Expression and localisation of c-kit and KITL in the adult human ovary

Childhood atopic disorders in relation to placental changes-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fetal programming may arise from prenatal exposure and increase the risk of diseases later in life, potentially mediated by the placenta. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize and critically evaluate publications describing associations between human placental changes and risk of atopic disorders during childhood. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The inclusion criteria were original research articles or case reports written in English describing a human placental change in relation to disease occurring in offspring during childhood. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for eligible studies. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. The results were pooled both in a narrative way and by a meta-analysis. Nineteen studies were included (n = 12,997 participants). All studies had an overall serious RoB, and publication bias could not be completely ruled out. However, five studies showed that histological chorioamnionitis in preterm-born children was associated with asthma-related problems (pooled odds ratio = 3.25 (95% confidence interval = 2.22-4.75)). In term-born children, a large placenta (≥750 g) increased the risk of being prescribed anti-asthma medications during the first year of life. Placental histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and gene expression differences were found to be associated with different atopic disorders in term-born children. There is some evidence supporting the idea that the placenta can mediate an increased risk of atopic disorders in children. However, further studies are needed to validate the findings, properly control for confounders, and examine potential mechanisms.

In vitro evaluation of exocytosis-associated SNARE molecules in human granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome

PURPOSE

Patients with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) make up 20% cases for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Folliculogenesis is impaired in PCOS. Signaling molecules are involved in follicle development. Dysregulations of intrafollicular environment and signaling molecules are observed in PCOS. Granulosa cells (GCs) and oocytes secrete molecules into follicular fluid by exocytosis of SNAREs. The aim of this study is to evaluate vesicle transport and vesicle fusion proteins (SNAREs) in GCs from PCOS patients who have undergone IVF treatment.

METHODS

Follicular fluids were collected from patients who undergo IVF/ICSI with the diagnosis of male factor (n = 10) and PCOS (n = 10) patients. GCs were separated and cultured. Each group of GCs was stimulated with FSH-hCG. The cells were examined under electron microscope. Immunofluorescent labeling was performed on cells for Stx6, SNAP25, StxBP1, FSHr, and KITL. Integrated density was analyzed from images of Stx6, SNAP25, StxBP1, FSHr, and KITL.

RESULTS

Intercellular communication occurs by signal molecules; Stx6, SNAP25, and StxBP1 fusion proteins involved in exocytosis were decreased in the GCs of PCOS. There was no increase in in vitro stimulation with FSH-hCG either. In the electron microscope, it was observed that exocytosis of the vesicles was disrupted.

CONCLUSIONS

Exocytosis and vesicular dynamics are among the basic physiological functions of human steroidogenic granulosa cells. Follicle development is necessary for production of competent oocytes and ovulation. Understanding the pathophysiology of PCOS at follicular level is important for disease management. According to our findings, deficits in vesicular dynamics of human granulosa cells in may be central to the treatment strategy for PCOS patients.

PTEN inhibitor and kit ligand increase in vitro activation and survival of primordial follicles in alpaca

In mammals, activation of primordial follicles to primary follicle is a progressive and highly regulated process. There is evidence in mice that phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN) silencing is an important negative regulator of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which initiates activation of dormant follicles. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of PTEN inhibitor (bpV(HOpic)) (10 μM) and/or Kit Ligand (KL) (100 ng/mL) on the in vitro activation and survival of alpaca primordial follicles. Ovarian cortical fragments from 11 adult alpacas were cultured for 24 h in tissue culture medium (α-MEM+ ) supplemented with KL and bpV or the association of both. Subsequently, each sample was processed by classical histology and follicular counting and classification were performed. The results obtained show a reduction (p < 0.05) of primordial follicles in more than 50% in follicular tissue cultured in vitro in α-MEM+ or supplemented with bpV and/or KL versus the control (not cultured). Further, >25% increase in primary follicles in follicular tissue cultured in vitro in α-MEM+ or supplemented with KL and/or bpV versus control. However, the follicular survival rate showed a decrease of 20% in the cultured tissues, except for the α-MEM+ supplemented with KL and bpV. In conclusion, supplementation of bpV (HOpic) (10 μM) and KL (100 ng/mL) increased the activation in vitro of primordial follicles and survival after in vitro culture of alpaca ovarian tissue.

