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Abdoon ASS, Hegazy AM, Abdel-Azeem AS, Al-Atrash AM, Mohammed DM. The protective effects of some herbs on mitigating HFD-induced obesity via enhancing biochemical indicators and fertility in female rats. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30249. [PMID: 38726161 PMCID: PMC11078881 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential of plant-based diets and drugs to prevent and control obesity has been attributed to the presence of several biologically active phytochemicals. The study aimed to assess herb consumption's impact on alleviating the risks and hazards associated with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the promotion of fertility. Eighty rats were allocated into four distinct groups. Group 1 (G1) was provided with a basal diet and acted as the control group. Group 2 (G2) was provided with an HFD. Group 3 (G3) was provided with HFD supplemented with chia seeds and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. The fourth group of subjects was provided with HFD supplemented with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander). The feeding session was sustained for 10 weeks, and the biochemical parameters were evaluated. The administration of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) (G4) resulted in a more significant reduction in all biochemical parameters compared to G3, which received a diet consisting of chia seeds and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Additionally, the average number of embryonic lobes and the average number of offspring after birth were found to be considerably more significant in the normal control group (G1) and group (G4) compared to the HFD group (G2) and group (G3) (P < 0.01). Group 4 (G4) was administered a diet enriched with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander), which demonstrated superior outcomes in many biochemical indicators and the promotion of fertility in obese female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sabry S. Abdoon
- Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Research division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amany M. Hegazy
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amal S. Abdel-Azeem
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Al-Atrash
- Medical Administration, Nuclear Materials Authority, Kattmya, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Mostafa Mohammed
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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2
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Reda GK, Ndunguru SF, Csernus B, Gulyás G, Knop R, Szabó C, Czeglédi L, Lendvai ÁZ. Dietary restriction and life-history trade-offs: insights into mTOR pathway regulation and reproductive investment in Japanese quail. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247064. [PMID: 38563310 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Resources are needed for growth, reproduction and survival, and organisms must trade off limited resources among competing processes. Nutritional availability in organisms is sensed and monitored by nutrient-sensing pathways that can trigger physiological changes or alter gene expression. Previous studies have proposed that one such signalling pathway, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), underpins a form of adaptive plasticity when individuals encounter constraints in their energy budget. Despite the fundamental importance of this process in evolutionary biology, how nutritional limitation is regulated through the expression of genes governing this pathway and its consequential effects on fitness remain understudied, particularly in birds. We used dietary restriction to simulate resource depletion and examined its effects on body mass, reproduction and gene expression in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Quails were subjected to feeding at 20%, 30% and 40% restriction levels or ad libitum for 2 weeks. All restricted groups exhibited reduced body mass, whereas reductions in the number and mass of eggs were observed only under more severe restrictions. Additionally, dietary restriction led to decreased expression of mTOR and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), whereas the ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (RPS6K1) and autophagy-related genes (ATG9A and ATG5) were upregulated. The pattern in which mTOR responded to restriction was similar to that for body mass. Regardless of the treatment, proportionally higher reproductive investment was associated with individual variation in mTOR expression. These findings reveal the connection between dietary intake and the expression of mTOR and related genes in this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gebrehaweria K Reda
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sawadi F Ndunguru
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Csernus
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Gulyás
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renáta Knop
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Czeglédi
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ádám Z Lendvai
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Veiga GB, Zanini BM, Garcia DN, Hense JD, Barreto MM, Isola JVV, Mondadori RG, Masternak MM, Stout MB, Schneider A. Effects of calorie, protein, and branched chain amino acid restriction on ovarian aging in mice. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100856. [PMID: 38295721 PMCID: PMC10978239 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Calorie restriction (CR) is an intervention that promotes longevity and preserves the ovarian reserve. Some studies have observed that the positive impacts of CR can be linked to restriction of protein (PR) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) independent of calorie intake. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of protein and BCAA restriction to 30% CR on the ovarian reserve of female mice. For this, 3 month-old C57BL/6 female mice (n = 35) were randomized into four groups for four months dietary interventions including: control group (CTL; n = 8), 30% CR (CR; n = 9), protein restriction (PR; n = 9) and BCAA restriction (BCAAR; n = 9). Body mass gain, body composition, food intake, serum levels of BCAAs, ovarian reserve and estrous cyclicity were evaluated. We observed that CR, protein and BCAA restriction prevented weight gain and changed body composition compared to the CTL group. The BCAA restriction did not affect the ovarian reserve, while both PR and CR prevented activation of primordial follicles. This prevention occurred in PR group despite the lack of reduction of calorie intake compared to CTL group, and CR did not reduce protein intake in levels similar to the PR group. BCAA restriction resulted in increased calorie intake compared to CTL and PR mice, but only PR reduced serum BCAA levels compared to the CTL group. Our data indicates that PR has similar effects to CR on the ovarian reserve, whereas BCAA restriction alone did not affect it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel B Veiga
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Bianka M Zanini
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Jéssica D Hense
