Protective Effect of Icariin on the Development of Preimplantation Mouse Embryos against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Injury

Bladder cancer: therapeutic challenges and role of 3D cell culture systems in the screening of novel cancer therapeutics

Bladder cancer (BC) is the sixth most common worldwide urologic malignancy associated with elevated morbidity and mortality rates if not well treated. The muscle-invasive form of BC develops in about 25% of patients. Moreover, according to estimates, 50% of patients with invasive BC experience fatal metastatic relapses. Currently, resistance to drug-based therapy is the major tumble to BC treatment. The three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are clearly more relevant not only as a novel evolving gadget in drug screening but also as a bearable therapeutic for different diseases. In this review, various subtypes of BC and mechanisms of drug resistance to the commonly used anticancer therapies are discussed. We also summarize the key lineaments of the latest cell-based assays utilizing 3D cell culture systems and their impact on understanding the pathophysiology of BC. Such knowledge could ultimately help to address the most efficient BC treatment.

The Effects of Treatment with Icariin on Immune Tolerance in the Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Mice

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is the most common pregnancy-related complication, affecting 1-5% of pregnancies. Currently, immune imbalance at the maternal-fetal interface is one of the main causes of recurrent abortion. Icariin (ICA) can exert immunomodulatory effects in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, it has not been reported for use in recurrent abortion. In this study, to clarify the effects and mechanisms of ICA for recurrent abortion, female mice CBA/J were randomly divided into Normal group, RSA group and RSA + ICA group. From 0.5 days of pregnancy to 12.5 days, the RSA + ICA group was subjected to orally ICA (50 mg/Kg) daily, and the Normal group and the RSA group were given with an equal volume of distilled water. The results showed the amount of reabsorbed embryo in the RSA group was significantly higher than that in the normal-pregnancy group. However, ICA treatment showed a rescue effect on spontaneous abortion in RSA mice. ICA was able to increase the ratio of the labyrinth to total placental area in abortion-prone model. Further investigation showed that ICA treatment can expand the regulatory T cell (Treg) population in mice prone to abortion, significantly decrease the populations of Th1 cells, and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Additionally, ICA treatment was able to decrease the expression of mechanical target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the placenta. ICA may increase Treg cell expansion and reducing pro-inflammatory factors expression via the mTOR pathway, then reducing placental inflammation and improving pregnancy outcomes in abortion-prone mice.

Interleukin-7 enhances in vitro development and blastocyst quality in porcine parthenogenetic embryos

Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a vital factor that affects cell development, proliferation, and survival, plays an important role in oocyte maturation. However, its role in embryonic development remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of IL-7 supplementation on in vitro culture (IVC) of porcine embryos after parthenogenetic activation (PA) based on characteristics such as cleavage, blastocyst formation rate, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cleaved embryos, total cell number, apoptosis rate, and cell lineage specification in blastocysts. Immunofluorescence revealed that IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7Rα (IL-7R) localized in the cytoplasm of porcine parthenote embryos. By supplementing the IVC medium (PZM5) with various concentrations of IL-7, an optimal concentration that enhanced embryonic development, promoted intracellular GSH, and decreased ROS levels in the cleavage stage during porcine embryo IVC was determined. Investigation of mRNA expression patterns via qRT-PCR suggested that IL-7 possibly regulated maternal mRNA clearance and zygotic genome activation. Furthermore, IL-7 supplementation reduced blastocyst apoptosis, enhanced the expression of the inner cell mass marker SOX2, and phosphorylated STAT5 levels in the blastocysts. Moreover, it altered the transcription patterns of genes that regulate apoptosis, IL-7 signaling, and development. Thus, we demonstrated the localization of IL-7 and IL-7R in porcine preimplantation embryos in vitro for the first time. Furthermore, we suggest that IL-7 supplementation can be employed to enhance embryonic development and blastocyst quality based on the activation of the transcripts of genes that are involved in developmental competence and IL-7 signaling during in vitro porcine embryo development following PA.

Importance of Antioxidant Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation of Mammalian Oocytes

The in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technique is widely used in the field of reproductive biology. In vitro maturation (IVM) is the first and most critical step of IVEP, during which, the oocyte is matured in an artificial maturation medium under strict laboratory conditions. Despite all of the progress in the field of IVEP, the quality of in vitro matured oocytes remains inferior to that of those matured in vivo. The accumulation of substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within oocytes during IVM has been regarded as one of the main factors altering oocyte quality. One of the most promising approaches to overcome ROS accumulation within oocytes is the supplementation of oocyte IVM medium with antioxidants. In this article, we discuss recent advancements depicting the adverse effects of ROS on mammalian oocytes. We also discuss the potential use of antioxidants and their effect on both oocyte quality and IVM rate.

