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Chhabria S, Takle V, Sharma N, Kharkar P, Pansare K, Tripathi A, Tripathi A, Bhartiya D. Extremely Active Nano-formulation of Resveratrol (XAR™) attenuates and reverses chemotherapy-induced damage in mice ovaries and testes. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:115. [PMID: 36271409 PMCID: PMC9585716 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility preservation and restoration in cancer patients/survivors is the need of present times when increased numbers of patients get cured of cancer but face infertility as a serious side effect. Resveratrol has beneficial effects on chemoablated ovaries and testes in mice but has failed to enter the clinics because of extremely poor bioavailability. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective and curative effects of Extremely active Resveratrol (XAR™)- a nano-formulation of resveratrol with significantly improved bioavailability- on mouse ovary and testis after chemotherapy. Effects of XAR™ and FSH were compared on stimulation of follicle growth in adult mice ovaries. XAR™ (25 mg/kg) was administered for two days prior to chemotherapy to study the protective effects on the mouse gonads. XAR™ was also administered for 14 days post chemoablation to study the regenerative effects. Besides effect on numbers of primordial and growing follicles and spermatogenesis, the effect of XAR™ was also evaluated on the transcripts specific for ovarian/testicular stem/progenitor/germ cells, their proliferation, differentiation, meiosis, and the antioxidant indices. RESULTS Similar to FSH, XAR™ increased the numbers of primordial follicles (PF) as well as growing follicles. It protected the gonads from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and showed the ability to regenerate non-functional, chemoablated gonads. Besides stimulating follicle growth in adult ovaries similar to FSH, XAR™ also protected the testes from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and improved spermatogenesis. This was accompanied by improved anti-oxidant indices. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study potentiate the use of XAR™ in pilot clinical studies to protect gonadal function during oncotherapy and also regenerate non-functional gonads in cancer survivors by improving antioxidant indices and stem cell-based tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Chhabria
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Vaishnavi Takle
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Nripen Sharma
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Prashant Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, 400 019, India
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400 056, India
| | - Kshama Pansare
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Ashish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India.
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Haldar S, Agrawal H, Saha S, Straughn AR, Roy P, Kakar SS. Overview of follicle stimulating hormone and its receptors in reproduction and in stem cells and cancer stem cells. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:675-692. [PMID: 35002517 PMCID: PMC8741861 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63721] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and its receptor (FSHR) have been reported to be responsible for several physiological functions and cancers. The responsiveness of stem cells and cancer stem cells towards the FSH-FSHR system make the function of FSH and its receptors more interesting in the context of cancer biology. This review is comprised of comprehensive information on FSH-FSHR signaling in normal physiology, gonadal stem cells, cancer cells, and potential options of utilizing FSH-FSHR system as an anti-cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Haldar
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.,Current address: Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249405
| | - Himanshu Agrawal
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Sarama Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249203, India
| | - Alex R Straughn
- Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Partha Roy
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Ebrahim N, Al Saihati HA, Shaman A, Dessouky AA, Farid AS, Hussien NI, Mostafa O, Seleem Y, Sabry D, Saad AS, Emam HT, Hassouna A, Badr OAM, Saffaf BA, Forsyth NR, Salim RF. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with gonadotropin therapy restore postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated ovaries in rats via enhancing very small embryonic-like stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:517. [PMID: 34579781 PMCID: PMC8477571 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are a rare population within the ovarian epithelial surface. They contribute to postnatal oogenesis as they have the ability to generate immature oocytes and resist the chemotherapy. These cells express markers of pluripotent embryonic and primordial germ cells. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the capability of VSELs in restoring the postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated rat ovaries treated with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) combined with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). METHODS Female albino rats were randomly assigned across five groups: I (control), II (chemo-ablation), III (chemo-ablation + PMSG), IV (chemo-ablation + MSCs), and V (chemo-ablation + PMSG + MSCs). Postnatal oogenesis was assessed through measurement of OCT4, OCT4A, Scp3, Mvh, Nobox, Dazl4, Nanog, Sca-1, FSHr, STRA8, Bax, miR143, and miR376a transcript levels using qRT-PCR. Expression of selected key proteins were established as further confirmation of transcript expression changes. Histopathological examination and ovarian hormonal assessment were determined. RESULTS Group V displayed significant upregulation of all measured genes when compared with group II, III or IV. Protein expression confirmed the changes in transcript levels as group V displayed the highest average density in all targeted proteins. These results were confirmed histologically by the presence of cuboidal germinal epithelium, numerous primordial, unilaminar, and mature Graafian follicles in group V. CONCLUSION VSELs can restore the postnatal oogenesis in chemo-ablated ovaries treated by BM-MSCs combined with PMSG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Ebrahim
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
- Stem Cell Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hajir A Al Saihati
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Albatin, Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Shaman
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical College, Tabuk University, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arigue A Dessouky
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman Samir Farid
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Noha I Hussien
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ola Mostafa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Seleem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Saad
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hanan Tawfeek Emam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Amira Hassouna
- School of Interprofessional Health Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Omnia A M Badr
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Bayan A Saffaf
- Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nicholas R Forsyth
- Guy Hilton Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Rabab F Salim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Qalyubia, 13512, Egypt.