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - José V V Isola
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Michal M Masternak
- College of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Padathpeedika Khalid J, Mary Martin T, Prathap L, Abhimanyu Nisargandha M, Boopathy N, Kishore Kumar MS. Exploring Tumor-Promoting Qualities of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Innovative Drug Discovery Strategies With Emphasis on Thymoquinone. Cureus 2024; 16:e53949. [PMID: 38468988 PMCID: PMC10925941 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor epithelial development and chemoresistance are highly promoted by the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mostly made up of the cancer stroma. This is due to several causes. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) stand out among them as being essential for the promotion of tumors. Understanding the fibroblastic population within a single tumor is made more challenging by the undeniable heterogeneity within it, even though particular stromal alterations are still up for debate. Numerous chemical signals released by tumors improve the connections between heterotypic fibroblasts and CAFs, promoting the spread of cancer. It becomes essential to have a thorough understanding of this complex microenvironment to effectively prevent solid tumor growth. Important new insights into the role of CAFs in the TME have been revealed by recent studies. The objective of this review is to carefully investigate the relationship between CAFs in tumors and plant secondary metabolites, with a focus on thymoquinone (TQ). The literature published between 2010 and 2023 was searched in PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords such as TQ, TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts, mechanism of action, and flavonoids. The results showed a wealth of data substantiating the activity of plant secondary metabolites, particularly TQ's involvement in blocking CAF operations. Scrutinized research also clarified the wider effect of flavonoids on pathways related to cancer. The present study highlights the complex dynamics of the TME and emphasizes the critical role of CAFs. It also examines the possible interventions provided by secondary metabolites found in plants, with TQ playing a vital role in regulating CAF function based on recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabir Padathpeedika Khalid
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Taniya Mary Martin
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Lavanya Prathap
- Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Milind Abhimanyu Nisargandha
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Nisha Boopathy
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Meenakshi Sundaram Kishore Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Farooq U, Mirza MA, Alshetaili A, Mohapatra S, Jain P, Hassan N, Iqbal Z, Ali A. In silico and in vitro assessment of an optimized QbD-guided myoinositol and metformin-loaded mucus-penetrating particle-based gel for the amelioration of PCOS. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:648-668. [PMID: 38235090 PMCID: PMC10791119 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00943b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-factorial endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. However, its high prevalence and the unsuccessful translation of conventional modalities have made PCOS a pharmaco-therapeutic challenge. In the present study, we explored bi-formulations (comprising metformin-loaded mucus-penetrating nanoparticles, MTF-MPPs, and myoinositol-loaded mucus-penetrating particles, MI-MPPs) incorporated in a carbomer gel tailored for intravaginal administration. For the development and optimization of the MPPs-gel, a QbD (quality by design) approach was employed, including the initial and final risk assessment, central composite design of experts, and method validation. The optimized MTF-MPPs and MI-MPPs possessed an optimum nanometric particle size (195.0 nm and 178.8 nm, respectively) and a PDI of 0.150 and 0.123, respectively, together with a negligible negative zeta potential (-5.19 mV and -6.19 mV, respectively) through the vaginal mucus. It was observed that the MPPs are small and monodisperse with a neutral surface charge. It was observed that the MPPs-gel formulations released approximately 69.86 ± 4.65% of MTF and 67.14 ± 5.74% of MI within 120 h (5 days), which was observed to be sustained unlike MFT-MI-gel with approximately 94.89 ± 4.17% of MTF and 90.91 ± 15% of MI drugs released within 12 h. The confocal microscopy study of rhodamine-loaded MPPs indicated that they possessed a high fluorescence intensity at a depth of 15 μm, while as the penetration trajectory in the vaginal tissue increased to 35 μm, their intensity was reduced, appearing to be more prominent in the blood vessels. The analyzed data of MPPs-gel suggest that the optimized MPPs-gel formulation has potential to reach the targeted area via the uterovaginal mucosa, which has a wide network of blood vessels. Subsequently, in vivo studies were conducted and the results revealed that the proposed MPPs-gel formulation could regulate the estrous cycle of the reproductive system compared to the conventional formulation. Moreover, the formulation significantly reduced the weight of the ovaries compared to the control and conventional vaginal gel. Biochemical estimation showed improved insulin and sex hormone levels. Thus, the obtained data revealed that the deep penetration and deposition of MTF and MI on the targeted area through intravaginal delivery resulted in better therapeutic effects than the conventional vaginal gel. The obtained results confirmed the amelioration of PCOS upon treatment using the prepared MPPs-gel formulation. According to the relevant evaluation studies, it was concluded that MPPs-gel was retained in the vaginal cavity for systemic effects. Also, the sustained and non-irritating therapeutic effect meets the safety aspects. This work serves as a promising strategy for intravaginal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Farooq
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
| | - Mohd Aamir Mirza
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
| | - Abdullah Alshetaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Alkharj Saudi Arabia
| | - Sradhanjali Mohapatra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
| | - Pooja Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
| | - Nazia Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
| | - Zeenat Iqbal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
| | - Asgar Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard New Delhi 110062 India +91-9899571726 +91-9811733016
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6
