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Hood RB, Everson TM, Ford JB, Hauser R, Knight A, Smith AK, Gaskins AJ. Epigenetic age acceleration in follicular fluid and markers of ovarian response among women undergoing IVF. Hum Reprod 2024:deae136. [PMID: 38890131 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are markers of epigenetic age acceleration in follicular fluid associated with outcomes of ovarian stimulation? SUMMARY ANSWER Increased epigenetic age acceleration of follicular fluid using the Horvath clock, but not other epigenetic clocks (GrimAge and Granulosa Cell), was associated with lower peak estradiol levels and decreased number of total and mature oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In granulosa cells, there are inconsistent findings between epigenetic age acceleration and ovarian response outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Our study included 61 women undergoing IVF at an academic fertility clinic in the New England area who were part of the Environment and Reproductive Health Study (2006-2016). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants provided a follicular fluid sample during oocyte retrieval. DNA methylation of follicular fluid was assessed using a genome-wide methylation screening tool. Three established epigenetic clocks (Horvath, GrimAge, and Granulosa Cell) were used to predict DNA-methylation-based epigenetic age. To calculate the age acceleration, we regressed epigenetic age on chronological age and extracted the residuals. The association between epigenetic age acceleration and ovarian response outcomes (peak estradiol levels, follicle stimulation hormone, number of total, and mature oocytes) was assessed using linear and Poisson regression adjusted for chronological age, three surrogate variables (to account for cellular heterogeneity), race, smoking status, initial infertility diagnosis, and stimulation protocol. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE Compared to the median chronological age of our participants (34 years), the Horvath clock predicted, on an average, a younger epigenetic age (median: 24.2 years) while the GrimAge (median: 38.6 years) and Granulosa Cell (median: 39.0 years) clocks predicted, on an average, an older epigenetic age. Age acceleration based on the Horvath clock was associated with lower peak estradiol levels (-819.4 unit decrease in peak estradiol levels per standard deviation increase; 95% CI: -1265.7, -373.1) and fewer total (% change in total oocytes retrieved per standard deviation increase: -21.8%; 95% CI: -37.1%, -2.8%) and mature oocytes retrieved (% change in mature oocytes retrieved per standard deviation increase: -23.8%; 95% CI: -39.9%, -3.4%). The age acceleration based on the two other epigenetic clocks was not associated with markers of ovarian response. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our sample size was small and we did not specifically isolate granulosa cells from follicular fluid samples so our samples could have included mixed cell types. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results highlight that certain epigenetic clocks may be predictive of ovarian stimulation outcomes when applied to follicular fluid; however, the inconsistent findings for specific clocks across studies indicate a need for further research to better understand the clinical utility of epigenetic clocks to improve IVF treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by grants ES009718, ES022955, ES000002, and ES026648 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and a pilot grant from the NIEHS-funded HERCULES Center at Emory University (P30 ES019776). RBH was supported by the Emory University NIH Training Grant (T32-ES012870). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd M Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna Knight
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Hou L, Hong H, Cao W, Wei L, Weng L, Yuan S, Xiao C, Zhang Q, Wang Q, Lai D. Identification and characterization of multipotential stem cells in immortalized normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:239-254. [PMID: 38243680 PMCID: PMC10984850 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) is a single layer of squamous-to-cuboidal epithelial cells that experience repetitive ovulatory rupture and subsequent repair. However, the characteristics of human immortalized ovarian surface epithelial cells (IOSE80) remain elusive. This study aims to determine whether IOSE80 cells have the characteristics of stem cell proliferation and multilineage differentiation and their application in regenerative medicine. IOSE80 cells are sequenced by high-throughput transcriptome analysis, and 5 sets of public data are used to compare the differences between IOSE80 cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, and oocytes in transcriptome profiling. The IOSE80 cells present a cobblestone-like monolayer and express the epithelial cell marker KRT18; the stem cell markers IFITM3, ALDH1A1, and VIM; lowly express stem cell marker LGR5 and germ cell markers DDX4 and DAZL. In addition, the GO terms "regulation of stem cell proliferation", "epithelial cell proliferation", etc., are significantly enriched ( P<0.05). IOSE80 cells have the potential to act as mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into adipocytes with lipid droplets, osteoblasts, and chondroblasts in vitro. IOSE80 cells express pluripotent stem cell markers, including OCT4, SSEA4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81, and they can be induced into three germ layers in vitro. IOSE80 cells also form oocyte-like cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, IOSE80 cells exhibit robust proliferation, migration, and ovarian repair functions after in vivo transplantation. This study demonstrates that IOSE80 cells have the characteristics of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells, indicating their important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hou
