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Yang X, Yang L. Current understanding of the genomic abnormities in premature ovarian failure: chance for early diagnosis and management. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1194865. [PMID: 37332766 PMCID: PMC10274511 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1194865] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is an insidious cause of female infertility and a devastating condition for women. POF also has a strong familial and heterogeneous genetic background. Management of POF is complicated by the variable etiology and presentation, which are generally characterized by abnormal hormone levels, gene instability and ovarian dysgenesis. To date, abnormal regulation associated with POF has been found in a small number of genes, including autosomal and sex chromosomal genes in folliculogenesis, granulosa cells, and oocytes. Due to the complex genomic contributions, ascertaining the exact causative mechanisms has been challenging in POF, and many pathogenic genomic characteristics have yet to be elucidated. However, emerging research has provided new insights into genomic variation in POF as well as novel etiological factors, pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic intervention approaches. Meanwhile, scattered studies of transcriptional regulation revealed that ovarian cell function also depends on specific biomarker gene expression, which can influence protein activities, thus causing POF. In this review, we summarized the latest research and issues related to the genomic basis for POF and focused on insights gained from their biological effects and pathogenic mechanisms in POF. The present integrated studies of genomic variants, gene expression and related protein abnormalities were structured to establish the role of etiological genes associated with POF. In addition, we describe the design of some ongoing clinical trials that may suggest safe, feasible and effective approaches to improve the diagnosis and therapy of POF, such as Filgrastim, goserelin, resveratrol, natural plant antitoxin, Kuntai capsule et al. Understanding the candidate genomic characteristics in POF is beneficial for the early diagnosis of POF and provides appropriate methods for prevention and drug treatment. Additional efforts to clarify the POF genetic background are necessary and are beneficial for researchers and clinicians regarding genetic counseling and clinical practice. Taken together, recent genomic explorations have shown great potential to elucidate POF management in women and are stepping from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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AOP key event relationship report: Linking decreased androgen receptor activation with decreased granulosa cell proliferation of gonadotropin-independent follicles. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:136-147. [PMID: 35868514 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We recently proposed to formally recognize Key Event Relationships (KERs) as building blocks of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) that can be independently developed and peer-reviewed. Here, we follow this approach and provide an independent KER from AOP345, which describes androgen receptor (AR) antagonism leading to decreased female fertility. This KER connects AR antagonism to reduced granulosa cell proliferation of gonadotropin-independent follicles (KER2273). We have developed both the KER and the two adjacent Key Events (KEs). A systematic approach was used to ensure that all relevant supporting evidence for KER2273 was retrieved. Supporting evidence for the KER highlights the importance of AR action during the early stages of follicular development. Both biological plausibility and empirical evidence are presented, with the latter also assessed for quality. We believe that tackling isolated KERs instead of whole AOPs will accelerate the AOP development. Faster AOP development will lead to the development of simple test methods that will aid screening of chemicals, endocrine disruptor identification, risk assessment, and subsequent regulation.
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Liu Y, Xu YC, Cui YG, Jiang SW, Diao FY, Liu JY, Ma X. Androgen Excess Increases Food Intake in a Rat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model by Downregulating Hypothalamus Insulin and Leptin Signaling Pathways Preceding Weight Gain. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:966-981. [PMID: 34847556 PMCID: PMC9677863 DOI: 10.1159/000521236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and metabolic disorder characterized by high androgen levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyperandrogenism on the hypothalamus and subsequently on the food intake and obesity in females. METHODS A dihydroxy testosterone (DHT)-induced rat model was established to recapitulate the hyperandrogenism features of PCOS patients. Body weight and food intake of the rats were recorded. The food intake of DHT-induced rats was restricted by pair feeding to exclude possible effects of weight gain on the hypothalamus. The expression levels of relevant proteins and mRNAs in the hypothalamus and primary hypothalamic neurons exposed to DHT were analyzed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The leptin levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured, and leptin was injected via the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route to test the leptin sensitivity of the hypothalamus. RESULTS The excessive prepuberty androgen levels in the DHT-induced rats markedly elevated food intake prior to weight gain. Consistent with this, the expression of neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide mRNAs was upregulated, which occurred prior to obesity and even with restricted food intake. In addition, the hypothalamic sensitivity to insulin and leptin was also impaired in the DHT-induced rats before obesity and with restricted food intake. DHT significantly reduced the leptin levels in the CSF, and ICV injection of leptin inhibited the DHT-induced increase in food intake. CONCLUSIONS Androgen excess increased food intake in rats and promoted obesity by downregulating insulin and leptin signaling in the hypothalamus, most likely by suppressing leptin levels in the CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu-Chen Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Gui Cui
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute for Reproductive Health and Genetic Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Fei-Yang Diao
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Yin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Jia-yin Liu,
