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Zhao M, Liao B, Yun C, Qi X, Pang Y. Liraglutide improves follicle development in polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibiting CXCL10 secretion. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:98. [PMID: 39107809 PMCID: PMC11302332 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, a number of clinical trials have been carried out on GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the effect of liraglutide on follicle development and its specific mechanism are still unclear. METHODS RNA sequencing was used to explore the molecular characteristics of granulosa cells from patients with PCOS treated with liraglutide. The levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in follicular fluid were detected by ELISA, the expression levels of ovulation related genes and inflammatory factor genes in follicles and granulosa cells were detected by qPCR and the protein levels of connexin 43 (Cx43), Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphorylated JAK2 were detected by Western blot. The mouse ovarian follicles culture system in vitro was used to detect the status of follicle development and ovulation. RESULTS In the present study, we found that liraglutide inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in PCOS granulosa cells, among which CXCL10 was the most significant. In addition, CXCL10 was significantly higher in granulosa cells and follicular fluid in PCOS patients than in non-PCOS patients. We applied in vitro follicle culture and other techniques to carry out the mechanism exploration which revealed that CXCL10 disrupted the homeostasis of gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) between oocyte and granulosa cells before physiological ovulation, thus inhibiting follicular development and ovulation. Liraglutide inhibited CXCL10 secretion in PCOS granulosa cells by inhibiting the JAK signaling pathway and can improved dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced follicle development disorders, which is reversed by CXCL10 supplementation. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that liraglutide inhibits CXCL10 secretion in granulosa cells through JAK signaling pathway, thereby improving the homeostasis of GJA1 between oocyte and granulosa cells before physiological ovulation and ultimately improving the follicular development and ovulation of PCOS, which provides more supportive evidence for the clinical application of liraglutide in the treatment of ovulatory disorders in PCOS. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoying Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuyu Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Birgersson M, Indukuri R, Lindquist L, Stepanauskaite L, Luo Q, Deng Q, Archer A, Williams C. Ovarian ERβ cistrome and transcriptome reveal chromatin interaction with LRH-1. BMC Biol 2023; 21:277. [PMID: 38031019 PMCID: PMC10688478 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01773-1] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ, Esr2) plays a pivotal role in folliculogenesis and ovulation, yet its exact mechanism of action is mainly uncharacterized. RESULTS We here performed ERβ ChIP-sequencing of mouse ovaries followed by complementary RNA-sequencing of wild-type and ERβ knockout ovaries. By integrating the ERβ cistrome and transcriptome, we identified its direct target genes and enriched biological functions in the ovary. This demonstrated its strong impact on genes regulating organism development, cell migration, lipid metabolism, response to hypoxia, and response to estrogen. Cell-type deconvolution analysis of the bulk RNA-seq data revealed a decrease in luteal cells and an increased proportion of theca cells and a specific type of cumulus cells upon ERβ loss. Moreover, we identified a significant overlap with the gene regulatory network of liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1, Nr5a2) and showed that ERβ and LRH-1 extensively bound to the same chromatin locations in granulosa cells. Using ChIP-reChIP, we corroborated simultaneous ERβ and LRH-1 co-binding at the ERβ-repressed gene Greb1 but not at the ERβ-upregulated genes Cyp11a1 and Fkbp5. Transactivation assay experimentation further showed that ERβ and LRH-1 can inhibit their respective transcriptional activity at classical response elements. CONCLUSIONS By characterizing the genome-wide endogenous ERβ chromatin binding, gene regulations, and extensive crosstalk between ERβ and LRH-1, along with experimental corroborations, our data offer genome-wide mechanistic underpinnings of ovarian physiology and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Birgersson
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rajitha Indukuri
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Lindquist
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lina Stepanauskaite
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qing Luo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Amena Archer
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Williams
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden.
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Qin X, Du J, He R, Li Y, Zhu Q, Li Y, Li H, Liang X. Adverse effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes during the assisted reproductive technology process. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1274327. [PMID: 38033999 PMCID: PMC10686411 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1274327] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on overall ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes during assisted reproductive technology (ART) among childbearing infertile women. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, between January 2019 and December 2022. Patients A total of 265 infertile female patients aged 20-45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET), or rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (RICSI-ET) in the first fresh cycle. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), and abortion rate (AR) in the T2DM group and non-T2DM group. Results Patients with T2DM showed statistically decreased levels of AMH compared to the non-T2DM group. During ovarian stimulation, those with T2DM required significantly higher total and initial doses of gonadotropin (GN), although they had fewer retrieved oocytes and worse pregnancy outcomes than the non-T2DM group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors showed that T2DM alone was an independent risk factor for CPR and LBR (adjusted odds ratio [a OR], 0.458, adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.235-0.891, P = 0.022; a OR, 0.227, 95% CI, 0.101-0.513, P<0.001; respectively), and the abortion rate in the T2DM group was 3.316 times higher than the non-T2DM group(a OR, 3.316, 95%CI, 1.248-8.811, P = 0.016). Conclusion Infertile patients with T2DM have decreased ovarian reserve, and T2DM has a deleterious impact on clinical pregnancy outcomes during the ART process compared with non-T2DM infertile women. Capsule Infertile women with T2DM have decreased ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes during the assisted reproductive technology process compared with non-T2DM infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Qin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junhong Du
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ruifen He
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yi Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qinying Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yaxi Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaolei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Li Y, Liu S, Gao F, Peng Z, Zhang J, Li S, Lu D, Pan X. BPA interferes with granulosa cell development and oocyte meiosis in mouse preantral follicles. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1145-1158. [PMID: 37452689 PMCID: PMC10583751 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231179940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an established environmental endocrine disruptor and can interfere with the development of female germ cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We investigated the effects of BPA on granulosa cell development and meiosis of oocytes using in vitro culture system of mouse preantral follicles. Preantral follicles from D14 mouse ovary were treated with 10 μg/mL BPA in vitro for 11 days. The adherent area of follicles was measured. On D11, cumulus cell expansion was observed. The meiosis recovery rate was calculated. Western blot detected P53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), estrogen receptor α (ERα), and cyclin B1. ELISA measured estrogen and progesterone levels. Immunofluorescence detected Cx37 on oocyte membrane. Gap junction communication was assessed. We found that BPA significantly promoted the expressions of PCNA and ERα in granulosa cells and the secretion of estrogen and progesterone by granulosa cells on D10 and significantly increased the attachment area of the follicles on D8 and D10. However, it reduced the expansion of cumulus cells, Cx37 expression, and the gap junction communication between cumulus cells and oocytes on D11. BPA promoted the recovery of oocytes from meiosis, interrupted the expression of cyclin B1 protein in arrested germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) oocytes, and reduced the in vitro maturation rate of oocytes. These GVBD oocytes were live without apoptosis or death. Conclusively, BPA disturbs the development of granulosa cells and the meiosis progression of oocytes by decreasing gap junction communication between oocytes and the granulosa cells as well as regulating cyclin B1 expression in GVBD oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
- Department of Anatomy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Sitong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
- Department of Anatomy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Fan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Zhendong Peng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Song Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Dongjin Lu
- Jilin Animal Husbandry General Station, Jilin 132011, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
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5