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Maleszka R. Reminiscences on the honeybee genome project and the rise of epigenetic concepts in insect science. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38196200 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The sequencing of the honeybee genome in 2006 was an important technological and logistic achievement experience. But what benefits have flown from the honeybee genome project? What does the annotated genomic assembly mean for the study of behavioural complexity and organismal function in honeybees? Here, I discuss several lines of research that have arisen from this project and highlight the rapidly expanding studies on insect epigenomics, emergent properties of royal jelly, the mechanism of nutritional control of development and the contribution of epigenomic regulation to the evolution of sociality. I also argue that the term 'insect epigenetics' needs to be carefully redefined to reflect the diversity of epigenomic toolkits in insects and the impact of lineage-specific innovations on organismal outcomes. The honeybee genome project helped pioneer advances in social insect molecular biology, and fuelled breakthrough research into the role of flexible epigenomic control systems in linking genotype to phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Maleszka
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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7
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Roach CM, Mayorga EJ, Baumgard LH, Ross JW, Keating AF. Heat stress alters the ovarian proteome in prepubertal gilts. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae053. [PMID: 38605681 PMCID: PMC11025630 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) occurs when exogenous and metabolic heat accumulation exceeds heat dissipation; a thermal imbalance that compromises female reproduction. This study investigated the hypothesis that HS alters the ovarian proteome and negatively impacts proteins engaged with insulin signaling, inflammation, and ovarian function. Prepubertal gilts (n = 19) were assigned to one of three environmental groups: thermal neutral with ad libitum feed intake (TN; n = 6), thermal neutral pair-fed (PF; n = 6), or HS (n = 7). For 7 d, HS gilts were exposed to 12-h cyclic temperatures of 35.0 ± 0.2 °C and 32.2 ± 0.1 °C, while TN and PF gilts were housed at 21.0 ± 0.1 °C. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed on ovarian protein homogenates. Relative to TN gilts, 178 proteins were altered (P ≤ 0.05, log2foldchange ≥ 1) by HS, with 76 increased and 102 decreased. STRING gene ontology classified and identified 45 biological processes including those associated with chaperone protein refolding, cytoplasmic translational initiation, and immune activation; with a protein-protein interaction web network of 158 nodes and 563 edges connected based on protein function (FDR ≤ 0.05). Relative to PF, HS altered 330 proteins (P ≤ 0.05, log2foldchange ≥ 1), with 151 increased and 179 decreased. Fifty-seven biological pathways associated with protein function and assembly, RNA processing, and metabolic processes were identified, with a protein-protein interaction network of 303 nodes and 1,606 edges. Comparing HS with both the TN and PF treatments, 72 ovarian proteins were consistently altered by HS with 68 nodes and 104 edges, with biological pathways associated with translation and gene expression. This indicates that HS alters the ovarian proteome and multiple biological pathways and systems in prepubertal gilts; changes that potentially contribute to female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M Roach
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Edith J Mayorga
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Lance H Baumgard
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jason W Ross
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Aileen F Keating
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Du M, Zhang J, Wang T, Fang J, Su H, Xiao Z, Peng Y, Liang X, Gong X, Chen Z. Imaging biomarker for quantitative analysis of endometrial injury based on optical coherence tomography/ultrasound integrated imaging mode. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 16:e202300113. [PMID: 37483072 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Precise evaluation of endometrial injury is significant to clinical decision-making in gynecological disease and assisted reproductive technology. However, there is a lack of assessment methods for endometrium in vivo. In this research, we intend to develop quantitative imaging markers with optical coherence tomography (OCT)/ultrasound (US) integrated imaging system through intrauterine endoscopic imaging. OCT/US integrated imaging system was established as our previous research reported. The endometrial injury model was established and after treatment, OCT/US integrated imaging and uterus biopsy was performed to evaluate the endometrial thickness, number of superficial fold, and intrauterine area. According to the results, three quantitative indexes acquired from OCT/US image and HE staining have the same trend and have a strong relationship with the severity of the endometrial injury. Accordingly, we developed three imaging markers for quantitative analysis of endometrial injury in vivo, which provided a precise mode for endometrium evaluation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jinke Zhang
- The Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jinghui Fang
- Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanyinghong Su
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhang Xiao
- College of Mechanical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yingao Peng
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaowen Liang
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaojing Gong
- The Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital University of South China/ Hunan Veterans Administration Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Chen WH, Shi YC, Huang QY, Chen JM, Wang ZY, Lin S, Shi QY. Potential for NPY receptor-related therapies for polycystic ovary syndrome: an updated review. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:441-451. [PMID: 37452264 PMCID: PMC10449684 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00460-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease that can cause female infertility and bring economic burden to families and to society. The clinical and/or biochemical manifestations include hyperandrogenism, persistent anovulation, and polycystic ovarian changes, often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. Although its pathogenesis is unclear, PCOS involves the abnormal regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and the abnormal activation of GnRH neurons. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is widely distributed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and functions as the physiological integrator of two neuroendocrine systems, one governing feeding and the other controlling reproduction. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the improvement of the reproductive and metabolic status of PCOS through the therapeutic application of NPY and its receptors. In this review, we summarize the central and peripheral regulation of NPY and its receptors in the development of PCOS and discuss the potential for NPY receptor-related therapies for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yan-Chuan Shi
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Qiao-Yi Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jia-Ming Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Qi-Yang Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.