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DEAD-Box Helicase 4 (Ddx4) + Stem Cells Sustain Tumor Progression in Non-Serous Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176096. [PMID: 32847044 PMCID: PMC7503840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DEAD-Box Helicase 4 (Ddx4)+ ovarian stem cells are able to differentiate into several cell types under appropriate stimuli. Ddx4 expression has been correlated with poor prognosis of serous ovarian cancer (OC), while the potential role of Ddx4+ cells in non-serous epithelial OC (NS-EOC) is almost unexplored. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of Ddx4+ cells in NS-EOC and investigate the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on this population. Increased Ddx4 expression was demonstrated in samples from patients with advanced NS-EOC, compared to those with early-stage disease. Under FSH stimulation, OC-derived Ddx4+ cells differentiated into mesenchymal-like (ML) cells, able to deregulate genes involved in cell migration, invasiveness, stemness and chemoresistance in A2780 OC cells. This effect was primarily induced by ML-cells deriving from advanced NS-EOC, suggesting that a tumor-conditioned germ cell niche inhabits its microenvironment and is able to modulate, in a paracrine manner, tumor cell behavior through transcriptome modulation.
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Bergandi L, Canosa S, Pittatore G, Silvagno F, Doublier S, Gennarelli G, Benedetto C, Revelli A. Human recombinant FSH induces chemoresistance in human breast cancer cells via HIF-1α activation†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1521-1535. [PMID: 30939201 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer patients under 40 years of age who are candidate to chemotherapy with alkylating drugs may undergo controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) in order to get fertility preservation by mature oocyte cryostorage. The direct effect(s) of exogenous rhFSH on the chemosensitivity of breast cancer is currently unknown. To clarify this issue, we incubated four different breast cancer cell lines with rhFSH (10 IU/L, 24 h) and then we exposed them to doxorubicin (DOX) or cyclophosphamide (CPA). The effect(s) of rhFSH on human breast cancer cells treated with DOX or CPA was measured in terms of (1) cell viability, (2) cytotoxicity, (3) multidrug resistance (MDR) genes and proteins expression and activities, and (4) hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) activation. Pretreatment with rhFSH significantly increased the viability of breast cancer cells after treatment with DOX or CPA, and reduced the lactate dehydrogenase leakage and reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, after preincubation with rhFSH, the MDR proteins (Pgp, MPR1, and BCRP) expression and activity resulted upregulated and the HIF-1α pathway activated. In addition, the use of a widely used HIF-1α inhibitor, the 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1), prevented the rhFSH effect on the onset of MDR. Taken together, these observations suggest that a short exposure to rhFSH induces chemoresistance to DOX and CPA in human breast cancer cells via HIF-1α activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bergandi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - S Canosa
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - G Pittatore
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - F Silvagno
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - S Doublier
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - G Gennarelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - C Benedetto
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - A Revelli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Technologies for the Production of Fertilizable Mammalian Oocytes. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Women affected by ovarian pathologies or with cancer can usually preserve fertility by egg/embryo freezing. When oocyte retrieval is not feasible, the only option available is ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. The culture of follicles isolated from fresh or cryopreserved ovaries is considered still experimental, although this procedure is considered safer, because the risk of unintentional spreading of cancer cells eventually present in cryopreserved tissue is avoided. Animal and human small follicles can be cultured in vitro, but standardized protocols able to produce in vitro grown oocytes with the same developmental capacity of in vivo grown oocytes are not available yet. In fact, the different sizes of follicles and oocytes, the hormonal differences existing between mono- (e.g., human, goat, cow, and sheep) and poly-ovulatory (rodents and pig) species, and the incomplete identification of the mechanisms regulating the oocyte–follicle and follicle–ovary interrelationships affect the outcome of in vitro culture. From all these attempts, however, new ideas arise, and the goal of assuring the preservation of female reproductive potential appears a more realistic possibility. This review surveys and discusses advances and challenges of these technologies that, starting from a simple attempt, are now approaching the biosynthesis of a functional engineered ovary.
