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Nahar A, Becker J, Pasquariello R, Herrick J, Rogers H, Zhang M, Schoolcraft W, Krisher RL, Yuan Y. FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 supplementation improves mouse oocyte in vitro maturation via increased glucose metabolism†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:672-683. [PMID: 38263524 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemically defined oocyte maturation media supplemented with FGF2, LIF, and IGF-1 (FLI medium) enabled significantly improved oocyte quality in multiple farm animals, yet the molecular mechanisms behind such benefits were poorly defined. Here, we first demonstrated that FLI medium enhanced mouse oocyte quality assessed by blastocyst formation after in vitro fertilization and implantation and fetal development after embryo transfer. We then analyzed the glucose concentrations in the spent media; reactive oxygen species concentrations; mitochondrial membrane potential; spindle morphology in oocytes; and the abundance of transcripts of endothelial growth factor-like factors, cumulus expansion factors, and glucose metabolism-related genes in cumulus cells. We found that FLI medium enabled increased glucose metabolism through glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, as well as more active endothelial growth factor-like factor expressions in cumulus cells, resulting in improved cumulus cell expansion, decreased spindle abnormality, and overall improvement in oocyte quality. In addition, the activities of MAPK1/3, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT3, and mTOR signaling pathways in cumulus cells were assessed by the phosphorylation of MAPK1/3, AKT, STAT3, and mTOR downstream target RPS6KB1. We demonstrated that FLI medium promoted activations of all these signaling pathways at multiple different time points during in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrafun Nahar
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - John Becker
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Rolando Pasquariello
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jason Herrick
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Heather Rogers
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | | | - Rebecca L Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Genus Plc, DeForest, WI, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
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2
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Viardot-Foucault V, Zhou J, Bi D, Takinami Y, Chan JKY, Lee YH. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and the impact of follicular fluid metabolome and cytokinome profiles in poor ovarian responders. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:107. [PMID: 37268990 PMCID: PMC10239139 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor ovarian responders (POR) are women undergoing in-vitro fertilization who respond poorly to ovarian stimulation, resulting in the retrieval of lower number of oocytes, and subsequently lower pregnancy rates. The follicular fluid (FF) provides a crucial microenvironment for the proper development of follicles and oocytes through tightly controlled metabolism and cell signaling. Androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have been proposed to alter the POR follicular microenvironment, but the impact DHEA imposes on the FF metabolome and cytokine profiles is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study is to profile and identify metabolomic changes in the FF with DHEA supplementation in POR patients. METHODS FF samples collected from 52 POR patients who underwent IVF with DHEA supplementation (DHEA +) and without (DHEA-; controls) were analyzed using untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomics and a large-scale multiplex suspension immunoassay covering 65 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Multivariate statistical modelling by partial least squares-discriminant regression (PLSR) analysis was performed for revealing metabolome-scale differences. Further, differential metabolite analysis between the two groups was performed by PLSR β-coefficient regression analysis and Student's t-test. RESULTS Untargeted metabolomics identified 118 FF metabolites of diverse chemistries and concentrations which spanned three orders of magnitude. They include metabolic products highly associated with ovarian function - amino acids for regulating pH and osmolarity, lipids such fatty acids and cholesterols for oocyte maturation, and glucocorticoids for ovarian steroidogenesis. Four metabolites, namely, glycerophosphocholine, linoleic acid, progesterone, and valine were significantly lower in DHEA + relative to DHEA- (p < 0.05-0.005). The area under the curves of progesterone glycerophosphocholine, linoleic acid and valine are 0.711, 0.730, 0.785 and 0.818 (p < 0.05-0.01). In DHEA + patients, progesterone positively correlated with IGF-1 (Pearson r: 0.6757, p < 0.01); glycerophosphocholine negatively correlated with AMH (Pearson r: -0.5815; p < 0.05); linoleic acid correlated with estradiol and IGF-1 (Pearson r: 0.7016 and 0.8203, respectively; p < 0.01 for both). In DHEA- patients, valine negatively correlated with serum-free testosterone (Pearson r: -0.8774; p < 0.0001). Using the large-scale immunoassay of 45 cytokines, we observed significantly lower MCP1, IFNγ, LIF and VEGF-D levels in DHEA + relative to DHEA. CONCLUSIONS In POR patients, DHEA supplementation altered the FF metabolome and cytokine profile. The identified four FF metabolites that significantly changed with DHEA may provide information for titrating and monitoring individual DHEA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Viardot-Foucault
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Jieliang Zhou
- Translational ‘Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Dexi Bi
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yoshihiko Takinami
- Bruker Japan, 3-9 Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 220-0022 Japan
- Present Address: Kanomax Analytical Incorportated, Shimizu Suita City, Osaka Japan
| | - Jerry. K. Y. Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Translational ‘Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technoology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore, 138602 Singapore
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3