| | - Xiang Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- **Xiang Ma,
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Ivell R, Alhujaili W, Kohsaka T, Anand-Ivell R. Physiology and evolution of the INSL3/RXFP2 hormone/receptor system in higher vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113583. [PMID: 32800774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the insulin-like peptide hormone INSL3 and its cognate receptor RXFP2 (relaxin-family peptide receptor 2) have existed throughout chordate evolution, their physiological diversification appears to be linked closely with mammalian emergence and radiation. In contrast, they have been lost in birds and reptiles. Both hormone and receptor are expressed from autosomal genes which have maintained their synteny across vertebrate evolution. Whereas the INSL3 gene comprises only two exons closely linked to the JAK3 gene, RXFP2 is normally encoded by 18 exons. Both genes, however, are subject to alternative splicing to yield a variety of possibly inactive or antagonistic molecules. In mammals, the INSL3-RXFP2 dyad has maintained a probably primitive association with gametogenesis, seen also in fish, whereby INSL3 promotes the survival, growth and differentiation of male germ cells in the testis and follicle development in the ovary. In addition, however, the INSL3/RXFP2 system has adopted a typical 'neohormone' profile, essential for the promotion of internal fertilisation and viviparity; fetal INSL3 is essential for the first phase of testicular descent into a scrotum, and also appears to be associated with male phenotype, in particular horn and skeletal growth. Circulating INSL3 is produced exclusively by the mature testicular Leydig cells in male mammals and acts as a potent biomarker for testis development during fetal and pubertal development as well as in ageing. As such it can be used also to monitor seasonally breeding animals as well as to investigate environmental or lifestyle conditions affecting development. Nevertheless, most information about INSL3 and RXFP2 comes from a very limited selection of species; it will be especially useful to gain further information from a more diverse range of animals, especially those whose evolution has led them to express unusual reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK.
| | - Waleed Alhujaili
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Dept. of Applied Life Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
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Zhu C, Luo W, Li Z, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhao S, Jiao X, Qin Y. New theca-cell marker insulin-like factor 3 is associated with premature ovarian insufficiency. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:455-462. [PMID: 33041054 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.005] [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: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize circulating insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in different stages of ovarian insufficiency and its role in the evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-based center for reproductive medicine. PATIENT(S) A total of 145 women, including 48 patients with POI (25 IU/L < follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] ≤40 IU/L), 49 with biochemical POI (bPOI) (10 IU/L < FSH ≤25 IU/L) and 48 age-matched control women with normal ovarian reserve (FSH <10 IU/L), retrospectively included from the reproductive hospital affiliated with Shandong University between 2017 and 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Levels of INSL3 in the serum and follicular fluid assayed with a commercial radioimmunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Level of INSL3 in serum and follicular fluid among control women and patients with bPOI and POI, its association with different ovarian reserve markers, and its predictive value for bPOI and POI. RESULT(S) The serum INSL3 level continuously declined with the progress of ovarian insufficiency. It showed strong negative association with FSH (-0.655) and luteinizing hormone (-0.433), but positively correlated with antimüllerian hormone (0.617), inhibin B (0.400), antral follicle count (0.630), and testosterone (0.180). Additionally, the circulating INSL3 served as a good predictor for bPOI and POI. No statistically significant difference of INSL3 levels in follicular fluid was observed between bPOI patients and control women. CONCLUSION(S) For the first time our study has revealed an INSL3 deficiency in women with POI, indicating that circulating INSL3 could serve as a promising theca-cell specific marker for POI. Future research on the role of INSL3 in modulating follicular development, steroidogenesis, and POI pathogenesis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiruo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Putative adverse outcome pathways for female reproductive disorders to improve testing and regulation of chemicals. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3359-3379. [PMID: 32638039 PMCID: PMC7502037 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02834-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Modern living challenges female reproductive health. We are witnessing a rise in reproductive disorders and drop in birth rates across the world. The reasons for these manifestations are multifaceted and most likely include continuous exposure to an ever-increasing number of chemicals. The cause–effect relationships between chemical exposure and female reproductive disorders, however, have proven problematic to determine. This has made it difficult to assess the risks chemical exposures pose to a woman’s reproductive development and function. To address this challenge, this review uses the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) concept to summarize current knowledge about how chemical exposure can affect female reproductive health. We have a special focus on effects on the ovaries, since they are essential for lifelong reproductive health in women, being the source of both oocytes and several reproductive hormones, including sex steroids. The AOP framework is widely accepted as a new tool for toxicological safety assessment that enables better use of mechanistic knowledge for regulatory purposes. AOPs equip assessors and regulators with a pragmatic network of linear cause–effect relationships, enabling the use of a wider range of test method data in chemical risk assessment and regulation. Based on current knowledge, we propose ten putative AOPs relevant for female reproductive disorders that can be further elaborated and potentially be included in the AOPwiki. This effort is an important step towards better safeguarding the reproductive health of all girls and women.
