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Feng M, Wang J, Zhao X, Du H, Dai Y. Novel Insight into the mechanism of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) impairing early follicle development. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 285:117043. [PMID: 39293100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an artificially synthetic plasticizer, is a widespread environmental endocrine disruptor, which has raised substantial concern among the public about its potential reproductive toxicity effects. Taking large amounts of DEHP disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries, however, the toxicological effects and the mechanisms by which DEHP impairs fetal folliculogenesis remain poorly understood. Our research aims to elucidate the associations between utero exposure to DEHP and fetal folliculogenesis in offspring. In this research, we monitored the spatiotemporal and expression levels of GDF9-Hedgehog (Hh) pathway-related genes during postnatal days 3-14, confirming initially the potential associations between defects in theca cell development and the downregulation of GDF9-Hh signaling. Moreover, utilizing an ovarian organ in vitro culture model, rescue validation experiments demonstrated that the addition of recombinant GDF9 protein effectively alleviate the theca cell damage caused by DEHP, thus supporting the aforementioned associations. In conclusion, our findings validate the significant role of the GDF9-Hh pathway in the enduring reproductive toxicity resulting from prenatal exposure to DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiapeng Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hua Du
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical College/Affifiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yanfeng Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
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2
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Chakravarthi VP, Dilower I, Ghosh S, Borosha S, Mohamadi R, Dahiya V, Vo K, Lee EB, Ratri A, Kumar V, Marsh CA, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Indian Hedgehog Expression in the First Wave of Ovarian Follicles. Cells 2024; 13:644. [PMID: 38607081 PMCID: PMC11011683 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070644] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased activation of ovarian primordial follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) rats becomes evident as early as postnatal day 8.5. To identify the ERβ-regulated genes that may control ovarian primordial follicle activation, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles of ErβKO rat ovaries collected on postnatal days 4.5, 6.5, and 8.5. Compared to wildtype ovaries, ErβKO ovaries displayed dramatic downregulation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression. IHH-regulated genes, including Hhip, Gli1, and Ptch1, were also downregulated in ErβKO ovaries. This was associated with a downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and Hsd17b1. The expression of Ihh remained very low in ErβKO ovaries despite the high levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15, which are known upregulators of Ihh expression in the granulosa cells of activated ovarian follicles. Strikingly, the downregulation of the Ihh gene in ErβKO ovaries began to disappear on postnatal day 16.5 and recovered on postnatal day 21.5. In rat ovaries, the first wave of primordial follicles is rapidly activated after their formation, whereas the second wave of primordial follicles remains dormant in the ovarian cortex and slowly starts activating after postnatal day 12.5. We localized the expression of Ihh mRNA in postnatal day 8.5 wildtype rat ovaries but not in the age-matched ErβKO ovaries. In postnatal day 21.5 ErβKO rat ovaries, we detected Ihh mRNA mainly in the activated follicles in the ovaries' peripheral regions. Our findings indicate that the expression of Ihh in the granulosa cells of the activated first wave of ovarian follicles depends on ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Iman Dilower
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Subhra Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Shaon Borosha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Ryan Mohamadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vinesh Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Kevin Vo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Anamika Ratri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - Courtney A. Marsh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Patrick E. Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (V.P.C.); (I.D.); (S.G.); (S.B.); (R.M.); (V.D.); (K.V.); (E.B.L.); (A.R.); (V.K.); (P.E.F.)