JAK/STAT3 pathway promotes proliferation of ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

The accurate identification and isolation of ovarian stem cells from mammalian ovaries remain a major challenge because of the lack of specific surface markers and suitable in vitro culture systems. Optimized culture conditions for in vitro expansion of ovarian stem cells would allow for identifying requirements of these stem cells for proliferation and differentiation that would pave the way to uncover role of ovarian stem cells in ovarian pathophysiology. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) aggregate culture system for enrichment of ovarian stem cells and named them aggregate-derived stem cells (ASCs). We hypothesized that mimicking the ovarian microenvironment in vitro by using an aggregate model of the ovary would provide a suitable niche for the isolation of ovarian stem cells from adult mouse and human ovaries and wanted to find out the main cellular pathway governing the proliferation of these stem cells.

RESULTS

We showed that ovarian aggregates take an example from ovary microenvironment in terms of expression of ovarian markers, hormone secretion and supporting the viability of the cells. We found that aggregates-derived stem cells proliferate in vitro as long-term while remained expression of germline markers. These ovarian stem cells differentiated to oocyte like cells in vitro spontaneously. Transplantation of these stem cells in to chemotherapy mouse ovary could restore ovarian structure. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that interleukin6 is upregulated pathway in ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells. Our data showed that JAK/Stat3 signaling pathway which is activated downstream of IL6 is critical for ovarian stem cells proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a platform that is highly reproducible for in vitro propagation of ovarian stem cells. Our study provides a primary insight into cellular pathway governing the proliferation of ovarian stem cells.

From in vivo to in vitro: exploring the key molecular and cellular aspects of human female gametogenesis

Human oogenesis is a highly complex and not yet fully understood process due to ethical and technological barriers that limit studies in the field. In this context, replicating female gametogenesis in vitro would not only provide a solution for some infertility problems, but also be an excellent study model to better understand the biological mechanisms that determine the formation of the female germline. In this review, we explore the main cellular and molecular aspects involved in human oogenesis and folliculogenesis in vivo, from the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) to the formation of the mature oocyte. We also sought to describe the important bidirectional relationship between the germ cell and the follicular somatic cells. Finally, we address the main advances and different methodologies used in the search for obtaining cells of the female germline in vitro.

Aberrant BMP15/HIF-1α/SCF signaling pathway in human granulosa cells is involved in the PCOS related abnormal follicular development

AIMS

To investigate the regulatory mechanism of SCF expression in human GCs of PCOS related follicles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SCF, BMP15 and HIF-1α were evaluated in human serums, follicular fluids (FFs) and GCs, which were collected from 69 PCOS patients and 74 normal ovulatory patients. KGN cell line was used in this study.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the rate of MII oocyte and 2PN fertilization was lower in PCOS group, though PCOS patients retrieved much more oocytes. The level of BMP15 in FF and the level of SCF in serum and FF were also lower in PCOS patients. We found a weakened expression of HIF-1α and SCF in GCs from PCOS patients when compared with the non-PCOS patients. The expression of HIF-1α and SCF was significantly increased in KGN cells after treating cells with rhBMP15, however, this promotion effects of BMP15 on HIF-1α and SCF expression were obviously abolished by co-treatment with BMP-I receptor inhibitor (DM). Moreover, knock down of HIF-1α expression in KGN cells significantly reduced the expression of SCF in human GCs, in spite of activating BMP15 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggest that BMP15 could induce SCF expression by up-regulating HIF-1α expression in human GCs, the aberrance of this signaling pathway might be involved in the PCOS related abnormal follicular development.