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Ermisch AF, Bidne KL, Kurz SG, Bochantin KA, Wood JR. Ovarian inflammation mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 increased transcripts of maternal effect genes and decreased embryo development†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:423-436. [PMID: 36461933 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac212] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Obese women are subfertile and have reduced assisted reproduction success, which may be due to reduced oocyte competence. We hypothesize that consumption of a high-fat/high-sugar diet induces ovarian inflammation, which is a primary contributor to decreased oocyte quality and pre-implantation embryo development. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 (B6) mice with a normal inflammatory response and C3H/HeJ (C3H) mice with a dampened inflammatory response due to dysfunctional Toll-like receptor 4 were fed either normal chow or high-fat/high-sugar diet. In both B6 and C3H females, high-fat/high-sugar diet induced excessive adiposity and hyperglycemia compared to normal chow-fed counterparts. Conversely, ovarian CD68 levels and oocyte expression of oxidative stress markers were increased when collected from B6 high-fat/high-sugar but not C3H high-fat/high-sugar mice. Following in vitro fertilization of in vivo matured oocytes, blastocyst development was decreased in B6-high-fat/high-sugar but not C3H high-fat/high-sugar mice. Expression of cumulus cell markers of oocyte quality were altered in both B6 high-fat/high-sugar and C3H high-fat/high-sugar. However, there were no diet-dependent differences in spindle abnormalities in either B6 or C3H mice, suggesting potential defects in cytoplasmic maturation. Indeed, there were significant increases in the abundance of maternal effect gene mRNAs in oocytes from only B6 high-fat/high-sugar mice. These differentially expressed genes encode proteins of the subcortical maternal complex and associated with mRNA metabolism and epigenetic modifications. These genes regulate maternal mRNA degradation at oocyte maturation, mRNA clearance at the zygotic genome activation, and methylation of imprinted genes suggesting a mechanism by which inflammation induced oxidative stress impairs embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Ermisch
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Katie L Bidne
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Scott G Kurz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Kerri A Bochantin
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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6
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Xie J, Xu X, Liu S. Intercellular communication in the cumulus-oocyte complex during folliculogenesis: A review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1087612. [PMID: 36743407 PMCID: PMC9893509 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1087612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
During folliculogenesis, the oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells form an ensemble called the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC). Due to their interdependence, research on the COC has been a hot issue in the past few decades. A growing body of literature has revealed that intercellular communication is critical in determining oocyte quality and ovulation. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of COC intercellular communication, morphology, and functions. Transzonal projections (TZPs) and gap junctions are the most described structures of the COC. They provide basic metabolic and nutrient support, and abundant molecules for signaling pathways and regulations. Oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) such as growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 have been linked with follicular homeostasis, suggesting that the communications are bidirectional. Using advanced techniques, new evidence has highlighted the existence of other structures that participate in intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles can carry transcripts and signaling molecules. Microvilli on the oocyte can induce the formation of TZPs and secrete OSFs. Cell membrane fusion between the oocyte and cumulus cells can lead to sharing of cytoplasm, in a way making the COC a true whole. These findings give us new insights into related reproductive diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency and how to improve the outcomes of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xie
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Suying Liu,
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7
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Predheepan D, Daddangadi A, Uppangala S, Laxminarayana SLK, Raval K, Kalthur G, Kovačič B, Adiga SK. Experimentally Induced Hyperglycemia in Prepubertal Phase Impairs Oocyte Quality and Functionality in Adult Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6653492. [PMID: 35917567 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac121] [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: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive abnormalities in women with a history of childhood diabetes are believed to be partially attributed to hyperglycemia. Prolonged hyperglycemia can negatively affect ovarian function and fertility during reproductive life. To address this in an experimental setting, the present study used streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic prepubertal mouse model. The impact of prolonged hyperglycemic exposure during prepubertal life on ovarian function, oocyte quality, and functional competence was assessed in adult mice. The ovarian reserve was not significantly altered; however, the in vitro maturation potential (P < 0.001), mitochondrial integrity (P < 0.01), and meiotic spindle assembly (P < 0.05-0.001) in oocytes were significantly affected in hyperglycemic animals in comparison to control groups. The results from the study suggest that prepubertal hyperglycemia can have adverse effects on the oocyte functional competence and spindle integrity during the reproductive phase of life. Because these changes can have a significant impact on the genetic integrity and developmental potential of the embryos and fetus, the observation warrants further research both in experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhakshanya Predheepan
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Akshatha Daddangadi
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | | | - Keyur Raval
- D epartment of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka Surathkal 575025, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Borut Kovačič
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
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8
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Ge J, Zhang N, Tang S, Hu F, Hou X, Sun H, Han L, Wang Q. Loss of PDK1 Induces Meiotic Defects in Oocytes From Diabetic Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:793389. [PMID: 34988082 PMCID: PMC8720995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.793389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal diabetes has been shown to impair oocyte quality; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model, we first detected and reduced expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) in diabetic oocytes, accompanying with the lowered phosphorylation of serine residue 232 on α subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex (Ser232-PDHE1α). Importantly, forced expression of PDK1 not only elevated the phosphorylation level of Ser232-PDHE1α, but also partly prevented the spindle disorganization and chromosome misalignment in oocytes from diabetic mice, with no beneficial effects on metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, a phospho-mimetic S232D-PDHE1α mutant is also capable of ameliorating the maternal diabetes-associated meiotic defects. In sum, our data indicate that PDK1-controlled Ser232-PDHE1α phosphorylation pathway mediates the effects of diabetic environment on oocyte competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shoubin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feifei Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojing Hou
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child HealthCare Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongzheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longsen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Mu Q, Zhang Y, Gu L, Gerner ST, Qiu X, Tao Q, Pang J, Dipritu G, Zhang L, Yin S, Jiang Y, Peng J. Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals the Antiapoptosis and Antioxidant Stress Effects of Fos in Ischemic Stroke. Front Neurol 2021; 12:728984. [PMID: 34744970 PMCID: PMC8566985 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.728984] [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: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial hypertension is considered the most prevalent risk factor for stroke. Both pathophysiologic and clinical data previously acquired suggest a strong correlation between the hemodynamic nature of arterial hypertension and an increase in the risk of ischemic insult to tissues. However, the knowledge of specific molecular interactions between hypertension and ischemic stroke (IS) is limited. In this study, we performed systematic bioinformatics analysis of stroke-prone spontaneous hypertensive brain tissue samples of rats (GSE41452), middle cerebral artery occlusion of brain tissue samples of rats (GSE97537), and peripheral blood array data of IS patients (GSE22255). We identified that Fos, an immediate-early gene (IEG) that responds to alterations in arterial blood pressure, has a strong correlation with the occurrence and prognosis of IS. To further evaluate the potential function of Fos, the oxygen–glucose deprivation model and RNA sequencing of HT22 neuronal cells were performed. Consistent with the sequencing results, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot indicate that Fos was elevated at 3 h and returned to normal levels at 6 h after oxygen–glucose deprivation. Knock-down of Fos by lentivirus significantly increased the oxidative stress level, neuronal apoptosis, and inhibited the mitochondrial function. In conclusion, Fos acts as an important link between hypertension and IS. Furthermore, Fos can be used as a potential biomarker for target therapy in the prevention of stroke among hypertensive patients and also potential treatment targeting apoptosis and oxidative stress after its onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiancheng Mu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Long Gu
