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Wemmert S, Pyrski M, Pillong L, Linxweiler M, Zufall F, Leinders-Zufall T, Schick B. Widespread Distribution of Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin Receptor in Human Juvenile Angiofibroma: Implications for a Sex-Specific Nasal Tumor. Cells 2024; 13:1217. [PMID: 39056799 PMCID: PMC11274802 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141217] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Juvenile angiofibroma (JA) is a rare, sex-specific, and highly vascularized nasal tumor that almost exclusively affects male adolescents, but its etiology has been controversial. The G protein-coupled hormone receptor LHCGR [luteinizing hormone (LH)/choriogonadotropin (hCG) receptor] represents a promising new candidate for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of sex specificity, pubertal manifestation, and JA progression. We used highly sensitive RNAscope technology, together with immunohistochemistry, to investigate the cellular expression, localization, and distribution of LHCGR in tissue samples from JA patients. Our results provide evidence for LHCGR expression in subsets of cells throughout JA tissue sections, with the majority of LHCGR+ cells located in close vicinity to blood vessels, rendering them susceptible to endocrine LH/hCG signaling, but LHCGR+ cells were also detected in fibrocollagenous stroma. A majority of LHCGR+ cells located near the vascular lumen co-expressed the neural crest stem cell marker CD271. These results are intriguing as both LH and hCG are produced in a time- and sex-dependent manner, and are known to be capable of inducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Our results give rise to a new model that suggests endocrine mechanisms involving LHCGR and its ligands, together with autocrine and paracrine signaling, in JA vascularization and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Wemmert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Martina Pyrski
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (M.P.); (F.Z.)
| | - Lukas Pillong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Maximilian Linxweiler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Frank Zufall
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (M.P.); (F.Z.)
| | - Trese Leinders-Zufall
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (M.P.); (F.Z.)
| | - Bernhard Schick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
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Bielfeld AP, Schwarze JE, Verpillat P, Lispi M, Fischer R, Hayward B, Chuderland D, D'Hooghe T, Krussel JS. Effectiveness of recombinant human FSH: recombinant human LH combination treatment versus recombinant human FSH alone for assisted reproductive technology in women aged 35-40 years. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103725. [PMID: 38593745 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION According to real-world data, is recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) combined with recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or r-hFSH alone more effective for women of advanced maternal age (AMA) in terms of live birth? DESIGN Non-interventional study comparing the effectiveness of r-hFSH and recombinant r-hLH (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation during ART treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register. RESULTS Overall clinical pregnancy (29.8%, 95% CI 28.2 to 31.6 versus 27.8%, 95% CI 26.5 to 29.2) and live birth (20.3%, 95% CI 18.7 to 21.8 versus 18.0%, 95% CI 16.6 to 19.4) rates were not significantly different between the combined r-hFSH and r-hLH group and the r-hFSH alone group (P = 0.269 and P = 0.092, respectively). Treatment effect was significantly higher for combined r-hFSH and r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone for clinical pregnancy (33.1%, 95% CI 31.0 to 35.0 versus 28.5%, 95% CI 26.6 to 30.4; P = 0.001, not adjusted for multiplicity) and live birth (22.5%, 95% CI 20.5 to 24.2 versus 19.4%, 95% CI 17.6 to 20.9; P = 0.014, not adjusted for multiplicity) in a post-hoc analysis of women with five to 14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of combined r-hFSH and r-hLH for ovarian stimulation in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve. CONCLUSIONS Women of AMA with normal ovarian response benefit from treatment with combined r-hFSH and r-hLH in a 2:1 ratio versus r-hFSH alone in terms of live birth rate. The effectiveness of treatments is best assessed by RCTs; however, real-world data are valuable for examining the effectiveness of fertility treatment, especially among patient groups that are not well represented in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Juan-Enrique Schwarze
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - Patrice Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9. 42121, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | | | - Brooke Hayward
- EMD Serono, One Technology Place, Rockland, Massachusetts, 02370, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dana Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jan-Steffan Krussel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Rulli SB, Ahtiainen P, Ratner LD, Jonas K, Calandra RS, Poutanen M, Huhtaniemi I. Elevated chorionic gonadotropic hormone in transgenic mice induces parthenogenetic activation and ovarian teratomas. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 587:112214. [PMID: 38537882 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Both male and female reproductive functions are impacted by altered gonadotrophin secretion and action, which may also influence the development of endocrine tumours. To ascertain if chronic hypersecretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) contributes to the development of gonadal tumours, double transgenic (TG) mice that overexpress hCGα- and β-subunits were analysed. By the age of two months, ovarian tumours with characteristics of teratomas developed with 100% penetrance. Teratomas were also seen in wild-type ovaries orthotopically transplanted into TG mice, demonstrating an endocrine/paracrine mechanism for the hCG-induced ovarian tumorigenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed oocyte parthenogenetic activation in TG females. In addition, ovaries showed reduced ovulatory gene expression, inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and impaired cumulus cell expansion. Hence, persistently high endocrine hCG activity causes parthenogenetic activation and development of ovarian teratomas, along with altered follicle development and impaired ERK1/2 signalling, offering a novel mechanism associated with the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian teratomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana B Rulli
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Petteri Ahtiainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura D Ratner
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kim Jonas
- Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK; Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Population and Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Ricardo S Calandra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520, Turku, Finland; Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Hassan HA, Mazen I, Elaidy A, Kamel AK, Eissa NR, Essawi ML. Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of LHCGR signal peptide insertion variant: novel clinical and allelic findings causing Leydig cell hypoplasia type II. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:305-312. [PMID: 38526829 PMCID: PMC11219444 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00546-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) type II is a rare disease with only a few cases reported. Patients presented with hypospadias, micropenis, undescended testes, or infertility. In this study, we report a new patient with compound heterozygous variants in the LHCGR gene and LCH type II phenotype. METHODS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed followed by Sanger sequencing to confirm the detected variants in the patient and his parents. RESULTS A novel missense variant (p.Phe444Cys) was identified in a highly conserved site and is verified to be in trans with the signal peptide's 33-bases insertion variant. CONCLUSION Our research provides a more comprehensive clinical and genetic spectrum of Leydig cell hypoplasia type II. It highlighted the importance of WES in the diagnosis of this uncommon genetic disorder as well as the expansion of the genotype of LCH type II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Amin Hassan
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics & Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth street, Cairo, 12311, Egypt.
| | - Inas Mazen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics & Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Elaidy
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics & Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa K Kamel
- Department of Human Cytogenetics, Human Genetics & Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noura R Eissa
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics & Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth street, Cairo, 12311, Egypt
| | - Mona L Essawi
- Department of Medical Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics & Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth street, Cairo, 12311, Egypt
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Salehpour S, Aleyasin A, Moini A, Mousavifar N, Mohammadhossein N, Abdollahi Fard S, Marzie S, Mohammadzadeh M, Fischer R. Luteinizing hormone supplementation in controlled ovarian stimulation: the Iran Delphi consensus. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1397446. [PMID: 38784124 PMCID: PMC11111922 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1397446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Numerous consensus documents worldwide address luteinizing hormone (LH) supplementation in controlled ovarian stimulation, yet to the best of our knowledge, only one consensus paper has been published in the Arab region. This study presents a Delphi consensus by seven Iranian infertility experts, offering real-world clinical perspectives. The aim was to develop evidence-based opinions on LH's role alongside FSH in various aspects of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including LH levels, monitoring, r-hLH use, and suggested activity. Methods Employing the Delphi consensus approach, the Iran consensus unfolded in three steps. In Step 1, eight out of 10 statements gained approval, while two unclear statements were removed. In Step 2, the 20-member extended panel voted on the remaining eight statements. Results Only one (statement 3) lacked consensus (55% agreement), prompting a modification. The revised statement (noted as statement 3') obtained an 83% agreement. Discussion The clinical perspectives included in this consensus complement clinical guidelines and policies that help further improve treatment outcomes, especially for patients with FSH and LH deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghar Salehpour
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Aleyasin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran Medical Science University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Breast Disease Research Center (BDRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nezhat Mousavifar
- Armaghan Infertility Center, Mashhad Medical Science University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nasresfahani Mohammadhossein
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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Spaggiari G, Costantino F, Dalla Valentina L, Romeo M, Furini C, Roli L, De Santis MC, Canu G, Trenti T, Granata ARM, Simoni M, Santi D. Are they functional hypogonadal men? Testosterone serum levels unravel male idiopathic infertility subgroups. Endocrine 2024; 84:757-767. [PMID: 38372906 PMCID: PMC11076374 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate total testosterone distribution in male idiopathic infertility. METHODS A retrospective, real-world case-control clinical study was conducted. Cases consisted of men evaluated for couple infertility, specifically those with alterations in semen parameters and normal gonadotropin levels, and after excluding all known causes of male infertility. Controls were male subjects who underwent semen analysis for screening purposes, without any abnormality detected. The total testosterone distribution was evaluated in cases and controls. Further analyses were performed subgrouping cases according to total testosterone reference threshold suggested by scientific societies (i.e., 3.5 ng/mL). RESULTS Cases included 214 idiopathic infertile men (mean age 38.2 ± 6.2 years) and controls 224 subjects with normozoospermia (mean age 33.7 ± 7.5 years). Total testosterone was not-normally distributed in both cases and controls, with positive asymmetric distribution slightly shifted on the left in cases. The rate of subjects with testosterone lower than 3.5 ng/mL was higher in cases (23.8%) than controls (4.5%) (p < 0.001). In cases with testosterone lower than 3.5 ng/mL, a significant direct correlation between testosterone and the percentage of normal morphology sperms was highlighted, also applying multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis (R = 0.430, standard error = 0.3, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION Although idiopathic infertile men show by definition altered semen analysis and gonadotropins within reference ranges, testosterone serum levels are widely variable in this population. Approximately a quarter of these patients present some sort of functional hypogonadism. Our data support the need to better classify idiopathic male infertility and total testosterone serum levels could be a supportive parameter in tracing the patient's therapeutic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Spaggiari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Costantino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Dalla Valentina