Where are the theca cells from: the mechanism of theca cells derivation and differentiation

Mammalian follicles are composed of oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells. Theca cells form in the secondary follicles, maintaining follicular structural integrity and secreting steroid hormones. Two main sources of theca cells exist: Wilms tumor 1 positive (Wt1⁺) cells native to the ovary and Gli1⁺ mesenchymal cells migrated from the mesonephros. Normal folliculogenesis is a process where oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells constantly interact with and support each other through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The proliferation and differentiation of theca cells are regulated by oocyte-derived factors, including growth development factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15, and granulosa cell-derived factors, including desert hedgehog, Indian hedgehog, kit ligand, insulin-like growth factor 1, as well as hormones such as insulin and growth hormones. Current research on the origin of theca cells is limited. Identifying the origin of theca cells will help us to systematically elaborate the mechanisms of follicular formation and development.

Identification and characteristics of insulin-like growth factor system in the brain, liver, and gonad during development of a seasonal breeding teleost, Pampus argenteus

Reproductive activity is closely related to the development and function of the brain and liver in teleosts, particularly in seasonal breeding teleosts. This study measured the involvement of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in controlling the reproduction of the silver pomfret Pampus argenteus, a seasonal breeding tropical to temperate commercial fish. We cloned and characterized the cDNAs of igfs (igf2 and igf3) and igfrs (igf1ra, igf1rb, and igf2r) and examined their transcript levels in relation to seasonal reproduction. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that two types of IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and three types of IGFRs (IGF1RA, IGF1RB, and IGF2R) of the silver pomfret were clustered with those of teleosts; however, IGF-3 was a transmembrane protein different with the IGF-3 of other teleosts. The expression of IGF-3 was gonad-specific in the silver pomfret. The transcript levels of igf1 in the female brain were the highest, and the levels of igfrs in both sexes' brains increased during gametogenesis. Meanwhile, igfs and igfrs maintained high transcript levels in both sexes' liver and gonad during vitellogenesis and spermatogonia proliferation. We concluded that the development and activities of brain, liver, and gonad were related to the IGF system (IGFs and IGFRs). And the IGFs were mainly expressed in the liver. Nevertheless, gonadal development, especially vitellogenesis and spermatogonia proliferation, were related with IGFs in this species.

Long-Term Advantages of Ovarian Reserve Maintenance and Follicle Development Using Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Ovarian Tissue Transplantation

(1) Background: Ovarian tissue transplantation with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been shown to enhance graft vascularization and increase follicle survival after a short interval of 7 days. The aim of the present study was to investigate their long-term effects on primordial follicle pool maintenance and follicle development. (2) Methods: A total of 14 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice were grafted with frozen-thawed human ovarian tissue with or without ASCs. Blood was taken monthly in order to quantify the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol. After 6 months, all the grafts were retrieved and sent for histology and immunolabeling (AMH, AMH receptor II, estrogen receptors α and β, and c-kit/kit ligand). (3) Results: A significant upturn was observed in AMH and estradiol plasma levels 4 months after transplantation in both grafted groups. The primordial follicle pool was better preserved in the ASC group (41.86 ± 28.35) than in the standard transplantation group (9.65 ± 17.6, p < 0.05) compared to non-grafted controls (124.7 ± 140). (4) Conclusions: The use of ASCs prior to ovarian tissue transplantation yielded a larger primordial follicle pool and more physiological follicle distribution after long-term grafting. These findings suggested that ASC use might extend the ovarian tissue lifespan.