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Stefan T Gerner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiancheng Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qianke Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ghosh Dipritu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shigang Yin
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Luzhou Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Institute of Epigenetics and Brain Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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10
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Hao T, Xu X, Hao H, Du W, Pang Y, Zhao S, Zou H, Yang S, Zhu H, Yang Y, Zhao X. Melatonin improves the maturation and developmental ability of bovine oocytes by up-regulating GJA4 to enhance gap junction intercellular communication. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:760-771. [PMID: 34585659 DOI: 10.1071/rd21145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) increases oocyte maturation by reducing reactive oxygen species level and enhancing oocyte antioxidant capacity. However, the mechanisms via which MT works are still poorly understood. In the present study, the effects of MT on the maturation rate and development ability of bovine oocytes were investigated. Then, the transcriptome of oocytes treated by MT was sequenced. Finally, the expression of gap junction protein alpha 4 (GJA4) protein and cAMP level were detected in bovine oocytes, and isoprenaline (enhancer of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC)) and heptanol (inhibitor of GJIC) were used to investigate the effect of MT on GJIC activity in bovine oocytes. Our results showed that MT significantly improved the maturation, developmental ability and mRNA expression of GJA4 of bovine oocytes. Meanwhile, MT significantly increased GJA4 protein level and cAMP level in bovine oocytes. In contrast to heptanol, both isoproterenol and MT significantly increased GJIC activity, nuclear maturation and the development ability of bovine oocytes. However, MT significantly restored the nuclear maturation and developmental ability of oocytes treated by heptanol. In conclusion, our results showed that MT improves the maturation and developmental ability of bovine oocytes by enhancing GJIC activity via up-regulating GJA4 protein expression in IVM progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xi Xu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Haisheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Weihua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yunwei Pang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shanjiang Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Huiying Zou
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Sha Yang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yuze Yang
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Xueming Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
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11
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Kordowitzki P, Sokołowska G, Wasielak-Politowska M, Skowronska A, Skowronski MT. Pannexins and Connexins: Their Relevance for Oocyte Developmental Competence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115918. [PMID: 34072911 PMCID: PMC8199496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is the major determinant of embryo developmental competence in all mammalian species. Although fundamental advances have been generated in the field of reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies in the past three decades, researchers and clinicians are still trying to elucidate molecular factors and pathways, which could be pivotal for the oocyte’s developmental competence. The cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix communications are crucial not only for oocytes but also for multicellular organisms in general. This latter mentioned communication is among others possibly due to the Connexin and Pannexin families of large-pore forming channels. Pannexins belong to a protein group of ATP-release channels, therefore of high importance for the oocyte due to its requirements of high energy supply. An increasing body of studies on Pannexins provided evidence that these channels not only play a role during physiological processes of an oocyte but also during pathological circumstances which could lead to the development of diseases or infertility. Connexins are proteins that form membrane channels and gap-junctions, and more precisely, these proteins enable the exchange of some ions and molecules, and therefore they do play a fundamental role in the communication between the oocyte and accompanying cells. Herein, the role of Pannexins and Connexins for the processes of oogenesis, folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and fertilization will be discussed and, at the end of this review, Pannexin and Connexin related pathologies and their impact on the developmental competence of oocytes will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kordowitzki
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Bydgoska Street 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina Street 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Gabriela Sokołowska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Jana Kilińskiego Street 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Marta Wasielak-Politowska
- Center of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine—Artemida, Jagiellońska Street 78, 10-357 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Street 30, 10-357 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina Street 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-566-112-231
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12
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Rogers HB, Zhou LT, Kusuhara A, Zaniker E, Shafaie S, Owen BC, Duncan FE, Woodruff TK. Dental resins used in 3D printing technologies release ovo-toxic leachates. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:129003. [PMID: 33515896 PMCID: PMC7957323 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We recently engineered the first female reproductive tract on a chip (EVATAR), to enable sex-based ex vivo research. To increase the scalability and accessibility of EVATAR, we turned to 3D printing (3DP) technologies, selecting two biocompatible 3DP resins, Dental SG (DSG) and Dental LT (DLT) to generate 3DP microphysiologic platforms. Due to the known sensitivity of reproductive cells to leachable compounds, we first screened for toxicity of these biomaterials using an in vitro mammalian oocyte maturation assay. Culture of mouse oocytes in 3DP plates using conventionally treated DSG resin resulted in rapid oocyte degeneration. Oxygen plasma treatment of the surface of printed DSG resin prevented this degeneration, and the majority of the resulting oocytes progressed through meiosis in vitro. However, 57.0% ± 37.2% of the cells cultured in the DSG resin plates exhibited abnormal chromosome morphology compared to 19.4% ± 17.3% of controls cultured in polystyrene. All tested DLT resin conditions, including plasma treatment, resulted in complete and rapid oocyte degeneration. To identify the ovo-toxic component of DLT, we analyzed DLT leachate using mass spectroscopy. We identified Tinuvin 292, a commercial light stabilizer, as a major component of the DLT leachate, which resulted in a dose-dependent disruption of meiotic progression and increase in chromosomal abnormalities with oocyte exposure, showing significant ovo-toxicity in mammals. Severe reproductive toxicity induced by in vitro exposure to these 3D-printed resins highlights potential risks of deploying insufficiently characterized materials for biomedical applications and underscores the need for more rigorous evaluation and designation of biocompatible materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter B Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Luhan T Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Atsuko Kusuhara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Emily Zaniker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Saman Shafaie
- Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Benjamin C Owen
- Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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13
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A Representative GIIA Phospholipase A 2 Activates Preadipocytes to Produce Inflammatory Mediators Implicated in Obesity Development. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121593. [PMID: 33255269 PMCID: PMC7760919 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue secretes proinflammatory mediators which promote systemic and adipose tissue inflammation seen in obesity. Group IIA (GIIA)-secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes are found to be elevated in plasma and adipose tissue from obese patients and are active during inflammation, generating proinflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 exerts anti-lipolytic actions and increases triacylglycerol levels in adipose tissue. However, the inflammatory actions of GIIA sPLA2s in adipose tissue cells and mechanisms leading to increased PGE2 levels in these cells are unclear. This study investigates the ability of a representative GIIA sPLA2, MT-III, to activate proinflammatory responses in preadipocytes, focusing on the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, adipocytokines and mechanisms involved in these effects. Our results showed that MT-III induced biosynthesis of PGE2, PGI2, MCP-1, IL-6 and gene expression of leptin and adiponectin in preadipocytes. The MT-III-induced PGE2 biosynthesis was dependent on cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)-α, cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and COX-2 pathways and regulated by a positive loop via the EP4 receptor. Moreover, MT-III upregulated COX-2 and microsomal prostaglandin synthase (mPGES)-1 protein expression. MCP-1 biosynthesis induced by MT-III was dependent on the EP4 receptor, while IL-6 biosynthesis was dependent on EP3 receptor engagement by PGE2. These data highlight preadipocytes as targets for GIIA sPLA2s and provide insight into the roles played by this group of sPLA2s in obesity.
