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Froment P, Plotton I, Giulivi C, Fabre S, Khoueiry R, Mourad NI, Horman S, Ramé C, Rouillon C, Grandhaye J, Bigot Y, Chevaleyre C, Le Guevel R, Mallegol P, Andriantsitohaina R, Guerif F, Tamburini J, Viollet B, Foretz M, Dupont J. At the crossroads of fertility and metabolism: the importance of AMPK-dependent signaling in female infertility associated with hyperandrogenism. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1207-1228. [PMID: 35459945 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What biological processes are linked to the signaling of the energy sensor 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in mouse and human granulosa cells (GCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER The lack of α1AMPK in GCs impacted cell cycle, adhesion, lipid metabolism and induced a hyperandrogenic response. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AMPK is expressed in the ovarian follicle, and its activation by pharmacological medications, such as metformin, inhibits the production of steroids. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is responsible for infertility in approximately 5-20% of women of childbearing age and possible treatments include reducing body weight, improving lifestyle and the administration of a combination of drugs to improve insulin resistance, such as metformin. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION AMPK signaling was evaluated by analyzing differential gene expression in immortalized human granulosa cells (KGNs) with and without silencing α1AMPK using CRISPR/Cas9. In vivo studies included the use of a α1AMPK knock-out mouse model to evaluate the role of α1AMPK in folliculogenesis and fertility. Expression of α1AMPK was evaluated in primary human granulosa-luteal cells retrieved from women undergoing IVF with and without a lean PCOS phenotype (i.e. BMI: 18-25 kg/m2). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS α1AMPK was disrupted in KGN cells and a transgenic mouse model. Cell viability, proliferation and metabolism were evaluated. Androgen production was evaluated by analyzing protein levels of relevant enzymes in the steroid pathway by western blots, and steroid levels obtained from in vitro and in vivo models by mass spectrometry. Differential gene expression in human GC was obtained by RNA sequencing. Analysis of in vivo murine folliculogenesis was performed by histology and immunochemistry, including evaluation of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) marker. The α1AMPK gene expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR in primary GCs obtained from women with the lean PCOS phenotype (n = 8) and without PCOS (n = 9). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Silencing of α1AMPK in KGN increased cell proliferation (P < 0.05 versus control, n = 4), promoted the use of fatty acids over glucose, and induced a hyperandrogenic response resulting from upregulation of two of the enzymes involved in steroid production, namely 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) (P < 0.05, n = 3). Female mice deficient in α1AMPK had a 30% decrease in their ovulation rate (P < 0.05, n = 7) and litter size, a hyperandrogenic response (P < 0.05, n = 7) with higher levels of 3βHSD and p450scc levels in the ovaries, and an increase in the population of antral follicles (P < 0.01, n = 10) compared to controls. Primary GCs from lean women with PCOS had lower α1AMPK mRNA expression levels than the control group (P < 0.05, n = 8-9). LARGE SCALE DATA The FastQ files and metadata were submitted to the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) at EMBL-EBI under accession number PRJEB46048. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human KGN is a not fully differentiated, transformed cell line. As such, to confirm the role of AMPK in GC and the PCOS phenotype, this model was compared to two others: an α1AMPK transgenic mouse model and primary differentiated granulosa-lutein cells from non-obese women undergoing IVF (with and without PCOS). A clear limitation is the small number of patients with PCOS utilized in this study and that the collection of human GCs was performed after hormonal stimulation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results reveal that AMPK is directly involved in steroid production in human GCs. In addition, AMPK signaling was associated with other processes frequently reported as dysfunctional in PCOS models, such as cell adhesion, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Silencing of α1AMPK in KGN promoted folliculogenesis, with increases in AMH. Evaluating the expression of the α1AMPK subunit could be considered as a marker of interest in infertility cases related to hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders, including PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was financially supported by the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) and the national programme « FERTiNERGY » funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). The authors report no intellectual or financial conflicts of interest related to this work. R.K. is identified as personnel of the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization. R.K. alone is responsible for the views expressed in this article and she does not necessarily represent the decisions, policy or views of the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Froment
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Molecular Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, University Hospital, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Bron, France
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Stephane Fabre
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Rita Khoueiry
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Nizar I Mourad
- Pôle de Chirurgie Expérimentale et Transplantation, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Horman
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christelle Ramé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Yves Bigot
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Remy Le Guevel
- Plate-forme ImPACcell, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Patricia Mallegol
- SOPAM, U1063, INSERM, UNIV Angers, Angers, France
- Federative Structure of Research Cellular Interactions and Therapeutic Applications, SFR 4208 ICAT, Univ Angers, Angers, France
| | - Ramaroson Andriantsitohaina
- SOPAM, U1063, INSERM, UNIV Angers, Angers, France
- Federative Structure of Research Cellular Interactions and Therapeutic Applications, SFR 4208 ICAT, Univ Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Jérôme Tamburini
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
| | - Marc Foretz
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Paris, France
| | - Joelle Dupont
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
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Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FG, Soares JM, Gallo CC, Furtado A, Cavaco JE, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The Crosstalk between Melatonin and Sex Steroid Hormones. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:115-129. [PMID: 33774638 DOI: 10.1159/000516148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, an indolamine mainly released from the pineal gland, is associated with many biological functions, namely, the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep inducer, regulator of energy metabolism, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. Although several pieces of evidence also recognize the influence of melatonin in the reproductive physiology, the crosstalk between melatonin and sex hormones is not clear. Here, we review the effects of sex differences in the circulating levels of melatonin and update the current knowledge on the link between sex hormones and melatonin. Furthermore, we explore the effects of melatonin on gonadal steroidogenesis and hormonal control in females. The literature review shows that despite the strong evidence that sex differences impact on the circadian profiles of melatonin, reports are still considerably ambiguous, and these differences may arise from several factors, like the use of contraceptive pills, hormonal status, and sleep deprivation. Furthermore, there has been an inconclusive debate about the characteristics of the reciprocal relationship between melatonin and reproductive hormones. In this regard, there is evidence for the role of melatonin in gonadal steroidogenesis brought about by research that shows that melatonin affects multiple transduction pathways that modulate Sertoli cell physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, and also estrogen and progesterone production. From the outcome of our research, it is possible to conclude that understanding the correlation between melatonin and reproductive hormones is crucial for the correction of several complications occurring during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, and for the control of climacteric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Maria Soares