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Yu X, Zhang S, Zhang XY, Wang Q. Sperm quality impairment in males of couples with pregnancy loss is correlated with sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:11. [PMID: 36709287 PMCID: PMC9883875 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in males of couples experiencing pregnancy loss. Erectile dysfunction in males with couple infertile has been extensively investigated and found to be closely linked with semen quality impairment and psychological distress, but it is less clear if this relation exists in males of couples experiencing pregnancy loss. METHOD A cross-sectional analysis of 437 men who attended our outpatient clinic between June 2021 and October 2021 for couple pregnancy loss. All subjects underwent a complete physical examination, palpation, inspection of the male genitalia, and semen analysis. Validated assessment tools for erectile dysfunction (the International Index of Sexual Function5 -IIEF-5) and anxiety (the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale- GAD-7) were used. RESULTS Among 437 men of couples with pregnancy loss, we found several relevant sperm parameters confirmed a significant correlation between IIEF-5 scores and sperm parameters, including: sperm progressive motility (r = 0.1627, p = 0.001), sperm normal morphology (r = 0.1373, p = 0.004) and sperm DNA fragmentation (r =-0.1248, p = 0.009). Males with an IIEF-5 scores range between 5-11 presented the worst results in terms of sperm progressive motility (p = 0.002), normal morphology (p = 0.001), and SDF levels (p = 0.003). GAD-7 score, as well as anxiety level, was significantly higher in those males with an IIEF-5 score between 5 and 11 (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION Although current evidence does not demonstrate the importance of spermatozoa in the etiology of pregnancy loss, significant correlations have been observed between impaired sperm quality and low IIEF-5 scores. Also, anxiety is more likely to occur in males with sexual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Yu
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Songling Zhang
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Xiao Yuan Zhang
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin China
| | - Qun Wang
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin China
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11
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Helvaci N, Yildiz BO. Current and emerging drug treatment strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:105-120. [PMID: 35912829 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2108702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder with a heterogeneous phenotype. As the exact etiology of PCOS is still unclear, available pharmacotherapies are mostly directed toward alleviating symptoms and associated metabolic abnormalities. AREAS COVERED Herein, we present an overview of the current and emerging pharmacotherapies for the management of women with PCOS who do not seek pregnancy. We performed a literature search in PubMed database up to January 2022 and reviewed papers assessing drug treatments for PCOS. We aimed to outline the most recent evidence to support treatment recommendations in these patients. EXPERT OPINION Targets for medical treatment include hormonal, reproductive, and metabolic abnormalities in PCOS. However, none of the available pharmacological options can cover the entire spectrum of clinical manifestations observed in these patients. Considering the heterogeneity of PCOS, treatment should be individualized and adapted to specific needs of each patient. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PCOS would help development of novel, safer, and more effective multi-targeted therapeutic strategies for the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiye Helvaci
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hitit University School of Medicine, Corum, Turkey
| | - Bulent Okan Yildiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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12
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Irani M, Bashtian MH, Soltani N, Khabiri F. Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of infertile couple: A rapid systematic review. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:404. [PMID: 36824404 PMCID: PMC9942163 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1655_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Infertile couples experience a lot of psychological stress due to the inability to achieve the desired social role. Couples who decide to continue assisted reproductive therapy (ART) during the epidemic also experience the psychological impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, which affects their daily lives due to social isolation, quarantine, travel restrictions, and cancellation of treatment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the mental health of infertile couple pausing or delaying their treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and the World Health Organization databases and websites were systematically searched for original studies concerning abortion in the era of COVID-19 pandemic published by August 15, 2021. We used the following keywords: "COVID-19 Corona virus, infertility, reproductive technique, fertilization, assisted reproduction, pregnant termination, psychological, in vitro mental status, depressive symptoms, and anxiety." In sum, after automatically and manually search and excluding duplicates, 269 articles were found. In final, after screening, 18 articles were selected. Most patients experienced negative emotions during the COVID-19 epidemic. When reproductive services were re-established, participants showed higher levels of anxiety and lower quality of life than before quarantine. Women who thought pregnancy was more important than getting COVID-19 had higher levels of anxiety than women who thought otherwise (P < 0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic has negative impacts on the mental health and quality of life of patients seeking fertility services and coping with it requires timely and appropriate psychological intervention, accurate information, and social and organizational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morvarid Irani
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Maryam Hassanzadeh Bashtian
- Addiction and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Narges Soltani
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khabiri
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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13
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The Effect of Alternating High-Sucrose and Sucrose Free-Diets, and Intermittent One-Day Fasting on the Estrous Cycle and Sex Hormones in Female Rats. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204350. [DOI: 10.3390/nu14204350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Relationships between diet, sex hormone concentrations, and the estrous cycle are important from the perspective of infertility and estrogen-dependent disease prevention and treatment. Four dietary interventions reflecting modern eating behaviors were explored. The study involved 50 female rats divided into five feeding groups. The impact of the amount of sucrose consumed (9% and 18% of the dietary energy content), alternating high-sucrose and sucrose-free diets, and a high-sucrose diet combined with intermittent one-day fasting on the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats was assessed. Even low amounts of dietary sucrose (9% of the dietary energy content) were found to lead to increased estradiol (E2) concentrations and decreased progesterone (Pg) concentrations. A high-sucrose diet, even when periodically applied, additionally led to a reduced concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The largest changes in the hormones tested were observed with one-day fasting coupled with the high-sucrose diet; in addition, the estrous phase was shortened and the estrous cycle was disrupted. The results of this study show that both the amount of dietary sucrose and also its uptake pattern affect the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats.