The combination of basic fibroblast growth factor and kit ligand promotes the proliferation, activity and steroidogenesis of granulosa cells during human ovarian cortical culture

Different factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and kit ligand (KL), are used in ovarian cortical culture to promote activation of primordial follicles. In the present study, the effects of bFGF and KL, alone and in combination, were evaluated on human follicular activation and growth during in-situ cortical culture. Slow frozen-thawed human ovarian cortical tissues (n = 6) were cultured in 4 different groups: 1) control (base medium), 2) KL (base medium; BM + 100 ng/ml KL), 3) bFGF (BM + 100 ng/ml bFGF) and 4) bFGF + KL (BM + 100 ng/ml KL + 100 ng/ml bFGF) for a week. The proportion of morphologically normal and degenerated follicles at different developmental stages, secreted hormonal levels and specific gene expressions were compared. Although the proportion of growing follicles was higher than primordial counterpart in all cultured groups, no significant differences were observed among the cultured groups. In all cultured groups, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), progesterone and estradiol hormones levels increased after 7 days of culture; however, this increase was only significant for estradiol in the bFGF + KL group. The expression of Ki67 gene indicated an increase in ovarian cell proliferation in the three experimental groups compared to the control group, however this increment was only significant for the bFGF + KL group. It can be concluded that KL and bFGF factors individually have no beneficial effects on in-situ follicular growth, but their combination positively influences steroidogenesis of granulosa cells without significantly increasing the number of growing follicles.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) follicular signalling is conserved in the mare ovary

The mare ovary is unique in its anatomical structure; however, the signalling pathways responsible for physiological processes, such as follicular activation, remain uncharacterised. This provided us with the impetus to explore whether signalling molecules from important folliculogenesis pathways, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), are conserved in the mare ovary. Messenger RNA expression of six genes important in follicle development was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein localisation of key pathway members (PI3K, AKT1, phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), JAK1, STAT3 and suppressor of cytokine signalling 4 (SOCS4)) was compared in tissue from fetal and adult mare ovaries. Tissue from adult ovaries exhibited significantly increased levels of mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT1, PTEN, JAK1, STAT3 and SOCS4 compared with tissue from fetal ovaries. PI3K, AKT1, JAK1 and STAT3 demonstrated redistributed localisation, from pregranulosa cells in fetal development, to both the oocyte and granulosa cells of follicles in the adult ovary, whilst negative feedback molecules PTEN and SOCS4 were only localised to the granulosa cells in the adult ovary. These findings suggest that the PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signalling pathways are utilised during folliculogenesis in the mare, similarly to previously studied mammalian species, and may serve as useful biomarkers for assessment of ovary development in the horse.

C-kit signaling promotes human pre-implantation 3PN embryonic development and blastocyst formation

BACKGROUND

Although in vitro culture system has been optimized in the past few decades, the problem of few or no high quality embryos has been still not completely solved. Accordingly, fully understanding the regulatory mechanism of pre-implantation embryonic development would be beneficial to further optimize the in vitro embryo culture system. Recent studies have found the expression of c-kit in mouse embryo and its promotion effects on mouse embryonic development. However, it is unclear the expression, the role and the related molecular regulatory mechanism of c-kit in human pre-implantation embryo development. Therefore, the present study is to determine whether c-kit is expressed in human pre-implantation embryos, and to investigate the possible regulatory mechanism of c-kit signaling in the process of embryonic development.

METHODS

The present study includes human immature oocytes and three pronucleus (3PN) embryos collected from 768 women (28-32 ages) undergoing IVF, and normal 2PN embryos collected from ICR mice. Samples were distributed randomly into three different experimental groups: SCF group: G-1™ (medium for culture of embryos from the pro-nucleate stage to day 3) or G-2™ (medium for culture of embryos from day3 to blastocyst stage) + HSA (Human serum album) solution + rhSCF; SCF + imanitib (c-kit inhibitor) group: G-1™ or G-2™ + HSA solution + rhSCF + imanitib; SCF + U0126 (MEK/ERK inhibitor) group: G-1™ or G-2™ + HSA solution + rhSCF + U0126; Control group: G-1™ or G-2™ + HSA solution + PBS; The rate of good quality embryos at day 3, blastulation at day 6 and good quality blastulation at day 6 were analysis. RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining were applied to detect the target genes and proteins in samples collected from human or mice, respectively.

