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Jin H, Ding J, Liu H, Yang L, Li D, Han X. Chronic exposure to polystyrene microplastics induced LHR reduction and decreased testosterone levels through NF-κB pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124543. [PMID: 39004204 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The extensive utilization of plastic products in recent years has resulted in a significant contamination of microplastics (MPs). The ingestion of MPs by aquatic and terrestrial organisms facilitates their transmission to mammals through the food chain. Therefore, the toxicity of MPs has attracted widespread attention from researchers. Previous studies have shown a connection between being exposed to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) and issues with male reproductive function. Testosterone, a hormone essential for male reproductive function, is produced and secreted by specialized cells known as Leydig cells, which found in the testicular interstitium. In our prior research, we confirmed that exposure to PS-MPs caused a reduction in testosterone levels by interfering with the LH-mediated LHR/cAMP/PKA/StAR pathway, with LHR being pivotal in this mechanism. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PS-MPs-induced reduction of LHR remains unclear. In this study, mice were respectively given drinking water containing 1000 μg/L PS-MPs characterized by diameters of 0.5 μm, 4 μm, and 10 μm for a period of 180 days. Our findings indicated that exposure to PS-MPs resulted in the proliferation of macrophages as well as their polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Additionally, the presence of PS-MPs triggered the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) from macrophages, thereby activating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway within Leydig cells. The translocation of NF-κB into nucleus facilitated its binding to the promoter region of LHR, which consequently led to the repression of LHR transcription. This transcriptional inhibition resulted in a subsequent suppression of testosterone synthesis and secretion. Overall, this study elucidates a theoretical basis for explaining the interference of PS-MPs on the testosterone synthesis and secretion in Leydig cells from the perspective of the interaction between cells in the testicular interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225000, China.
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
| | - Hongru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Clinical Biobank & Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Division of Anatomy and Histo-embryology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.
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Miranda AG, Seneda MM, Faustino LR. DNA methylation associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:373-383. [PMID: 37119419 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07025-5] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic disease that affects women of reproductive age and is one of the main causes of anovulatory infertility. However, the cause of PCOS is yet fully understood, and genetic factors play an important role in its etiology. In this study, we reviewed the main genes involved in the etiology of PCOS and the influence of DNA methylation, aiming to answer the study´s guiding question: 'What is the influence of DNA methylation on the main genes involved in PCOS?'. METHODS We used the MEDLINE database, and inclusion criteria (primary and original articles, written in English, found through our entry terms) and exclusion criteria (literature reviews and articles that used animals to perform the experiments and that focused in other epigenetics mechanism without being DNA methylation) were applied. RESULTS Twenty-three scientific articles, from a total of 43 articles read in full, were chosen for this study. Eighteen studies confirmed DNA methylation associated with PCOS. CONCLUSION The most relevant genes related to PCOS were INSR, LHCGR, and RAB5B, which may be epigenetically altered in DNA, with the first two genes hypomethylated and the last hypermethylated. The epigenetic changes presented in the genes related to PCOS or their promoters were only at the CpG sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arícia Gomes Miranda
- Curso de Medicina, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba (UFDPar), Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Marcondes Seneda
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luciana Rocha Faustino
- Curso de Medicina, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba (UFDPar), Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil.