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marilina Romeo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Furini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Roli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Canu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio R M Granata
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Shen H, Li H, Sun J, Wang L, Zhang X. Enhancing endometrial receptivity: the roles of human chorionic gonadotropin in autophagy and apoptosis regulation in endometrial stromal cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38576003 PMCID: PMC10993617 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Inadequate endometrial receptivity often results in embryo implantation failure and miscarriage. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key signaling molecule secreted during early embryonic development, which regulates embryonic maternal interface signaling and promotes embryo implantation. This study aimed to examine the impact of hCG on endometrial receptivity and its underlying mechanisms. An exploratory study was designed, and endometrial samples were obtained from women diagnosed with simple tubal infertility or male factor infertile (n = 12) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n = 10). Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR) levels and autophagy were detected in the endometrial tissues. Subsequently, primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from these control groups and treated with hCG to examine the presence of LHCGR and markers of endometrial receptivity (HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF, and L-selectin ligand) and autophagy-related factors (Beclin1, LC3, and P62). The findings revealed that the expressions of receptivity factors, LHCGR, and LC3 were reduced in the endometrial tissues of women with RIF compared with the control group, whereas the expression of P62 was elevated. The administration of hCG to ESCs specifically activated LHCGR, stimulating an increase in the endometrial production of HOXA10, ITGB3, FOXO1, LIF and L-selectin ligands. Furthermore, when ESCs were exposed to 0.1 IU/mL hCG for 72 h, the autophagy factors Beclin1 and LC3 increased within the cells and P62 decreased. Moreover, the apoptotic factor Bax increased and Bcl-2 declined. However, when small interfering RNA was used to knock down LHCGR, hCG was less capable of controlling endometrial receptivity and autophagy molecules in ESCs. In addition, hCG stimulation enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins. These results suggest that women with RIF exhibit lower levels of LHCGR and compromised autophagy function in their endometrial tissues. Thus, hCG/LHCGR could potentially improve endometrial receptivity by modulating autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Ying Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Medical Laboratory Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Wu X, Wang S, Lin X, Liang H, Wu Y, Tan Y, Zeng H, Chen Q, Wang J, Huang F, Guo Z, Xing P, Nie J, Yao H, Fu Y, Yang Z, Zeng Z, Xu H, Zhong X, Jing C. Association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and infertility in U.S. women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108577. [PMID: 38499229 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Although there is a body of research indicating the potential impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure on male infertility, the understanding of how PAH might affect female infertility is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate associations of PAHs, both individually and as a mixture, with female infertility using multiple logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation (QGC) models based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016. The study included 729 female participants. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that there was a significant association between the third tertile of 2-hydroxy fluorene (2-OHFLU) and female infertility, and the OR was 2.84 (95% CI: 1.24-6.53, P value = 0.015) compared with the first tertile after adjusting for the potential covariates. The BKMR model revealed a positive overall trend between mixed PAH exposure and female infertility, particularly when the mixture was at or above the 55th percentile, where 2-hydroxynaphthalene (2-OHNAP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPYR) were the primary influences of the mixture. The univariate exposure-response function indicated positive associations between individual PAH exposure, specifically 2-OHNAP, 2-OHFLU, and 1-OHPYR, and female infertility. The QGC model also indicated a positive trend between exposure to a mixture of PAHs and female infertility, although it did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 0.86-2.07), with 1-OHPYR having the greatest positive effect on the outcome. This study suggested that exposure to PAHs may be associated with female infertility and further research is needed to consolidate and confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Suixiang Wang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lin
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Huanzhu Liang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yuxuan Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Huixian Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Ziang Guo
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Puyi Xing
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Jiyu Nie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Huojie Yao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yingyin Fu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Zhiyu Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Zurui Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Hongbiao Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Xingming Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou 510600, China.
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China.
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9
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Tang D, Song X, Du Y, Wang J, Lei Y, Chen B. Development of a reporter gene-based assay for the bioactivity determination of rhLH pharmaceutical products. Anal Biochem 2024; 686:115413. [PMID: 38040174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
To establish an in vitro biological activity detection method for luteinizing hormone (LH), the hLHCGR-CREB-HEK293 cell line was constructed to stably express human luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (hLHCGR). After optimization, the rhLH starting working concentration was 800 mIU/mL with 4-fold serial dilutions, 10 concentrations and an incubation time of 5 h. The method was confirmed to be highly specific, with good accuracy, precision and linearity, meeting the needs of process research and release testing, and can be used as a routine detection method for LH biological activity. With the increasing demand for research and development of rhLH biologically similar drugs, establishing a stable and simple activity assay method to evaluate the biological activity of rhLH can provide technical support for quality control of rhLH products and powerful tools for comparability research of similar products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defang Tang
- Chengdu Jingze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.1166 Shuangyan Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xiufang Song
- Chengdu Jingze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.1166 Shuangyan Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yanjiao Du
- Chengdu Jingze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.1166 Shuangyan Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Chengdu Jingze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.1166 Shuangyan Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yuqing Lei
- Chengdu Jingze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.1166 Shuangyan Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Chengdu Jingze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, No.1166 Shuangyan Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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10
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Hugues JN. Subtle perturbations of ovarian steroidogenesis in patients classified as Poseidon Group 3. Which consequences for therapeutic strategy? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1231585. [PMID: 38384970 PMCID: PMC10879926 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1231585] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The optimal strategy for stimulation of young women with a low ovarian reserve is still a challenging issue because the physio-pathogeny of this disorder is often unknown. As androgen production by the ovary plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis, it was tempting to speculate that subtle perturbations in ovarian steroidogenesis might participate to the low responsiveness to gonadotrophins. Indeed, in vitro analysis of human luteinized granulosa cells has recently provided evidence for some enzymatic deficits in steroidogenesis and altered response to gonadotrophins. Therefore, improving androgen environment of women classified in Poseidon Group 3 should be considered. In this clinical situation, the potential benefit of androgen supplementation or stimulation of theca cells by LH-activity products are respectively discussed.
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11
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Adibi JJ, Zhao Y, Koistinen H, Mitchell RT, Barrett ES, Miller R, O'Connor TG, Xun X, Liang HW, Birru R, Smith M, Moog NK. Molecular pathways in placental-fetal development and disruption. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 581:112075. [PMID: 37852527 PMCID: PMC10958409 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The first trimester of pregnancy ranks high in priority when minimizing harmful exposures, given the wide-ranging types of organogenesis occurring between 4- and 12-weeks' gestation. One way to quantify potential harm to the fetus in the first trimester is to measure a corollary effect on the placenta. Placental biomarkers are widely present in maternal circulation, cord blood, and placental tissue biopsied at birth or at the time of pregnancy termination. Here we evaluate ten diverse pathways involving molecules expressed in the first trimester human placenta based on their relevance to normal fetal development and to the hypothesis of placental-fetal endocrine disruption (perturbation in development that results in abnormal endocrine function in the offspring), namely: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thyroid hormone regulation, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor protein gamma (PPARγ), leptin, transforming growth factor beta, epiregulin, growth differentiation factor 15, small nucleolar RNAs, serotonin, and vitamin D. Some of these are well-established as biomarkers of placental-fetal endocrine disruption, while others are not well studied and were selected based on discovery analyses of the placental transcriptome. A literature search on these biomarkers summarizes evidence of placenta-specific production and regulation of each biomarker, and their role in fetal reproductive tract, brain, and other specific domains of fetal development. In this review, we extend the theory of fetal programming to placental-fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Yaqi Zhao
- St. Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Environmental and Population Health Bio-Sciences, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Richard Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Xun
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hai-Wei Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rahel Birru
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nora K Moog
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Lazzaretti C, Roy N, Paradiso E, Capponi C, Ferrari T, Reggianini F, Sperduti S, Perri C, Baschieri L, Mascolo E, Varani M, Canu G, Trenti T, Nicoli A, Morini D, Iannotti F, Villani MT, Vicini E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Benzo[a]pyrene disrupts LH/hCG-dependent mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis through receptor/Gαs protein targeting. Sci Rep 2024; 14:844. [PMID: 38191651 PMCID: PMC10774265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51516-7] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenesis of gonadal cells is tightly regulated by gonadotropins. However, certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), induce reproductive toxicity. Several existing studies have considered higher than environmentally relevant concentrations of BaP on male and female steroidogenesis following long-term exposure. Also, the impact of short-term exposure to BaP on gonadotropin-stimulated cells is understudied. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of 1 nM and 1 µM BaP on luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LH/hCG)-mediated signalling in two steroidogenic cell models, i.e. the mouse tumor Leydig cell line mLTC1, and the human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC) post 8- and 24-h exposure. Cell signalling studies were performed by homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay, bioluminescence energy transfer (BRET) and Western blotting, while immunostainings and immunoassays were used for intracellular protein expression and steroidogenesis analyses, respectively. BaP decreased cAMP production in gonadotropin-stimulated mLTC1 interfering with Gαs activation. Therefore, decrease in gonadotropin-mediated CREB phosphorylation in mLTC1 treated with 1 μM BaP was observed, while StAR protein levels in gonadotropin-stimulated mLTC1 cells were unaffected by BaP. Further, BaP decreased LH- and hCG-mediated progesterone production in mLTC1. Contrastingly, BaP failed to mediate any change in cAMP, genes and proteins of steroidogenic machinery and steroidogenesis of gonadotropin-treated hGLC. Our results indicate that short-term exposure to BaP significantly impairs steroidogenic signalling in mLTC1 interfering with Gαs. These findings could have a significant impact on our understanding of the mechanism of reproductive toxicity by endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tommaso Ferrari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Reggianini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Perri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Lara Baschieri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Varani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Canu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Daria Morini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Iannotti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of Histology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