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7
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Chu YL, Xu YR, Yang WX, Sun Y. The role of FSH and TGF-β superfamily in follicle atresia. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:305-321. [PMID: 29500332 PMCID: PMC5892684 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Most of the mammalian follicles undergo a degenerative process called “follicle atresia”. Apoptosis of granulosa cells is the main characteristic of follicle atresia. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily have important regulatory functions in this process. FSH activates protein kinase A and cooperating with insulin receptor substrates, it promotes the PI3K/Akt pathway which weakens apoptosis. Both Smad or non-Smad signaling of the transforming growth factor β superfamily seem to be related to follicle atresia, and the effect of several important family members on follicle atresia is concluded in this article. FSH and TGF-β are likely to mutually influence each other and what we have already known about the possible underlying molecular mechanism is also discussed below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lan Chu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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8
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Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major regulator of female reproductive physiology. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:639-651. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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9
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Chu Q, Zhou B, Xu F, Chen R, Shen C, Liang T, Li Y, Schinckel AP. Genome-wide differential mRNA expression profiles in follicles of two breeds and at two stages of estrus cycle of gilts. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5052. [PMID: 28698542 PMCID: PMC5506030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04336-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrus expression by gilts and sows is hereditable and important for heat detection. To better understand the molecular biological mechanisms of estrus expression in gilts, the mRNA expression profiles of follicular tissue from Large White gilts in diestrus (LD, n = 3) and estrus (LE, n = 3), and Chinese indigenous Mi gilts in diestrus (MD, n = 2) and estrus (ME, n = 3) were investigated using RNA sequencing. We detected 122,804-335,295 SNPs, 6,140-14,947 InDel and 12 types of AS events (39.57% TSS, 34.90% TTS) in 11 samples. A total of 2,838 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in LD vs MD, LE vs ME, LE vs LD, or ME vs MD comparisons. Two DEGs (ACP5 and PIGS) were observed in all comparisons. Two new genes (ENSSSCG00000028235 and ENSSSCG00000021903) were exclusively expressed in Mi and Large White gilts, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses indicate that these DEGs are involved in single-organism process, catalytic activity, cell adhesion and enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, olfactory transduction, ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis and CAMs signaling pathways. These results of RNA-Seq have provided important information for screening the key functional genes or molecular markers of estrus expression in gilts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingpo Chu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China.
| | - Feilong Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Ruonan Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Shen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Liang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China
| | - Allan P Schinckel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2054, USA
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10
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Dai Y, Ivell R, Liu X, Janowski D, Anand-Ivell R. Relaxin-Family Peptide Receptors 1 and 2 Are Fully Functional in the Bovine. Front Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28634453 PMCID: PMC5459885 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals the peptide hormone relaxin is a key physiological component regulating early pregnancy and birth. However, synteny analysis shows that the gene encoding ovarian relaxin-2 is deleted in cows and sheep. While, these ruminants appear to exhibit a relaxin-like physiology, as in other mammals, until now a molecular understanding of this has been lacking. Cloning and expression analysis of the cognate bovine receptor for relaxin, RXFP1, as well as of the structurally related receptor, RXFP2, in female tissues, shows that these are expressed in a similar way to other mammals. RXFP1 transcripts are found in ovarian theca cells, endometrium, and myometrium, whereas RXFP2 transcripts are expressed in ovarian theca cells, oocytes, as well as in myometrium. Transfection of receptor-expressing gene constructs into HEK293 cells indicates that bovine RXFP1 has a greater EC50 at 10–50 nM for porcine or human relaxin, compared to human RXFP1. For bovine RXFP2, in contrast, the EC50 is <1 nM for its cognate ligand, bovine INSL3, but also 10–30 nM for porcine or human relaxin. Functional analysis shows that bovine myometrial cells are able to respond to exogenous relaxin and INSL3 with a significant increase in cAMP. Although expressing mRNA for both RXFP1 and RXFP2, bovine follicular theca cells only respond to INSL3 with a dose-dependent increase in cAMP. Altogether the results suggest that the cow is able to compensate for the missing hormone, and moreover imply that relaxin analogs could offer an important therapeutic option in treating female ruminant infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhenzi Dai
- School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany.,School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xuan Liu
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
| | - Dana Janowski