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Bhartiya D, Patel H, Sharma D. Heterogeneity of Stem Cells in the Ovary. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1169:213-223. [PMID: 31487026 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-24108-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Every organ in the body is thought to harbor two populations of stem cells, including the quiescent and the actively dividing, that leads to heterogeneity among them. It is generally believed that the ovary harbors a fixed number of follicles at birth that differentiate during fetal development from the primordial germ cells. The numbers of follicles decrease by age, leading to menopause. However, in 2004, it was suggested that ovary may harbor stem cells that are possibly involved in the formation of new follicles throughout reproductive life. Research over little more than a decade shows that ovarian stem cells include a quiescent population of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and slightly bigger, actively dividing ovarian stem cells (OSCs). This heterogeneity among ovarian stem cells is similar to the presence of VSELs along with spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the testis or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the hematopoietic system. VSELs express embryonic markers, including nuclear OCT-4, and are lodged in the ovary surface epithelium (OSE). Ovarian VSELs undergo asymmetric cell division to self-renew and give rise to OSCs that in turn undergo symmetric cell divisions and clonal expansion (germ cell nest) followed by meiosis to form an oocyte that gets assembled as a primordial follicle. Both VSELs and OSCs also express receptors for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR) and are directly activated by FSH to undergo neo-oogenesis and primordial follicle assembly. Whether stimulation of ovaries by FSH in Infertility Clinics activates the stem cells leading to the formation of multiple follicles needs further investigation. Epithelial cells lining the surface of ovary provide a niche to the stem cells under normal circumstances and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to form granulosa cells for primordial follicle assembly. Compromised function of the epithelial cells with age possibly leads to inability of stem cells to form follicles, leading to menopause. More than 90% of ovarian cancers arise in the OSE, possibly due to excessive self-renewal of VSELs. Altered biology of the OSE cells results in the formation of myofibroblasts by EMT and may provide a cancerous niche that supports excessive expansion of the stem cells lodged in the OSE, leading to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cells express markers like OCT-4 and FSHR, which are also expressed by the VSELs lodged in the OSE, whereas the epithelial cells are distinctly negative for the same. Lot more research is required in the field to gain further understanding of ovarian stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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Bhartiya D. Shifting gears from embryonic to very small embryonic-like stem cells for regenerative medicine. Indian J Med Res 2018; 146:15-21. [PMID: 29168456 PMCID: PMC5719603 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1485_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, Maharashtra, India
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Yazdekhasti H, Hosseini MA, Rajabi Z, Parvari S, Salehnia M, Koruji M, Izadyar F, Aliakbari F, Abbasi M. Improved Isolation, Proliferation, and Differentiation Capacity of Mouse Ovarian Putative Stem Cells. Cell Reprogram 2017; 19:132-144. [PMID: 28375748 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2016.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent discovery of ovarian stem cells in postnatal mammalian ovaries, also referred to as putative stem cells (PSCs), and their roles in mammalian fertility has challenged the long-existing theory that women are endowed with a certain number of germ cells. The rare amount of PSCs is the major limitation for utilizing them through different applications. Therefore, this study was conducted in six phases to find a way to increase the number of Fragilis- and mouse vasa homolog (MVH)-positive sorted cells from 14-day-old NMRI strain mice. Results showed that there is a population of Fragilis- and MVH-positive cells with pluripotent stem cell characteristics, which can be isolated and expanded for months in vitro. PSCs increase their proliferation capacity under the influence of some mitogenic agents, and our results showed that different doses of stem cell factor (SCF) induce PSC proliferation with the maximum increase observed at 50 ng/mL. SCF was also able to increase the number of Fragilis- and MVH-positive cells after sorting by magnetic-activated cell sorting and enhance colony formation efficiency in sorted cells. Differentiation capacity assay indicated that there is a basic level of spontaneous differentiation toward oocyte-like cells during 3 days of culture. However, relative gene expression was significantly higher in the follicle-stimulating hormone-treated groups, especially in the Fragilis- sorted PSCs. We suggest that higher number of PSCs provides us either a greater source of energy that can be injected into energy-impaired oocytes in women with a history of repeat IVF failure or a good source for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Yazdekhasti
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Agha Hosseini
- 2 Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rajabi