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13
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Jia L, Wang W, Liang J, Niu S, Wang Y, Yang J, Li L, Wang G, Xu X, Mu L, Cheng K, Yang X, Wang Y, Luo H, Xia G, Ke Y, Zhang Y, Zhang H. Analyzing the cellular and molecular atlas of ovarian mesenchymal cells provides a strategy against female reproductive aging. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2818-2836. [PMID: 37460714 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian mesenchymal cells (oMCs) constitute a distinct microenvironment that supports folliculogenesis under physiological conditions. Supplementation of exogenous non-ovarian mesenchymal-related cells has been reported to be an efficient approach to improve ovarian functions. However, the development and cellular and molecular characteristics of endogenous oMCs remain largely unexplored. In this study, we surveyed the single-cell transcriptomic landscape to dissect the cellular and molecular changes associated with the aging of oMCs in mice. Our results showed that the oMCs were composed of five ovarian differentiated MC (odMC) populations and one ovarian mesenchymal progenitor (oMP) cell population. These cells could differentiate into various odMCs via an oMP-derived route to construct the ovarian stroma structures. Comparative analysis revealed that ovarian aging was associated with decreased quantity of oMP cells and reduced quality of odMCs. Based on the findings of bioinformatics analysis, we designed different strategies involving supplementation with young oMCs to examine their effects on female fertility and health. Our functional investigations revealed that oMCs supplementation prior to ovarian senescence was the optimal method to improve female fertility and extend the reproductive lifespan of aged females in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longzhong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wenji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- School of Life Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, China
| | - Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shudong Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xueqiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lu Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kaixin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuebing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Haoshu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yuwen Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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14
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La Marca A, Longo M, Sighinolfi G, Grisendi V, Imbrogno MG, Giulini S. New insights into the role of LH in early ovarian follicular growth: a possible tool to optimize follicular recruitment. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103369. [PMID: 37918055 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Evidence shows that LH participates in enhancing transition from the early stage to the antral stage of folliculogenesis. It has been demonstrated that functional LH receptors are expressed, albeit at a very low level and even in smaller follicles, during the phase that was traditionally considered to be gonadotrophin independent, suggesting a role for LH in accelerating the rate of progression of non-growing and primary follicles to the preantral/antral stage. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, together with other clinical conditions of pituitary suppression, has been associated with reduced functional ovarian reserve. The reduction in LH serum concentration is associated with a low concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone. This is the case in hypothalamic amenorrhoea, pregnancy, long-term GnRH-analogue therapy and hormonal contraception. The effect seems to be reversible, such that after pregnancy and after discontinuation of drugs, the functional ovarian reserve returns to the baseline level. Evidence suggests that women with similar primordial follicle reserves could present with different numbers of antral follicles, and that gonadotrophins may play a fundamental role in permitting a normal rate of progression of follicles through non-cyclic folliculogenesis. The precise role of gonadotrophins in early folliculogenesis, as well as their use to modify the functional ovarian reserve, must be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Longo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sighinolfi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Grisendi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Imbrogno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Giulini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo, 41124 Modena, Italy
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15
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Frankfurter D, Kliman H. Progress on the Endometrium. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:677-694. [PMID: 37914487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The endometrium is a dynamic tissue that facilitates mammalian internal reproduction and thus, the ability to deliver live born progeny that are more easily protected from predators. This tissue is unique in its ability to undergo cyclic regeneration and destruction in the absence of pregnancy. Ovarian steroids guide endometrial proliferation and maturation promoting its receptivity and selectivity with regards to blastocyst implantation. It is decidualization, terminal stromal maturation, that prevents the trophoblast from breeching containment of the uterus and allows for endometrial sloughing should pregnancy not occur. Endometrial pathology is highly variable and therefore a wide array of diagnostic measures are required for its interrogation. There remains no single test that can distinguish between all potential issues and it is critical that appropriate and evidence-based endometrial assessment is carried out. Emerging data on developmental markers, inflammatory mediators, and bacterial profiling offer hope that conditions including endometriosis, cancer, infertility, and implantation failure will be more easily and less invasively diagnosed. This will allow for a more timely and targeted approach to intervention. Accordingly, assessing novel measures requires an evidence-based approach prior to their mass utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Frankfurter
- Yale Meidcal School, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Fertility Center, 200 West Campus Drive, 2nd Floor, Orange, CT 06477, USA.
| | - Harvey Kliman
- Yale University School of Medicine, Kliman Laboratories, Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 310 Cedar Street, FMB 225, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. https://twitter.com/placentatalk
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16
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Liu J, Teng Z, Xie H, Yuan H, Liu M, Chen J, Tang H, Xiang H, Wu H, Huang J. Prevalence and characteristics of polycystic ovarian syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:387-395. [PMID: 37544485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently accompanied by endocrine disturbances. We compared the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and related reproductive disorders between drug-naïve BD patients and matched healthy controls (HCs) and between drug-naïve BD patients and BD patients with long-term medication, as well as the clinical metabolic correlates among BD patients. METHODS 72 drug-naïve BD patients, 98 HCs, and 72 BD patients with long-term medication were recruited in the study. Menstruation was recorded, reproductive hormone levels and metabolic indicators were measured, and a pelvic ultrasound examination was performed via transvaginal sensor for each participant. PCOS was defined using the Rotterdam criteria. RESULTS After controlling for demographic variables, drug-naïve BD patients presented higher rates of PCOS than the HCs (OR: 3.02, 95 % CI: 1.09-8.36). Regression analysis showed that long-term treatment with valproate (OR: 3.89, 95 % CI: 1.13-13.37), age (OR: 0.37, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.95), and insulin resistance index (OR: 1.73, 95 % CI: 1.10-12.71) were correlated with PCOS in BD patients. CONCLUSIONS Drug-naïve BD patients are susceptible to developing PCOS, and valproate is correlated with increased occurrence and development of PCOS. Therefore, PCOS in BD patients, especially those who use valproate, needs to be investigated and monitored closely by medical personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyu Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ziwei Teng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Haiqing Xie
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jindong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Haishan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
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Belluti S, Imbriano C, Casarini L. Nuclear Estrogen Receptors in Prostate Cancer: From Genes to Function. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4653. [PMID: 37760622 PMCID: PMC10526871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are almost ubiquitous steroid hormones that are essential for development, metabolism, and reproduction. They exert both genomic and non-genomic action through two nuclear receptors (ERα and ERβ), which are transcription factors with disregulated functions and/or expression in pathological processes. In the 1990s, the discovery of an additional membrane estrogen G-protein-coupled receptor augmented the complexity of this picture. Increasing evidence elucidating the specific molecular mechanisms of action and opposing effects of ERα and Erβ was reported in the context of prostate cancer treatment, where these issues are increasingly investigated. Although new approaches improved the efficacy of clinical therapies thanks to the development of new molecules targeting specifically estrogen receptors and used in combination with immunotherapy, more efforts are needed to overcome the main drawbacks, and resistance events will be a challenge in the coming years. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art on ERα and ERβ mechanisms of action in prostate cancer and promising future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Belluti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy
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18
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Jin H, Yang H, Zheng J, Zhou J, Yu R. Post-trigger luteinizing hormone concentration to positively predict oocyte yield in the antagonist protocol and its association with genetic variants of LHCGR. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:189. [PMID: 37691102 PMCID: PMC10494325 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01271-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/ luteinizing hormone (LH) after triggering is generally accepted as a predictor of the normal ovarian response to the trigger, but few studies have explored the distribution model of concentration and its impact on oocyte yield. Genetic variations in LHCGR, known as a receptor for hCG and LH, also play a role in oocyte maturation and retrieval. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of concentrations of hCG/LH after triggering on oocyte yield and its association with genetic variants of LHCGR. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including 372 antagonist IVF cycles, in which 205 received the recombinant hCG trigger and 167 received the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) trigger, was conducted. The post-trigger concentrations of hCG/LH and the LHCGR N312S (rs2293275) genotype were evaluated in patients to analyse the impact of these factors on oocyte yield. RESULTS The oocyte retrieval rate (ORR) increased significantly among the low-, medium- and high-hCG-concentration groups (0.91 ± 0.25, 0.99 ± 0.23 and 1.08 ± 0.19, P < 0.001) and among the low-, medium- and high-LH-concentration groups (0.80 ± 0.29, 0.95 ± 0.21 and 1.07 ± 0.19, P < 0.001). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the post-trigger hCG concentration and ORR was 0.242 (P < 0.001), and that between the LH concentration and ORR was 0.454 (P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, high post-trigger LH concentrations remained associated with the significantly higher ORRs (adjusted R2 = 0.541, P < 0.001). Patients with the AG genotype of LHCGR N312S were more likely to have low post-trigger LH concentrations (46.10 IU/L versus 60.91 IU/L, P < 0.001) and a significantly lower ORR (0.85 versus 0.96, P = 0.042) than patients with the GG genotype after the GnRH-a trigger. CONCLUSIONS The post-trigger LH concentration can positively predict oocyte yield in antagonist IVF cycles, and patients with the AG genotype of LHCGR rs2293275 could have a suboptimal oocyte yield using the GnRH-a trigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jin
- The Urological Surgical Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- The Reproductive Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China, No. 96, Fuxue Road, Lucheng District
| | - Jiujia Zheng
- The Reproductive Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China, No. 96, Fuxue Road, Lucheng District
| | - Jiechun Zhou
- The Reproductive Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China, No. 96, Fuxue Road, Lucheng District
| | - Rong Yu
- The Reproductive Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China, No. 96, Fuxue Road, Lucheng District.