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - André Furtado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Cavaco
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Human Granulosa Cells-Stemness Properties, Molecular Cross-Talk and Follicular Angiogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061396. [PMID: 34198768 PMCID: PMC8229878 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovarian follicle is the basic functional unit of the ovary, comprising theca cells and granulosa cells (GCs). Two different types of GCs, mural GCs and cumulus cells (CCs), serve different functions during folliculogenesis. Mural GCs produce oestrogen during the follicular phase and progesterone after ovulation, while CCs surround the oocyte tightly and form the cumulus oophurus and corona radiata inner cell layer. CCs are also engaged in bi-directional metabolite exchange with the oocyte, as they form gap-junctions, which are crucial for both the oocyte’s proper maturation and GC proliferation. However, the function of both GCs and CCs is dependent on proper follicular angiogenesis. Aside from participating in complex molecular interplay with the oocyte, the ovarian follicular cells exhibit stem-like properties, characteristic of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Both GCs and CCs remain under the influence of various miRNAs, and some of them may contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurrence. Considering increasing female fertility problems worldwide, it is of interest to develop new strategies enhancing assisted reproductive techniques. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider GCs as ovarian stem cells in terms of the cellular features and molecular pathways involved in their development and interactions as well as outline their possible application in translational medicine.
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Chen D, Zuo K, Liang X, Wang M, Zhang H, Zhou R, Liu X. Functional mechanism of AMPK activation in mitochondrial regeneration of rat peritoneal macrophages mediated by uremic serum. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235960. [PMID: 32986718 PMCID: PMC7521755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of AMPK activation on mitochondrial inhibition by uremic serum through the AMPK-activated rat peritoneal macrophages stimulated by uremic serum, thereby providing a reference for the clinical treatment of chronic kidney disease. Methods Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were included as experimental subjects. Fifteen rats were constructed into chronic kidney disease models (the model group). The remaining seven rats only received renal capsule stripping instead of nephrectomy (the sham-operated group). Ten weeks after model construction, the bodyweight, blood biochemical indicators, and metabolic parameters of rats in groups were measured. Meanwhile, the expression of the M1 phenotype marker protein in peritoneal macrophages was determined. Results Ten weeks after model construction, the bodyweight of rats in the model group was significantly lower than that in the sham-operated group. The values of urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group (P<0.01). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) of rats in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group (P <0.01). After the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the expressions of M1 phenotype marker mRNA in the model group was significantly increased. The expression of mitochondrial structural protein mRNA in the peritoneal macrophages of rats in the model group was significantly lower than that in the sham-operated group. The expression of M1 phenotype marker mRNA was significantly decreased in the uremic serum group after AMPK agonist (P<0.01). Conclusion In rats with chronic renal insufficiency, mitochondrial regeneration was dysfunctional in macrophages. By activating AMPK, the inhibitory effect of uremia serum on mitochondrial regeneration of macrophages was improved. Therefore, AMPK was a critical factor that could regulate mitochondrial regeneration of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Kun Zuo
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuan Liang
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medcine, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Jozkowiak M, Hutchings G, Jankowski M, Kulcenty K, Mozdziak P, Kempisty B, Spaczynski RZ, Piotrowska-Kempisty H. The Stemness of Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells and the Role of Resveratrol in the Differentiation of MSCs-A Review Based on Cellular and Molecular Knowledge. Cells 2020; 9:E1418. [PMID: 32517362 PMCID: PMC7349183 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian Granulosa Cells (GCs) are known to proliferate in the developing follicle and undergo several biochemical processes during folliculogenesis. They represent a multipotent cell population that has been differentiated to neuronal cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts in vitro. However, progression and maturation of GCs are accompanied by a reduction in their stemness. In the developing follicle, GCs communicate with the oocyte bidirectionally via gap junctions. Together with neighboring theca cells, they play a crucial role in steroidogenesis, particularly the production of estradiol, as well as progesterone following luteinization. Many signaling pathways are known to be important throughout the follicle development, leading either towards luteinization and release of the oocyte, or follicular atresia and apoptosis. These signaling pathways include cAMP, PI3K, SMAD, Hedgehog (HH), Hippo and Notch, which act together in a complex manner to control the maturation of GCs through regulation of key genes, from the primordial follicle to the luteal phase. Small molecules such as resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in grapes, peanuts and other dietary constituents, may be able to activate/inhibit these signaling pathways and thereby control physiological properties of GCs. This article reviews the current knowledge about granulosa stem cells, the signaling pathways driving their development and maturation, as well as biological activities of resveratrol and its properties as a pro-differentiation agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Jozkowiak
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30 St., PL-60-631 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Greg Hutchings
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., PL-60-781 Poznan, Poland; (G.H.); (M.J.); (B.K.)
| | - Maurycy Jankowski
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., PL-60-781 Poznan, Poland; (G.H.); (M.J.); (B.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiology Lab, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 St., PL-61-866 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Physiology Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7608, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608, USA;
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., PL-60-781 Poznan, Poland; (G.H.); (M.J.); (B.K.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St., PL-60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Z. Spaczynski
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Polna 33 St., PL-60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30 St., PL-60-631 Poznan, Poland;
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