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
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11
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Andrisse S, Childress S, Ma Y, Billings K, Chen Y, Xue P, Stewart A, Sonko ML, Wolfe A, Wu S. Low-Dose Dihydrotestosterone Drives Metabolic Dysfunction via Cytosolic and Nuclear Hepatic Androgen Receptor Mechanisms. Endocrinology 2017; 158:531-544. [PMID: 27967242 PMCID: PMC5460775 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Androgen excess in women is associated with metabolic dysfunction (e.g., obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes) and reproductive dysfunction (e.g., polycystic ovaries, amenorrhea, dysregulated gonadotropin release, and infertility). We sought to identify the effects of androgen excess on glucose metabolic dysfunction and the specific mechanisms of action by which androgens are inducing pathology. We developed a mouse model that displayed pathophysiological serum androgen levels with normal body mass/composition to ensure that the phenotypes were directly from androgens and not an indirect consequence of obesity. We performed reproductive tests, metabolic tests, and hormonal assays. Livers were isolated and examined via molecular, biochemical, and histological analysis. Additionally, a low-dose dihydrotestosterone (DHT) cell model using H2.35 mouse hepatocytes was developed to study androgen effects on hepatic insulin signaling. DHT mice demonstrated impaired estrous cyclicity; few corpora lutea in the ovaries; glucose, insulin, and pyruvate intolerance; and lowered hepatic insulin action. Mechanistically, DHT increased hepatic androgen-receptor binding to phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-p85, resulting in dissociation of PI3K-p85 from PI3K-p110, leading to reduced PI3K activity and decreased p-AKT and, thus, lowered insulin action. DHT increased gluconeogenesis via direct transcriptional regulation of gluconeogenic enzymes and coactivators. The hepatocyte model recapitulated the in vivo findings. The DHT-induced hepatocyte insulin resistance was reversed by the androgen-receptor antagonist, flutamide. These findings present a phenotype (i.e., impaired glucose tolerance and disrupted glucose metabolism) in a lean hyperandrogenemia model (low-dose DHT) and data to support 2 molecular mechanisms that help drive androgen-induced impaired glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Andrisse
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shameka Childress
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yaping Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Katelyn Billings
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ping Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ashley Stewart
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Momodou L Sonko
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Shaikh N, Dadachanji R, Meherji P, Shah N, Mukherjee S. Polymorphisms and haplotypes of insulin-like factor 3 gene are associated with risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in Indian women. Gene 2016; 577:180-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Lefèvre PLC, Berger RG, Ernest SR, Gaertner DW, Rawn DFK, Wade MG, Robaire B, Hales BF. Exposure of Female Rats to an Environmentally Relevant Mixture of Brominated Flame Retardants Targets the Ovary, Affecting Folliculogenesis and Steroidogenesis. Biol Reprod 2015; 94:9. [PMID: 26607716 PMCID: PMC4809562 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are incorporated into various consumer products to prevent flame propagation. These compounds leach into the domestic environment, resulting in chronic exposure and contamination. Pregnancy failure is associated with high levels of BFRs in human follicular fluid, raising serious questions regarding their impact on female reproductive health. The goal of this study is to elucidate the effects of an environmentally relevant BFR mixture on female rat ovarian functions (i.e., folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis). A BFR dietary mixture formulated to mimic the relative BFR congener levels in North American house dust was administered to adult female Sprague-Dawley rats from 2 to 3 wk before mating until Gestational Day 20; these diets were designed to deliver nominal doses of 0, 0.06, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day of the BFR mixture. Exposure to BFRs triggered an approximately 50% increase in the numbers of preantral and antral follicles and an enlargement of the antral follicles in the ovaries of the dams. A significant reduction in the expression of catalase, an antioxidant enzyme, and downregulation of the expression of insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) and 17alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp17a1) were observed in the ovary. In addition, BFR exposure affected steroidogenesis; we observed a significant decrease in circulating 17-hydroxypregnenolone and an increase in testosterone concentrations in BFR-exposed dams. Thus, BFRs target ovarian function in the rat, adversely affecting both folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavine L C Lefèvre
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert G Berger
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sheila R Ernest
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dean W Gaertner
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothea F K Rawn
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael G Wade