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14
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Pregnancy environment, and not preconception, leads to fetal growth restriction and congenital abnormalities associated with diabetes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12254. [PMID: 32703993 PMCID: PMC7378839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69247-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal diabetes can lead to pregnancy complications and impaired fetal development. The goal of this study was to use a mouse model of reciprocal embryo transfer to distinguish between the preconception and gestational effects of diabetes. To induce diabetes female mice were injected with a single high dose of streptozotocin and 3 weeks thereafter used as oocyte donors for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and as recipients for embryo transfer. Following IVF embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage in vitro or transferred to diabetic and non-diabetic recipients. Diabetic and non-diabetic females did not differ in regard to the number of oocytes obtained after ovarian stimulation, oocytes ability to become fertilized, and embryo development in vitro. However, diabetic females displayed impaired responsiveness to superovulation. Reciprocal embryo transfer resulted in similar incidence of live fetuses and abortions, and no changes in placental size. However, fetuses carried by diabetic recipients were smaller compared to those carried by non-diabetic recipients, regardless hyperglycemia status of oocyte donors. Congenital abnormalities were observed only among the fetuses carried by diabetic recipients. The findings support that the diabetic status during pregnancy, and not the preconception effect of diabetes on oogenesis, leads to fetal growth restriction and congenital deformities.
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15
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Kaushik T, Mishra R, Singh RK, Bajpai S. Role of connexins in female reproductive system and endometriosis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 49:101705. [PMID: 32018041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101705] [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: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction form channels between the cells and facilitate the function of cellular cross talk. Connexins, the gap junction proteins play an essential role in female reproductive health and its expression anomalies are correlated with female reproductive disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, pre-term birth and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic disorder caused by ectopic endometrial lesions growing outside the uterine cavity. Embryonic implantation is adversely affected in case of endometriosis leading to infertility. Endometriosis also interferes with ovulatory functions, reduces fertilization and impaires blastocyst implantation. There lies a lacunae in understanding of the role of gap junctions protein connexins in endometriosis. Therefore, this study discusses the role of connexins in improving female fertility by taming the processes of oogenesis, germ line development, uterine receptivity, placental growth, implantation, decidualization and concludes by focusing the role of connexins in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tripti Kaushik
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnolgy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rakesh Mishra
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), NCBS Campus, Bengaluru, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Surabhi Bajpai
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnolgy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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16
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Xu J, Huang J, Pan Q, Du M, Li Z, Dong H. Gestational diabetes promotes germ cell cCyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation in newborn mice via the AKT signaling pathway. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215007. [PMID: 30973884 PMCID: PMC6459533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a common disease in which pancreatic β cells are impaired due to auto-immunity, pregnancy in women with it is associated with increased risk of neonatal morbidity, mortality. However, the effects of gestational diabetes on the reproduction of newborn offspring are still poorly understood. Here, we determined the cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation in neonatal offspring born by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic or non-diabetic female mice, and found that the germ cell cyst breakdown was promoted in neonatal offspring of STZ -induced diabetic mice at postnatal Day 1, which sequentially accelerated the primordial follicle formation. Further investigation revealed that, the expression level of PI3K and p-AKT were significantly increased in ovaries of offspring born by T1D mice. These results indicated that STZ -induced gestational diabetes promotes germ cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the newborn offspring. In addition, this effect can be rescued by an insulin supplement. Taken together, our results uncover the intergenerational effects of gestational diabetes on neonatal offspring folliculogenesis, and provide an experimental model for treating gestational diabetes and its complications in neonatal offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Xu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaojiao Huang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjie Pan
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Miao Du
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huansheng Dong
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- * E-mail:
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17
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Yan W, Zhou S, Shen W, Cheng J, Yuan S, Ye S, Jin Y, Luo A, Wang S. Suppression of SEMA6C promotes preantral follicles atresia with decreased cell junctions in mice ovaries. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:4934-4943. [PMID: 30256425 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes go through a long and complex developmental process, while acquiring the competencies that are required for fertilization and embryogenesis. Recent studies revealed that the communication between oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) is a critical process for female follicle development. In the current study, we aimed to study whether and how semaphorin 6C (Sema6c) regulated the cell junctions between oocytes and GCs in mice preantral follicles. The attenuation of SEMA6C expression by siRNA decreased the cell-cell junctions and accelerated follicle atresia in vitro. PI3K-AKT pathway was activated when SEMA6C expression was downregulated. And the LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, could reverse the effect of low SEMA6C expression on cell junctions in preantral follicles. Our findings revealed that Sema6c was involved in follicle development, and the suppression of SEMA6C led to cell junction defection by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, which might also provide valuable information for understanding premature ovarian failure and ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Suzhen Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuangmei Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Aiyue Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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18
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Clarke HJ. History, origin, and function of transzonal projections: the bridges of communication between the oocyte and its environment. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:215-223. [PMID: 34178144 PMCID: PMC8202234 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Development and differentiation of a functional oocyte that following fertilization is
able to give rise to a new individual requires continuous physical contact with the supporting
somatic cells of the ovarian follicle. As the oocyte is surrounded by a thick extracellular
coat, termed the zona pellucida, this essential contact is mediated through
thin cytoplasmic filaments known as transzonal projections (TZPs) that project from the
somatic granulosa cells adjacent to the oocyte and penetrate through the zona pellucida
to reach the oocyte. Gap junctions assembled where the tips of the TZPs contact the
oocyte plasma membrane, and other contact-dependent signaling may also occur at these sites.