RESULTS

c-kit was expressed ubiquitously in all human immature oocytes, 3PN embryos and 3PN blastocysts. In the experiment of human 3PN embryos, compared with other groups, SCF group showed obviously higher rate of good quality at day 3, better rate of blastocyst formation at day 6 and higher rate of good quality blastocyst formation at day 6. Furthermore, we observed a higher ETV5 expression in SCF group than that in other groups. Similar results were also found in animal experiment. Interestingly, we also found a higher phosphorylation level of MEK/ERK signal molecule in mice embryos from SCF group than those from other groups. Moreover, inhibition of MEK/ERK signaling would remarkably impeded the mice embryonic development, which might be due to the reduced ETV5 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study firstly revealed that c-kit signaling might promote the human pre-implantation embryonic development and blastocyst formation by up-regulating the expression of ETV5 via MEK/ERK pathway. Our findings provide a new idea for optimizing the in vitro embryo culture condition during ART program, which is beneficial to obtain high quality embryos for infertile patients.

Vitrification and in vitro culture had no adverse effect on the follicular development and gene expression of stimulated human ovarian tissue

AIM

The study assesses the effect of the vitrification procedure on the integrity, morphology, follicular development and gene expression of stimulated human ovarian tissue after warming and two weeks of in vitro culture.

METHODS

Ovarian specimens were divided into non-vitrified and vitrified groups and were cultured for two weeks. Morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed. The 17-β estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels in collected media were assessed. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The morphology and immunohistochemistry of bcl-2-like protein 4 and B-cell lymphoma 2 of human stimulated ovarian tissue were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the percentage of normal follicles between the groups before and after in vitro culture. In spite of an increase in the percentage of growing follicles in cultured tissues compared to the non-cultured groups, the rate of normal follicles was significantly decreased in both cultured groups (P < 0.05). Gene expression was no different in vitrified tissues compared to the control; however, the expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and follicle stimulating hormone receptor genes were increased and factor in germ line alpha and kit ligand genes were decreased during in vitro culture (P < 0.05). In the two cultured groups, the level of 17-β estradiol was increased (P < 0.05), but the anti-Müllerian hormone concentration was not statistically altered.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that the integrity of stimulated human ovarian tissue after vitrification/warming was well preserved; however, the in vitro culture condition needs improvement.

N-Acetylcysteine Compared to Metformin, Improves The Expression Profile of Growth Differentiation Factor-9 and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase c-Kit in The Oocytes of Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Background

Paracrine disruption of growth factors in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) results in production of low quality oocyte, especially following ovulation induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metformin (MET), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and their combination on the hormonal levels and expression profile of GDF-9, BMP-15 and c-kit, as hallmarks of oocyte quality, in PCOS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial aims to study the effects of MET, NAC and their combination (MET+NAC) on expression of GDF-9, BMP-15 and c-kit mRNA in oocytes [10 at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, 10 at the MI stage, and 10 at the MII stage from per group] derived following ovulation induction in PCOS. Treatment was carried out for six weeks, starting on the third day of previous cycle until oocyte aspiration. The expression of GDF9, BMP15 and c-kit were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The follicular fluid (FF) level of c-kit protein significantly decreased in the NAC group compared to the other groups. Significant correlations were observed between the FF soluble c-kit protein with FF volume, androstenedione and estradiol. The GDF-9 expression in unfertilized mature oocytes were significantly higher in the NAC group compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Similar difference was not observed between the MET, NAC+MET and control groups. The c-kit expression in unfertilized mature oocytes were significantly lower in the NAC group compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Similar difference was not observed between the MET, NAC+MET and control groups (Registration number: IRCT201204159476N1).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that NAC can improve the quality of oocytes in PCOS.