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19
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Strezsak V, Allignol A, Bühler K, Fischer R, Hubbard J, Longobardi S, Lispi M, Schertz J, Verpillat P. Dosing Characteristics of Recombinant Human Luteinizing Hormone or Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin-Derived LH Activity in Patients Undergoing Ovarian Stimulation: A German Fertility Database Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2023; 88:214-225. [PMID: 37369184 PMCID: PMC10614274 DOI: 10.1159/000530360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate dosing of recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) or human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG)-derived medications with LH activity in ovarian stimulation (OS) cycles for in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN A non-interventional study was performed to analyse data from the German RecDate database (January 2007-December 2011). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Starting/total r-hLH/hMG dose, OS duration/cycle number, r-hLH/hMG initiation day (first day of administration), and population/cycle characteristics were assessed in women (≥18 years) undergoing OS for IVF/ICSI using r-hLH or hMG-derived medications (excluding corifollitropin alfa, clomiphene citrate, letrozole, mini/micro-dose human chorionic gonadotrophin, and urofollitropin alone). Data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS 67,858 identified cycles utilized medications containing r-hLH (10,749), hMG (56,432), or both (677). Mean (standard deviation) OS duration with r-hLH and hMG was 10.1 (4.43) and 9.8 (6.16) days, respectively. Median (25th-75th percentile) r-hLH starting dose (75.0 [75.0-150.0] IU) was consistent across patients regardless of age, infertility diagnosis, or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) protocol. Median (25th-75th percentile) hMG-derived LH activity starting dose was 225.0 (150.0-300.0) IU, regardless of GnRH protocol, but was lower in women aged <35 years and those with ovulation disorders/polycystic ovary syndrome. Median (25th-75th percentile) total dose for r-hLH (750.0 [337.5-1,125.0] IU) and hMG-derived LH activity (1,575.0 [750.0-2,625.0] IU) varied according to patients' age, infertility diagnosis, cycle number, and r-hLH/hMG initiation day. GnRH antagonist use resulted in a numerically higher median total hMG-derived LH activity dose than GnRH agonist use. LIMITATIONS The data used in this study were taken from electronic medical records relating to a specific timeframe (2007-2011) and therefore may not accurately reflect current clinical practice; however, it is likely that the differences between the two compounds would be maintained. Additionally, secondary data sources may suffer from uniformity and quality issues. CONCLUSIONS The standard of care for OS cycles is described with respect to IVF/ICSI treatment including an LH component in Germany during the specified timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Strezsak
- Global Clinical Development, Research and Development, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Arthur Allignol
- Global Epidemiology, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Klaus Bühler
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Scientific-Clinical Centre for Endometriosis of the University Hospitals of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Julie Hubbard
- Global Clinical Development, Research and Development, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Unit of Endocrinology, PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Joan Schertz
- Global Clinical Development, Research and Development, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Patrice Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Research and Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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20
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John YJ, Caldwell L, McCoy DE, Braganza O. Dead rats, dopamine, performance metrics, and peacock tails: Proxy failure is an inherent risk in goal-oriented systems. Behav Brain Sci 2023; 47:e67. [PMID: 37357710 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x23002753] [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] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure. For example, when standardized test scores in education become targets, teachers may start "teaching to the test," leading to breakdown of the relationship between the measure - test performance - and the underlying goal - quality education. Similar phenomena have been named and described across a broad range of contexts, such as economics, academia, machine learning, and ecology. Yet it remains unclear whether these phenomena bear only superficial similarities, or if they derive from some fundamental unifying mechanism. Here, we propose such a unifying mechanism, which we label proxy failure. We first review illustrative examples and their labels, such as the "cobra effect," "Goodhart's law," and "Campbell's law." Second, we identify central prerequisites and constraints of proxy failure, noting that it is often only a partial failure or divergence. We argue that whenever incentivization or selection is based on an imperfect proxy measure of the underlying goal, a pressure arises that tends to make the proxy a worse approximation of the goal. Third, we develop this perspective for three concrete contexts, namely neuroscience, economics, and ecology, highlighting similarities and differences. Fourth, we outline consequences of proxy failure, suggesting it is key to understanding the structure and evolution of goal-oriented systems. Our account draws on a broad range of disciplines, but we can only scratch the surface within each. We thus hope the present account elicits a collaborative enterprise, entailing both critical discussion as well as extensions in contexts we have missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan J John
- Neural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Dakota E McCoy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Oliver Braganza
- Institute for Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Socioeconomics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
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21
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Chen J, Liu K, Liu W, Yeung WSB. The involvement of let-7 in hCG-induced progesterone synthesis via regulating p27 Kip1 and p21 Cip1 expression. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023:111970. [PMID: 37230221 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is essential in females to maintain a regular menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces the luteinization of granulosa cells and thecal cells to form the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone synthesis. However, the specific mechanism of how hCG, the analog of LH, regulates progesterone synthesis has yet to be fully discovered. In this study, we found that progesterone level was increased in adult wild-type pregnant mice 2 and 7 days post-coitum, along with a decrease in let-7 expression compared with the estrus stage. Besides, the let-7 expression was negatively correlated with progesterone level in post-delivery day 23 wild-type female mice after being injected with PMSG and hCG. Then, using let-7 transgenic mice and a human granulosa cell line, we found that overexpression of let-7 antagonized progesterone level via targeting p27Kip1 and p21Cip1 and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression, which is a rate-limiting enzyme in progesterone synthesis. Furthermore, hCG suppressed let-7 expression by stimulating the MAPK pathway. This study elucidated the role of microRNA let-7 in regulating hCG-induced progesterone production and provided new insights into its role in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Kai Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China.
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22
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Abstract
Embryo implantation in humans is interstitial, meaning the entire conceptus embeds in the endometrium before the placental trophoblast invades beyond the uterine mucosa into the underlying inner myometrium. Once implanted, embryo survival pivots on the transformation of the endometrium into an anti-inflammatory placental bed, termed decidua, under homeostatic control of uterine natural killer cells. Here, we examine the evolutionary context of embryo implantation and elaborate on uterine remodelling before and after conception in humans. We also discuss the interactions between the embryo and the decidualising endometrium that regulate interstitial implantation and determine embryo fitness. Together, this Review highlights the precarious but adaptable nature of the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Vincent J. Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-4610, USA
| | - Rajiv C. McCoy
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
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23
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Bielfeld AP, Schwarze JE, Verpillat P, Lispi M, Fischer R, Hayward B, Chuderland D, D'Hooghe T, Krussel JS. Effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH): recombinant human luteinizing hormone versus r-hFSH alone in assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles among women aged 35-40 years: A German database study. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 89:102350. [PMID: 37320996 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102350] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This non-interventional study compared the effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) and recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) (2:1 ratio) versus r-hFSH alone for ovarian stimulation (OS) during assisted reproductive technology treatment in women aged 35-40 years, using real-world data from the Deutsches IVF-Register (D·I·R). Numerically higher clinical pregnancy (29.8% [95% CI 28.2, 31.6] vs. 27.8% [26.5, 29.2]) and live birth (20.3% [18.7, 21.8] vs. 18.0% [16.6, 19.4]) rates were observed with r-hFSH:r-hLH versus r-hFSH alone. The treatment effect was consistently higher for r-hFSH:r-hLH compared with r-hFSH alone in terms of clinical pregnancy (relative risk [RR] 1.16 [1.05, 1.26]) and live birth (RR 1.16 [1.02, 1.31]) in a post-hoc analysis of women with 5-14 oocytes retrieved (used as a surrogate for normal ovarian reserve), highlighting the potential benefits of r-hFSH:r-hLH for OS in women aged 35-40 years with normal ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - J E Schwarze
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - P Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - M Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale A. Allegri 9. 42121, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
| | - R Fischer
- Fertility Centre Hamburg, 20095, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - B Hayward
- EMD Serono, One Technology Place, Rockland, MA 02370, USA, and affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - D Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany.