Here, I describe early studies of TZPs, which were first identified in the late 19th century,
discuss their similarities with classical filopodia, review their structure and function,
and compare two models that could account for their origin. Possible priorities and directions
for future studies close this contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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19
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Da Broi MG, Giorgi VSI, Wang F, Keefe DL, Albertini D, Navarro PA. Influence of follicular fluid and cumulus cells on oocyte quality: clinical implications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:735-751. [PMID: 29497954 PMCID: PMC5984887 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
An equilibrium needs to be established by the cellular and acellular components of the ovarian follicle if developmental competence is to be acquired by the oocyte. Both cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) are critical determinants for oocyte quality. Understanding how CCs and FF influence oocyte quality in the presence of deleterious systemic or pelvic conditions may impact clinical decisions in the course of managing infertility. Given that the functional integrities of FF and CCs are susceptible to concurrent pathological conditions, it is important to understand how pathophysiological factors influence natural fertility and the outcomes of pregnancy arising from the use of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). Accordingly, this review discusses the roles of CCs and FF in ensuring oocyte competence and present new insights on pathological conditions that may interfere with oocyte quality by altering the intrafollicular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. G. Da Broi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900 Brazil
| | - V. S. I. Giorgi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900 Brazil
| | - F. Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA
| | - D. L. Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - D. Albertini
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY USA
| | - P. A. Navarro
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto, SP CEP: 14049-900 Brazil
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20
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Acuña-Hernández DG, Arreola-Mendoza L, Santacruz-Márquez R, García-Zepeda SP, Parra-Forero LY, Olivares-Reyes JA, Hernández-Ochoa I. Bisphenol A alters oocyte maturation by prematurely closing gap junctions in the cumulus cell-oocyte complex. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 344:13-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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El-Hayek S, Yang Q, Abbassi L, FitzHarris G, Clarke HJ. Mammalian Oocytes Locally Remodel Follicular Architecture to Provide the Foundation for Germline-Soma Communication. Curr Biol 2018; 28:1124-1131.e3. [PMID: 29576478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells develop in a microenvironment created by the somatic cells of the gonad [1-3]. Although in males, the germ and somatic support cells lie in direct contact, in females, a thick extracellular coat surrounds the oocyte, physically separating it from the somatic follicle cells [4]. To bypass this barrier to communication, narrow cytoplasmic extensions of the follicle cells traverse the extracellular coat to reach the oocyte plasma membrane [5-9]. These delicate structures provide the sole platform for the contact-mediated communication between the oocyte and its follicular environment that is indispensable for production of a fertilizable egg [8, 10-15]. Identifying the mechanisms underlying their formation should uncover conserved regulators of fertility. We show here in mice that these structures, termed transzonal projections (TZPs), are specialized filopodia whose number amplifies enormously as oocytes grow, enabling increased germ-soma communication. By creating chimeric complexes of genetically tagged oocytes and follicle cells, we demonstrate that follicle cells elaborate new TZPs that push through the extracellular coat to reach the oocyte surface. We further show that growth-differentiation factor 9, produced by the oocyte, drives the formation of new TZPs, uncovering a key yet unanticipated role for the germ cell in building these essential bridges of communication. Moreover, TZP number and germline-soma communication are strikingly reduced in reproductively aged females. Thus, the growing oocyte locally remodels follicular architecture to ensure that its developmental needs are met, and an inability of somatic follicle cells to respond appropriately to oocyte-derived cues may contribute to human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephany El-Hayek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Qin Yang
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Laleh Abbassi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Centre Recherche CHUM and Département d'Obstétrique et de Gynécologie, Université de Montréal, 900 rue St-Denis, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Bachelot A, Gilleron J, Meduri G, Guberto M, Dulon J, Boucherie S, Touraine P, Misrahi M. A common African variant of human connexin 37 is associated with Caucasian primary ovarian insufficiency and has a deleterious effect in vitro. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:640-648. [PMID: 29207017 PMCID: PMC5752242 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Folliculogenesis requires communication between granulosa cells and oocytes, mediated by connexin-based gap junctions. Connexin 37 (Cx37)-deficient female mice are infertile. The present study assessed Cx37 deficiency in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). A candidate gene study was performed in patients and controls from the National Genotyping Center (Evry, France) including 58 Caucasian patients with idiopathic isolated POI and 142 Caucasian controls. Direct genomic sequencing of the coding regions of the GJA4 gene (encoding Cx37) was performed with the aim to identify a deleterious variant associated with POI and absent in ethnically matched controls. A single Cx37 variant absent in the control population was identified, namely a c.946G>A heterozygous substitution leading to a p.Gly316Ser variant that was present in two POI patients. This variant was absent in all Caucasian controls from various databases, and has been observed exclusively in African populations. This variant was identified to have a dominant negative effect in HeLa cells in vitro to alter connexon function (by 67.2±7.17%), as determined by Gap-fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. The alteration principally resulted from a decrease of cell surface connexons due to altered trafficking (by 47.73±8.59%). In marked contrast to this observation, a p.Pro258Ser variant frequent in all ethnic populations in databases had no functional effect in vitro. In conclusion, the present study reported on a Cx37 variant in two Caucasian POI patients, which was absent in control Caucasian populations, and which had a deleterious effect in vitro. It is therefore suggested that in the genetic context of the Caucasian population, this variant may contribute to POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bachelot
- AP-HP, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth, Reference Center for Rare Gynecological Pathologies
- University Pierre and Marie Curie, University Paris 6, F-75013 Paris
| | - Jerome Gilleron
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research INSERM U1065 - University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Mediterranean Center for Molecular Medicine C3M, F-06000 Nice
| | - Geri Meduri
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research INSERM U1195
| | - Mihelai Guberto
- University Paris-Sud, University Paris Saclay, Medical Faculty Paris-Sud, Bicêtre Hospital, F-94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre
| | - Jerome Dulon
- AP-HP, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth, Reference Center for Rare Gynecological Pathologies
| | - Sylviane Boucherie
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research UMR-S 757 INSERM, University Paris-Sud, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Philippe Touraine
- AP-HP, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth, Reference Center for Rare Gynecological Pathologies
- University Pierre and Marie Curie, University Paris 6, F-75013 Paris
| | - Micheline Misrahi
- University Paris-Sud, University Paris Saclay, Medical Faculty Paris-Sud, Bicêtre Hospital, F-94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre
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23
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Roy S, Jiang JX, Li AF, Kim D. Connexin channel and its role in diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 61:35-59. [PMID: 28602949 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the working age population. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this devastating ocular complication. The early stage of diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the loss of various cell types in the retina, namely endothelial cells and pericytes. As the disease progresses, vascular leakage, a clinical hallmark of diabetic retinopathy, becomes evident and may eventually lead to diabetic macular edema, the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy. Substantial evidence indicates that the disruption of connexin-mediated cellular communication plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Yet, it is unclear how altered communication via connexin channel mediated cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular microenvironment is linked to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Recent observations suggest the possibility that connexin hemichannels may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy by allowing communication between cells and the microenvironment. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that connexin channels may be involved in regulating retinal vascular permeability. These cellular events are coordinated at least in part via connexin-mediated intercellular communication and the maintenance of retinal vascular homeostasis. This review highlights the effect of high glucose and diabetic condition on connexin channels and their impact on the development of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayon Roy
- Departments of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - An-Fei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dongjoon Kim
- Departments of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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24
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Insulin signalling and glucose transport in the ovary and ovarian function during the ovarian cycle. Biochem J 2017; 473:1483-501. [PMID: 27234585 PMCID: PMC4888492 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Data derived principally from peripheral tissues (fat, muscle and liver) show that insulin signals via diverse interconnecting intracellular pathways and that some of the major intersecting points (known as critical nodes) are the IRSs (insulin receptor substrates), PI3K (phosphoinositide kinase)/Akt and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Most of these insulin pathways are probably also active in the ovary and their ability to interact with each other and also with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) signalling pathways enables insulin to exert direct modulating influences on ovarian function. The present paper reviews the intracellular actions of insulin and the uptake of glucose by ovarian tissues (granulosa, theca and oocyte) during the oestrous/menstrual cycle of some rodent, primate and ruminant species. Insulin signals through diverse pathways and these are discussed with specific reference to follicular cell types (granulosa, theca and oocyte). The signalling pathways for FSH in granulosa cells and LH in granulosa and theca cells are summarized. The roles of glucose and of insulin-mediated uptake of glucose in folliculogenesis are discussed. It is suggested that glucose in addition to its well-established role of providing energy for cellular function may also have insulin-mediated signalling functions in ovarian cells, involving AMPK (AMP-dependent protein kinase) and/or hexosamine. Potential interactions of insulin signalling with FSH or LH signalling at critical nodes are identified and the available evidence for such interactions in ovarian cells is discussed. Finally the action of the insulin-sensitizing drugs metformin and the thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone on follicular cells is reviewed.