Arginine Regulates Zygotic Genome Activation in Porcine Embryos Under Nutrition Restriction

Arginine has a positive effect on pre-implantation development in pigs. However, the exact mechanism by which arginine promotes embryonic development is undefined. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing technology was applied to porcine in vivo pre-implantation embryos from the zygote to morula stage, it was found that that the expression of arginine metabolism-related genes clearly changed from the 2-cell stage to the 4-cell stage, when zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs in porcine embryos. Further analysis showed that arginine metabolism-related genes are significantly correlated with key ZGA genes. To determine the function of arginine in porcine embryos during ZGA, the in vitro fertilization embryos were cultured in PZM-3 medium (0.12 mM arginine, Control group), a modified PZM-3 medium (0 mM arginine, Block group) and a modified PZM-3 medium supplemented with arginine (0.12 mM arginine, Block + Arg group). The results showed that the 4-cell arrest rate was significantly increased in the Block group compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The 4-cell arrest rate in the Block + Arg group was significantly decreased than that in the Block group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of ZGA marker genes and SIRT1 protein in 4-cell embryos was significantly decreased in the Block group compared to the Control group, and their expression was significantly increased in the Block + Arg group. In addition, we observed that the glutathione (GSH), ATP levels, and lipid droplet contents were significantly increased, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was decreased in the Block + Arg group compared to the Block group. Compared with Control group, spermine content in culture medium and the mRNA expression of ornithine decarboxylase1 (ODC1) of embryos in the Block group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and those in the Block + Arg group were significantly increased compared with the Block group (P < 0.05). Moreover, when difluoromethylornithine (an inhibitor of ODC1) was added to the modified PZM-3 medium supplemented with arginine, the effect of arginine on ZGA was inhibited. In summary, our findings demonstrated that arginine may regulate ZGA under nutrition restriction in porcine embryos by promoting polyamine synthesis.

Nuclear-localized eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A is involved in mouse preimplantation embryo development

Preimplantation embryo development is characterized by drastic nuclear reprogramming and dynamic stage-specific gene expression. Key regulators of this earliest developmental stage have not been revealed. In the present study, a "non-classical" nuclear-localization pattern of eIF1A was observed during early developmental stages of mouse preimplantation embryo before late-morula. In particular, eIF1A is most highly expressed in the nuclear of 2-cell embryo. Knockdown eIF1A by siRNA microinjection affected the development of mouse preimplantation embryo, resulted in decreased blastocyst formation rate. CDX2 protein expression level significantly down-regulated after eIF1A knockdown in morula stage. In addition, the mRNA expression level of Hsp70.1 was also decreased in 2-cell embryo. The results indicate an indispensable role of eIF1A in mouse preimplantation embryos.

Icarrin prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore whether icarrin (ICA) can protect cardiomyocytes from hypertension-induced damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).

METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were orally administered water or ICA at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg once daily for 12 weeks, and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as control. Changes in the growth and blood pressure of rats were assessed. Cardiac function was determined by ultrasound and the left ventricle mass was calculated. Myocardial tissue structure was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining and the expression of ERS-related proteins was determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

In the SHR group, blood pressure was significantly high, left ventricular function decreased and left ventricular mass index increased. Additionally, left ventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disordered myofilament arrangement and increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed by histological staining. ERS-induced proteins associated with apoptosis, including GRP78, PERK, ATF-6, ATF-4, CHOP, DR5, Caspase 12, c-JUN and ASK-1 were found to be highly expressed. ICA treatment reduced blood pressure and regulated the expression of proteins induced by ERS. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased and left ventricular function improved.

CONCLUSIONS

ICA can inhibit ERS-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and protect ventricular function in SHR.

Luteolin Orchestrates Porcine Oocyte Meiotic Progression by Maintaining Organelle Dynamics Under Oxidative Stress

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that oxidative stress impairs oocyte maturation, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, for the first time, we examined the antioxidant role of luteolin in meiotic progression and the underlying mechanisms. Supplementation of 5 μM luteolin increased the rates of first polar body extrusion and blastocyst formation after parthenogenetic activation, and the expression levels of oocyte competence (BMP15 and GDF9)-, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MOS)-, and maturation promoting factor (CDK1 and Cyclin B)-related genes were also improved. Luteolin supplementation decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and increased the expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT). Interestingly, luteolin alleviated defects in cell organelles, including actin filaments, the spindle, mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and cortical granules, caused by H₂O₂ exposure. Moreover, luteolin significantly improved the developmental competence of in vitro-fertilized embryos in terms of the cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, cell number, cellular survival rate, and gene expression and markedly restored the competencies decreased by H₂O₂ treatment. These findings revealed that luteolin supplementation during in vitro maturation improves porcine meiotic progression and subsequent embryonic development by protecting various organelle dynamics against oxidative stress, potentially increasing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the relationship between oxidative stress and the meiotic events required for successful oocyte maturation.