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Yao X, El-Samahy MA, Li X, Bao Y, Guo J, Yang F, Wang Z, Li K, Zhang Y, Wang F. LncRNA-412.25 activates the LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway in ovarian granulosa cells of Hu sheep by sponging miR-346. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22467. [PMID: 35929417 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200632r] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to regulate follicular development and reproductive disease pathogenesis, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, lncRNA expression profiling of different-sized healthy follicles from Hu sheep with different prolificacy revealed 50 613 lncRNAs. Numerous lncRNAs were differentially expressed among different comparison groups. This study characterized one novel transcript, lncRNA-412.25 (from healthy follicles with a diameter of >5 mm), which was predominantly expressed in the high prolificacy group and localized to the cytoplasm of granulosa cells (GCs). LncRNA-412.25 knockdown promoted and inhibited Hu sheep GC apoptosis and proliferation, respectively. Interestingly, lncRNA-412.25 could directly bind to miR-346, which can target the gene of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Knockdown of lncRNA-412.25 promoted GC apoptosis by downregulating LIF expression, where this effect was attenuated by miR-346. Moreover, the miR-346 inhibitor mitigated the lncRNA-412.25 knockdown-induced downregulation of phosphorylated protein of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which was validated using immunofluorescence analysis. Our results demonstrated that lncRNA-412.25 regulates GC proliferation and apoptosis in Hu sheep by binding to miR-346 and then activating the LIF/STAT3 pathway. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying prolificacy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mohamed AbdFatah El-Samahy
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Animal Production Research Institute, ARC, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjin Bao
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahe Guo
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kang Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Ravisankar S, Murphy MJ, Redmayne-Titley N, Davis B, Luo F, Takahashi D, Hennebold JD, Chavez SL. Long-term Hyperandrogenemia and/or Western-style Diet in Rhesus Macaque Females Impairs Preimplantation Embryogenesis. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6534477. [PMID: 35192701 PMCID: PMC8962721 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hyperandrogenemia and obesity are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, but it is currently unclear how each alone or in combination contribute to reproductive dysfunction and female infertility. To distinguish the individual and combined effects of hyperandrogenemia and an obesogenic diet on ovarian function, prepubertal female rhesus macaques received a standard control (C) diet, testosterone (T) implants, an obesogenic Western-style diet (WSD), or both (T + WSD). After 5 to 6 years of treatment, the females underwent metabolic assessments and controlled ovarian stimulations. Follicular fluid (FF) was collected for steroid and cytokine analysis and the oocytes fertilized in vitro. Although the T + WSD females exhibited higher insulin resistance compared to the controls, there were no significant differences in metabolic parameters between treatments. Significantly higher concentrations of CXCL-10 were detected in the FF from the T group, but no significant differences in intrafollicular steroid levels were observed. Immunostaining of cleavage-stage embryos revealed multiple nuclear abnormalities in the T, WSD, and T + WSD groups. Single-cell DNA sequencing showed that while C embryos contained primarily euploid blastomeres, most cells in the other treatment groups were aneuploid. Despite yielding a higher number of mature oocytes, T + WSD treatment resulted in significantly reduced blastocyst formation rates compared to the T group. RNA sequencing analysis of individual blastocysts showed differential expression of genes involved in critical implantation processes between the C group and other treatments. Collectively, we show that long-term WSD consumption reduces the capacity of fertilized oocytes to develop into blastocysts and that the addition of T further impacts gene expression and embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Ravisankar
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology; Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biosciences; Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine; Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences; Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Melinda J Murphy
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences; Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Nash Redmayne-Titley
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences; Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Brett Davis
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute; Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Fangzhou Luo
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences; Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Diana Takahashi
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences; Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine; Portland, OR, USA
- Correspondence: Jon D. Hennebold, PhD, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Shawn L Chavez
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences; Oregon National Primate Research Center; Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine; Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics; Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine; Portland, OR, USA