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3
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Wang K, Li Y. Signaling pathways and targeted therapeutic strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1191759. [PMID: 37929034 PMCID: PMC10622806 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1191759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Although promising strides have been made in the field of PCOS over the past decades, the distinct etiologies of this syndrome are not fully elucidated. Prenatal factors, genetic variation, epigenetic mechanisms, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental toxins all contribute to the development of this intricate and highly heterogeneous metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and psychological disorder. Moreover, interactions between androgen excess, insulin resistance, disruption to the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis, and obesity only make for a more complex picture. In this review, we investigate and summarize the related molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS pathogenesis from the perspective of the level of signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, TGF-β/Smads, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo/YAP. Additionally, this review provides an overview of prospective therapies, such as exosome therapy, gene therapy, and drugs based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural compounds. By targeting these aberrant pathways, these interventions primarily alleviate inflammation, insulin resistance, androgen excess, and ovarian fibrosis, which are typical symptoms of PCOS. Overall, we hope that this paper will pave the way for better understanding and management of PCOS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Zaky DA, Sayed RH, Mohamed YS. Liraglutide limits the immunogenic cell death-mediated ROS propagation and PI3K/AKT inactivation after doxorubicin-induced gonadotoxicity in rats: Involvement of the canonical Hedgehog trajectory. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110212. [PMID: 37094542 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-accompanied reproductive dysfunction has lately begun to draw the attention of the scientific community owing to the irreversible impact on the patient's quality of life. Here we tended to investigate the potential role of liraglutide (LRG) in modulating the canonical Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in doxorubicin (DXR)-induced gonadotoxicity in rats. Female virgin Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups; control, DXR-treated (25 mg/kg, single i.p. injection), LRG-treated (150 μg/Kg/day, s.c) and itraconazole (ITC; 150 mg/kg/day, p.o)-pretreated group, as the Hh pathway inhibitor. Treatment with LRG potentiated the PI3K/AKT/p-GSK3β cascade and relieved the oxidative burden-induced by the DXR-driven immunogenic cell death (ICD). LRG also upregulated the expression of the Desert hedgehog ligand (DHh) and the patched-1 (PTCH1) receptor and augmented the protein level of Indian hedgehog (IHh) ligand, Gli1 and cyclin-D1 (CD1). Besides, hypertranscription of IHh, DHh, Ptch1, Smo, Gli1/2 and CD1 genes along with a transcriptional recession of Gli3 gene were reported in LRG-treated group. ITC pre-administration partially abrogated this positive effect of LRG, proving the implication of the examined pathway. Microscopically, LRG ameliorated the follicular atresia noticed in the DXR group; effect that was, at least partially, declined by ITC pre-treatment. These findings end to a conclusion that LRG treatment might hinder the DXR-associated reproductive toxicity, resultant from ROS generated by the cells undergoing ICD, and trigger follicular growth and repair by the PI3K/AKT- dependent switching-on of the canonical Hh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Zaky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rabab H Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmin S Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Dilower I, Niloy AJ, Kumar V, Kothari A, Lee EB, Rumi MAK. Hedgehog Signaling in Gonadal Development and Function. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030358. [PMID: 36766700 PMCID: PMC9913308 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Three distinct hedgehog (HH) molecules, (sonic, desert, and indian), two HH receptors (PTCH1 and PTCH2), a membrane bound activator (SMO), and downstream three transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are the major components of the HH signaling. These signaling molecules were initially identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Later, it has been found that the HH system is highly conserved across species and essential for organogenesis. HH signaling pathways play key roles in the development of the brain, face, skeleton, musculature, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. While the sonic HH (SHH) pathway plays a major role in the development of the central nervous system, the desert HH (DHH) regulates the development of the gonads, and the indian HH (IHH) acts on the development of bones and joints. There are also overlapping roles among the HH molecules. In addition to the developmental role of HH signaling in embryonic life, the pathways possess vital physiological roles in testes and ovaries during adult life. Disruption of DHH and/or IHH signaling results in ineffective gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. While DHH regulates the male gonadal functions, ovarian functions are regulated by both DHH and IHH. This review article focuses on the roles of HH signaling in gonadal development and reproductive functions with an emphasis on ovarian functions. We have acknowledged the original research work that initially reported the findings and discussed the subsequent studies that have further analyzed the role of HH signaling in testes and ovaries.