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Radiation and Research Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Barbara F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Felis catus ovary as a model to study follicle biology in vitro. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1105-11. [PMID: 26089083 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study was designed to evaluate the response of individual intact antral follicles from adult female domestic cats to a luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulus in vitro by assessing cumulus-oocyte expansion (C-OE) and steroid production. METHODS C-OE and steroid levels (estradiol [E2] and progesterone [P4]) obtained from individual antral feline follicles (n = 366 follicles; n = 56 cats) were analyzed after 12 or 24 h of culture in the presence or absence of LH (low [3.4 ng/ml] or high [100 ng/ml]). RESULTS At the end of the culture, the highest percentage of expanded cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) was observed in the LH groups at 12 or 24 h in comparison to their controls (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in expanded COCs when comparing LH concentrations (high vs. low) at 12 or 24 h. Higher levels of both E2 and P4 were observed in the media from antral follicles after 12 and 24 h of culture in the presence of LH (both concentration, p < 0.05). There was no association between hormone levels and follicle diameter; high variability was observed in the steroid levels produced by antral follicles within all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate, for the first time, that feline antral follicles (0.5-2 mm) from different stages of the natural estrous cycle can be cultured and will respond to an LH stimulus, based on an increase in steroid levels as well as C-OE after 12 or 24 h in culture.
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Abstract
For many decades, elevated androgens in women have been associated with poor reproductive health. However, recent studies have shown that androgens play a crucial role in women's fertility. The following review provides an overall perspective about how androgens and androgen receptor-mediated actions regulate normal follicular development, as well as discuss emerging concepts, latest perceptions, and controversies regarding androgen actions and signaling in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hen Prizant
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USADivision of Endocrinology and MetabolismDepartment of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, PO Box 693, Rochester, New York 14642, USACenter for Human ReproductionNew York, New York 10021, USA
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Kong RCK, Bathgate RAD, Bruell S, Wade JD, Gooley PR, Petrie EJ. Mapping Key Regions of the RXFP2 Low-Density Lipoprotein Class-A Module That Are Involved in Signal Activation. Biochemistry 2014; 53:4537-48. [DOI: 10.1021/bi500797d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roy C. K. Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular
Science and Biotechnology Institute, ‡Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, and §School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular
Science and Biotechnology Institute, ‡Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, and §School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Shoni Bruell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular
Science and Biotechnology Institute, ‡Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, and §School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John D. Wade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular
Science and Biotechnology Institute, ‡Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, and §School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul R. Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular
Science and Biotechnology Institute, ‡Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, and §School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Emma J. Petrie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular
Science and Biotechnology Institute, ‡Florey Institute of Neuroscience
and Mental Health, and §School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Ivell R, Heng K, Anand-Ivell R. Insulin-Like Factor 3 and the HPG Axis in the Male. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:6. [PMID: 24478759 PMCID: PMC3902607 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis comprises pulsatile GnRH from the hypothalamus impacting on the anterior pituitary to induce expression and release of both LH and FSH into the circulation. These in turn stimulate receptors on testicular Leydig and Sertoli cells, respectively, to promote steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Both Leydig and Sertoli cells exhibit negative feedback to the pituitary and/or hypothalamus via their products testosterone and inhibin B, respectively, thereby allowing tight regulation of the HPG axis. In particular, LH exerts both acute control on Leydig cells by influencing steroidogenic enzyme activity, as well as chronic control by impacting on Leydig cell differentiation and gene expression. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) represents an additional and different endpoint of the HPG axis. This Leydig cell hormone interacts with specific receptors, called RXFP2, on Leydig cells themselves to modulate steroidogenesis, and on male germ cells, probably to synergize with androgen-dependent Sertoli cell products to support spermatogenesis. Unlike testosterone, INSL3 is not acutely regulated by the HPG axis, but is a constitutive product of Leydig cells, which reflects their number and/or differentiation status and their ability therefore to produce various factors including steroids, together this is referred to as Leydig cell functional capacity. Because INSL3 is not subject to the acute episodic fluctuations inherent in the HPG axis itself, it serves as an excellent marker for Leydig cell differentiation and functional capacity, as in puberty, or in monitoring the treatment of hypogonadal patients, and at the same time buffering the HPG output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA , Australia ; Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology , Dummerstorf , Germany
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA , Australia
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