Regulation of androgen receptor signaling by ubiquitination during folliculogenesis and its possible dysregulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Although chronic hyperandrogenism suppresses antral follicular development, a phenomenon often observed in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), whether and how deregulation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling is involved, is not well understood. In the present study, we examined the role of ring finger protein 6 (RNF6) in AR ubiquitination and the possible dysregulation in the expression and actions of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and kit-ligand (Kitlg) in a chronic androgenized PCOS rat model. 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment in vivo inhibited antral follicle growth, a response mediated through increased RNF6 content, suppressed K63- but increased K48-linked AR ubiquitination as well as the mRNA expression and content of soluble KIT-L (sKitlg) and content of GDF9. These androgenic responses were attenuated by gonadotropin treatment in vivo. Growth of antral follicles from DHT-treated rats in vitro was significantly slower when compared to those of control but was significantly enhanced by exogenous GDF9, suggesting the DHT-induced antral follicular growth arrest is in part the results of GDF9 suppression. Our findings indicate how hyperandrogenism modulates RNF6 content and subsequently AR ubiquitination, resulting in antral follicle growth arrest in a chronically androgenized PCOS rat model.

Expression of kit ligand and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 during in vivo or in vitro development of ovarian follicles in sheep

Expression of Kit ligand (KL) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3) genes was studied at different in vivo and corresponding in vitro stages of development of the ovarian follicles in sheep. The expression of both KL and IGFBP3 was significantly higher in the primordial follicles relative to any other stage of development. Compared to the other stages, the KL expression in the cumulus cells from in vivo grown large antral follicles and that of IGFBP3 in COCs' isolated from large antral follicles matured in vitro for 24 hr were significantly higher. In the oocytes from in vivo grown ovarian follicles, the expression of KL was the same at all the stages of development. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 expression was also the same in the oocytes at all the stages of the development except for a significantly lower expression in those from antral follicles. The expression of KL in the cumulus cells decreased significantly in the in vitro grown early antral follicles but did not change further as the development progressed. The expression of IGFBP3 in the cumulus cells from in vitro grown ovarian follicles appeared to increase as the development progressed although the increase was not significant between any two consecutive stages of development. In the oocytes in in vitro grown ovarian follicles, the expression levels of KL and IGFBP3 genes did not change with development. It is concluded that (i) KL and IGFBP3 genes follow specific patterns of expression during ovarian folliculogenesis and (ii) in vitro culture of preantral follicles compromises the development potential through alterations in the stage-specific patterns of expression of these and other developmentally important genes.

Increased SCF in Follicular Fluid and Granulosa Cells Positively Correlates With Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization, and Embryo Quality in Humans

Stem cell factor (SCF), which is derived from granulosa cells (GCs), plays a key role in the process of follicular development and oocyte maturation. The present study aimed to explore whether the levels of SCF in follicular fluid (FF) and GCs can be used as a potential marker for predicting oocyte developmental potential. Follicular fluid and GC samples from 150 female patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection were collected in this study. The SCF concentrations in FFs and SCF messenger RNA (mRNA) in GCs were evaluated by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The results showed that the levels of SCF protein and mRNA were significantly associated with oocyte maturation, normal fertilization, cleavage, and embryo quality. Moreover, the levels of SCF protein and mRNA in pregnancy group were also higher than those in the nonpregnancy group. The cutoff value of SCF in FF for predicting high-quality embryo was 1.346, with a sensitivity of 57.8% and a specificity of 72.4%, and the cutoff value of SCF in GCs for predicting high-quality embryo was 6.650, with a sensitivity of 64.4% and a specificity of 78.1%. In conclusion, our results showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between SCF level and oocyte maturation, normal fertilization, cleavage, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy. Therefore, the levels of SCF in FF and GCs might be considered as a new marker for predicting oocyte developmental potential.