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Parvari
- 3 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences , Karaj, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- 4 Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University , Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- 5 Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fereshte Aliakbari
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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Bhartiya D, Anand S, Patel H, Parte S. Making gametes from alternate sources of stem cells: past, present and future. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:89. [PMID: 29145898 PMCID: PMC5691385 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertile couples including cancer survivors stand to benefit from gametes differentiated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem (ES/iPS) cells. It remains challenging to convert human ES/iPS cells into primordial germ-like cells (PGCLCs) en route to obtaining gametes. Considerable success was achieved in 2016 to obtain fertile offspring starting with mouse ES/iPS cells, however the specification of human ES/iPS cells into PGCLCs in vitro is still not achieved. Human ES cells will not yield patient-specific gametes unless and until hES cells are derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (therapeutic cloning) whereas iPS cells retain the residual epigenetic memory of the somatic cells from which they are derived and also harbor genomic and mitochondrial DNA mutations. Thus, they may not be ideal starting material to produce autologus gametes, especially for aged couples. Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) have been reported in adult tissues including gonads, are relatively quiescent in nature, survive oncotherapy and can be detected in aged, non-functional gonads. Being developmentally equivalent to PGCs (natural precursors to gametes), VSELs spontaneously differentiate into gametes in vitro. It is also being understood that gonadal stem cells niche is compromised by oncotherapy and with age. Improving the gonadal somatic niche could regenerate non-functional gonads from endogenous VSELs to restore fertility. Niche cells (Sertoli/mesenchymal cells) can be directly transplanted and restore gonadal function by providing paracrine support to endogenous VSELs. This strategy has been successful in several mice studies already and resulted in live birth in a woman with pre-mature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Bhartiya D, Patel H. Ovarian stem cells-resolving controversies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:393-398. [PMID: 29128912 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent review on ovarian stem cells by Horan and Williams entitled "Oocyte Stem Cells: Fact or Fantasy?" suggests that the debate on ovarian stem cells (OSCs) is still not over. They did not even discuss the presence of two distinct populations of stem cells in the ovary in their review. OSCs are located in the ovary surface epithelium and Tilly's group reported them in the size range of 5-8 μm whereas Virant-Klun's group has reported pluripotent, 2-4 μm OSCs. Our group reported OSCs of two distinct sizes including pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) which are smaller in size than RBCs (similar to those reported by Virant-Klun's group) and slightly bigger (similar to those reported by Tilly's group) tissue committed progenitors (OSCs) that presumably differentiate from VSELs. These stem/progenitor cells express receptors for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and are activated by FSH. Our opinion article provides explanation to several open-ended questions raised in the review on OSCs by Horan and Williams. VSELs survive chemotherapy; maintain life-long homeostasis; loss of their function due to a compromised niche results in age-related senescence and presence of overlapping pluripotent markers suggest that they may also be implicated in epithelial ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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Abstract
Recently, the existence of a mechanism for neo-oogenesis in the ovaries of adult mammals has generated much controversy within reproductive biology. This mechanism, which proposes that the ovary has cells capable of renewing the follicular reserve, has been described for various species of mammals. The first evidence was found in prosimians and humans. However, these findings were not considered relevant because the predominant dogma for reproductive biology at the time was that of Zuckerman. This dogma states that female mammals are born with finite numbers of oocytes that decline throughout postnatal life. Currently, the concept of neo-oogenesis has gained momentum due to the discovery of cells with mitotic activity in adult ovaries of various mammalian species (mice, humans, rhesus monkeys, domestic animals such as pigs, and wild animals such as bats). Despite these reports, the concept of neo-oogenesis has not been widely accepted by the scientific community, generating much criticism and speculation about its accuracy because it has been impossible to reproduce some evidence. This controversy has led to the creation of two positions: one in favour of neo-oogenesis and the other against it. Various animal models have been used in support of both camps, including both classic laboratory animals and domestic and wild animals. The aim of this review is to critically present the current literature on the subject and to evaluate the arguments pro and contra neo-oogenesis in mammals.