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Hanqing Hong
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Wenjiao Cao
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Liutong Wei
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Lichun Weng
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Shuang Yuan
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Chengqi Xiao
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Qiuwan Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Qian Wang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original DiseasesShanghai200030China
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Taheri Moghadam M, Nazayer H, Azandeh S, Eftekhari Moghadam AR, Nikbakht R. The Effect of Normal Follicular Fluid on the Differentiation of PCOS Ovarian Stem Cells into Oocyte-Like Cells. Adv Biomed Res 2023; 12:259. [PMID: 38192893 PMCID: PMC10772787 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_151_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the causes of infertility for which treatment methods do not have a high rate of pregnancy. In this study, the stem cells in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients were grown in the normal FF, and their differentiation into oocytes was evaluated. Materials and Methods The FF of PCOS patients was centrifuged, and their cells were cultured with and without 20% normal FF for 2 weeks. The cells were evaluated for their morphology by inverted microscope and for markers of stem cells (NANOG and OCT4) and oocytes (zona pellucida (ZP) 2 and ZP3) by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The amount of steroids was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The cells were all round on day 0. After that, they had a heterogeneous morphology (fibroblast-like cells, epithelial-like cells, and round oocyte-like cells). In the first week, NANOG and OCT4 genes in the study group were less expressed than those in the control group (P < 0.0001) (~0.5-fold), while ZP2 and Z3 genes were more expressed (P < 0.0001) (~2-fold). In the second week, stem cell genes were more expressed in the control group (~2 fold), and oocyte genes were more expressed in the study group (P < 0.0001) (~2.5-3.11 fold). These results were also confirmed by immunocytochemistry. The amount of steroids was much higher in the study group (three times and five times in two weeks) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Stem cells can be obtained from the FF of PCOS, and normal FF has a positive effect on the growth and maturation of oocyte-like cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Taheri Moghadam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hanan Nazayer
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeed Azandeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali R. Eftekhari Moghadam
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Riva F, Bloise N, Omes C, Ceccarelli G, Fassina L, Nappi RE, Visai L. Human Ovarian Follicular Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells Express Osteogenic Markers When Cultured on Bioglass 58S-Coated Titanium Scaffolds. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16103676. [PMID: 37241304 DOI: 10.3390/ma16103676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that stem cells (human follicular fluid mesenchymal stem cells or hFF-MSCs) are present in ovarian follicular fluid (hFF) and that they have a proliferative and differentiative potential which is similar to that of MSCs derived from other adult tissue. These mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from human follicular fluid waste matter discarded after retrieval of oocytes during the IVF process, constitute another, as yet unutilized, source of stem cell materials. There has been little work on the compatibility of these hFF-MSCs with scaffolds useful for bone tissue engineering applications and the aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic capacity of hFF-MSCs seeded on bioglass 58S-coated titanium and to provide an assessment of their suitability for bone tissue engineering purposes. Following a chemical and morphological characterization with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), cell viability, morphology and expression of specific osteogenic markers were examined after 7 and 21 days of culture. The hFF-MSCs seeded on bioglass and cultured with osteogenic factors, when compared with those seeded on tissue culture plate or on uncoated titanium, exhibited enhanced cell viability and osteogenic differentiation, as reflected by increased calcium deposition and increased ALP activity with expression and production of bone-related proteins. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MSCs from human follicular fluid waste materials can be easily cultured in titanium scaffolds coated with bioglass, having osteoinductive properties. This process has significant potential for regenerative medicine applications and indicates that hFF-MSCs may be a valid alternative to hBM-MSC cells in experimental models in bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riva
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Nora Bloise
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), INSTM UdR of Pavia, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Medicina Clinica-Specialistica, UOR5 Laboratorio di Nanotecnologie, ICS Maugeri, IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Omes
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit 2, Woman and Child Health Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fassina