| | - T D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - J S Krussel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UniKiD Center for Reproductive Medicine (UniKiD), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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24
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Fanelli F, Magagnoli M, Mezzullo M, Lispi M, Limoncella S, Tommasini A, Pelusi C, Santi D, Simoni M, Pagotto U, Casarini L. Exploring the human chorionic gonadotropin induced steroid secretion profile of mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 by a 20 steroid LC-MS/MS panel. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 229:106270. [PMID: 36764496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The canonical androgen synthesis in Leydig cells involves Δ5 and Δ4 steroids. Besides, the backdoor pathway, eompassing 5α and 5α,3α steroids, is gaining interest in fetal and adult pathophysiology. Moreover, the role of androgen epimers and progesterone metabolites is still unknown. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring 20 steroids and used it to investigate the steroid secretion induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 (mLTC1). Steroids were extracted from 500 µL supernatants from unstimulated or 100 pM hCG-exposed mLTC1 cells, separated on a Luna C8 100 × 3 mm, 3 µm column, with 100 µM NH4F and methanol as mobile phases, and analyzed by positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Sensitivity ranged within 0.012-38.0 nmol/L. Intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision were < 9.1% and 10.0%, respectively. Trueness, recovery and matrix factor were within 93.4-122.0, 55.6-104.1 and 76.4-106.3%, respectively. Levels of 16OH-progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, epitestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, androsterone and 17OH-allopregnanolone were effectively measured. Traces of 17OH-dihydroprogesterone, androstanediol and dihydroprogesterone were found, whereas androstenediol, 17OH-pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and allopregnanolone showed no peak. hCG induced an increase of 80.2-102.5 folds in 16OH-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone, 16.6 in dihydrotestosterone, 12.2-27.5 in epitestosterone, progesterone and metabolites, 8.1 in 17OH-allopregnanolone and ≤ 3.3 in 5α and 5α,3α steroids. In conclusion, our LC-MS/MS method allows exploring the Leydig steroidogenesis flow according to multiple pathways. Beside the expected stimulation of the canonical pathway, hCG increased progesterone metabolism and, to a low extent, the backdoor route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Magagnoli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- International Ph.D. School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Global Medical Affair, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Tommasini
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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25
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Guibourdenche J, Leguy MC, Pidoux G, Hebert-Schuster M, Laguillier C, Anselem O, Grangé G, Bonnet F, Tsatsaris V. Biochemical Screening for Fetal Trisomy 21: Pathophysiology of Maternal Serum Markers and Involvement of the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087669. [PMID: 37108840 PMCID: PMC10146970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that maternal serum markers are often abnormal in fetal trisomy 21. Their determination is recommended for prenatal screening and pregnancy follow-up. However, mechanisms leading to abnormal maternal serum levels of such markers are still debated. Our objective was to help clinicians and scientists unravel the pathophysiology of these markers via a review of the main studies published in this field, both in vivo and in vitro, focusing on the six most widely used markers (hCG, its free subunit hCGβ, PAPP-A, AFP, uE3, and inhibin A) as well as cell-free feto-placental DNA. Analysis of the literature shows that mechanisms underlying each marker's regulation are multiple and not necessarily directly linked with the supernumerary chromosome 21. The crucial involvement of the placenta is also highlighted, which could be defective in one or several of its functions (turnover and apoptosis, endocrine production, and feto-maternal exchanges and transfer). These defects were neither constant nor specific for trisomy 21, and might be more or less pronounced, reflecting a high variability in placental immaturity and alteration. This explains why maternal serum markers can lack both specificity and sensitivity, and are thus restricted to screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Guibourdenche
- Hormonologie CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Christelle Laguillier
- Hormonologie CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- UMR-S1139, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Olivia Anselem
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
- Maternité Port Royal CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Grangé
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
- Maternité Port Royal CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Fidéline Bonnet
- Hormonologie CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Vassilis Tsatsaris
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
- Maternité Port Royal CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
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Avril T, Hennocq Q, Lambert AS, Leger J, Simon D, Martinerie L, Bouvattier C. Gonadotropin administration to mimic mini-puberty in hypogonadotropic males: pump or injections? Endocr Connect 2023; 12:EC-22-0252. [PMID: 36724045 PMCID: PMC10083662 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Newborns with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) have an impaired postnatal activation of the gonadotropic axis. Substitutive therapy with recombinant gonadotropins can be proposed to mimic physiological male mini-puberty during the first months of life. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and biological efficacy of two treatment modalities of gonadotropins administration during mini-puberty in CHH neonates. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective analytical epidemiological study comparing two treatments, pump vs injection, between 2004 and 2019. METHODS Clinical (penile size, testis size, testicular descent) and biological parameters (serum concentrations of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B) were compared between the two groups by multivariate analyses. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included. A significantly higher increase in penile length and testosterone level was observed in the injection group compared to the pump group (+0.16 ± 0.02 mm vs +0.10 ± 0.02 mm per day, P = 0.002; and +0.04 ± 0.007 ng/mL vs +0.01 ± 0.008 ng/mL per day, P = 0.001). In both groups, significant increases in penile length and width, testosterone, AMH, and Inhibin B levels were observed, as well as improved testicular descent (odds ratio of not being in a scrotal position at the end of treatment = 0.97 (0.96; 0.99)). CONCLUSIONS Early postnatal administration of recombinant gonadotropins in CHH boys is effective in stimulating penile growth, Sertoli cell proliferation, and testicular descent, with both treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Avril
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Bicetre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Disease CRMR DevGen, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
- Correspondence should be addressed to T Avril:
| | - Quentin Hennocq
- Datascience platform, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Lambert
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Bicetre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Disease CRMR DevGen, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Juliane Leger
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Disease CRMR de la Croissance et du Développement, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Faculté de Santé, UFR de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Simon
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Disease CRMR de la Croissance et du Développement, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Martinerie
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Disease CRMR de la Croissance et du Développement, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Faculté de Santé, UFR de Médecine, Paris, France
- Inserm UMR1185, Le Kremlin Bicetre, Paris, France
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Pediatric Endocrinology Department, CHU Bicetre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Disease CRMR DevGen, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
- Inserm UMR1185, Le Kremlin Bicetre, Paris, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
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Yuksel M, Luo W, McCloy B, Mills J, Kayaharman M, Yeow JTW. A precise and rapid early pregnancy test: Development of a novel and fully automated electrochemical point-of-care biosensor for human urine samples. Talanta 2023; 254:124156. [PMID: 36525867 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a glycoprotein hormone secreted from the placenta, is an important biomarker for pregnancy. In this study, we designed a precise, rapid and fully automatic device with an electrochemical point-of-care biosensor capable of quantitative hCG detection from human urine samples for early pregnancy detection. Gold and Ag/AgCl electrodes, whose structure with optimum isopotential region and current density, were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® software and custom-made from Flex Medical. The sensing surface was fabricated with DSP self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and covalently immobilized anti-hCG-beta antibody. The detection method involved a sandwich assay using anti-hCG alpha-HRP. Based on an automated agitation design implemented in our device, the surface reaction rate is significantly improved comparing to routinely performed sandwich assays, and therefore a rapid detection of very low concentration can be achieved. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry (CA) measurements were used to characterize the immobilization of the antibodies and to determine the sensor activities respectively. The sensors displayed a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.17 mIU/ml within established clinical hCG levels for early detection of pregnancy. They responded very well to hCG, but not to luteinizing hormone (LH), which has a high degree of cross-reactivity with hCG. The results showed that the immunosensor has high specificity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability for the detection of hCG in urine samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Yuksel
- Dept. of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada; SannTek Labs Inc, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Luo
- SannTek Labs Inc, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Muhammed Kayaharman
- SannTek Labs Inc, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - John T W Yeow
- Dept. of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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Physicochemical Characterization of a Recombinant eCG and Comparative Studies with PMSG Commercial Preparations. Protein J 2023; 42:24-36. [PMID: 36652139 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a glycoprotein hormone widely used in timed artificial ovulation (TAI) and superovulation protocols to improve the reproductive performance in livestock. Until recently, the only eCG products available in the market for veterinary use consisted in partially purified preparations of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Here, a bioactive recombinant eCG (reCG) produced in suspension CHO-K1 cells was purified employing different chromatographic methods (hydrophobic interaction chromatography and reverse-phase (RP)-HPLC) and compared with a RP-HPLC-purified PMSG. To gain insight into the structural and functional characteristics of reCG, a bioinformatics analysis was performed. An exhaustive characterization comprising the determination of the purity degree, aggregates and nicked forms through SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC and SEC-HPLC was performed. Higher order structures were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and SEC-HPLC. Isoforms profile were analyzed by isoelectric focusing. Glycosylation analysis was performed through pulsed amperometric detection and PNGase F treatment following SDS-PAGE and weak anion exchange-HPLC. Slight differences between the purified recombinant hormones were found. However, recombinant molecules and PMSG exhibited variations in the glycosylation pattern. In fact, differences in sialic acid content between two commercial preparations of PMSG were also obtained, which could lead to differences in their biological potency. These results show the importance of having a standardized production process, as occurs in a recombinant protein bioprocess. Besides, our results reflect the importance of the glycan moieties on eCG conformation and hence in its biological activity, preventing denaturing processes such as aggregation.
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Male infertility and gonadotropin treatment: What can we learn from real-world data? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102310. [PMID: 36682942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin therapy to treat specific male infertility disorders associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is evidence-based and effective in restoring spermatogenesis and fertility. In contrast, its use to improve fertility in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia remains controversial, despite being widely practiced. The existence of two major inter-related pathways for spermatogenesis, including FSH and intratesticular testosterone, provides a rationale for empiric hormone stimulation therapy in both eugonadal and hypogonadal males with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia. Real-world data (RWD) on gonadotropin stimulating for these patient subsets, mainly using human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone, accumulated gradually, showing a positive therapeutic effect in some patients, translated by increased sperm production, sperm quality, and sperm retrieval rates. Although more evidence is needed, current insights from RWD research indicate that selected male infertility patients might be managed more effectively using gonadotropin therapy, with potential gains for all parties involved.
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Casarini L, Simoni M. Membrane estrogen receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 123:555-585. [PMID: 37717998 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogens are fundamental to support reproductive functions. Beside the well-known FSH membrane receptor (FSHR), a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been found, over the last two decades, in several tissues. It may trigger rapid, non-genomic responses of estradiol, activating proliferative and survival stimuli. The two receptors were co-characterized in the ovary, where they modulate different intracellular signaling cascades, according to the expression level and developmental stage of ovarian follicles. Moreover, they may physically interact to form heteromeric assemblies, suggestive of a new mode of action to regulate FSH-specific signals, and likely determining the follicular fate between atresia and dominance. The knowledge of FSH and estrogen membrane receptors provides a new, deeper level of comprehension of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Preventing Growth Stagnation and Premature LH Surge Are the Keys to Obtaining a Viable Embryo in Monofollicular IVF Cycles: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237140. [PMID: 36498713 PMCID: PMC9737977 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
How LH levels influenced the outcomes of monofollicular IVF cycles using different stimulation protocols was controversial. In this single-center, retrospective study, we analyzed 815 monofollicular IVF cycles between 2016−2022 using natural cycle (NC), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or clomiphene citrate (CC) in addition to human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), with or without GnRH antagonist. A viable embryo was obtained in 35.7% of all cycles. Growth stagnation and premature LH surge are two markedly negative factors for obtaining viable embryos (odds ratios of 0.12 [0.08−0.65], p < 0.0001 and 0.33 [0.26,0.42], p < 0.0001, respectively). NC/hMG cycles are prone to premature LH surge (40.4%), yielding a significantly lower opportunity of obtaining embryos (24.7%, p = 0.029). The administration of GnRH antagonist on the background of MPA resulted in a significant decrease in LH levels (from 2.26 IU/L to −0.89 IU/L relative to baseline, p = 0.000214), leading to a higher risk of growth stagnation (18.6%, p = 0.007). We hypothesized that the abrupt decline of LH might increase the risk of apoptosis in granulosa cells. We proposed a “marginal effect” framework to emphasize that the change of LH was the key to its bioactivity, rather than the traditional “window” concept with fixed cutoff values of a threshold and a ceiling.