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Bagheripour N, Zavareh S, Ghorbanian MT, Paylakhi SH, Mohebbi SR. Changes in the expression of OCT4 in mouse ovary during estrous cycle. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2017; 8:43-48. [PMID: 28473896 PMCID: PMC5413310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional factor OCT4 regulates pluripotency of stem cells and has an important role during oocyte growth. Whereas, its role has remained ambiguous in ovarian tissue during reproductive cycle. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the expression patterns of OCT4 in mouse ovaries during the normal estrous cycle. Adult National Medical Research Institute mice were classified as proestrous, estrous, metestrous and diestrous on the basis of vaginal smear cytology. Their ovaries were removed and the protein and gene expression levels of OCT4 were assessed using immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the expression of OCT4 in the cytoplasm of corpus luteum cells. In the follicles, OCT4 was expressed in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells. Furthermore, the gene expression levels of OCT4 was significantly higher in the proestrous phase than in the other phases of the estrous cycle (p < 0.05). The results indicated that OCT4 gene expression levels are affected by the cyclic pattern of the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Bagheripour
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran;
| | - Saeed Zavareh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; ,Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; ,Correspondence: Saeed Zavareh. DVM, PhD ,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran. E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Taghi Ghorbanian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; ,Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran;
| | - Seyed Hassan Paylakhi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; ,Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran;
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Yazdekhasti H, Rajabi Z, Parvari S, Abbasi M. Used protocols for isolation and propagation of ovarian stem cells, different cells with different traits. J Ovarian Res 2016; 9:68. [PMID: 27765047 PMCID: PMC5072317 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-016-0274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although existence of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) in mammalian postnatal ovary is still under controversy, however, it has been almost accepted that OSCs are contributing actively to folliculogenesis and neo-oogenesis. Recently, various methods with different efficacies have been employed for OSCs isolation from ovarian tissue, which these methods could be chosen depends on aim of isolation and accessible equipments and materials in lab. Although isolated OSCs from different methods have various traits and characterizations, which might become from their different nature and origin, however these stem cells are promising source for woman infertility treatment or source of energy for women with a history of repeat IVF failure in near future. This review has brought together and summarized currently used protocols for isolation and propagation of OSCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Yazdekhasti
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rajabi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Parvari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bhartiya D, Shaikh A, Anand S, Patel H, Kapoor S, Sriraman K, Parte S, Unni S. Endogenous, very small embryonic-like stem cells: critical review, therapeutic potential and a look ahead. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:41-76. [PMID: 27614362 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were reported in 2006. In 2012, a Nobel Prize was awarded for iPS technology whereas even today the very existence of VSELs is not well accepted. The underlying reason is that VSELs exist in low numbers, remain dormant under homeostatic conditions, are very small in size and do not pellet down at 250-280g. The VSELs maintain life-long tissue homeostasis, serve as a backup pool for adult stem cells and are mobilized under stress conditions. An imbalance in VSELs function (uncontrolled proliferation) may result in cancer. SEARCH METHODS The electronic database 'Medline/Pubmed' was systematically searched with the subject heading term 'very small embryonic-like stem cells'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The most primitive stem cells that undergo asymmetric cell divisions to self-renew and give rise to progenitors still remain elusive in the hematopoietic system and testes, while the presence of stem cells in ovary is still being debated. We propose to review the available literature on VSELs, the methods of their isolation and characterization, their ontogeny, how they compare with embryonic stem (ES) cells, primordial germ cells (PGCs) and iPS cells, and their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. The review includes a look ahead on how VSELs will result in paradigm shifts in basic reproductive biology. OUTCOMES Adult tissue-specific stem cells including hematopoietic, spermatogonial, ovarian and mesenchymal stem cells have good proliferation potential