Parabens Accelerate Ovarian Dysfunction in a 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide-Induced Ovarian Failure Model

Parabens are widely used preservatives in basic necessities such as cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In previous studies, xenoestrogenic actions of parabens were reported in an immature rat model and a rat pituitary cell line (GH3 cells). The relationship between parabens and ovarian failure has not been described. In the present study, the influence of parabens on ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis was investigated. A disruptor of ovarian small pre-antral follicles, 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD, 40 mg/kg), was used to induce premature ovarian failure (POF). Methylparaben (MP, 100 mg/kg), propylparaben (PP, 100 mg/kg), and butylparaben (BP, 100 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil were treated in female 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rat for 5 weeks. Estrus cycle status was checked daily by vaginal smear test. Ovarian follicle development and steroid synthesis were investigated through real-time PCR and histological analyses. Diestrus phases in the VCD, PP, and BP groups were longer than that in the vehicle group. VCD significantly decreased mRNA level of folliculogenesis-related genes (Foxl2, Kitl and Amh). All parabens significantly increased the Amh mRNA level but unchanged Foxl2 and Kitlg acting in primordial follicles. VCD and MP slightly increased Star and Cyp11a1 levels, which are related to an initial step in steroidogenesis. VCD and parabens induced an increase in FSH levels in serum and significantly decreased the total number of follicles. Increased FSH implies impairment in ovarian function due to VCD or parabens. These results suggest that VCD may suppress both formation and development of follicles. In particular, combined administration of VCD and parabens accelerated inhibition of the follicle-developmental process through elevated AMH level in small antral follicles.

Short Term Culture of Vitrified Human Ovarian Cortical Tissue to Assess the Cryopreservation Outcome: Molecular and Morphological Analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of human ovarian vitrification protocol followed with in vitro culture at the morphological and molecular levels.

METHODS

Ovarian tissues were obtained from 10 normal transsexual women and cut into small pieces and were divided into non-vitrified and vitrified groups and some of the tissues fragments in both groups were randomly cultured for two weeks. The morphological study using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining was done. The analysis of mean follicular density, 17-β estradiol (E2) and anti mullerian hormone (AMH), and real-time RT-PCR was down for the evaluation of expression of genes related to folliculogenesis. Data were compared by paired-samples and independent-samples T test. Values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The proportion of normal follicles did not show significant difference between vitrified and non-vitrified groups before and after culture but these rates and the mean follicle density significantly decreased in both cultured tissues (p<0.05). The expression of genes was similar in vitrified and non-vitrified groups but in cultured tissues the expression of GDF9 and FSHR genes increased and the expression of FIGLA and KIT-L genes decreased (p<0.05). An increase in E2 and AMH concentration was observed after 14 days of culture in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present study indicated that the follicular development and gene expression in vitrified ovarian tissue was not altered before and after in vitro culture, thus this method could be useful for fertility preservation; however, additional studies are needed to improve the culture condition.

Morphometric characteristics of preantral and antral follicles and expression of factors involved in folliculogenesis in ovaries of adult baboons (Papio anubis)

PURPOSE

Baboons are commonly utilized as an animal model for studies of human reproduction. However, folliculogenesis in this species has not been fully documented. The aim of this study was to assess follicle morphometry and expression of essential proteins involved in folliculogenesis in baboons.

METHODS

Ovaries were recovered from four adult baboons and processed for histological evaluation and immunohistochemical analyses. Follicle proportion, follicle and oocyte diameter, theca layer thickness, number of granulosa cells, and follicle density were calculated. Immunohistochemical staining was also carried out for connexin 43 (Cx43), aromatase, and zona pellucida 3 (ZP3).

RESULTS

A total of 2221 follicles were counted and measured. Proportions of primordial, primary, secondary, small antral, and large antral follicles were 49, 26, 23, 1, and 1 %, respectively. The increase in follicle diameter was due not only to the increase in oocyte diameter but also to granulosa cell proliferation. Almost all antral follicles were positive for Cx43 (89.8 %), aromatase (84.8 %), and ZP3 (100 %). Most secondary follicles were positive for Cx43 (65 %) and ZP3 (64.5 %), and some primary follicles were positive only for Cx43. No primordial follicles stained positive in any of these immunohistochemical analyses. Only antral follicles showed aromatase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of these results, we can conclude that folliculogenesis in baboons appears to be similar to that in humans, and this animal therefore constitutes a valuable model.