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14
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Kazemzadeh S, Mohammadpour S, Madadi S, Babakhani A, Shabani M, Khanehzad M. Melatonin in cryopreservation media improves transplantation efficiency of frozen-thawed spermatogonial stem cells into testes of azoospermic mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:346. [PMID: 35883101 PMCID: PMC9327150 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryostorage of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is an appropriate procedure for long-term storage of SSCs for fertility preservation. However, it causes damage to cellular structures through overproduction of ROS and oxidative stress. In this study, we examined the protective effect of melatonin as a potent antioxidant in the basic freezing medium to establish an optimal cryopreservation method for SSCs. Methods SSCs were obtained from the testes of neonatal male mice aged 3–6 days. Then, 100 μM melatonin was added to the basic freezing medium containing DMSO for cryopreservation of SSCs. Viability, apoptosis-related markers (BAX and BCL2), and intracellular ROS generation level were measured in frozen–thawed SSCs before transplantation using the MTT assay, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expression of proliferation (PLZF and GFRα1) and differentiation (Stra8 and SCP3) proteins in frozen–thawed SSCs after transplantation into recipient testes. Results The data showed that adding melatonin to the cryopreservation medium markedly increased the viability and reduced intracellular ROS generation and apoptosis (by decreasing BAX and increasing BCL2) in the frozen–thawed SSCs (p < 0.05). The expression levels of proliferation (PLZF and GFRα1) and differentiation (Stra8 and SCP3) proteins and resumption of spermatogenesis from frozen–thawed SSCs followed the same pattern after transplantation. Conclusions The results of this study revealed that adding melatonin as an antioxidant to the cryopreservation medium containing DMSO could be a promising strategy for cryopreservation of SSCs to maintain fertility in prepubertal male children who suffer from cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03029-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Kazemzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Mohammadpour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.,Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Soheila Madadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Azar Babakhani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.,Biotechnology and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Maryam Shabani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Khanehzad
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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15
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Alizadegan A, Akbarzadeh M, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Sambrani R, Hamdi K, Ghasemzadeh A, Hakimi P, Vahabzadeh B, Dianat-Moghadam H, Mehdizadeh A, Mohammadinejad S, Dolati S, Baharaghdam S, Bayat G, Nouri M, Yousefi M. Isolation of cfDNA from spent culture media and its association with implantation rate and maternal immunomodulation. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:259. [PMID: 35842732 PMCID: PMC9288726 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06151-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This investigation aims to evaluate the association between the concentration of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the spent culture medium (SCM) with implantation rate and the maternal immune system in the invitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, 30 embryos were cultured and scored according to Gardner's criteria. SCM was gathered on day five from every embryo to analyze the quantity of cfDNA. The real-time PCR technique evaluated the expression level of transcription factors, including Foxp3, RORγt, GATA3, and T-bet. The percentage of Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, NK cells, and NK cells cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS The concentration of cfDNA in the β-HCG (-), β-HCG ( +), and ongoing pregnancy groups were 20.70 ± 9.224 ng/µL, 27.97 ± 7.990 ng/µL, and 28.91 ± 8.566 ng/µL, respectively. The ratio of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg reduced significantly in pregnant women, as well as the level of NK cells and NK cytotoxicity cells fell dramatically in the ongoing pregnancy group. The expression level of RORγt and T-bet declined while the expression level of Foxp3 and GATA3 increased considerably in pregnant mothers. Our investigation revealed that the concentration level of cfDNA in SCM could not be associated with implantation rate, prediction of ongoing pregnancy, and maternal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Alizadegan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Akbarzadeh
- Alzahra Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Roshanak Sambrani
- Alzahra Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Woman's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alieh Ghasemzadeh
- Woman's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Hakimi
- Woman's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behnam Vahabzadeh
- Faculty of Veterinary and Paramedicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Mohammadinejad
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanam Dolati
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Baharaghdam
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Bayat
- Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physic, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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16
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Pang L, Jiang X, Lian X, Chen J, Song EF, Jin LG, Xia ZY, Ma HC, Cai Y. Caloric restriction-mimetics for the reduction of heart failure risk in aging heart: with consideration of gender-related differences. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:33. [PMID: 35786219 PMCID: PMC9252041 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00389-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature is full of claims regarding the consumption of polyphenol or polyamine-rich foods that offer some protection from developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This is achieved by preventing cardiac hypertrophy and protecting blood vessels through improving the function of endothelium. However, do these interventions work in the aged human hearts? Cardiac aging is accompanied by an increase in left ventricular hypertrophy, along with diastolic and systolic dysfunction. It also confers significant cardiovascular risks for both sexes. The incidence and prevalence of CVD increase sharply at an earlier age in men than women. Furthermore, the patterns of heart failure differ between sexes, as do the lifetime risk factors. Do caloric restriction (CR)-mimetics, rich in polyphenol or polyamine, delay or reverse cardiac aging equally in both men and women? This review will discuss three areas: (1) mechanisms underlying age-related cardiac remodeling; (2) gender-related differences and potential mechanisms underlying diminished cardiac response in older men and women; (3) we select a few polyphenol or polyamine rich compounds as the CR-mimetics, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate and spermidine, due to their capability to extend health-span and induce autophagy. We outline their abilities and issues on retarding aging in animal hearts and preventing CVD in humans. We discuss the confounding factors that should be considered for developing therapeutic strategies against cardiac aging in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Pang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- Health Promotion Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xin Lian