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25
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Importância das comunicações intercelulares para o desenvolvimento de folículos ovarianos. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recli.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Kibschull M, Gellhaus A, Carette D, Segretain D, Pointis G, Gilleron J. Physiological roles of connexins and pannexins in reproductive organs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2879-98. [PMID: 26100514 PMCID: PMC11114083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive organs are complex and well-structured tissues essential to perpetuate the species. In mammals, the male and female reproductive organs vary on their organization, morphology and function. Connectivity between cells in such tissues plays pivotal roles in organogenesis and tissue functions through the regulation of cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Connexins and pannexins can be seen as major regulators of these physiological processes. In the present review, we assembled several lines of evidence demonstrating that these two families of proteins are essential for male and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kibschull
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Canada
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Diane Carette
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Dominique Segretain
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
| | - Georges Pointis
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Jerome Gilleron
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
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27
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Bertoldo MJ, Faure M, Dupont J, Froment P. AMPK: a master energy regulator for gonadal function. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:235. [PMID: 26236179 PMCID: PMC4500899 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
From C. elegans to mammals (including humans), nutrition and energy metabolism significantly influence reproduction. At the cellular level, some detectors of energy status indicate whether energy reserves are abundant (obesity), or poor (diet restriction). One of these detectors is AMPK (5′ AMP-activated protein kinase), a protein kinase activated by ATP deficiency but also by several natural substances such as polyphenols or synthetic molecules like metformin, used in the treatment of insulin resistance. AMPK is expressed in muscle and liver, but also in the ovary and testis. This review focuses on the main effects of AMPK identified in gonadal cells. We describe the role of AMPK in gonadal steroidogenesis, in proliferation and survival of somatic gonadal cells and in the maturation of oocytes or spermatozoa. We discuss also the role of AMPK in germ and somatic cell interactions within the cumulus-oocyte complex and in the blood testis barrier. Finally, the interface in the gonad between AMPK and modification of metabolism is reported and discussion about the role of AMPK on fertility, in regards to the treatment of infertility associated with insulin resistance (male obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Faure
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR85 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR85 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR85 Nouzilly, France
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28
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Clarke HJ, Vieux KF. Epigenetic inheritance through the female germ-line: The known, the unknown, and the possible. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 43:106-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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29
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El-Hayek S, Clarke HJ. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Increases Gap Junctional Communication Between Somatic and Germ-Line Follicular Compartments During Murine Oogenesis. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:47. [PMID: 26063870 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.129569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cells develop in intimate contact and communication with somatic cells of the gonad. In female mammals, oocyte development depends crucially on gap junctions that couple it to the surrounding somatic granulosa cells of the follicle, yet the mechanisms that regulate this essential intercellular communication remain incompletely understood. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) drives the terminal stage of follicular development. We found that FSH increases the steady-state levels of mRNAs encoding the principal connexins that constitute gap junctions and cadherins that mediate cell attachment. This increase occurs both in granulosa cells, which express the FSH-receptor, and in oocytes, which do not. FSH also increased the number of transzonal projections that provide the sites of granulosa cell-oocyte contact. Consistent with increased connexin expression, FSH increased gap junctional communication between granulosa cells and between the oocyte and granulosa cells, and it accelerated oocyte development. These results demonstrate that FSH regulates communication between the female germ cell and its somatic microenvironment. We propose that FSH-regulated gap junctional communication ensures that differentiation processes occurring in distinct cellular compartments within the follicle are precisely coordinated to ensure production of a fertilizable egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephany El-Hayek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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30
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Bertoldo MJ, Guibert E, Faure M, Ramé C, Foretz M, Viollet B, Dupont J, Froment P. Specific deletion of AMP-activated protein kinase (α1AMPK) in murine oocytes alters junctional protein expression and mitochondrial physiology. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119680. [PMID: 25767884 PMCID: PMC4359026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are dynamic processes that are regulated by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine signals. These signals are exchanged between the oocyte and the somatic cells of the follicle. Here we analyzed the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, by using transgenic mice deficient in α1AMPK specifically in the oocyte. We found a decrease of 27% in litter size was observed in ZP3-α1AMPK-/- (ZP3-KO) female mice. Following in vitro fertilization, where conditions are stressful for the oocyte and embryo, ZP3-KO oocytes were 68% less likely to pass the 2-cell stage. In vivo and in cumulus-oocyte complexes, several proteins involved in junctional communication, such as connexin37 and N-cadherin were down-regulated in the absence of α1AMPK. While the two signalling pathways (PKA and MAPK) involved in the junctional communication between the cumulus/granulosa cells and the oocyte were stimulated in control oocytes, ZP3-KO oocytes exhibited only low phosphorylation of MAPK or CREB proteins. In addition, MII oocytes deficient in α1AMPK had a 3-fold lower ATP concentration, an increase in abnormal mitochondria, and a decrease in cytochrome C and PGC1α levels, suggesting perturbed energy production by mitochondria. The absence of α1AMPK also induced a reduction in histone deacetylase activity, which was associated with an increase in histone H3 acetylation (K9/K14 residues). Together, the results of the present study suggest that absence of AMPK, modifies oocyte quality through energy processes and oocyte/somatic cell communication. The limited effect observed in vivo could be partly due to a favourable follicle microenvironment where nutrients, growth factors, and adequate cell interaction were present. Whereas in a challenging environment such as that of in vitro culture following IVF, the phenotype is revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Bertoldo
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edith Guibert
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Melanie Faure
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marc Foretz
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- UMR 7247 INRA CNRS Université de Tours Haras Nationaux Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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31