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Park H, Lee DH, You JH, Seok J, Lim JY, Kim GJ. Increased Hepatocyte Growth Factor Secretion by Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Ovarian Function in an Ovariectomized Rat Model via Vascular Remodeling by Wnt Signaling Activation. Cells 2023; 12:2708. [PMID: 38067136 PMCID: PMC10705748 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular network contributes to the development of follicles. However, the therapeutic mechanism between vascular remodeling and ovarian functions is still unclear. Therefore, we demonstrated whether increased HGF by placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) improves ovarian function in an ovariectomized rat model via vascular remodeling by Wnt signaling activation. We established a half-ovariectomized rat model in which damaged ovaries were induced by ovariectomy of half of each ovary, and PD-MSCs (5 × 105 cells) were transplanted by intravenous injection. Three weeks after transplantation, rats in all groups were sacrificed. We examined the secretion of HGF by PD-MSCs through culture medium. The vascular structure in injured ovarian tissues was restored to a greater extent in the PD-MSC transplantation (Tx) group than in the nontransplantation (NTx) group (* p < 0.05). The expression of genes related to Wnt signaling (e.g., LRP6, GSK3β, β-catenin) was significantly increased in the Tx group compared to the NTx group (* p < 0.05). However, the expression of genes related to vascular permeability (e.g., Asef, ERG3) was significantly decreased in the Tx group compared to the NTx group (* p < 0.05). Follicular development was improved in the Tx group compared to the NTx group (* p < 0.05). Furthermore, to evaluate vascular function, we cocultivated PD-MSCs after human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and we analyzed the vascular formation assay and dextran assay in HUVECs. Cocultivation of PD-MSCs with injured HUVECs enhanced vascular formation and decreased endothelial cell permeability (* p < 0.05). Also, cocultivation of PD-MSCs with explanted ovarian tissues improved follicular maturation compared to cocultivation of the Wnt inhibitor-treated PD-MSCs with explanted ovarian tissues. Therefore, HGF secreted by PD-MSCs improved ovarian function in rats with ovarian dysfunction by decreasing vascular permeability via Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeri Park
- Department of Bioinspired Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- PLABiologics Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13522, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Lee
- Department of Bioinspired Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- PLABiologics Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13522, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyeong You
- Department of Bioinspired Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok
- Department of Bioinspired Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Yun Lim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Hyejeon College, Hongsung-gun 32244, Chungnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jin Kim
- Department of Bioinspired Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- PLABiologics Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13522, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Huang Y, Ye H, Zhu F, Hu C, Zheng Y. The role of Chito-oligosaccharide in regulating ovarian germ stem cells function and restoring ovarian function in chemotherapy mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:14. [PMID: 33494759 PMCID: PMC7830852 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00699-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the discovery of ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs) has provided a new research direction for the treatment of female infertility. The ovarian microenvironment affects the proliferation and differentiation of OGSCs, and immune cells and related cytokines are important components of the microenvironment. However, whether improving the ovarian microenvironment can regulate the proliferation of OGSCs and remodel ovarian function has not been reported. In this study, we chelated chito-oligosaccharide (COS) with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to track the distribution of COS in the body. COS was given to mice through the best route of administration, and the changes in ovarian and immune function were detected using assays of organ index, follicle counting, serum estrogen (E2) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, and the expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the ovaries. We found that COS significantly increased the organ index of the ovary and immune organs, reduced the rate of follicular atresia, increased the levels of E2 and AMH hormones, and increased the protein expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the ovary. Then, COS and OGSCs were co-cultured to observe the combination of COS and OGSCs, and measure the survival rate of OGSCs. With increasing time, the fluorescence intensity of cells gradually increased, and the cytokines IL-2 and TNF-α significantly promoted the proliferation of OGSCs. In conclusion, COS could significantly improve the ovarian and immune function of chemotherapy model mice, and improve the survival rate of OGSCs, which provided a preliminary blueprint for further exploring the mechanism of COS in protecting ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoqi Huang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Feiyin Zhu
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yuehui Zheng
- Department of reproductive health, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Molecular Targets and Associated Signaling Pathways of Jingshu Granules in Ovarian Cysts Based on Systemic Pharmacological Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6660087. [PMID: 33623786 PMCID: PMC7875638 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6660087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background More than a third of women could develop ovarian cysts during their lifetime. Jingshu granules are used for the treatment of gynecological disease of primary dysmenorrhea. However, the molecular mechanisms of Jingshu granules in ovarian cysts are still unreported. We aimed to find the active ingredients, molecular targets, and potential signaling pathways of Jingshu granules in ovarian cysts by using the systemic pharmacological analysis. Methods Firstly, the effect of Jingshu granules on female hormones and reproductive organs of young female rats was evaluated. Secondly, candidate pharmaceutical ingredients of Jingshu granules were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and analysis platform. Potential protein targets for the active ingredients in Jingshu granules were then identified according to the oral bioavailability and drug-likeness indices. Thirdly, ovarian cyst-related gene targets were screened based on different databases. Finally, enrichment analysis was used to analyze the potential biological function of intersection targets between Jingshu granules and ovarian cysts. Results In young female rats, Jingshu granules reduced the secretion of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin and could affect the development of the uterus. This suggested that Jingshu granules played roles in hormone secretion and reproduction. From the TCMSP, a total of 1021 pharmaceutical ingredients of Jingshu granules were retrieved. After further screening, a total of 166 active ingredients and 159 protein targets of Jingshu granules were identified. In addition, 4488 gene targets of ovarian cysts were screened out. After taking the intersection, a total of 110 intersection targets were identified between potential protein targets of Jingshu granules and gene targets of ovarian cysts. In the functional analysis of 110 intersection targets, 8 signaling pathways including progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation (MAPK8 and CDK1 involved), GnRH signaling pathway (JUN involved), T cell receptor signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway (MAPK1 involved), NOD-like receptor signaling pathway (TNF, IL6, and IL1B involved), p53 signaling pathway (CDK2 and CDK4 involved), VEGF signaling pathway (MAPK14 involved), and PPAR signaling pathway (PPARG involved) were obtained. Conclusion Our study revealed that Jingshu granules could function in patients with ovarian cysts through a number of molecular targets and signaling pathways. Our study may provide a new field into the mechanisms of Jingshu granules in ovarian cysts, from the molecular to the signaling pathway level.