- Correspondence: Shawn L. Chavez, PhD, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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Dong J, Guo C, Zhou S, Zhao A, Li J, Mi Y, Zhang C. Leukemia inhibitory factor prevents chicken follicular atresia through PI3K/AKT and Stat3 signaling pathways. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 543:111550. [PMID: 34990741 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy of granulosa cell (GC) may be a supplementary mechanism involved in follicular atresia through cooperating with apoptosis. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been shown to promote follicular growth, through the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, triggered the elevation of GC apoptosis within follicles, and then prevented follicular growth. However, combined treatment with LIF relieved the follicular regression caused by rapamycin, mainly resulting in alleviating the decline of GCs viability and cell autophagic apoptosis, and eventually, promoting follicle development. Further investigation revealed that LIF inhibited the GC autophagic apoptosis by activating PI3K/AKT and Stat3 pathways, reflecting an increase of BCL-2 expression but a decrease in BECN1. Additionally, blocking PI3K/AKT and Stat3 pathways resulted in the reduction of LIF protection against follicular atresia. These findings illustrated that LIF activated the PI3K/AKT and Stat3 signaling pathways to inhibit GC autophagic cell death, and further relieve chicken follicular atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Dong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Changquan Guo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - An Zhao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuling Mi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Caiqiao Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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6
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Zhou F, Song Y, Liu X, Zhang C, Li F, Hu R, Huang Y, Ma W, Song K, Zhang M. Si-Wu-Tang facilitates ovarian function through improving ovarian microenvironment and angiogenesis in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114431. [PMID: 34293457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a severe illness, characterized by premature menopause with a markedly decrease in ovarian function, which leads to infertility. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), also called "the first prescription of gynecology" by medical experts in China, is widely used as the basic formula in regulating the menstrual cycle and treating infertility. However, the potential effect and underlying mechanisms of action of SWT on the treatment of POF have not yet been elucidated. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanism of action of SWT on the treatment of POF in C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main compounds of SWT were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). POF model groups were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (Cy, 100 mg/kg). SWT or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were administered via oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. Ovarian function and pathological changes were evaluated by hormone levels, follicular development, and changes in angiogenesis. Furthermore, statistical analyses of fertility were also performed. RESULTS Treatment with SWT significantly improved estrogen levels, the number of follicles, antioxidant defense, and microvascular formation in POF mice. Moreover, SWT significantly activated the Nrf2/HO-1 and STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathways to promote angiogenesis, resulting in a better fertility outcome when compared to the model group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that SWT protected ovarian function of Cy-induced POF mice by improving the antioxidant ability and promoting ovarian angiogenesis, thereby providing scientific evidence for the treatment of POF using SWT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanru Zhou
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Xia Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Chu Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Kunkun Song
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Mingmin Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China; Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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7
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Ravisankar S, Hanna CB, Brooks KE, Murphy MJ, Redmayne N, Ryu J, Kinchen JM, Chavez SL, Hennebold JD. Metabolomics analysis of follicular fluid coupled with oocyte aspiration reveals importance of glucocorticoids in primate periovulatory follicle competency. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6506. [PMID: 33753762 PMCID: PMC7985310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85704-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin administration during infertility treatment stimulates the growth and development of multiple ovarian follicles, yielding heterogeneous oocytes with variable capacity for fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst formation. To determine how the intrafollicular environment affects oocyte competency, 74 individual rhesus macaque follicles were aspirated and the corresponding oocytes classified as failed to cleave, cleaved but arrested prior to blastulation, or those that formed blastocysts following in vitro fertilization. Metabolomics analysis of the follicular fluid (FF) identified 60 unique metabolites that were significantly different between embryo classifications, of which a notable increase in the intrafollicular ratio of cortisol to cortisone was observed in the blastocyst group. Immunolocalization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1) revealed translocation from the cytoplasm to nucleus with oocyte maturation in vitro and, correlation to intrafollicular expression of the 11-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenases that interconvert these glucocorticoids was detected upon an ovulatory stimulus in vivo. While NR3C1 knockdown in oocytes had no effect on their maturation or fertilization, expansion of the associated cumulus granulosa cells was inhibited. Our findings indicate an important role for NR3C1 in the regulation of follicular processes via paracrine signaling. Further studies are required to define the means through which the FF cortisol:cortisone ratio determines oocyte competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Ravisankar
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Carol B Hanna
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Kelsey E Brooks
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Melinda J Murphy
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Nash Redmayne
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Junghyun Ryu
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | | | - Shawn L Chavez
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.