and are indeed committed progenitors (with cytoplasmic OCT-4), which arise by asymmetric cell divisions of pluripotent VSELs (with nuclear OCT-4). VSELs are the most primitive stem cells and postulated to be an overlapping population with the PGCs. Rather than migrating only to the gonads, PGCs migrate and survive in various adult body organs throughout life as VSELs. VSELs express both pluripotent and PGC-specific markers and are epigenetically and developmentally more mature compared with ES cells obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst-stage embryo. As a result, VSELs readily differentiate into three embryonic germ layers and spontaneously give rise to both sperm and oocytes in vitro. Like PGCs, VSELs do not divide readily in culture, nor produce teratoma or integrate in the developing embryo. But this property of being relatively quiescent allows endogenous VSELs to survive various kinds of toxic insults. VSELs that survive oncotherapy can be targeted to induce endogenous regeneration of non-functional gonads. Transplanting healthy niche (mesenchymal) cells have resulted in improved gonadal function and live births. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Being quiescent, VSELs possibly do not accumulate genomic (nuclear or mitochondrial) mutations and thus may be ideal endogenous, pluripotent stem cell candidates for regenerative and reproductive medicine. The presence of VSELs in adult gonads and the fact that they survive oncotherapy may obviate the need to bank gonadal tissue for fertility preservation prior to oncotherapy. VSELs and their ability to undergo spermatogenesis/neo-oogenesis in the presence of a healthy niche will help identify newer strategies toward fertility restoration in cancer survivors, delaying menopause and also enabling aged mothers to have better quality eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Ambreen Shaikh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Sona Kapoor
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Kalpana Sriraman
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,The Foundation for Medical Research, 84-A, RG Thadani Marg, Worli, Mumbai 400018, India
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Department of Physiology, James Graham Brown Cancer Centre, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sreepoorna Unni
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.,Inter Disciplinary Studies Department, University College, Zayed University, Academic City, PO Box 19282, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Bhartiya D, Anand S, Parte S. VSELs may obviate cryobanking of gonadal tissue in cancer patients for fertility preservation. J Ovarian Res 2015; 8:75. [PMID: 26576728 PMCID: PMC4650843 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-015-0199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility is an undesirable side effect and gonadal tissue banking is advocated in young cancer patients who are unable to preserve embryos or gametes prior to oncotherapy to achieve biological parenthood later on. Banking gonadal tissue is challenging and protocols to mature gametes in vitro are not yet clinically established. Transplanting ovarian cortical tissue at hetero-or orthotopic sites in women and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in both men and women has resulted in spontaneous recovery of fertility, pregnancy and live births. Various studies in humans and mice suggest that genetic origin of offspring after BMT is similar to transplanted patient and not the donor. Thus the source of oocytes/sperm which result in spontaneous pregnancies still remains contentious. Findings Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) have been reported in adult human testis and ovary, in azoospermic testicular biopsies from survivors of childhood cancer and also in women with premature ovarian failure and menopause. VSELs survive chemotherapy because of their quiescent nature and can be detected in chemoablated mice gonads at protein and mRNA level and also by flow cytometry. Surviving VSELs spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures and sperm when inhibitory factors are overcome in vitro. Transplantation of mesenchymal cells (isolated from different sources) has led to regeneration of chemoablated mouse gonads and also live births. Spermatogenesis is also restored from endogenous stem cells on inter-tubular transplantation of Sertoli cells in chemoablated mouse testis. Conclusions Endogenous VSELs (which survive oncotherapy) can possibly regenerate non-functional gonads in cancer survivors when exposed to a healthy niche in vitro or in vivo (by way of transplanting mesenchymal cells which secrete trophic factors required for endogenous VSELs to differentiate into gametes). Presence of VSELs can also explain spontaneous pregnancies after BMT and cortical tissue transplantation (at heterotopic or orthotopic sites). This understanding once verified and accepted by the scientific community could obviate the need to remove whole ovary or testicular biopsy for cryopreservation prior to oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Sandhya Anand
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Seema Parte
- Stem Cell Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
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