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Convissar S, Winston NJ, Fierro MA, Scoccia H, Zamah AM, Stocco C. Sp1 regulates steroidogenic genes and LHCGR expression in primary human luteinized granulosa cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 190:183-192. [PMID: 30954507 PMCID: PMC6511456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) bind to the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). LHCGR is required to maintain corpus luteum function but the mechanisms involved in the regulation of LHCGR in human luteal cells remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to characterize the expression of LHCGR mRNA in primary human luteinized granulosa cells (hLGCs) obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and to correlate LHCGR expression with the response of hLGCs to hCG by assessing the expression of genes known to be markers of hCG actions. The results show that LHCGR expression is low in freshly isolated cells but recovers rapidly in culture and that hCG maintains LHCGR expression, suggesting a positive feedback loop. The activity of a LHCGR-LUC reporter increased in cells treated with hCG but not with follicle-stimulating hormone. Treatment with hCG also stimulated the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis in a time-dependent manner. LHCGR promoter expression was found to be regulated by SP1, which we show is highly expressed in hLGCs. Moreover, SP1 inhibition prevented the stimulation of steroidogenic genes and the increase in LHCGR-LUC reporter activity by hCG. Finally, we provide evidence that a complex formed by SP1 and GATA4 may play a role in the maintenance of LHCGR expression. This report reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the LHCGR and provides experimental data demonstrating that the proximal region of the LHCGR promoter is sufficient to drive the expression of this gene in primary hLGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Convissar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Nicola J Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Michelle A Fierro
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Humberto Scoccia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Alberuni M Zamah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, United States
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
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Sagvekar P, Kumar P, Mangoli V, Desai S, Mukherjee S. DNA methylome profiling of granulosa cells reveals altered methylation in genes regulating vital ovarian functions in polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:61. [PMID: 30975191 PMCID: PMC6458760 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0657-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifest a host of ovarian defects like impaired folliculogenesis, anovulation, and poor oocyte quality, which grossly affect their reproductive health. Addressing the putative epigenetic anomalies that tightly regulate these events is of foremost importance in this disorder. We therefore aimed to carry out DNA methylome profiling of cumulus granulosa cells and assess the methylation and transcript expression profiles of a few differentially methylated genes contributing to ovarian defects in PCOS. A total of 20 controls and 20 women with PCOS were selected from a larger cohort of women undergoing IVF, after carefully screening their sera and follicular fluids for hormonal and biochemical parameters. DNA extracted from cumulus granulosa cells of three women each, from control and PCOS groups was subjected to high-throughput, next generation bisulfite sequencing, using the Illumina HiSeq 2500® platform. Remaining samples were used for the validation of methylation status of some identified genes by pyrosequencing, and the transcript expression profiles of these genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results In all, 6486 CpG sites representing 3840 genes associated with Wnt signaling, G protein receptor, endothelin/integrin signaling, angiogenesis, chemokine/cytokine-mediated inflammation, etc., showed differential methylation in PCOS. Hypomethylation was noted in 2977 CpGs representing 2063 genes while 2509 CpGs within 1777 genes showed hypermethylation. Methylation differences were also noted in noncoding RNAs regulating several ovarian functions that are dysregulated in PCOS. Few differentially methylated genes such as aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3, calcium-sensing receptor, resistin, mastermind-like domain 1, growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor and tumor necrosis factor, which predominantly contribute to hyperandrogenism, premature luteolysis, and oocyte development defects, were explored as novel epigenetic candidates in mediating ovarian dysfunction. Methylation profiles of these genes matched with our NGS findings, and their transcript expression patterns correlated with the gene hypo- or hypermethylation status. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the epigenetic dysregulation of genes involved in important processes associated with follicular development may contribute to ovarian defects observed in women with PCOS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0657-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sagvekar
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Colin Jamura Lab, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), GKVK, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Vijay Mangoli
- Fertility Clinic and IVF Center, 12-Springfield, 19-Vachha Gandhi Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400007, India
| | - Sadhana Desai
- Fertility Clinic and IVF Center, 12-Springfield, 19-Vachha Gandhi Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400007, India
| | - Srabani Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India.