Effect of cyanocobalamin on oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization, and embryo development in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cyanocobalamin supplementation on in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and subsequent embryonic development competence to the blastocyst stage, and in vitro development of mouse 2-cell embryos. Cumulus cells were prepared from mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and incubated for 24 h in an in vitro culture (IVC) medium that contained different concentrations of cyanocobalamin (100, 200, 300 or 500 pM). We collected 2-cell embryos from superovulated NMRI mice and cultured them in the same concentrations of cyanocobalamin (100, 200, 300 or 500 pM). After 42 h of IVM, we observed significantly increased oocyte maturation in the 200 pM cyanocobalamin-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). Mature oocytes cultured in 200 pM cyanocobalamin were fertilized and cultured in IVC medium with cyanocobalamin (100, 200, 300 or 500 pM) during early embryogenesis. The matured oocytes that were cultured in 200 pM cyanocobalamin had significantly higher 2-cell development rates compared with the control oocytes (P < 0.01). Embryos obtained from in vitro mature oocytes and in vivo fertilized oocytes that were cultured in 200 pM cyanocobalamin had significantly greater frequencies of development to the blastocyst stage and a significant reduction in 2-cell blocked and degenerated embryos compared with the control embryos (P < 0.0001). Embryos derived from oocytes fertilized in vivo with 200 pM cyanocobalamin had a higher percentage of blastocyst embryos compared with those derived from matured oocytes cultured in vitro (P < 0.0001). These finding demonstrated that the effects of cyanocobalamin on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in mice depend on the concentration used in IVC medium.

Ethanolic Extract of Dried Leaves from the Cerrado Biome Increases the Cryotolerance of Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro

In vitro embryo production (IVP) induces excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affects blastocyst quality. Therefore, the supplementation of culture media with antioxidants is an alternative to overcome oxidative stress damage. However, there is a growing demand for the use of antioxidant compounds that are more natural and less toxic in cell cultures. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of ethanolic extracts from cerrado leaves on IVP. First, the antioxidant capacity and the amount of phenolic compounds of the leaves were evaluated. Then, the best ethanolic extract concentration composed of cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica) and murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) to be used during the in vitro culture of in vitro-produced embryos was determined. Afterward, we evaluated the influence of the extract of both plants on ROS and glutathione (GSH) production, while also evaluating the apoptosis and ROS metabolism gene expression. In a subsequent step, the effect of the ethanolic extracts of dried cagaita and murici leaves during embryonic cultivation on the cryotolerance of expanded blastocysts was studied. The results showed a significant reduction in the proportion of apoptotic cells from embryos cultivated with 0.01 mg/mL of the cagaita ethanolic extract, besides inducing an increase in the GPX4 and PRDX3 transcription levels. The murici ethanolic extract induced an increase in the transcription abundance of these genes but did not reduce the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, expanded blastocysts cultivated with extracts at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL and cryopreserved had higher hatching rates and lower degeneration rates when compared to the frozen group previously supplemented with the extracts. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of embryos cultured for 12 h after cryopreservation was lower in groups previously exposed to extracts during in vitro cultivation. Such extracts may be used as alternatives to increase the cryotolerance of in vitro-produced embryos.

The antioxidant icariin protects porcine oocytes from age-related damage in vitro

OBJECTIVE

If fertilization does not occur within a specific period, the quality of unfertilized oocytes in the oviduct (in vivo aging) or in culture (in vitro aging) will deteriorate over time. Icariin (ICA), found in all species of Epimedium herbs, has strong antioxidant activity, and is thought to exert anti-aging effects in vitro. We asked whether ICA protects oocytes against age-related changes in vitro.

METHODS

We analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and expression of antioxidant, maternal, and estrogen receptor genes, and along with spindle morphology, and the developmental competence and quality of embryos in the presence and absence of ICA.

RESULTS

Treatment with 5 μM ICA (ICA-5) led to a significant reduction in ROS activity, but increased mRNA expression of glutathione and antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase 1 [SOD1], SOD2, peroxiredoxin 5, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2), during aging in vitro. In addition, ICA-5 prevented defects in spindle formation and chromosomal alignment, and increased mRNA expression of cytoplasmic maturation factor genes (bone morphogenetic protein 15, cyclin B1, MOS proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase, and growth differentiation factor-9). It also prevented apoptosis, increased mRNA expression of antiapoptotic genes (BCL2-like 1 and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5), and reduced mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 and activation of caspase-3). Although the maturation and cleavage rates were similar in all groups, the total cell number per blastocyst and the percentage of apoptotic cells at the blastocyst stage were higher and lower, respectively, in the control and ICA-5 groups than in the aging group.