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8
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Ravisankar S, Ting AY, Murphy MJ, Redmayne N, Wang D, McArthur CA, Takahashi DL, Kievit P, Chavez SL, Hennebold JD. Short-term Western-style diet negatively impacts reproductive outcomes in primates. JCI Insight 2021; 6:138312. [PMID: 33616080 PMCID: PMC7934943 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.138312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A maternal Western-style diet (WSD) is associated with poor reproductive outcomes, but whether this is from the diet itself or underlying metabolic dysfunction is unknown. Here, we performed a longitudinal study using regularly cycling female rhesus macaques (n = 10) that underwent 2 consecutive in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, one while consuming a low-fat diet and another 6–8 months after consuming a high-fat WSD. Metabolic data were collected from the females prior to each IVF cycle. Follicular fluid (FF) and oocytes were assessed for cytokine/steroid levels and IVF potential, respectively. Although transition to a WSD led to weight gain and increased body fat, no difference in insulin levels was observed. A significant decrease in IL-1RA concentration and the ratio of cortisol/cortisone was detected in FF after WSD intake. Despite an increased probability of isolating mature oocytes, a 44% reduction in blastocyst number was observed with WSD consumption, and time-lapse imaging revealed delayed mitotic timing and multipolar divisions. RNA sequencing of blastocysts demonstrated dysregulation of genes involved in RNA binding, protein channel activity, mitochondrial function and pluripotency versus cell differentiation after WSD consumption. Thus, short-term WSD consumption promotes a proinflammatory intrafollicular microenvironment that is associated with impaired preimplantation development in the absence of large-scale metabolic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Ravisankar
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Alison Y Ting
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA.,21st Century Medicine Inc., Fontana, California, USA
| | - Melinda J Murphy
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Nash Redmayne
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Dorothy Wang
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Carrie A McArthur
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Diana L Takahashi
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Paul Kievit
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Shawn L Chavez
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA.,Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
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9
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Transcriptomics of cumulus cells - a window into oocyte maturation in humans. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:93. [PMID: 32787963 PMCID: PMC7425158 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cumulus cells (CC) encapsulate growing oocytes and support their growth and development. Transcriptomic signatures of CC have the potential to serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for oocyte competency and potential. The present sibling cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) cohort study aimed at defining functional variations between oocytes of different maturity exposed to the same stimulation conditions, by assessing the transcriptomic signatures of their corresponding CC. CC were collected from 18 patients with both germinal vesicle and metaphase II oocytes from the same cycle to keep the biological variability between samples to a minimum. RNA sequencing, differential expression, pathway analysis, and leading-edge were performed to highlight functional differences between CC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity. Results Transcriptomic signatures representing CC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity clustered separately on principal component analysis with 1818 genes differentially expressed. CCs encapsulating mature oocytes were more transcriptionally synchronized when compared with CCs encapsulating immature oocytes. Moreover, the transcriptional activity was lower, albeit not absent, in CC encapsulating mature oocytes, with 2407 fewer transcripts detected than in CC encapsulating immature (germinal vesicle - GV) oocytes. Hallmark pathways and ovarian processes that were affected by oocyte maturity included cell cycle regulation, steroid metabolism, apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammation. Conclusions Herein we review our findings and discuss how they align with previous literature addressing transcriptomic signatures of oocyte maturation. Our findings support the available literature and enhance it with several genes and pathways, which have not been previously implicated in promoting human oocyte maturation. This study lays the ground for future functional studies that can enhance our understanding of human oocyte maturation.