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Dissecting the fate of Foxl2-expressing cells in fetal ovary using lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics. Cell Discov 2022; 8:139. [PMID: 36575161 PMCID: PMC9794781 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00492-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonad somatic cells acquire sex-specific fates during sex determination. In XX gonad, a subset of somatic cells expresses Foxl2 after sex determination which is considered the progenitor of granulosa cells. However, whether these cells also contribute to other cell types at later developmental stages is unknown. In the present study, the cell fate of Foxl2-expressing cells in fetal ovaries was analyzed by lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics. We found that Foxl2-expressing cells gave rise to three cell types at later developmental stages, including granulosa cells, theca-interstitial cells, and stromal cells. Series single-cell RNA sequencing revealed FOXL2-positive cells were divided into two clusters at P0. One group further differentiated into granulosa cells and Theca-G (Theca-interstitial cells derived from granulosa) at P14. Another group was classified as stromal cell lineage, then a small portion of them further differentiated into 3β-HSD-positive Theca-S (Theca-interstitial cells derived from stroma). Cyp17a1 was expressed in Theca-S, but not in Theca-G. This study demonstrated that Folx2-expressing cells in XX gonad after sex determination are multipotent and theca-interstitial cells are derived from different progenitors. Our data provided an important resource, at single-cell resolution, for a better understanding of somatic cell differentiation in ovary development.
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Babayev E, Xu M, Shea LD, Woodruff TK, Duncan FE. Follicle isolation methods reveal plasticity of granulosa cell steroidogenic capacity during mouse in vitro follicle growth. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6693628. [PMID: 36069625 PMCID: PMC9802420 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicles are the functional unit of the ovary and several methods have been developed to grow follicles ex vivo, which recapitulate key events of oogenesis and folliculogenesis. Enzymatic digestion protocols are often used to increase the yield of follicles from the ovary. However, the impact of these protocols on the outermost theca and granulosa cells, and thereby follicle function, is not well defined. To investigate the impact of enzymatic digestion on follicle function, we collected preantral follicles from CD1 mice either by enzymatic digestion (Enzy-FL) or mechanical isolation (Mech-FL) and compared follicle growth, steroidogenesis and cell differentiation within an encapsulated in vitro follicle growth system which maintains the 3D architecture of the oocyte and its surrounding somatic cells. Follicles were encapsulated in 0.5% alginate and cultured for 8 days. Compared with Enzy-FL, Mech-FL grew more rapidly and produced significantly higher levels of androstenedione, estradiol and progesterone. The expression of theca-interstitial cell marker genes, Cyp17a1, which encodes 17-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase and catalyzes the hydroxylation of pregnenolone and progesterone to 17-hydroxypregnenolone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the conversion of these products into dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, and Star, which encodes a transport protein essential for cholesterol entry into mitochondria, were also higher in Mech-FL than in Enzy-FL. Mech-FL maintained an intact theca-interstitial layer on the outer edge of the follicle that phenocopied in vivo patterns as confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining, whereas theca-interstitial cells were absent from Enzy-FL from the onset of culture. Therefore, preservation of the theca cell layer at the onset of culture better supports follicle growth and function. Interestingly, granulosa cells in the outermost layers of Enzy-FL expressed CYP17A1 by Day 4 of culture while maintaining inhibin α-subunit expression and a cuboidal nucleus. Thus, in the absence of theca-interstitial cells, granulosa cells have the potential to differentiate into androgen-producing cells. This work may have implications for human follicle culture, where enzymatic isolation is required owing to the density of the ovarian cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lonnie D Shea
- Member of the Oncofertility Consortium, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Institute of Bionanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail: (F.E.D.); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316, USA. E-mail: (T.K.W.)
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail: (F.E.D.); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316, USA. E-mail: (T.K.W.)
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Xu S, Tang C. Cholesterol and Hedgehog Signaling: Mutual Regulation and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:774291. [PMID: 35573688 PMCID: PMC9091300 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.774291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling is one of the key agents that govern the precisely regulated developmental processes of multicellular organisms in vertebrates and invertebrates. The HH pathway in the receiving cell includes Patched1, a twelve-pass transmembrane receptor, and Smoothened, a seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), and the downstream GLI family of three transcriptional factors (GLI1-GLI3). Mutations of HH gene and the main components in HH signaling are also associated with numerous types of diseases. Before secretion, the HH protein undergoes post-translational cholesterol modification to gain full activity, and cholesterol is believed to be essential for proper HH signaling transduction. In addition, results from recent studies show the reciprocal effect that HH signaling functions in cholesterol metabolism as well as in cholesterol homeostasis, which provides feedback to HH pathway. Here, we hope to provide new insights into HH signaling function by discussing the role of cholesterol in HH protein maturation, secretion and HH signaling transduction, and the potential role of HH in regulation of cholesterol as well.