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512000, Guangdong, China
| | - Er-Fei Song
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei-Gang Jin
- Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zheng-Yuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hai-Chun Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yin Cai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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17
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Zhang M, Li J, Fu X, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Wu B, Han X, Gao S. Endometrial thickness is an independent risk factor of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a retrospective study of 13,458 patients in frozen-thawed embryo transfers. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:93. [PMID: 35765069 PMCID: PMC9238038 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00965-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are an important cause of maternal and fetal mortality, and its potential risk factors are still being explored. Endometrial thickness (EMT), as one of the important monitoring indicators of endometrial receptivity, has been confirmed to be related to the incidence of HDP in fresh embryo transfer. Our study was designed to investigate whether endometrial thickness is associated with the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). METHODS This respective cohort study enrolled 13,458 women who received vitrified embryo transfer and had a singleton delivery in the Reproductive Hospital affiliated to Shandong University from January 2015 to December 2019. We set strict screening criteria and obtained the information from the hospital electronic medical system. Statistical methods including logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve and restricted cubic spline were used to evaluate the relationship between endometrial thickness and the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension. RESULTS The incidences of HDP in a thin endometrial thickness group (< 0.8 cm) and a thick endometrial thickness group (> 1.2 cm) were significantly greater than in a reference group (0.8 cm-1.2 cm) (7.98 and 5.24% vs 4.59%, P < 0.001). A nonlinear relationship between endometrial thickness and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was examined by restricted cubic spline (P < 0.001). The thin endometrial thickness and thick endometrial thickness groups were significantly associated with the risk of HDP after adjusting for confounding variables by stepwise logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, subgroup logistic regression analysis based on endometrial preparation regimens showed that thin endometria were still significantly associated with a higher morbidity rate in the artificial cycle group, while in the natural cycle group, thick endometria were closely associated with increased morbidity. CONCLUSION Our study manifested that both the thin and thick endometria were associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in frozen embryo transfer cycles. Reproductive clinicians should focus on adjusting endometrial thickness in different preparation regimens; and obstetricians should be mindful of the risk of hypertension during pregnancy, when women with thin (< 0.8 cm) or excessively thicker (> 1.2 cm) endometrial thickness achieve pregnancy through frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Fu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingjie Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyue Han
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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18
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Žarković M, Hufsky F, Markert UR, Marz M. The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Human Placenta. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091588. [PMID: 35563893 PMCID: PMC9104507 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a central and regulatory role in almost all cells, organs, and species, which has been broadly recognized since the human ENCODE project and several other genome projects. Nevertheless, a small fraction of ncRNAs have been identified, and in the placenta they have been investigated very marginally. To date, most examples of ncRNAs which have been identified to be specific for fetal tissues, including placenta, are members of the group of microRNAs (miRNAs). Due to their quantity, it can be expected that the fairly larger group of other ncRNAs exerts far stronger effects than miRNAs. The syncytiotrophoblast of fetal origin forms the interface between fetus and mother, and releases permanently extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the maternal circulation which contain fetal proteins and RNA, including ncRNA, for communication with neighboring and distant maternal cells. Disorders of ncRNA in placental tissue, especially in trophoblast cells, and in EVs seem to be involved in pregnancy disorders, potentially as a cause or consequence. This review summarizes the current knowledge on placental ncRNA, their transport in EVs, and their involvement and pregnancy pathologies, as well as their potential for novel diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Žarković
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.Ž.); (F.H.)
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Franziska Hufsky
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.Ž.); (F.H.)
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.Ž.); (F.H.)
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
- FLI Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Beutenbergstraße 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Aging Research Center (ARC), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
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19
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Personalized Nutrition in the Management of Female Infertility: New Insights on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091918. [PMID: 35565885 PMCID: PMC9105997 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility. Different “fertile” dietary patterns have been studied; however, in humans, conflicting results or weak correlations are often reported, probably because of the individual variations in genome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome and the extent of exposure to different environmental conditions. In this scenario, “precision nutrition”, namely personalized dietary patterns based on deep phenotyping and on metabolomics, microbiome, and nutrigenetics of each case, might be more efficient for infertile patients than applying a generic nutritional approach. In this review, we report on new insights into the nutritional management of infertile patients, discussing the main nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and microbiomic aspects that should be investigated to achieve effective personalized nutritional interventions. Specifically, we will focus on the management of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is associated with several infertility-related diseases.
