the condition.

Screening and verification of genes related to polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To identify key genes involved in occurrence and development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

By downloading the GSE85932 dataset from the GEO database, we used bioinformatical analysis to analyse differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from blood samples of eight women with PCOS and eight matched controls. Following bioinformatic analysis, we performed a cross-sectional study of serum samples taken from 79 women with PCOS and 36 healthy controls.

RESULTS

From the 178 DEGs identified by bioinformatical analysis, 15 genes were identified as significant, and of these, ORM1 and ORM2 were selected for further verification as potential biomarkers for PCOS. Serum ORM1 and ORM2 levels were significantly increased in women with PCOS, and had a high diagnostic value. ORM1 and ORM2 were positively correlated with testosterone, cholesterol, and triglycerides. ORM1 levels were negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein (HDL) while ORM2 levels showed no significant correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

ORM may be an effective biomarker for the diagnosis of PCOS and its monitoring may be a useful therapeutic strategy.

Translational Bioinformatics for Human Reproductive Biology Research: Examples, Opportunities and Challenges for a Future Reproductive Medicine

Since 1978, with the first IVF (in vitro fertilization) baby birth in Manchester (England), more than eight million IVF babies have been born throughout the world, and many new techniques and discoveries have emerged in reproductive medicine. To summarize the modern technology and progress in reproductive medicine, all scientific papers related to reproductive medicine, especially papers related to reproductive translational medicine, were fully searched, manually curated and reviewed. Results indicated whether male reproductive medicine or female reproductive medicine all have made significant progress, and their markers have experienced the progress from karyotype analysis to single-cell omics. However, due to the lack of comprehensive databases, especially databases collecting risk exposures, disease markers and models, prevention drugs and effective treatment methods, the application of the latest precision medicine technologies and methods in reproductive medicine is limited.

High-Fiber Diet or Combined With Acarbose Alleviates Heterogeneous Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Regulating Gut Microbiota

OBJECTIVE

Gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with high heterogeneity of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, studies about gut microbiota targeted clinical intervention in PCOS are limited. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-fiber diet or combined with acarbose on the clinical phenotypes of PCOS, focusing on the possible influence of gut microbiota in this process.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with PCOS were recruited and randomly divided into two groups, W group (n = 14) received the WTP diet (a high-fiber diet composed of whole grains, traditional Chinese medicinal foods, and prebiotics), and A group (n = 11) received the WTP diet combined with acarbose. The follow-up time was 12 weeks. The sex hormonal and glycolipid metabolic parameters, inflammatory factors, brain-gut peptides, and alteration of gut microbiota were evaluated.

RESULTS

The PCOS clinical phenotypes, inflammatory state, and brain-gut peptides secretion were all alleviated in both groups, while the hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and brain-gut peptides secretion were better improved in the A group. Alpha and beta diversities were altered more significantly in the A group. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were clustered into 14 co-abundant groups (CAGs) as potential functional groups that may respond to the intervention. The CAGs predominantly comprised of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were more enriched, while the CAGs predominantly comprised of Bacteroides vulgatus, Alistipes, Blautia, Lachnospira, and Roseburia were more inhibited in the A group than in W group. Moreover, the CAGs enriched in the A group had a stronger negative correlation with the luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, testosterone, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), α-1-acid glycoprotein (α-AGP), and leptin, and positive correlation with adiponectin and spexin, while the CAGs inhibited showed an opposite trend.

CONCLUSIONS

High-fiber diet could alleviate the chronic metabolic inflammation, reproductive function, and brain-gut peptides secretion of patients with PCOS, and high-fiber diet combined with acarbose could better improve the PCOS clinical phenotypes. The remodeling of gut microbiota by our intervention may play an important role in these improvements.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=4500, ChiCTR-TRC-14005075.