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit 2, Woman and Child Health Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Livia Visai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), INSTM UdR of Pavia, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Medicina Clinica-Specialistica, UOR5 Laboratorio di Nanotecnologie, ICS Maugeri, IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Roos K, Rooda I, Keif RS, Liivrand M, Smolander OP, Salumets A, Velthut-Meikas A. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis and cell-cluster deconvolution of the human preovulatory follicular fluid cells provide insights into the pathophysiology of ovarian hyporesponse. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:945347. [PMID: 36339426 PMCID: PMC9635625 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.945347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction in responsiveness to gonadotropins or hyporesponsiveness may lead to the failure of in vitro fertilization (IVF), due to a low number of retrieved oocytes. The ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) is used to reflect the ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation before IVF. Although introduced to clinical practice already years ago, its usefulness to predict clinical outcomes requires further research. Nevertheless, pathophysiological mechanisms of ovarian hyporesponse, along with advanced maternal age and in younger women, have not been fully elucidated. Follicles consist of multiple cell types responsible for a repertoire of biological processes including responding to pituitary gonadotropins necessary for follicle growth and oocyte maturation as well as ovulation. Encouraging evidence suggests that hyporesponse could be influenced by many contributing factors, therefore, investigating the variability of ovarian follicular cell types and their gene expression in hyporesponders is highly informative for increasing their prognosis for IVF live birth. Due to advancements in single-cell analysis technologies, the role of somatic cell populations in the development of infertility of ovarian etiology can be clarified. Here, somatic cells were collected from the fluid of preovulatory ovarian follicles of patients undergoing IVF, and RNA-seq was performed to study the associations between OSI and gene expression. We identified 12 molecular pathways differentially regulated between hypo- and normoresponder patient groups (FDR<0.05) from which extracellular matrix organization, post-translational protein phosphorylation, and regulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) transport and uptake by IGF Binding Proteins were regulated age-independently. We then generated single-cell RNA-seq data from matching follicles revealing 14 distinct cell clusters. Using cell cluster-specific deconvolution from the bulk RNA-seq data of 18 IVF patients we integrated the datasets as a novel approach and discovered that the abundance of three cell clusters significantly varied between hypo- and normoresponder groups suggesting their role in contributing to the deviations from normal ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. Our work uncovers new information regarding the differences in the follicular gene expression between hypo- and normoresponders. In addition, the current study fills the gap in understanding the inter-patient variability of cell types in human preovulatory follicles, as revealed by single-cell analysis of follicular fluid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Roos
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Nova Vita Clinic AS, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ilmatar Rooda
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robyn-Stefany Keif
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Maria Liivrand
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Olli-Pekka Smolander
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- *Correspondence: Agne Velthut-Meikas,
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Characterization of stem cells from human ovarian follicular fluid; a potential source of autologous stem cell for cell-based therapy. Hum Cell 2021; 34:300-309. [PMID: 33543452 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human ovarian follicular fluid (HOFF) contains proteins, extracellular matrixes necessary for growth and maturation of oocytes as well as granulosa cells. Epithelial cells and stem cells can be isolated from HOFF. However, information regarding stem cells derived from HOFF is still lacking. The objectives of the present study were to isolate, characterize, and differentiate cells derived from HOFF. HOFF was collected during the routine aspiration of oocytes in an assisted fertilization program and subjected to cell isolation, characterization, and in vitro culture. After 24 h of culture, different cell morphologies including epithelial-like-, neural-like- and fibroblast-like cells were observed. Immunocytochemistry reveals the expression of pluripotent stem cell markers (OCT4, NANOG, SSEA4), epithelial marker (CK18), FSH- and LH-receptor. For in vitro culture, the isolated cells were continuously cultured in a growth medium; alpha MEM containing 10% FBS and epidermal growth factor (EGF). After 2 weeks of in vitro culture, cells with fibroblast-like morphology dominantly grow in the culture vessels and resemble mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). HOFF-derived cells exhibited MSC expression of CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146, and STRO-1, and were capable of differentiation into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. After induction of neural differentiation, HOFF-derived cells formed spheroidal structures and expressed neural stem cell markers including Nestin, β-tubulin III, and O4. Besides, the oocyte-like structure was observed after prolonged culture of HOFF. In conclusion, cells derived from follicular fluid exhibited stem cell characteristics, which could be useful for regenerative medicine applications and cell-based therapies.