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20
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Athar F, Templeman NM. C. elegans as a model organism to study female reproductive health. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 266:111152. [PMID: 35032657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has been historically understudied and underfunded. Here, we present the advantages of using a free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as an animal system to study fundamental aspects of female reproductive health. C. elegans is a powerful high-throughput model organism that shares key genetic and physiological similarities with humans. In this review, we highlight areas of pressing medical and biological importance in the 21st century within the context of female reproductive health. These include the decline in female reproductive capacity with increasing chronological age, reproductive dysfunction arising from toxic environmental insults, and cancers of the reproductive system. C. elegans has been instrumental in uncovering mechanistic insights underlying these processes, and has been valuable for developing and testing therapeutics to combat them. Adopting a convenient model organism such as C. elegans for studying reproductive health will encourage further research into this field, and broaden opportunities for making advancements into evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
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21
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Isola JVV, Zanini BM, Hense JD, Alvarado-Rincón JA, Garcia DN, Pereira GC, Vieira AD, Oliveira TL, Collares T, Gasperin BG, Stout MB, Schneider A. Mild calorie restriction, but not 17α-estradiol, extends ovarian reserve and fertility in female mice. Exp Gerontol 2022; 159:111669. [PMID: 35032571 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Calorie restriction (CR) (25-40%) is the most commonly studied strategy for curtailing age-related disease and has also been found to extend reproductive lifespan in female mice. However, the effects of mild CR (10%), which is sustainable, on ovarian aging has not yet been addressed. 17α-estradiol (17α-E2) is another intervention shown to positively modulate healthspan and lifespan in mice but its effects on female reproduction remain unclear. We evaluated the effects of mild CR (10%) and 17α-E2 treatment on ovarian reserve and female fertility over a 24-week period, and compared these effects with the more commonly employed 30% CR regimen. Both 10% and 30% CR elicited positive effects on the preservation of ovarian reserve, whereas 17α-E2 did not alter parameters associated with ovarian function. Following refeeding, both 10% and 30% increased fertility as evidenced by greater pregnancy rates. In aligned with the ovarian reserve data, 17α-E2 also failed to improve fertility. Collectively, these data indicate that 10% CR is effective in preserving ovarian function and fertility, while 17α-E2 does not appear to have therapeutic potential for delaying ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- José V V Isola
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Bianka M Zanini
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Jessica D Hense
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Joao A Alvarado-Rincón
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Campus Utopía, Yopal, Casanare, Colombia
| | - Driele N Garcia
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Giulia C Pereira
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo D Vieira
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thais L Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiago Collares
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Bernardo G Gasperin
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Augusto Schneider
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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22
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Pathare ADS, Hinduja I, Mahadik RC. Basic aspects of endometrial receptivity in PCOS patients. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:1519-1528. [PMID: 34988892 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06976-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder commonly affecting the reproductive capacity of women leading to infertility. PCOS-related infertility is majorly due to anovulation; however, it is not the only cause. The defective endometrium causing recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure can also be accountable for infertility in PCOS women. The unusual levels of hormones and their receptors in the PCOS endometrium have a hostile effect during WOI, making the microenvironment unfavorable for embryo implantation. To date, many studies have been performed to determine the role of candidate genes in endometrial receptivity but very limited data is available using whole genome approach. This review aims at summarizing the existing studies on the basic aspects of endometrial receptivity in PCOS. The review focuses on aberrant levels of hormones and their receptors in the endometrium, affecting the receptivity. Additionally, it explores the novel approach reviewing the effect on treatment options administered for ovulation induction in PCOS on their endometrial receptivity. Overall, this review will help us to understand the molecular milieu in PCOS endometrium and its effect on the receptivity potential. However, to have a thorough understanding of the mechanistic approach of hormonal imbalance in PCOS on endometrial receptivity, there is a need to give more weightage to genome-wide studies in the future. The current review will further guide us to formulate future studies using whole genome technologies for the assessment of endometrial receptivity in different cohorts of PCOS women, which may have future diagnostic implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amruta D S Pathare
- Department of IVF and Research, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, 400016, India
| | - Indira Hinduja
- Department of IVF and Research, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, 400016, India.
| | - Roshani C Mahadik
- Department of IVF and Research, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, 400016, India
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23
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Bartke A. Somatotropic Axis, Pace of Life and Aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:916139. [PMID: 35909509 PMCID: PMC9329927 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.916139] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice with genetic growth hormone (GH) deficiency or GH resistance live much longer than their normal siblings maintained under identical conditions with unlimited access to food. Extended longevity of these mutants is associated with extension of their healthspan (period of life free of disability and disease) and with delayed and/or slower aging. Importantly, GH and GH-related traits have been linked to the regulation of aging and longevity also in mice that have not been genetically altered and in other mammalian species including humans. Avai+lable evidence indicates that the impact of suppressed GH signaling on aging is mediated by multiple interacting mechanisms and involves trade-offs among growth, reproduction, and longevity. Life history traits of long-lived GH-related mutants include slow postnatal growth, delayed sexual maturation, and reduced fecundity (smaller litter size and increased intervals between the litters). These traits are consistent with a slower pace-of-life, a well-documented characteristic of species of wild animals that are long-lived in their natural environment. Apparently, slower pace-of-life (or at least some of its features) is associated with extended longevity both within and between species. This association is unexpected and may appear counterintuitive, because the relationships between adult body size (a GH-dependent trait) and longevity within and between species are opposite rather than similar. Studies of energy metabolism and nutrient-dependent signaling pathways at different stages of the life course will be needed to elucidate mechanisms of these relationships.