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Koloda Y, Korsak V, Rozenson O, Anshina M, Sagamonova K, Baranov I, Yakovenko S, D'Hooghe T, Ershova A, Lispi M. Use of a recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone:recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hFSH:r-hLH) 2:1 combination for controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technology treatment: A real-world study of routine practice in the Russian Federation. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:134-148. [PMID: 35216907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Two observational studies in the Russian Federation described patient demographics/clinical decision for treatment with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone:recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hFSH:r-hLH) 2:1 combination for ovarian stimulation (OS) during assisted reproductive technology (ART) and outcomes, respectively. The first (prospective) study enrolled 500 patients. After post-hoc regrouping to assign patients to discrete groups, 378 (75.6%) met the local Russian label for an r-hFSH:r-hLH 2:1 combination, 105 (21%) were treated according to other physician preference, and 17 (3.4%) met only the ESHRE Bologna criteria for a poor ovarian response. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was 30.4%. A total of 158/175 (90.3%) women achieving clinical pregnancy in the prospective study participated in the second (retrospective) study. The live birth rate per cycle was 25.8%. No new safety concerns were reported. These results support the use of the r-hFSH:r-hLH 2:1 combination in patients with a poor/suboptimal response to OS for ART treatment in the Russian Federation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Koloda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Centre of Reproduction "Life Line," 121471 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Vladislav Korsak
- International Centre for Reproductive Medicine (ICRM), Komendantskij prospect, 197350 St Petersburg, Russian Federation.
| | - Oleg Rozenson
- Biopharma, LCC Merck, Valovaya Str. 35, Moscow-115054, Russian Federation, an affiliate of Merck KGaA.
| | - Margarita Anshina
- IVF & Reproductive Genetics Center (FertiMed), Moscow, Moscow, 3 Park Str., 8/19 and 12, Russian Federation.
| | - Karina Sagamonova
- Human Reproduction and IVF Center, Rostov-on-Don, Bodraya ulitsa, 90, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Igor Baranov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology named after Academician V.I.Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4, Oparina Street, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997.
| | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Nagornaya st. 4A, Moscow, 117186, Russian Federation; Biophysics Department of Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, F135/002, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Anna Ershova
- Biopharma, LCC Merck, Valovaya Str. 35, Moscow-115054, Russian Federation, an affiliate of Merck KGaA.
| | - Monica Lispi
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, F135/002, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi n. 287, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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Kilanowska A, Ziółkowska A, Stasiak P, Gibas-Dorna M. cAMP-Dependent Signaling and Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233835. [PMID: 36497095 PMCID: PMC9738761 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
cAMP-dependent pathway is one of the most significant signaling cascades in healthy and neoplastic ovarian cells. Working through its major effector proteins-PKA and EPAC-it regulates gene expression and many cellular functions. PKA promotes the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) which mediates gene transcription, cell migration, mitochondrial homeostasis, cell proliferation, and death. EPAC, on the other hand, is involved in cell adhesion, binding, differentiation, and interaction between cell junctions. Ovarian cancer growth and metabolism largely depend on changes in the signal processing of the cAMP-PKA-CREB axis, often associated with neoplastic transformation, metastasis, proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. In addition, the intracellular level of cAMP also determines the course of other pathways including AKT, ERK, MAPK, and mTOR, that are hypo- or hyperactivated among patients with ovarian neoplasm. With this review, we summarize the current findings on cAMP signaling in the ovary and its association with carcinogenesis, multiplication, metastasis, and survival of cancer cells. Additionally, we indicate that targeting particular stages of cAMP-dependent processes might provide promising therapeutic opportunities for the effective management of patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kilanowska
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-683-283-148
| | - Agnieszka Ziółkowska
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Piotr Stasiak
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Magdalena Gibas-Dorna
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-046 Zielona Gora, Poland
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Sachdeva R, Pal R. A pregnancy hormone-cell death link promotes enhanced lupus-specific immunological effects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1051779. [PMID: 36505418 PMCID: PMC9730325 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1051779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Women of reproductive age demonstrate an increased incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus, and reproductive hormones have been implicated in disease progression. Additionally, pregnancy can be associated with disease "flares", the reasons for which remain obscure. While apoptotic bodies are believed to provide an autoantigenic trigger in lupus, whether autoantigenic constituents vary with varying cellular insults, and whether such variations can be immunologically consequential in the context of pregnancy, remains unknown. As assessed by antigenicity and mass spectrometry, apoptotic bodies elicited by different drugs demonstrated the differential presence of lupus-associated autoantigens, and varied in the ability to elicit lupus-associated cytokines from lupus splenocytes and alter the phenotype of lupus B cells. Immunization of tamoxifen-induced apoptotic bodies in lupus-prone mice generated higher humoral autoreactive responses than did immunization with cisplatin-induced apoptotic bodies, and both apoptotic bodies were poorly immunogenic in healthy mice. Incubation of lupus splenocytes (but not healthy splenocytes) with the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) along with tamoxifen-induced apoptotic bodies (but not cisplatin-induced apoptotic bodies) induced increases in the secretion of lupus-associated cytokines and in the up-modulation of B cell phenotypic markers. In addition, levels of secreted autoantibodies (including of specificities linked to lupus pathogenesis) were enhanced. These events were associated with the heightened phosphorylation of several signaling intermediates. Observations suggest that hCG is a potential disease-promoting co-stimulant in a lupus-milieu; when combined with specific apoptotic bodies, it enhances the intensity of multiple lupus-associated events. These findings deepen mechanistic insight into the hormone's links with autoreactive responses in lupus-prone mice and humans.
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Monosomy X in isogenic human iPSC-derived trophoblast model impacts expression modules preserved in human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2211073119. [PMID: 36161909 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211073119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes encode homologous X/Y gene pairs that were retained on the Y chromosome in males and escape X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females. Inferred to reflect X/Y pair dosage sensitivity, monosomy X is a leading cause of miscarriage in humans with near full penetrance. This phenotype is shared with many other mammals but not the mouse, which offers sophisticated genetic tools to generate sex chromosomal aneuploidy but also tolerates its developmental impact. To address this critical gap, we generated X-monosomic human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) alongside otherwise isogenic euploid controls from male and female mosaic samples. Phased genomic variants in these hiPSC panels enable systematic investigation of X/Y dosage-sensitive features using in vitro models of human development. Here, we demonstrate the utility of these validated hiPSC lines to test how X/Y-linked gene dosage impacts a widely used model for human syncytiotrophoblast development. While these isogenic panels trigger a GATA2/3- and TFAP2A/C-driven trophoblast gene circuit irrespective of karyotype, differential expression implicates monosomy X in altered levels of placental genes and in secretion of placental growth factor (PlGF) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Remarkably, weighted gene coexpression network modules that significantly reflect these changes are also preserved in first-trimester chorionic villi and term placenta. Our results suggest monosomy X may skew trophoblast cell type composition and function, and that the combined haploinsufficiency of the pseudoautosomal region likely plays a key role in these changes.