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Moghadam AR, Taheri Moghadam M, Saki G, Nikbakht R. Utilizing Calcium Alginate for the Assessment of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Induction Effect on the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived from Human Follicular Fluid to Oocyte-Like Structure. Adv Biomed Res 2020; 9:80. [PMID: 33912496 PMCID: PMC8059453 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_200_20] [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: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Follicular fluid (FF)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are possible new source of cells in the study of oogenesis and regenerative medicine. Several biomaterials have been used as scaffolds to mimic ovarian tissue stroma. Using good matrix is essential for increasing the cell survival rate, proliferation, and differentiation. However, no study has been performed to investigate the effects of BMP15 and calcium alginate hydrogel on the differentiation potential of FF-derived MSCs to oocyte-like structures (OLSs). Materials and Methods: In this work, FF MSCs, which were collected from women in routine in vitro fertilization procedure, were capsulated with 0.5% calcium alginate, and then the encapsulated cells were cultured in medium containing BMP15 for 2 weeks. Trypan blue staining was carried out to determine cell viability. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence (ICC) staining method were performed to characterize the expression of OCT4, Nanog, ZP2, and ZP3 genes and protein. The encapsulation process did not change the morphology and viability of the encapsulated cells. Results: Reverse-transcription-PCR and ICC showed that MSCs expressed germ line stem cell markers such as OCT4 and Nanog. After 4 days of culture, OLSs formed and expressed zona pellucida markers. OLSs at least reached 180–230 μm in diameter in the control and BMP15-treated groups. Finally, a reduction in the expression pattern of pluripotency and ZP markers was detected in the encapsulated cells cultured in the BMP15-supplemented medium. Conclusion: The three-dimensional alginate culture system seems to be a promising method of getting in vitro differentiation and development of ovarian cells, which could mimic the native ovarian condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Moghadam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahin Taheri Moghadam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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8
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Taheri M, Saki G, Nikbakht R, Eftekhari AR. Bone morphogenetic protein 15 induces differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human follicular fluid to oocyte-like cell. Cell Biol Int 2020; 45:127-139. [PMID: 32997425 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF) is essential for developing ovarian follicles. Besides the oocytes, FF has abundant undifferentiated somatic cells containing stem cell properties, which are discarded in daily medical procedures. Earlier studies have shown that FF cells could differentiate into primordial germ cells via forming embryoid bodies, which produced oocyte-like cells (OLC). This study aimed at isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from FF and evaluating the impacts of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) on the differentiation of these cells into OLCs. Human FF-derived cells were collected from 78 women in the assisted fertilization program and cultured in human recombinant BMP15 medium for 21 days. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry staining characterized MSCs and OLCs. MSCs expressed germline stem cell (GSC) markers, such as OCT4 and Nanog. In the control group, after 15 days, OLCs were formed and expressed zona pellucida markers (ZP2 and ZP3), and reached 20-30 µm in diameter. Ten days after induction with BMP15, round cells developed, and the size of OLCs reached 115 µm. A decrease ranged from 0.04 to 4.5 in the expression of pluripotency and oocyte-specific markers observed in the cells cultured in a BMP15-supplemented medium. FF-derived MSCs have an innate potency to differentiate into OLCs, and BMP15 is effective in promoting the differentiation of these cells, which may give an in vitro model to examine germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Taheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali R Eftekhari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Chandramohan Y, Jeganathan K, Sivanesan S, Koka P, Amritha TMS, Vimalraj S, Dhanasekaran A. Assessment of human ovarian follicular fluid derived mesenchymal stem cells in chitosan/PCL/Zn scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. Life Sci 2020; 264:118502. [PMID: 33031825 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bone tissue engineering compasses the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with engineered biomaterial construct to augment bone regeneration. Till now, MSCs were isolated from various sources and used in cellular constructs. For the first time, in this study, MSCs were isolated from human Ovarian Follicular Fluid (OFF) and characterized by CD 44+ and CD 105+ markers via confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Additionally, MSCs stemness, proliferation and colony-forming unit ability, multi-lineage differentiation potential were also studied. To test its suitability for bone tissue engineering applications, we grew the MSCs with the conditioned medium obtained from biocomposite scaffold by fusing a natural polymer, Chitosan (CS) and a synthetic polymer, Polycaprolactone (PCL) and the scaffold were coated with Zinc divalent ions to impart osteogenic properties. The physico-chemical characterization of scaffold, such as FTIR, XRD, and SEM studies was carried out. The biological characterization showed that the scaffolds were compatible with MSCs and promoted osteoblast differentiation which was confirmed at both cellular and molecular levels. The cellular construct increased calcium deposition, analyzed by alizarin red staining and ALP activity at cellular level. At the molecular level, the osteoblast markers expression such as Runx2 and type 1 collagen mRNAs, and osteonectin (ON) and osteocalcin (OC) secretory proteins were increased in the presence of scaffold. Overall, the current study recommends that MSCs can be easily obtained from human waste OFF, and grown in standard in vitro conditions. Successful growth of such MSCs with CS/PCL/Zn scaffold opens new avenues in utilizing the cell source for bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Chandramohan
- Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kavya Jeganathan
- Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sanjana Sivanesan
- Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pavani Koka
- Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Selvaraj Vimalraj
- Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Virant-Klun I, Omejec S, Stimpfel M, Skerl P, Novakovic S, Jancar N, Vrtacnik-Bokal E. Female Age Affects the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Characteristics of Aspirated Follicular Cells in the In Vitro Fertilization Programme. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2019; 15:543-557. [PMID: 31055736 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aspirated follicular cells (AFCs) from the in vitro fertilization program can express various stem cell markers and are even able to differentiate into different types of cells in vitro. The female reproductive potential decreases with increasing age due to lowered ovarian reserve and oocyte quality, but data on the effect of female age on stem cell characteristics of AFCs are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate whether female age affects the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics of AFCs. Follicular aspirates were collected from 12 patients included in the in vitro fertilization programme with a normal ovarian reserve. Patients were divided into four age groups: Group A ≤ 30 years, Group B 31-35 years, Group C 36-39 years and Group D ≥ 40 years. After removal of the oocytes, AFCs were collected from follicular aspirates using hypo-osmotic technique and cultured in vitro, and their stemness was compared according to female age. The cultured AFCs were analysed for gene expression using the Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array, for their potential for differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic lineage, and for their expression of MSC-related markers using immunocytochemistry. We found that female age can significantly influence their stemness: expression of pluripotency and MSC-related genes, and their differentiation potential. Despite the relatively high expression of MSC-related genes, the AFCs of the oldest patients had the lowest potential to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages in vitro, which may be related to their age and the changed ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - S Omejec
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slajmerjeva 6, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Stimpfel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Skerl
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Novakovic
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - N Jancar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - E Vrtacnik-Bokal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Piedra-Quintero ZL, Serrano C, Villegas-Sepúlveda N, Maravillas-Montero JL, Romero-Ramírez S, Shibayama M, Medina-Contreras O, Nava P, Santos-Argumedo L. Myosin 1F Regulates M1-Polarization by Stimulating Intercellular Adhesion in Macrophages. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3118. [PMID: 30687322 PMCID: PMC6335276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal macrophages are highly mobile cells with extraordinary plasticity and actively contribute to cytokine-mediated epithelial cell damage. The mechanisms triggering macrophage polarization into a proinflammatory phenotype are unknown. Here, we report that during inflammation macrophages enhance its intercellular adhesion properties in order to acquire a M1-phenotype. Using in vitro and in vivo models we demonstrate that intercellular adhesion is mediated by integrin-αVβ3 and relies in the presence of the unconventional class I myosin 1F (Myo1F). Intercellular adhesion mediated by αVβ3 stimulates M1-like phenotype in macrophages through hyperactivation of STAT1 and STAT3 downstream of ILK/Akt/mTOR signaling. Inhibition of integrin-αVβ3, Akt/mTOR, or lack of Myo1F attenuated the commitment of macrophages into a pro-inflammatory phenotype. In a model of colitis, Myo1F deficiency strongly reduces the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, decreases epithelial damage, ameliorates disease activity, and enhances tissue repair. Together our findings uncover an unknown role for Myo1F as part of the machinery that regulates intercellular adhesion and polarization in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Serrano
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Cinvestav Zacatenco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - José L Maravillas-Montero
- Research Support Network, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Romero-Ramírez
- Research Support Network, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav Zacatenco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oscar Medina-Contreras
- Immunology and Proteomics Laboratory, Mexico Children's Hospital Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Porfirio Nava
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Cinvestav Zacatenco, Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Saadeldin IM, Swelum AAA, Elsafadi M, Mahmood A, Alfayez M, Alowaimer AN. Cumulus cells of camel (Camelus dromedarius) antral follicles are multipotent stem cells. Theriogenology 2018; 118:233-242. [PMID: 30100012 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a highly dynamic organ, in which proliferation and differentiation occur constantly during the entire life span, particularly in camels that are characterized by a follicular wave pattern and induced ovulation. Granulosa cells are the main cells of mature follicles. Two distinct cell types, namely, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells are distinguished on the basis of antral fluid increase. The multipotency of follicular fluid and the luteinizing cell were recently demonstrated. However, reports regarding the plasticity of cumulus cells are lacking. We obtained cumulus cells from cumulus-oocyte complexes and showed that camel cumulus cells expressed stem cell mRNA transcripts (POU5A1, KLF4, SOX2, and MYC) and were able to differentiate into other non-ovarian follicular cell types in vitro, such as neurons, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. In contrast, removal of the ooplasm (oocytectemy) showed no effect on cumulus cell proliferation and differentiation. This is the first report to identify an invaluable source of multipotent stem cells, which is routinely discarded during in vitro embryo production. The plasticity and transdifferentiation capability of camel cumulus cells definitely requires attention as it provides a cheap biological experimental model for basic research in stem cells and for understanding ovarian differentiation, both of which are relevant for use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam M Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mona Elsafadi