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Suarez-Henriques P, de Miranda E Silva Chaves C, Cardoso-Leite R, Gomes-Caldas DG, Morita-Katiki L, Tsai SM, Louvandini H. Ovarian activation delays in peripubertal ewe lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus can be avoided by supplementing protein in their diets. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:344. [PMID: 34732186 PMCID: PMC8565066 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ewe lamb nutritional and physiological state interfere with the ovarian environment and fertility. The lack or excess of circulating nutrients reaching the ovary can change its gene expression. A protein deficiency in the blood caused by an Haemonchus contortus abomasal infection is detrimental to the organism's development during puberty. The peripubertal period is a time of intensive growth that requires a high level of nutrients. An essential feature controlling pubertal arousal and female reproductive potential is ovarian follicle growth activation. Protein supplementation improves the sheep's immune response to helminthic infections. We aimed to determine if supplementing protein in infected ewe lambs' diet would impact the ovarian environment leading to earlier ovarian follicle activation than in infected not supplemented animals. METHODS We fed 18 Santa Ines ewe lambs (Ovis aries) - bred by the same ram - with either 12% protein (Control groups) or 19% protein (Supplemented groups) in their diets. After 35 days of the diet, they were each artificially infected or not with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae. Following 77 days of the diet and 42 days of infection, we surgically collected their left ovaries and examined their genes expression through RNA sequencing. RESULTS We found that protein supplementation in infected animals led to an up-regulation of genes (FDR p-values < 0.05) and biological processes (p-value cut-off = 0.01) linked to meiotic activation in pre-ovulatory follicles and primordial follicle activation, among others. The supplemented not infected animals also up-regulated genes and processes linked to meiosis and others, such as circadian behaviour. The not supplemented animals had these same processes down-regulated while up-regulated processes related to tissue morphogenesis, inflammation and immune response. CONCLUSION Diet's protein supplementation of peripubertal infected animals allowed them to express genes related to a more mature ovarian follicle stage than their half-sisters that were not supplemented. These results could be modelling potential effects of the interaction between environmental factors, nutrition and infection on reproductive health. When ovarian activation is achieved in a timely fashion, the ewe may generate more lambs during its reproductive life, increasing sheep breeders' productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Suarez-Henriques
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ - University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Ricardo Cardoso-Leite
- Science, Technology and Education Federal Institute of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle G Gomes-Caldas
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, CENA -University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Siu Mui Tsai
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, CENA -University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder Louvandini
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, CENA - University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Johansson HKL, Taxvig C, Olsen GPM, Svingen T. Effects of the Hedgehog Signaling Inhibitor Itraconazole on Developing Rat Ovaries. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:60-69. [PMID: 33905526 PMCID: PMC8285011 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early ovary development is considered to be largely hormone independent; yet, there are associations between fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and reproductive disorders in women. This can potentially be explained by perturbations to establishment of ovarian endocrine function rather than interference with an already established hormone system. In this study we explore if Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a central pathway for correct ovary development, can be disrupted by exposure to HH-disrupting chemicals, using the antifungal itraconazole as model compound. In the mouse Leydig cell line TM3, used as a proxy for ovarian theca cells, itraconazole exposure had a suppressing effect on genes downstream of HH signaling, such as Gli1. Exposing explanted rat ovaries (gestational day 22 or postnatal day 3) to 30 µM itraconazole for 72 h induced significant suppression of genes in the HH signaling pathway with altered Ihh, Gli1, Ptch1, and Smo expression similar to those previously observed in Ihh/Dhh knock-out mice. Exposing rat dams to 50 mg/kg bw/day in the perinatal period did not induce observable changes in the offspring's ovaries. Overall, our results suggest that HH signal disruptors may affect ovary development with potential long-term consequences for female reproductive health. However, potent HH inhibitors would likely cause severe teratogenic effects at doses lower than those causing ovarian dysgenesis, so the concern with respect to reproductive disorder is for the presence of HH disruptors at low concentration in combination with other ovary or endocrine disrupting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Camilla Taxvig