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Tian W, Qi H, Wang Z, Qiao S, Wang P, Dong J, Wang H. Hormone supply to the pituitary gland: A comprehensive investigation of female‑related tumors (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:122. [PMID: 35946461 PMCID: PMC9387558 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus acts on the pituitary gland after signal integration, thus regulating various physiological functions of the body. The pituitary gland includes the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis, which differ in structure and function. The hypothalamus-hypophysis axis controls the secretion of adenohypophyseal hormones through the pituitary portal vein system. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin, growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) are secreted by the adenohypophysis and regulate the functions of the body in physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this review was to summarize the functions of female-associated hormones (GH, PRL, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) in tumors. Their pathophysiology was described and the mechanisms underlying female hormone-related diseases were investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Tian
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Qi
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Zhimei Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hi‑Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, D‑66421 Homburg‑Saar, Germany
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Junhong Dong
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
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Qu J, Wang Q, Sun X, Li Y. The environment and female reproduction: Potential mechanism of cadmium poisoning to the growth and development of ovarian follicle. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114029. [PMID: 36055045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is ubiquitous in our environment and can easily bioaccumulate into the organism after passage through the respiratory and digestive tracts. Long-term exposure to Cd can result in the significant bioaccumulation in organism because of its long biological high-life (10-30 years), which exerts irreversible damages on the health of animals and humans. Although there are increased evidence of impeding the normal function of female reproduction resulted from Cd exposure, the mechanism of the negative action of Cd on the growth and development of ovarian follicle remains enigmatic. Thus, the purpose of the presented study is to summarize available literature which describing Cd-related toxicity involved in the adverse effects on the growth and development of the ovarian follicle. In conclusion, it is suggested that Cd causes damage to the folliculogenesis of mammalians, which results in the decline in the number and quality of ovulated oocytes and the failure in the fertilization. The mechanism behinds that may be linked to the interference to the production of reproductive hormones and the augment of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the enhanced ROS, in turn, impairs various molecules including proteins, lipids and DNA, as well as the balance of the antioxidant defense system, mitochondrial homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum, autophagy and epigenetic modification. This review is expected to elaborate the toxic mechanism of Cd exposure to the growth and development of ovarian follicles and provide essential remediation strategies to alleviate the damage of Cd to female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Yongjun Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Pallotti F, Barbonetti A, Rastrelli G, Santi D, Corona G, Lombardo F. The impact of male factors and their correct and early diagnosis in the infertile couple's pathway: 2021 perspectives. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1807-1822. [PMID: 35349114 PMCID: PMC8961097 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current clinical practice in reproductive medicine should pose the couple at the centre of the diagnostic-therapeutic management of infertility and requires intense collaboration between the andrologist, the gynaecologist and the embryologist. The andrologist, in particular, to adequately support the infertile couple, must undertake important biological, psychological, economical and ethical task. Thus, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of the andrologist in the study of male factor infertility. METHODS A comprehensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed including publications between 1969 and 2021. RESULTS Available evidence indicates that a careful medical history and physical examination, followed by semen analysis, always represent the basic starting points of the diagnostic work up in male partner of an infertile couple. Regarding treatment, gonadotropins are an effective treatment in case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and FSH may be used in men with idiopathic infertility, while evidence supporting other hormonal and nonhormonal treatments is either limited or conflicting. In the future, pharmacogenomics of FSHR and FSHB as well as innovative compounds may be considered to develop new therapeutic strategies in the management of infertility. CONCLUSION To provide a high-level of care, the andrologist must face several critical diagnostical and therapeutical steps. Even though ART may be the final and decisive stage of this decisional network, neglecting to treat the male partner may ultimately increase the risks of negative outcome, as well as costs and psychological burden for the couple itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital-Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda-Usl Bologna, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Ri K, Lee-Okada HC, Yokomizo T. Omega-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids in Leydig cells facilitate male sex hormone production. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1001. [PMID: 36131086 PMCID: PMC9492697 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03972-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) are fatty acids with more than three double bonds in the molecule. Mammalian testes contain very high levels of omega-6 HUFAs compared with other tissues. However, the metabolic and biological significance of these HUFAs in the mammalian testis is poorly understood. Here we show that Leydig cells vigorously synthesize omega-6 HUFAs to facilitate male sex hormone production. In the testis, FADS2 (Fatty acid desaturase 2), the rate-limiting enzyme for HUFA biosynthesis, is highly expressed in Leydig cells. In this study, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of FADS2 drastically reduces the production of omega-6 HUFAs and male steroid hormones in Leydig cells; this reduction is significantly rescued by supplementation with omega-6 HUFAs. Mechanistically, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL; also called LIPE), a lipase that supplies free cholesterol for steroid hormone production, preferentially hydrolyzes HUFA-containing cholesteryl esters as substrates. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Leydig cells highly express FADS2 to facilitate male steroid hormone production by accumulating omega-6 HUFA-containing cholesteryl esters, which serve as preferred substrates for HSL. These findings unveil a previously unrecognized importance of omega-6 HUFAs in the mammalian male reproductive system. Leydig cells highly express FADS2 to facilitate male steroid hormone production by accumulating omega-6 HUFA-containing cholesteryl esters, which serve as preferred substrates for hormone-sensitive lipase
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiken Ri
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takehiko Yokomizo
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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La Marca A, Longo M. Extended LH administration as a strategy to increase the pool of recruitable antral follicles in hypothalamic amenorrhea: evidence from a case series. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2655-2661. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
New evidence is indicating a growing role of LH in promoting ovarian follicular growth and maturation, even at the early stages. LH seems to enhance the transition of follicles to the antral stage hence leading to an increase in the so-called functional ovarian reserve (recruitable antral follicles). Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is characterized by low, and sometimes undetectable, serum LH and FSH levels, which may indeed explain the low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC) found in patients affected by this condition. We report here the cases of two young women affected by hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) that presented for fertility treatment with very low functional ovarian reserve. The two patients were treated with exogenous LH for 1 and 2 months (extended LH administration: ELHA) at the dose of 187.5 IU LH every day and 150 IU LH every other day, respectively. In both the cases there was an increase in serum AMH levels and in the AFC. In one patient, the AMH and AFC increased from a baseline 1.3 ng/ml and 8 to 2.3 ng/ml and 14 at end of treatment, respectively. In the second case, serum AMH and AFC increased from 0.4 ng/ml and 6 to 1.6 ng/ml and 13, respectively. One patient underwent ovarian stimulation before and after ELHA, showing an increase in the number of mature oocytes recruited (3 versus 8 metaphase II (MII) oocytes before and after, respectively). The second patient underwent an IVF cycle after ELHA resulting in the retrieval of six MII oocytes and an ongoing pregnancy following transfer of a single blastocyst. Women with HA are characterized by chronic, low levels of gonadotrophins, which may impact not only on the cyclic recruitment of follicles but also the progression of small growing follicles through the first stages of folliculogenesis. Some women with HA may in fact show very low serum AMH and AFC. Our case series shows that the administration of LH at a dose of at least 150–187.5 IU every day or every other day may contribute to a clinically evident increase in the functional ovarian reserve (AFC), and probably accounts for a positive effect of LH on the progression of follicles throughout the early stages of folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
- Clinica Eugin Modena , Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Longo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
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Afradiasbagharani P, Hosseini E, Allahveisi A, Bazrafkan M. The insulin-like growth factor and its players: their functions, significance, and consequences in all aspects of ovarian physiology. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-022-00119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has unique and well-known functions in female fertility, according to documents reporting improved yield of oocytes, reinforced quality of the embryo, and enhanced live births with simultaneous reduction of miscarriage. However, there is no detailed information on the bio-mechanisms linking such clinical differences.
Main body
IGF and its receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues in the reproductive system such as granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca cells. Hence, the development of female gametes may be directly regulated by IGF, thereby affecting gamete quality and so its competence for implantation. IGF is a central player in changing the fate of cells during survival and proliferation through the modulation of leading signaling pathways, including Jak/STAT, MAP kinase/ERK, and PI3K/Akt, and subsequent impacts on steroidogenesis and cell division.
Conclusion
The current review aims to scrutinize the performance of IGF to regulate the normal ovarian, and its impacts on cell signaling pathways and resulting alterations in steroidogenesis and cell proliferation. The function of IGF and its receptor has been reviewed in female fertility at both molecular and biochemical levels.
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Chen P, Luo Q, Lin Y, Jin J, Hu KL, Wang F, Sun J, Chen R, Wei J, Chen G, Zhang D. Arsenic exposure during juvenile and puberty significantly affected reproductive system development of female SD rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 242:113857. [PMID: 35809398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects about 10-15% couples over the world, among which a large number of cases the underlying causes are still unclear. Recent studies suggest that environmental factors may play an important role in these idiopathic infertilities. Arsenic is a heavy metal found in drinking water over the world. Its effect on the development of female reproductive system at the environmental-relevant levels is still largely unknown. To test the hypothesis that arsenic exposure during juvenile and puberty may affect sex maturation and female reproductive system development, SD rats of 3 weeks of age were exposed to arsenic with environmental-relevant levels (0, 0.02, 0.2, or 2 mg/L, n = 16/group) through drinking water for about 44 days until the rats reached adulthood (65 days of age). Arsenic exposure significantly reduced the weights of both ovary and uterus without affecting the body weight. Also, arsenic exposure disturbed estrus cycles and reduced the numbers of primordial follicles and corpora lutea while increased atretic follicles. In addition, arsenic reduced serum levels of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone but increased LH and FSH levels in dose-dependent manners. QPCR and Western blot experiments indicated arsenic selectively down-regulated ovarian steroidogenic-related proteins FSHR, STAR, CYP17A1, HSD3B1 and CYP19A1 and signaling molecules PKA-ERK-JNK-cJUN, without affecting AKT and CREB. As about reproductive capacity, arsenic-exposed dams had smaller pups, reduced litter size and lower number of male pups without a change in female pups. In conclusion, juvenile and pubertal arsenic exposures at environmental-relevant levels significantly reduced reproductive functions and capacity by adult. Since the lowest effective dose is very close to the government safety standards, the relevancy of arsenic over exposure to reproductive defects in human deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiani Jin
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai-Lun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruixue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangdi Chen
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Wang SM, Wang Q, Ye LY, Chen SX, Tao L, Yang ZS. Effects of hCG on DA neuronal death of Parkinson's disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 617:41-47. [PMID: 35689841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, with the incidence in men being about twice as compared to women. Gender differences may provide clues for finding key targets that mediate the death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in PD. Luteinizing hormone (LH), analog of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and their receptor, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), are associated with the pathogenesis of PD. Movement-related symptoms are partially improved by hCG in PD patients. However, the relationship between hCG and PD, as well as its roles in mediating DA neuronal death, has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential of hCG as a treatment during PD progression. After establishment of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse models, we found that hCG restored the decrease of LHCGR activity caused by down-regulation of LH in the substantia nigra. Furthermore, the reduction of LHCGR activity led to DA neuronal death through knocking down the LHCGR in DA neurons by AAV-mTH-shRNA. Treatment with hCG alleviated the DA neuronal death induced by MPTP. Finally, hCG exerted neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) in our MPTP-induced PD mouse and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cell models. Together, these results demonstrate that hCG exerts neuroprotective effects for PD through LHCGR, and the inhibition of GSK3β activation is involved in this protective effect, suggesting that hCG can be taken as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Min Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li-Yan Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shao-Xia Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Liang Tao