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10
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Jahanbin KH, Ghafourian M, Rashno M. Effect of Different Concentrations of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor on Gene Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A in Trophoblast Tumor Cell Line. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2020; 14:116-121. [PMID: 32681623 PMCID: PMC7382685 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.6058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Several studies have shown that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is one of the most important cytokines participating in the process of embryo implantation and pregnancy, while, the role of this factor on vascular endothelial factor-A (VEGF-A), as one of the most important angiogenic factor, has not been fully investigated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LIF on gene expression of VEGF in the choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells were treated with different concentrations of LIF (1, 10, and 50 ng) for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Expression of VEGF was analyzed by real-time PCR. Delta CTs were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Tukey's test by SPSS version 25.0 software for data analyzing. Results In the stimulated cells, different concentrations of LIF caused significant decrease of VEGF gene expression (P<0.05) at 12, 24 and 48 hours. In contrast, it was increased after 72 hours (P<0.001). Analysis of data after 6 hours also showed that level of VEGF gene expression was significantly decreased by increasing LIF concentration (P<0.001). Conclusion Expression level of VEGF gene was decreased in trophoblast cells (except after 72 hours) under the effect of different concentrations of LIF in a time-dependent manner. So, this study showed that further studies are needed to determine the effect of LIF on other angiogenic factors in trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hodakaram Jahanbin
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehri Ghafourian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Electronic Address: .,Fertility, Infertility, and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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11
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Duffy DM, Ko C, Jo M, Brannstrom M, Curry TE. Ovulation: Parallels With Inflammatory Processes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:369-416. [PMID: 30496379 PMCID: PMC6405411 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The midcycle surge of LH sets in motion interconnected networks of signaling cascades to bring about rupture of the follicle and release of the oocyte during ovulation. Many mediators of these LH-induced signaling cascades are associated with inflammation, leading to the postulate that ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response. First responders to the LH surge are granulosa and theca cells, which produce steroids, prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, which are also mediators of inflammatory processes. These mediators, in turn, activate both nonimmune ovarian cells as well as resident immune cells within the ovary; additional immune cells are also attracted to the ovary. Collectively, these cells regulate proteolytic pathways to reorganize the follicular stroma, disrupt the granulosa cell basal lamina, and facilitate invasion of vascular endothelial cells. LH-induced mediators initiate cumulus expansion and cumulus oocyte complex detachment, whereas the follicular apex undergoes extensive extracellular matrix remodeling and a loss of the surface epithelium. The remainder of the follicle undergoes rapid angiogenesis and functional differentiation of granulosa and theca cells. Ultimately, these functional and structural changes culminate in follicular rupture and oocyte release. Throughout the ovulatory process, the importance of inflammatory responses is highlighted by the commonalities and similarities between many of these events associated with ovulation and inflammation. However, ovulation includes processes that are distinct from inflammation, such as regulation of steroid action, oocyte maturation, and the eventual release of the oocyte. This review focuses on the commonalities between inflammatory responses and the process of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Misung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats Brannstrom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Curry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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12
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Schuermann Y, Rovani MT, Gasperin B, Ferreira R, Ferst J, Madogwe E, Gonçalves PB, Bordignon V, Duggavathi R. ERK1/2-dependent gene expression in the bovine ovulating follicle. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16170. [PMID: 30385793 PMCID: PMC6212447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovulation is triggered by gonadotropin surge-induced signaling cascades. To study the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in bovine ovulation, we administered the pharmacological inhibitor, PD0325901, into the preovulatory dominant follicle by intrafollicular injection. Four of five cows treated with 50 µM PD0325901 failed to ovulate. To uncover the molecular basis of anovulation in ERK1/2-inhibited cows, we collected granulosa and theca cells from Vehicle and PD0325901 treated follicles. Next-generation sequencing of granulosa cell RNA revealed 285 differentially expressed genes between Vehicle and PD0325901-treated granulosa cells at 6 h post-GnRH. Multiple inflammation-related pathways were enriched among the differentially expressed genes. The ERK1/2 dependent LH-induced genes in granulosa cells included EGR1, ADAMTS1, STAT3 and TNFAIP6. Surprisingly, PD0325901 treatment did not affect STAR expression in granulosa cells at 6 h post-GnRH. Granulosa cells had higher STAR protein and theca cells had higher levels of STAR mRNA in ERK1/2-inhibited follicles. Further, both granulosa and theca cells of ERK1/2-inhibited follicles had higher expression of SLC16A1, a monocarboxylate transporter, transporting substances including β-hydroxybutyrate across the plasma membrane. Taken together, ERK1/2 plays a significant role in mediating LH surge-induced gene expression in granulosa and theca cells of the ovulating follicle in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Schuermann
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Monique T Rovani
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Gasperin
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction-ReproPEL, Federal University of Pelotas, 96010-610, Capão do Leão, Brazil
| | - Rogério Ferreira
- Department of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ferst
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Ejimedo Madogwe
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Paulo B Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, BioRep, Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Raj Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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13
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Robker RL, Hennebold JD, Russell DL. Coordination of Ovulation and Oocyte Maturation: A Good Egg at the Right Time. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3209-3218. [PMID: 30010832 PMCID: PMC6456964 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovulation is the appropriately timed release of a mature, developmentally competent oocyte from the ovary into the oviduct, where fertilization occurs. Importantly, ovulation is tightly linked with oocyte maturation, demonstrating the interdependency of these two parallel processes, both essential for female fertility. Initiated by pituitary gonadotropins, the ovulatory process is mediated by intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural, and cumulus granulosa cells, as well as the oocyte itself. The result is the induction of cumulus expansion, proteolysis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction, which are each required for follicular rupture. These complex intercellular communication networks and the essential ovulatory genes have been well defined in mouse models and are highly conserved in primates, including humans. Importantly, recent discoveries in regulation of ovulation highlight new areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Correspondence: Rebecca L. Robker, PhD, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. E-mail:
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Darryl L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Richards JS, Ren YA, Candelaria N, Adams JE, Rajkovic A. Ovarian Follicular Theca Cell Recruitment, Differentiation, and Impact on Fertility: 2017 Update. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:1-20. [PMID: 29028960 PMCID: PMC5807095 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The major goal of this review is to summarize recent exciting findings that have been published within the past 10 years that, to our knowledge, have not been presented in detail in previous reviews and that may impact altered follicular development in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure in women. Specifically, we will cover the following: (1) mouse models that have led to discovery of the derivation of two precursor populations of theca cells in the embryonic gonad; (2) the key roles of the oocyte-derived factor growth differentiation factor 9 on the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway and theca cell functions; and (3) the impact of the HH pathway on both the specification of theca endocrine cells and theca fibroblast and smooth muscle cells in developing follicles. We will also discuss the following: (1) other signaling pathways that impact the differentiation of theca cells, not only luteinizing hormone but also insulinlike 3, bone morphogenic proteins, the circadian clock genes, androgens, and estrogens; and (2) theca-associated vascular, immune, and fibroblast cells, as well as the cytokines and matrix factors that play key roles in follicle growth. Lastly, we will integrate what is known about theca cells from mouse models, human-derived theca cell lines from patients who have PCOS and patients who do not have PCOS, and microarray analyses of human and bovine theca to understand what pathways and factors contribute to follicle growth as well as to the abnormal function of theca.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S. Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yi A. Ren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Nicholes Candelaria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jaye E. Adams
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Aleksandar Rajkovic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
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15