CONCLUSION

ICA protects oocytes against damage during aging in vitro; therefore, it can be used to improve assisted reproductive technologies.

Icariin Alleviates IL-1β-Induced Matrix Degradation By Activating The Nrf2/ARE Pathway In Human Chondrocytes

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive matrix destruction of articular cartilage. This study aimed to investigate the potential antioxidative and chondroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of Icariin (ICA) in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of OA cartilage.

Methods

Human chondrocyte cell line HC-A was treated with different doses of ICA, and then MTT assay and PI staining were used to estimate ICA-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Intracellular ROS and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured after treatment by IL-1β with or without ICA. The mRNA and protein expression levels of redox transcription factor Nrf2 and the downstream effector SOD-1, SOD-2, NQO-1 and HO-1 were assayed to explore the detailed mechanism by which ICA alleviates ECM degradation. Finally, to expound the role of Nrf2 in ICA-mediated chondroprotection, we specifically depleted Nrf2 in human chondrocytes and then pretreated them with ICA followed by IL-1β.

Results

ICA had no cytotoxic effects on human chondrocytes and 10⁻⁹ M was selected as the optimum concentration. ROS induced by IL-1β could drastically activate matrix-degrading proteases and ICA could significantly rescue the matrix degradation and excess ROS generation caused by IL-1β. We observed that ICA activated the Nrf2/ARE pathway, consequently upregulating the generation of GPX and SOD. Ablation of Nrf2 abrogated the chondroprotective and antioxidative effects of ICA in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes.

Conclusion

ICA alleviates IL-1β-induced matrix degradation and eliminates ROS by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.

Atypical GATA protein TRPS1 plays indispensable roles in mouse two-cell embryo

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is one of the most critical events at the beginning of mammalian preimplantation embryo development (PED). The mechanisms underlying mouse ZGA remain unclear although it has been widely studied. In the present study, we identified that tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome 1 (TRPS1), an atypical GATA family member, is an important factor for ZGA in mouse PED. We found that the Trps1 mRNA level peaked at the one-cell stage while TRPS1 protein did so at the two/four-cell stage. Knockdown of Trps1 by the microinjection of Trps1 siRNA reduced the developmental rate of mouse preimplantation embryos by approximately 30%, and increased the expression of ZGA marker genes MuERV-L and Zscan4d via suppressing the expression of major histone markers H3K4me3 and H3K27me3. Furthermore, Trps1 knockdown decreased the expression of Sox2 but increased Oct4 expression. We conclude that TRPS1 may be indispensable for zygotic genome activation during mouse PED.

Protective Effects of Quercetin Against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Oxidative Injury in Goat Sperm and Zygotes

Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, is frequently used as an antioxidant for efficient anti-oxidative capacity. However, whether quercetin has protective effects on goat sperm and preimplantation embryos against Cd²⁺-induced oxidative injury is still unclear. So, we researched the influence of quercetin on goat sperm and zygotes respectively under the oxidative stress induced by Cd²⁺. In our study, quercetin decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels caused by Cd²⁺ in goat sperm (p < 0.05), which facilitated sperm characteristics including motility, survival rates, membrane integrity, and mitochondria activity during storage in vitro and subsequent embryo development (p < 0.05). Moreover, in goat zygotes, quercetin decreased peroxidation products including ROS, MDA, and carbonyl through preserving or maintaining mitochondrial function, gene expression, and anti-oxidative products such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, which ameliorated subsequent embryo development and embryo quality (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that quercetin protects both goat sperm and preimplantation embryos from Cd²⁺-induced oxidative stress.

Icariin Improves the Viability and Function of Cryopreserved Human Nucleus Pulposus-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) have shown a good prospect in the regeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. However, fresh NPMSCs are not always readily available for basic research and clinical applications. Therefore, there is a need for an effective long-term cryopreservation method for NPMSCs. The aim of this study was to determine whether adding icariin (ICA) to the conventional cryoprotectant containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) had a better cryoprotective effect for NPMSCs. The results showed that the freezing solution containing ICA along with DMSO significantly increased the postthawed cell viability, decreased the apoptosis rate, improved cell adherence, and maintained the mitochondrial functions, as compared to the freezing solution containing DMSO alone. And the inhibition of oxidative stress and upregulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the presence of ICA also confirmed the beneficial effect of ICA. Furthermore, ICA had no cytotoxicity and did not alter the characteristics of postthawed NPMSCs. In conclusion, these results suggested that the addition of ICA to the conventional freezing medium could improve the viability and function of the cryopreserved human NPMSCs and provided an optimal formulated freezing solution for human NPMSC cryopreservation.