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhao-Shou Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Najdecki R, Michos G, Peitsidis N, Timotheou E, Chartomatsidou T, Kakanis S, Chouliara F, Mamopoulos A, Papanikolaou E. Agonist triggering in oocyte donation programs-Mini review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:838236. [PMID: 36093096 PMCID: PMC9462512 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.838236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte donation programs involve young and healthy women undergoing heavy ovarian stimulation protocols in order to yield good-quality oocytes for their respective recipient couples. These stimulation cycles were for many years beset by a serious and potentially lethal complication known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The use of the short antagonist protocol not only is patient-friendly but also has halved the need for hospitalization due to OHSS sequelae. Moreover, the replacement of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) triggering has reduced OHSS occurrence significantly, almost eliminating its moderate to severe presentations. Despite differences in the dosage and type of GnRH-a used across different studies, a comparable number of mature oocytes retrieved, fertilization, blastulation, and pregnancy rates in egg recipients are seen when compared to hCG-triggered cycles. Nowadays, GnRH-a tend to be the triggering agents of choice in oocyte donation cycles, as they are effective and safe and reduce OHSS incidence. However, as GnRH-a triggering does not eliminate OHSS altogether, caution should be practiced in order to avoid unnecessary lengthy and heavy ovarian stimulation that could potentially compromise both the donor's wellbeing and the treatment's efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Najdecki
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Michos
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Peitsidis
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Timotheou
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Stelios Kakanis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Chouliara
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Mamopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Papanikolaou
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chen MJ, Yi YC, Guu HF, Chen YF, Kung HF, Chang JC, Chuan ST, Chen LY. A retrospective, matched case-control study of recombinant LH versus hMG supplementation on FSH during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in the GnRH-antagonist protocol. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:931756. [PMID: 36046790 PMCID: PMC9420867 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.931756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) requires more evidence for its efficacy. Several studies compared recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in combination with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) but lack the results with GnRH-antagonist protocol and in Asians. Methods This is a retrospective, single-center study inspecting women receiving GnRH antagonist protocol and r-hFSH+hMG or r-hFSH+r-hLH regimen for over five days for COH in the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle in Taiwan from 2013 to 2018. The outcomes of IVF/ICSI cycles were analyzed after propensity score matching between the two groups. A subgroup analysis was conducted in cycles in which women underwent their first embryo transfer (ET), including fresh ET and frozen ET (FET). Results With a total of 503 cycles, the results revealed that the r-hFSH+r-hLH group performed better in terms of numbers of oocytes retrieved (r-hFSH+hMG vs. r-hFSH+r-hLH, 11.7 vs. 13.7, p=0.014), mature oocytes (8.7 vs. 10.9, p=0.001), and fertilized oocytes (8.3 vs. 9.8, p=0.022), while other outcomes were comparable. The analysis of first ET cycles also showed similar trends. Although the implantation rate (39% vs. 43%, p=0.37), pregnancy rate (52% vs. 53%, p=0.90), and live birth rate (39% vs. 45%, p=0.19) were not significantly different, the miscarriage rate was higher in the r-hFSH+hMG group than the r-hFSH+r-hLH group (26% vs. 15%, p<0.05) in first ET cycles. The cumulative pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the r-hFSH+r-hLH group (53% vs. 64%, p=0.02). No significant difference in rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was observed. Conclusion The results support the hypothesis that the treatment of r-hLH+r-hFSH improves COH clinical outcomes in the IVF/ICSI cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jer Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiao Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwa-Fen Guu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fan Kung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Chun Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ting Chuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Matsukawa H, Ikezaki M, Nishioka K, Iwahashi N, Fujimoto M, Nishitsuji K, Ihara Y, Ino K. Calnexin Is Involved in Forskolin-induced Syncytialization in Cytotrophoblast Model BeWo Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081050. [PMID: 36008943 PMCID: PMC9405722 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calnexin (CNX), a membrane-bound molecular chaperone, is involved in protein folding and quality control of nascent glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. We previously suggested critical roles of calreticulin, a functional paralogue of CNX, in placentation, including invasion of extravillous trophoblasts and syncytialization of cytotrophoblasts. However, the roles of CNX in placentation are unclear. In human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells, which serve as an experimental model of syncytialization, CNX knockdown suppressed forskolin-induced cell fusion and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) induction. Cell-surface luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor, a β-hCG receptor, was significantly down-regulated in CNX-knockdown cells, which suggested the presence of a dysfunctional autocrine loop of β-hCG up-regulation. In this study, we also found abundant CNX expression in normal human placentas. Collectively, our results revealed the critical role of CNX in the syncytialization-related signaling in a villous trophoblast model and suggest a link between CNX expression and placenta development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsukawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
| | - Midori Ikezaki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (M.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Kaho Nishioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
| | - Naoyuki Iwahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
| | - Masakazu Fujimoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
| | - Kazuchika Nishitsuji
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (M.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Yoshito Ihara
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (M.I.); (K.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-73-441-0628
| | - Kazuhiko Ino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (H.M.); (K.N.); (N.I.); (K.I.)
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Park SR, Kim SK, Kim SR, Park JR, Lim S, Hong IS. Novel roles of luteinizing hormone (LH) in tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:605. [PMID: 35831270 PMCID: PMC9279474 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the synthesis and secretion of the key steroid hormone estrogen, which subsequently promotes ovarian follicular growth and development. Therefore, the administration of exogenous LH to achieve superovulation (multiple ovulations) and an LH surge is commonly used as the most effective therapeutic option in a majority of in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. However, a relatively low pregnancy rate (between 20% and 35%) is one of the most challenging aspects of LH-based infertility treatment. Furthermore, the major cause of this low pregnancy rate in LH-based infertility treatment remains unidentified. Recent studies have shown that endometrial stem cell loss or deficiency can significantly decrease tissue regeneration ability during the menstrual cycle and reduce endometrial receptivity. In this context, we postulated that the low pregnancy rates following LH-based ovarian hyperactivation may be the result of the adverse effects of consecutive exogenous LH administration on endometrial stem cells. To the best of our knowledge, this study revealed for the first time that in addition to its previously reported roles in stimulating ovarian functions through the pituitary-gonadal axis, LH brings about the extragonadal suppression of various tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells, such as self-renewal, migration ability, multilineage differentiation potential, and pluripotency/stemness, by inhibiting pro-survival Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo, and as a consequence, it decreases the endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kwan Kim
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ran Park
- grid.412010.60000 0001 0707 9039Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Soyi Lim
- grid.411653.40000 0004 0647 2885Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
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48
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Maghraby HA, Agameya AFM, Swelam MS, El Dabah NA, Ahmed OY. Consecutive versus concomitant follicle-stimulating hormone and highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin: A milder response but better quality. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2022; 49:135-141. [PMID: 35698776 PMCID: PMC9184884 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2021.05155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the impact of two stimulation protocols using highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) on the endocrine profile, follicular fluid soluble Fas levels, and outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Methods This prospective clinical trial included 100 normal-responder women undergoing ovarian stimulation for ICSI; 55 patients received concomitant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus HP-hMG from the start of stimulation, while 45 patients received FSH followed by HP-hMG during mid/late follicular stimulation. The primary outcome was the number of top-quality embryos. The secondary outcomes were the number and percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes and the clinical pregnancy rate. Results The number of MII oocytes was significantly higher in the concomitant protocol (median, 13.0; interquartile range [IQR], 8.5–18.0 vs. 9.0 [8.0–13.0] in the consecutive protocol; p=0.009); however, the percentage of MII oocytes and the fertilization rate were significantly higher in the consecutive protocol (median, 90.91; IQR, 80.0–100.0 vs. 83.33 [75.0–93.8]; p=0.034 and median, 86.67; IQR, 76.9–100.0 vs. 77.78 [66.7–89.9]; p=0.028, respectively). No significant between-group differences were found in top-quality embryos (p=0.693) or the clinical pregnancy rate (65.9% vs. 61.8% in the consecutive vs. concomitant protocol, respectively). The median follicular fluid soluble Fas antigen level was significantly higher in the concomitant protocol (9,731.0 pg/mL; IQR, 6,004.5–10,807.6 vs. 6,350.2 pg/mL; IQR, 4,382.4–9,418.4; p=0.021). Conclusion Personalized controlled ovarian stimulation using HP-hMG during the late follicular phase led to a significantly lower response, but did not affect the quality of ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Ali Maghraby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Manal Shafik Swelam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermeen Ahmed El Dabah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ola Youssef Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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49
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Mann ON, Kong CS, Lucas ES, Brosens JJ, Hanyaloglu AC, Brighton PJ. Expression and function of the luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptor in human endometrial stromal cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8624. [PMID: 35597810 PMCID: PMC9124191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human luteinising hormone choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a G-protein coupled receptor activated by both human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two structurally related gonadotropins with essential roles in ovulation and maintenance of the corpus luteum. LHCGR expression predominates in ovarian tissues where it elicits functional responses through cyclic adenosine mononucleotide (cAMP), Ca2+ and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling. LHCGR expression has also been localized to the human endometrium, with purported roles in decidualization and implantation. However, these observations are contentious. In this investigation, transcripts encoding LHCGR were undetectable in bulk RNA sequencing datasets from whole cycling endometrial tissue and cultured human endometrial stromal cells (EnSC). However, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed cell-to-cell transcriptional heterogeneity, and we identified a small subpopulation of stromal cells with detectable LHCGR transcripts. In HEK-293 cells expressing recombinant LHCGR, both hCG and LH elicited robust cAMP, Ca2+ and ERK signals that were absent in wild-type HEK-293 cells. However, none of these responses were recapitulated in primary EnSC cultures. In addition, proliferation, viability and decidual transformation of EnSC were refractory to both hCG and LH, irrespective of treatment to induce differentiation. Although we challenge the assertion that LHCGR is expressed at a functionally active level in the human endometrium, the discovery of a discrete subpopulation of EnSC that express LHCGR transcripts may plausibly account for the conflicting evidence in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- O N Mann
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - C-S Kong
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - E S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - J J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - A C Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - P J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
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50
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Casarini L, Paradiso E, Lazzaretti C, D'Alessandro S, Roy N, Mascolo E, Zaręba K, García-Gasca A, Simoni M. Regulation of antral follicular growth by an interplay between gonadotropins and their receptors. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:893-904. [PMID: 35292926 PMCID: PMC9050977 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the growth and maturation of human antral follicles is based mainly on concepts and deductions from clinical observations and animal models. To date, new experimental approaches and in vitro data contributed to a deep comprehension of gonadotropin receptors' functioning and may provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating still unclear physiological events. Among these, the production of androgen in the absence of proper LH levels, the programming of follicular atresia and dominance are some of the most intriguing. Starting from evolutionary issues at the basis of the gonadotropin receptor signal specificity, we draw a new hypothesis explaining the molecular mechanisms of the antral follicular growth, based on the modulation of endocrine signals by receptor-receptor interactions. The "heteromer hypothesis" explains how opposite death and life signals are delivered by gonadotropin receptors and other membrane partners, mediating steroidogenesis, apoptotic events, and the maturation of the dominant follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- SIERR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara D'Alessandro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Kornelia Zaręba
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alejandra García-Gasca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, 82112, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
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