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Mahmood
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad Alfayez
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Society for Camel Studies, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah N Alowaimer
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Zhang Q, Bu S, Sun J, Xu M, Yao X, He K, Lai D. Paracrine effects of human amniotic epithelial cells protect against chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:270. [PMID: 29179771 PMCID: PMC5704397 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are attractive candidates for regenerative medical therapy, with the potential to replace deficient cells and improve functional recovery after injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that transplantation of hAECs effectively alleviate chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage via inhibiting granulose cells apoptosis in animal models of premature ovarian failure/insufficiency (POF/POI). However, the underlying molecular mechanism accounting for hAECs-mediated ovarian function recovery is not fully understood. Methods To investigate whether hAECs-secreting cytokines act as molecular basis to attenuate chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury, hAECs or hAEC-conditioned medium (hAEC-CM) was injected into the unilateral ovary of POF/POI mouse. Follicle development was evaluated by H&E staining at 1, 2 months after hAECs or hAEC-CM treatment. In addition, we performed a cytokine array containing 507 human cytokines on hAECs-derived serum-free conditioned medium. Finally, we further investigated whether hAECs could affect chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) via a co-culture system in vitro. Results We observed the existence of healthy and mature follicles in ovaries treated with hAECs or hAEC-CM, whereas seriously fibrosis and many atretic follicles were found in the contralateral untreated ovaries of the same mouse. To distinguish cytokines involved in the process of hAECs-restored ovarian function, hAEC-CM was analyzed with a human cytokines array. Results revealed that 109 cytokines in hAEC-CM might participate in a variety of biological processes including apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and immune response. In vitro experiments, hAECs significantly inhibited chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and activated TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway within primary granulosa-lutein cells in paracrine manner. Furthermore, hAEC-CM was shown to promote angiogenesis in the injured ovaries and enhance the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) in co-culture system. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that paracrine might be a key pathway in the process of hAECs-mediating ovarian function recovery in animal models of premature ovarian failure/insufficiency (POF/POI). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0721-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuwan Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixia Bu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyan Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Minhua Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofen Yao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunyan He
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145, Guang-Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Ferrazza RDA, Garcia HDM, Schmidt EMDS, Mihm Carmichael M, Souza FFD, Burchmore R, Sartori R, Eckersall PD, Ferreira JCP. Quantitative proteomic profiling of bovine follicular fluid during follicle development†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:835-849. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Andrade Ferrazza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henry David Mogollón Garcia
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Moreira dos Santos Schmidt
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monika Mihm Carmichael
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Ferreira de Souza
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics Facility, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter David Eckersall
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Lai D, Guo Y, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Xiang C. Differentiation of human menstrual blood-derived endometrial mesenchymal stem cells into oocyte-like cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:998-1005. [PMID: 27590065 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmw090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnSCs) derived from menstrual blood are a unique stem cell source. Evidence suggests that EnSCs exhibit a multi-lineage potential and have attracted extensive attention in regenerative medicine. However, the potential of EnSCs to differentiate into germline cells in vitro remains unclear. In this study, EnSCs were induced to differentiate into germ cells in a differentiation medium supplemented with 20% human follicular fluid. Our results demonstrated that EnSCs derived from human menstrual blood form oocyte-like cells and express germ cell markers. The induced cell aggregates contained not only oocyte-like structures but also cells expressing follicle stimulating hormone receptor and luteotropic hormone receptor, and produced estrogen and progesterone regulated by gonodatropin, suggesting that granulosa-like and theca-like cells were also induced. We further found that granulosa cells promote the development of oocyte-like cells and activate the induction of blastocyst-like structures derived from EnSCs. In conclusion, EnSCs may potentially represent an in vitro system for the investigation of human folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Lai
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ying Guo
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qiuwan Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Charlie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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