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Stouffer RL, Woodruff TK. Nonhuman Primates: A Vital Model for Basic and Applied Research on Female Reproduction, Prenatal Development, and Women's Health. ILAR J 2017; 58:281-294. [PMID: 28985318 PMCID: PMC5886348 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The comparative biology of reproduction and development in mammalian species is remarkable. Hence, because of similarities in environmental and neuroendocrine control of the reproductive axis, the cyclic function of the ovary and reproductive tract, establishment and control of the maternal-fetal-placental unit during pregnancy, and reproductive aging from puberty through menopause, nonhuman primates (NHPs) are valuable models for research related to women's reproductive health and its disorders. This chapter provides examples of research over the past 10+ years using Old World monkeys (notably macaque species), baboons, and to a lesser extent New World monkeys (especially marmosets) that contributed to our understanding of the etiology and therapies or prevention of: (1) ovarian disorders, e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, mitochondrial DNA-based diseases from the oocyte; (2) uterine disorders, for example, endometriosis and uterine transplantation; and (3) pregnancy disorders, for example, preterm labor and delivery, environmental factors. Also, emerging opportunities such as viral (e.g., Zika) induced fetal defects and germline genomic editing to generate valuable primate models of human diseases (e.g., Huntington and muscular dystrophy) are addressed. Although the high costs, specialized resources, and ethical debate challenge the use of primates in biomedical research, their inclusion in fertility and infertility research is vital for continued improvements in women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Stouffer
- Richard L. Stouffer, Ph.D., is Professor in the Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Beaverton, Oregon and Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., is Thomas J. Watkins Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vice Chair of Research (OB/GYN), and Chief of the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine, and Professor of Molecular Biosciences at Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Richard L. Stouffer, Ph.D., is Professor in the Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Beaverton, Oregon and Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., is Thomas J. Watkins Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vice Chair of Research (OB/GYN), and Chief of the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine, and Professor of Molecular Biosciences at Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.
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16
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Michaelis M, Sobczak A, Koczan D, Langhammer M, Reinsch N, Schoen J, Weitzel JM. Selection for female traits of high fertility affects male reproductive performance and alters the testicular transcriptional profile. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:889. [PMID: 29157197 PMCID: PMC5697431 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4288-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many genes important for reproductive performance are shared by both sexes. However, fecundity indices are primarily based on female parameters such as litter size. We examined a fertility mouse line (FL2), which has a considerably increased number of offspring and a total litter weight of 180% compared to a randomly bred control line (Ctrl) after more than 170 generations of breeding. In the present study, we investigated whether there might be a parallel evolution in males after more than 40 years of breeding in this outbred mouse model. Results Males of the fertility mouse line FL2 showed reduced sperm motility performance in a 5 h thermal stress experiment and reduced birth rate in the outbred mouse line. Transcriptional analysis of the FL2 testis showed the differential expression of genes associated with steroid metabolic processes (Cyp1b1, Cyp19a1, Hsd3b6, and Cyp21a1) and female fecundity (Gdf9), accompanied by 150% elevated serum progesterone levels in the FL2 males. Cluster analysis revealed the downregulation of genes of the kallikrein-related peptidases (KLK) cluster located on chromosome 7 in addition to alterations in gene expression with serine peptidase activity, e.g., angiotensinogen (Agt), of the renin-angiotensin system essential for ovulation. Although a majority of functional annotations map to female reproduction and ovulation, these genes are differentially expressed in FL2 testis. Conclusions These data indicate that selection for primary female traits of increased litter size not only affects sperm characteristics but also manifests as transcriptional alterations of the male side likely with direct long-term consequences for the reproductive performance of the mouse line. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4288-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten Michaelis
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. .,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Reproductive Biology, FBN Dummerstorf, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Alexander Sobczak
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Koczan
- Institute of Immunology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martina Langhammer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Reinsch
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Joachim M Weitzel
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. .,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Reproductive Biology, FBN Dummerstorf, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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