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Pepe G, Locati M, Della Torre S, Mornata F, Cignarella A, Maggi A, Vegeto E. The estrogen-macrophage interplay in the homeostasis of the female reproductive tract. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 24:652-672. [PMID: 30256960 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogens are known to orchestrate reproductive events and to regulate the immune system during infections and following tissue damage. Recent findings suggest that, in the absence of any danger signal, estrogens trigger the physiological expansion and functional specialization of macrophages, which are immune cells that populate the female reproductive tract (FRT) and are increasingly being recognized to participate in tissue homeostasis beyond their immune activity against infections. Although estrogens are the only female gonadal hormones that directly target macrophages, a comprehensive view of this endocrine-immune communication and its involvement in the FRT is still missing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent accomplishments encourage a revision of the literature on the ability of macrophages to respond to estrogens and induce tissue-specific functions required for reproductive events, with the aim to envision macrophages as key players in FRT homeostasis and mediators of the regenerative and trophic actions of estrogens. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a systematic search using PubMed and Ovid for human, animal (rodents) and cellular studies published until 2018 on estrogen action in macrophages and the activity of these cells in the FRT. OUTCOMES Our search identified the remarkable ability of macrophages to activate biochemical processes in response to estrogens in cell culture experiments. The distribution at specific locations, interaction with selected cells and acquisition of distinct phenotypes of macrophages in the FRT, as well as the cyclic renewal of these properties at each ovarian cycle, demonstrate the involvement of these cells in the homeostasis of reproductive events. Moreover, current evidence suggests an association between estrogen-macrophage signaling and the generation of a tolerant and regenerative environment in the FRT, although a causative link is still missing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Dysregulation of the functions and estrogen responsiveness of FRT macrophages may be involved in infertility and estrogen- and macrophage-dependent gynecological diseases, such as ovarian cancer and endometriosis. Thus, more research is needed on the physiology and pharmacological control of this endocrine-immune interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Locati
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Segrate, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, via fratelli Cervi, Segrate, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mornata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cignarella
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Largo Meneghetti 2, Padua, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 9 Milan, Italy
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Kishi H, Kitahara Y, Imai F, Nakao K, Suwa H. Expression of the gonadotropin receptors during follicular development. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 17:11-19. [PMID: 29371816 PMCID: PMC5768975 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gonadotropins induce follicular development that leads to ovulation and luteinization. In women, the level of gonadotropins, along with the expression of their receptors, changes dynamically throughout the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these phenomena. Methods The literature was reviewed, including that published by the authors. Main findings (Results) Follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor expression in the granulosa cells was induced by androgens that were derived from growth differentiation factor‐9‐stimulated theca cells. In the theca cells, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression was noted from their appearance. In the granulosa cells, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation was essential for LHR expression. However, FSH alone was not sufficient to respond to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge for oocyte maturation, ovulation, and subsequent luteinization. To achieve these stages, various local factors that were derived from the granulosa and theca cells in response to FSH and LH stimulation had to work synergistically in an autocrine/paracrine manner to strongly induce LHR expression. Following the LH surge, the LHR expression decreased markedly; miRNAs were involved in this transient LHR downregulation. Following ovulation, LHR expression drastically increased again toward luteinization. Conclusion The expression of gonadotropin receptors is controlled by sophisticated and complicated systems; a breakdown of this system could lead to ovulation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kitahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Fumiharu Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Kohshiro Nakao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Hiroto Suwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Hospital Gunma Japan
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Ye H, Li X, Zheng T, Liang X, Li J, Huang J, Pan Z, Zheng Y. The effect of the immune system on ovarian function and features of ovarian germline stem cells. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:990. [PMID: 27398269 PMCID: PMC4937004 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In addition to its role in maintaining organism homeostasis, the immune system also plays a crucial role in the modulation of ovarian function, as it regulates ovarian development, follicular maturation, ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum. Ovarian germline stem cells are pluripotent stem cells derived from the ovarian cortex that can differentiate into ovarian germ cells and primary granulosa cells. Recent work has demonstrated that the proliferation and differentiation of ovarian germline stem cells is regulated in part by immune cells and their secreted factors. This paper reviews the role of the immune system in the regulation of ovarian function, the relationship between immune components and ovarian germline stem cells and current research efforts in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Ye
- Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Tuochen Zheng
- School of the 1st Clinical Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xia Liang
- Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Zezheng Pan
- Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuehui Zheng
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China ; Medical Teaching Laboratory Center, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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