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gustav Peder Mohr Olsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Cowan RG, Quirk SM. Cells responding to hedgehog signaling contribute to the theca of ovarian follicles. Reproduction 2021; 161:437-448. [PMID: 33720037 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell-fate mapping was used to identify cells that respond to the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway and that are incorporated into the theca cell layer during ovarian follicle development. Expression of Gli1 is increased by HH signaling and can be used as a marker of cells responsive to HH in reporter mice. In transgenic Gli1ERcre/tdT mice, injection of tamoxifen (TAM) induces cre-mediated recombination and expression of td tomato (tdT) which leads to permanent fluorescent marking of cells expressing Gli1 and their progeny. The identity of tdT-positive cells was determined by co-staining ovaries for endothelial cells (CD31), pericytes (CSPG4), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC; smooth muscle actin) and steroidogenic cells (cytochrome P450 17A1). Gli1ERcre/tdT mice were injected with TAM on the day of birth. Cells positive for tdT in 2-day-old mice were identified as pericytes, located primarily in the medulla of the ovary in close proximity to endothelial cells. In both prepubertal mice and adult mice treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin to induce the formation of preovulatory follicles, tdT-positive cells were located within the theca cell layer and were identified as pericytes, VSMC and steroidogenic theca cells. Granulosa cells are known to express two HH ligands, Indian HH and desert HH (DHH). In DHHcre/tdT reporter mice, endothelial cells were marked as tdT-positive indicating that endothelial cells, in addition to granulosa cells, express Dhh in the ovary. These findings suggest that HH signaling may stimulate the development of the vasculature along with steroidogenic capacity of the theca layer during follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Cowan
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Susan M Quirk
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Cui L, Bao H, Liu Z, Man X, Liu H, Hou Y, Luo Q, Wang S, Fu Q, Zhang H. hUMSCs regulate the differentiation of ovarian stromal cells via TGF-β 1/Smad3 signaling pathway to inhibit ovarian fibrosis to repair ovarian function in POI rats. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:386. [PMID: 32894203 PMCID: PMC7487655 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01904-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The basic pathological changes of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) include ovarian tissue fibrosis and follicular development disorders. The human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUMSC) transplantation has been shown an effective method to improve the ovarian function in POI rat model; however, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the recovery of ovarian function in POI rats is related to the inhibition of tissue fibrosis following hUMSC transplantation. Furthermore, the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway is explored to determine the mechanisms of ovarian function recovery through its inhibition of tissue fibrosis. Methods The primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of chemotherapy drug cisplatin (CDDP) for 7 days. The levels of serum sex hormones were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The tissue fibrosis in the ovary was examined using Masson staining and Sirius red staining. The collagen fibers in the ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot analysis. To investigate the mechanisms of ovarian function recovery following hUMSC transplantation, ovarian stromal cells were isolated from the ovarian cortex of immature rats. The expression of Cytochrome P450 17A1 (Cyp17a1) and fibrosis marker of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in ovarian stromal cells was examined using immunofluorescence analysis. Also, the protein levels of Cyp17a1 and α-SMA in ovarian stromal cells were examined by Western blot analysis. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 signals was measured by Western blot and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results The results show that the function of the ovary in POI rats was significantly improved after hUMSC transplantation. The expression of fibrosis markers (α-SMA) and production of Collagen Type I (Collagen I) and Collagen Type III (Collagen III) in POI rats were significantly inhibited in POI rats following hUMSC transplantation. In the cultured ovarian stromal cells, the decrease of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 protein expression was observed in hUMSC-treated POI rats. The treatment with TGF-β1 inhibitor of SB431542 further confirmed this signal pathway was involved in the process. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway was involved in the inhibition of ovarian tissue fibrosis, which contributed to the restoration of ovarian function in POI rats following hUMSC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlu Cui
- College of Basic Medicine & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongfeng Liu
- Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, China
| | - Xuejing Man
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Hongyuan Liu
- Clinical Medical School, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Hou
- College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Qianqian Luo
- College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Clinical Medical School, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China. .,College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