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Winterhager E, Kidder GM. Gap junction connexins in female reproductive organs: implications for women's reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:340-52. [PMID: 25667189 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins comprise a family of ~20 proteins that form intercellular membrane channels (gap junction channels) providing a direct route for metabolites and signalling molecules to pass between cells. This review provides a critical analysis of the evidence for essential roles of individual connexins in female reproductive function, highlighting implications for women's reproductive health. METHODS No systematic review has been carried out. Published literature from the past 35 years was surveyed for research related to connexin involvement in development and function of the female reproductive system. Because of the demonstrated utility of genetic manipulation for elucidating connexin functions in various organs, much of the cited information comes from research with genetically modified mice. In some cases, a distinction is drawn between connexin functions clearly related to the formation of gap junction channels and those possibly linked to non-channel roles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Based on work with mice, several connexins are known to be required for female reproductive functions. Loss of connexin43 (CX43) causes an oocyte deficiency, and follicles lacking or expressing less CX43 in granulosa cells exhibit reduced growth, impairing fertility. CX43 is also expressed in human cumulus cells and, in the context of IVF, has been correlated with pregnancy outcome, suggesting that this connexin may be a determinant of oocyte and embryo quality in women. Loss of CX37, which exclusively connects oocytes with granulosa cells in the mouse, caused oocytes to cease growing without acquiring meiotic competence. Blocking of CX26 channels in the uterine epithelium disrupted implantation whereas loss or reduction of CX43 expression in the uterine stroma impaired decidualization and vascularization in mouse and human. Several connexins are important in placentation and, in the human, CX43 is a key regulator of the fusogenic pathway from the cytotrophoblast to the syncytiotrophoblast, ensuring placental growth. CX40, which characterizes the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), supports proliferation of the proximal EVTs while preventing them from differentiating into the invasive pathway. Furthermore, women with recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as those with endometriosis exhibit reduced levels of CX43 in their decidua. The antimalaria drug mefloquine, which blocks gap junction function, is responsible for increased risk of early pregnancy loss and stillbirth, probably due to inhibition of intercellular communication in the decidua or between trophoblast layers followed by an impairment of placental growth. Gap junctions also play a critical role in regulating uterine blood flow, contributing to the adaptive response to pregnancy. Given that reproductive impairment can result from connexin mutations in mice, it is advised that women suffering from somatic disease symptoms associated with connexin gene mutations be additionally tested for impacts on reproductive function. Better knowledge of these essential connexin functions in human female reproductive organs is important for safeguarding women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario and Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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32
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Wei Y, Yang CR, Wei YP, Ge ZJ, Zhao ZA, Zhang B, Hou Y, Schatten H, Sun QY. Enriched environment-induced maternal weight loss reprograms metabolic gene expression in mouse offspring. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:4604-4619. [PMID: 25555918 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.605642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of weight loss is increasing, especially in young women. However, the extent and mechanisms by which maternal weight loss affects the offspring is still poorly understood. Here, using an enriched environment (EE)-induced weight loss model, we show that maternal weight loss improves general health and reprograms metabolic gene expression in mouse offspring, and the epigenetic alterations can be inherited for at least two generations. EE in mothers induced weight loss and its associated physiological and metabolic changes such as decreased adiposity and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Relative to controls, their offspring exhibited improved general health such as reduced fat accumulation, decreased plasma and hepatic lipid levels, and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Maternal weight loss altered gene expression patterns in the liver of offspring with coherent down-regulation of genes involved in lipid and cholesterol biosynthesis. Epigenomic profiling of offspring livers revealed numerous changes in cytosine methylation depending on maternal weight loss, including reproducible changes in promoter methylation over several key lipid biosynthesis genes, correlated with their expression patterns. Embryo transfer studies indicated that oocyte alteration in response to maternal metabolic conditions is a strong factor in determining metabolic and epigenetic changes in offspring. Several important lipid metabolism-related genes have been identified to partially inherit methylated alleles from oocytes. Our study reveals a molecular and mechanistic basis of how maternal lifestyle modification affects metabolic changes in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchang Wei
- From the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Cai-Rong Yang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan-Ping Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changyi People's Hospital, Weifang 261300, China
| | - Zhao-Jia Ge
- From the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhen-Ao Zhao
- From the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China, and
| | - Yi Hou
- From the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- From the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,.
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33
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Ganesan S, Nteeba J, Keating AF. Impact of obesity on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced altered ovarian connexin gap junction proteins in female mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 282:1-8. [PMID: 25447408 PMCID: PMC4641708 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ovarian gap junction proteins alpha 4 (GJA4 or connexin 37; CX37), alpha 1 (GJA1 or connexin 43; CX43) and gamma 1 (GJC1 or connexin 45; CX45) are involved in cell communication and folliculogenesis. 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) alters Cx37 and Cx43 expression in cultured neonatal rat ovaries. Additionally, obesity has an additive effect on DMBA-induced ovarian cell death and follicle depletion, thus, we investigated in vivo impacts of obesity and DMBA on CX protein levels. Ovaries were collected from lean and obese mice aged 6, 12, 18, or 24 wks. A subset of 18 wk old mice (lean and obese) were dosed with sesame oil or DMBA (1mg/kg; ip) for 14days and ovaries collected 3days thereafter. Cx43 and Cx45 mRNA and protein levels decreased (P<0.05) after 18 wks while Cx37 mRNA and protein levels decreased (P<0.05) after 24 wks in obese ovaries. Cx37 mRNA and antral follicle protein staining intensity were reduced (P<0.05) by obesity while total CX37 protein was reduced (P<0.05) in DMBA exposed obese ovaries. Cx43 mRNA and total protein levels were decreased (P<0.05) by DMBA in both lean and obese ovaries while basal protein staining intensity was reduced (P<0.05) in obese controls. Cx45 mRNA, total protein and protein staining intensity level were decreased (P<0.05) by obesity. These data support that obesity temporally alters gap junction protein expression and that DMBA-induced ovotoxicity may involve reduced gap junction protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Ganesan
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Jackson Nteeba
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Aileen F Keating
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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Oocyte environment: follicular fluid and cumulus cells are critical for oocyte health. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:303-16. [PMID: 25497448 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bidirectional somatic cell-oocyte signaling is essential to create a changing intrafollicular microenvironment that controls primordial follicle growth into a cohort of growing follicles, from which one antral follicle is selected to ovulate a healthy oocyte. Such intercellular communications allow the oocyte to determine its own fate by influencing the intrafollicular microenvironment, which in turn provides the necessary cellular functions for oocyte developmental competence, which is defined as the ability of the oocyte to complete meiosis and undergo fertilization, embryogenesis, and term development. These coordinated somatic cell-oocyte interactions attempt to balance cellular metabolism with energy requirements during folliculogenesis, including changing energy utilization during meiotic resumption. If these cellular mechanisms are perturbed by metabolic disease and/or maternal aging, molecular damage of the oocyte can alter macromolecules, induce mitochondrial mutations, and reduce adenosine triphosphate production, all of which can harm the oocyte. Recent technologies are now exploring transcriptional, translational, and post-translational events within the human follicle with the goal of identifying biomarkers that reliably predict oocyte quality in the clinical setting.