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24
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Crunden JL, Diezmann S. Hsp90 interaction networks in fungi-tools and techniques. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 21:6413543. [PMID: 34718512 PMCID: PMC8599792 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a central regulator of cellular proteostasis. It stabilizes numerous proteins that are involved in fundamental processes of life, including cell growth, cell-cycle progression and the environmental response. In addition to stabilizing proteins, Hsp90 governs gene expression and controls the release of cryptic genetic variation. Given its central role in evolution and development, it is important to identify proteins and genes that interact with Hsp90. This requires sophisticated genetic and biochemical tools, including extensive mutant collections, suitable epitope tags, proteomics approaches and Hsp90-specific pharmacological inhibitors for chemogenomic screens. These usually only exist in model organisms, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yet, the importance of other fungal species, such as Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, as serious human pathogens accelerated the development of genetic tools to study their virulence and stress response pathways. These tools can also be exploited to map Hsp90 interaction networks. Here, we review tools and techniques for Hsp90 network mapping available in different fungi and provide a summary of existing mapping efforts. Mapping Hsp90 networks in fungal species spanning >500 million years of evolution provides a unique vantage point, allowing tracking of the evolutionary history of eukaryotic Hsp90 networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Crunden
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Stephanie Diezmann
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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25
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Tang D, Lv M, Gao Y, Cheng H, Li K, Xu C, Geng H, Li G, Shen Q, Wang C, He X, Cao Y. Novel variants in helicase for meiosis 1 lead to male infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:129. [PMID: 34429122 PMCID: PMC8383409 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility; more than half of the NOA patients are idiopathic. Although many NOA risk genes have been detected, the genetic factors for NOA in majority of the patients are unknown. In addition, it is difficult to retrieve sperm from these patients despite using the microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) method. Therefore, we conducted this genetic study to identify the potential genetic factors responsible for NOA and investigate the sperm retrieval rate of microTESE for genetically deficient NOA patients. METHODS Semen analyses, sex hormone testing, and testicular biopsy were performed to categorize the patients with NOA. The chromosome karyotypes and Y chromosome microdeletion analyses were used to exclude general genetic factors. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify potential genetic variants in 51 patients with NOA. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and anti-phosphorylated H2AX were used to assess the histopathology of spermatogenesis. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were performed to verify the effects of gene variation on expression. RESULTS We performed whole exome sequencing in 51 NOA patients and identified homozygous helicase for meiosis 1(HFM1) variants (NM_001017975: c.3490C > T: p.Q1164X; c.3470G > A: p.C1157Y) in two patients (3.9%, 2/51). Histopathology of the testis showed that spermatogenesis was completely blocked at metaphase in these two patients carrying the HFM1 homozygous variants. In comparison with unaffected controls, we found a significant reduction in the levels of HFM1 mRNA and protein expression in the testicular tissues from these two patients. The patients were also subjected to microTESE treatment, but the sperms could not be retrieved. CONCLUSIONS This study identified novel homozygous variants of HFM1 that are responsible for spermatogenic failure and NOA, and microTESE did not aid in retrieving sperms from these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huiru Cheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Park JS, Lee SH. Effects of Maternal Hypothyroidism on the Pubertal Development in Female Rat Offspring. Dev Reprod 2021; 25:83-91. [PMID: 34386643 PMCID: PMC8328481 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2021.25.2.83] [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: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study was performed to investigate the effect of maternal hypothyroidism and puberty onset in female rat pups. To do this, we employed propylthiouracil (PTU) to prepare a hypothyroid rat model. Pregnant rats were treated with PTU (0.025%) in drinking water from gestational day 14 to postnatal day 21 of offspring. Comparison of general indices such as body and tissue weights and puberty indices such as vaginal opening (VO) and tissue histology between control and PTU-treated rats were conducted. There was no significant difference in the date of VO between control and PTU group. The body weights of the PTU group were significantly lower, only 36.8% of the control group (p<0.001). Although the absolute thyroid weight was not changed by PTU treatment, the relative weight increased significantly about 2.8 times (p<0.001), indicating that hypothyroidism was successfully induced. On the other hand, the absolute weights of the ovary and uterus were markedly decreased by PTU administration (p<0.001), and the relative weight was not significantly changed. The ovarian histology of PTU group revealed the advanced state of differentiation (i.e., presence of corpora lutea). Inversely, the uterine histology of PTU group showed underdeveloped structures compared those in control group. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that our maternal hypothyroidism model resulted in minimal effect on pubertal development symbolized by VO despite of huge retardation in somatic growth. More sophisticatedly designed hypothyroidism model will be helpful to achieve a better understanding of pubertal development and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Soo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea
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27
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Kreisman MJ, Tadrousse KS, McCosh RB, Breen KM. Neuroendocrine Basis for Disrupted Ovarian Cyclicity in Female Mice During Chronic Undernutrition. Endocrinology 2021; 162:bqab103. [PMID: 34037744 PMCID: PMC8272537 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic undernutrition is a type of metabolic stress that impairs reproduction in multiple species. Although energy balance and female reproductive capacity is recognized as tightly coupled, the neuroendocrine loci and molecular mechanisms that mediate ovarian cycle dysfunction during chronic undernutrition in adult females remain poorly understood. Here, we present a series of studies in which we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons, which are critical for controlling luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses and the preovulatory LH surge in females, underlies the impairment of the ovarian cycle by undernutrition. We first investigated the effect of chronic undernutrition (70% of unrestricted feed intake) on estrous cyclicity in intact female c57bl6 mice. Undernutrition caused a rapid cessation of ovarian cyclicity during the 2-week treatment, suppressing ovarian steroidogenesis and inhibiting ovulation. Using 2 well-defined estradiol-replacement paradigms, we directly tested the hypothesis that undernutrition inhibits Kiss1 neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARCKiss1), which are required for LH pulses and in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPVKiss1), which are necessary for LH surge secretion. Undernutrition prevented LH pulses and impaired ARCKiss1 neuronal activation, using c-Fos as a marker, in ovariectomized females subcutaneously implanted with a pellet containing a diestrus-like level of estradiol. In addition, undernutrition completely blocked the estradiol-induced LH surge and diminished Kiss1 messenger RNA abundance, without decreasing estradiol receptor α (Erα), in micropunches of the AVPV. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that undernutrition disrupts ovarian cyclicity in females via impairment both of ARCKiss1 control of LH pulses and AVPVKiss1 induction of the LH surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Kreisman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674, USA
| | - Kirollos S Tadrousse
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674, USA
| | - Richard B McCosh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674, USA
| | - Kellie M Breen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674, USA
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