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Nicol B, Rodriguez K, Yao HHC. Aberrant and constitutive expression of FOXL2 impairs ovarian development and functions in mice. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:966-977. [PMID: 32945847 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Development and functions of the ovary rely on appropriate signaling and communication between various ovarian cell types. FOXL2, a transcription factor that plays a key role at different stages of ovarian development, is associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and ovarian cancer as a result of its loss-of-function or mutations. In this study, we investigated the impact of aberrant, constitutive expression of FOXL2 in somatic cells of the ovary. Overexpression of FOXL2 that started during fetal life resulted in defects in nest breakdown and consequent formation of polyovular follicles. Granulosa cell differentiation was impaired and recruitment and differentiation of steroidogenic theca cells was compromised. As a consequence, adult ovaries overexpressing FOXL2 exhibited defects in compartmentalization of granulosa and theca cells, significant decreased steroidogenesis and lack of ovulation. These findings demonstrate that fine-tuned expression of FOXL2 is required for proper folliculogenesis and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Karina Rodriguez
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Lu X, Bao H, Cui L, Zhu W, Zhang L, Xu Z, Man X, Chu Y, Fu Q, Zhang H. hUMSC transplantation restores ovarian function in POI rats by inhibiting autophagy of theca-interstitial cells via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:268. [PMID: 32620136 PMCID: PMC7333437 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01784-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) have focused on granulosa cells (GCs) and ignored the role of theca-interstitial cells (TICs). This study aims to explore the mechanism of the protective effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) on ovarian function in POI rats by regulating autophagy of TICs. Methods The POI model was established in rats treated with cisplatin (CDDP). The hUMSCs were transplanted into POI rats by tail vein. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the protective effects of hUMSCs. The molecular mechanisms of injury and repairment of TICs were assessed by immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscope (TEM), flow cytometry (FCM), western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results In vivo, hUMSC transplantation restored the ovarian function and alleviated the apoptosis of TICs in POI rats. In vitro, hUMSCs reduced the autophagy levels of TICs by reducing oxidative stress and regulating AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby alleviating the apoptosis of TICs. Conclusion This study indicates that hUMSCs protected ovarian function in POI by regulating autophagy signaling pathway AMPK/mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Lu
- College of Basic Medicine & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Linlu Cui
- College of Basic Medicine & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.,College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Wenqian Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Lianshuang Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Xuejing Man
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yongli Chu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine & Institute of Reproductive Diseases, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China. .,College of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
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Johansson HK, Svingen T. Hedgehog signal disruption, gonadal dysgenesis and reproductive disorders: Is there a link to endocrine disrupting chemicals? Curr Res Toxicol 2020; 1:116-123. [PMID: 34345840 PMCID: PMC8320607 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure to chemicals that can disrupt sex hormone signaling may cause a broad spectrum of reproductive disorders. This is because reproductive development is tightly regulated by steroid sex hormones. Consequently, non-animal screening methods currently used to test chemicals for potential endocrine disrupting activities typically include steroidogenesis and nuclear receptor assays. In many cases there is a correlation between in vitro and in vivo data examining endocrine disruption, for example between blocked androgen receptor activity and feminized male genitals. However, there are many examples where there is poor, or no, correlation between in vitro data and in vivo effect outcomes in rodent studies, for various reasons. One possible, and less studied, reason for discordance between in vitro and in vivo data is that the mechanisms causing the in vivo effects are not covered by those typically tested for in vitro. This knowledge gap must be addressed if we are to elaborate robust testing strategies that do not rely on animal experimentation. In this review, we highlight the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway as a target for environmental chemicals and its potential implications for reproductive disorders originating from early life exposure. A central proposition is that, by disrupting HH signal transduction during critical stages of mammalian development, the endocrine cells of the testes or ovaries fail to develop normally, which ultimately will lead to disrupted sex hormone synthesis and sexual development in both sexes. If this is the case, then such mechanism must also be included in future test strategies aimed at eliminating chemicals that may cause reproductive disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna K.L. Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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