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Jiang GJ, Ma JY, Zhang GL, Mo FF, Zhang DW, Gao SH, Li XL. Protein profiling the differences between diabetic and normal mouse cumulus cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1080-5. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Jian Jiang
- Diabetes Research Center; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Jun-Yu Ma
- Department of Animal Science and Technology; Qingdao Agricultural University; Qingdao China
| | - Guang-Li Zhang
- Diabetes Research Center; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Fang-Fang Mo
- Diabetes Research Center; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Dong-Wei Zhang
- Diabetes Research Center; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Si-Hua Gao
- Diabetes Research Center; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Xiu-Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Hainan Branch; Sanya China
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Gu L, Liu H, Gu X, Boots C, Moley KH, Wang Q. Metabolic control of oocyte development: linking maternal nutrition and reproductive outcomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:251-71. [PMID: 25280482 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders are major health issues worldwide. As the epidemic of metabolic disorders continues, the associated medical co-morbidities, including the detrimental impact on reproduction, increase as well. Emerging evidence suggests that the effects of maternal nutrition on reproductive outcomes are likely to be mediated, at least in part, by oocyte metabolism. Well-balanced and timed energy metabolism is critical for optimal development of oocytes. To date, much of our understanding of oocyte metabolism comes from the effects of extrinsic nutrients on oocyte maturation. In contrast, intrinsic regulation of oocyte development by metabolic enzymes, intracellular mediators, and transport systems is less characterized. Specifically, decreased acid transport proteins levels, increased glucose/lipid content and elevated reactive oxygen species in oocytes have been implicated in meiotic defects, organelle dysfunction and epigenetic alteration. Therefore, metabolic disturbances in oocytes may contribute to the diminished reproductive potential experienced by women with metabolic disorders. In-depth research is needed to further explore the underlying mechanisms. This review also discusses several approaches for metabolic analysis. Metabolomic profiling of oocytes, the surrounding granulosa cells, and follicular fluid will uncover the metabolic networks regulating oocyte development, potentially leading to the identification of oocyte quality markers and prevention of reproductive disease and poor outcomes in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China,
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Ge ZJ, Zhang CL, Schatten H, Sun QY. Maternal Diabetes Mellitus and the Origin of Non-Communicable Diseases in Offspring: The Role of Epigenetics1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:139. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.118141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Makanji Y, Tagler D, Pahnke J, Shea LD, Woodruff TK. Hypoxia-mediated carbohydrate metabolism and transport promote early-stage murine follicle growth and survival. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 306:E893-903. [PMID: 24569591 PMCID: PMC3989738 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00484.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen tension is critical for follicle growth and metabolism, especially for early-stage follicles, where vascularity is limited. Its role and underlying mechanism in the in vitro activation and maturation of immature to ovulatory follicles is largely unknown. In this study, early secondary (110 μm) murine follicles were isolated and encapsulated in alginate hydrogels to replicate the in vivo environment of the growing/maturing follicle. Encapsulated follicles were cultured for 8 days at either 2.5 or 20% O2. Survival (2.6-fold) and growth (1.2-fold) were significantly higher for follicles cultured at 2.5% compared with 20% O2. Using a mouse hypoxia-signaling pathway qRT-PCR array and GeneGo Metacore analysis, we found that direct target genes of the hypoxia-activated HIF1-complex were significantly upregulated in follicles cultured for 8 days at 2.5% compared with 20% O2, including the carbohydrate transport and metabolism genes Slc2a3, Vegfa, Slc2a1, Edn1, Pgk1, Ldha, and Hmox1. Other upregulated genes included carbohydrate transporters (Slc2a1, Slc2a3, and Slc16a3) and enzymes essential for glycolysis (Pgk1, Hmox1, Hk2, Gpi1, Pfkl, Pfkp, Aldoa, Gapdh, Pgam1, Eno1, Pkm2, and Ldha). For follicles cultured at 2.5% O2, a 7.2-fold upregulation of Vegfa correlated to an 18-fold increase in VEGFA levels, and a 3.2-fold upregulation of Ldha correlated to a 4.8-fold increase in lactate levels. Both VEGFA and lactate levels were significantly higher in follicles cultured at 2.5% compared with 20% O2. Therefore, enhanced hypoxia-mediated glycolysis is essential for growth and survival of early secondary follicles and provides vital insights into improving in vitro culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogeshwar Makanji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, and
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Asadikaram G, Asiabanha M, Sirati Sabet M. Ovary cells apoptosis in opium-addicted diabetic and non-diabetic rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HIGH RISK BEHAVIORS & ADDICTION 2013; 2:3-7. [PMID: 24971264 PMCID: PMC4070143 DOI: 10.5812/ijhrba.8409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Apoptosis is a physiological mechanism of cell death and it can be triggered by a variety of internal and external stimuli. It has been indicated that some opium derivatives develop cell apoptosis. Objectives The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of opium addiction on ovary cell apoptosis in diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods This experimental study was done on control, control-addicted, diabetic and diabetic-addicted rats. DNA fragmentation as a biomarker of apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay. Results The blood glucose concentration in diabetic-addicted and diabetic rats was increased when compared to control (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between weights of control, control-addicted (non-diabetic) and diabetic-addicted groups during this study. The results of this study indicated that apoptosis in addicted and diabetic-addicted ovary cells was significantly higher than in diabetic group, and also apoptosis in addicted group was significantly more than the control rats. In addition, we found that ovary cells apoptosis of diabetic rats were significantly less than in control group. Conclusions Overall, these findings suggest that opium-addiction could play an important role in ovary cell apoptosis and could be very harmful for the reproductive system. Also, ovary cells of non-diabetic rats are more susceptible to opium-induced apoptosis than those of diabetic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Asadikaram
- Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Kerman, IR Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Gholamreza Asadikaram, Department of Biochemistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Kerman, IR Iran, Tel.: +98-9131406916, Fax: +98-3413222048, E-mail:
| | - Majid Asiabanha
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetic, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, IR Iran
| | - Majid Sirati Sabet
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetic, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, IR Iran
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Ge ZJ, Liang XW, Guo L, Liang QX, Luo SM, Wang YP, Wei YC, Han ZM, Schatten H, Sun QY. Maternal diabetes causes alterations of DNA methylation statuses of some imprinted genes in murine oocytes. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:117. [PMID: 23515675 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal diabetes has adverse effects not only on oocyte quality but also on embryo development. However, it is still unknown whether the DNA imprinting in oocytes is altered by diabetes. By using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced and nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse models we investigated the effect of maternal diabetes on DNA methylation of imprinted genes in oocytes. Mice which were judged as being diabetic 4 days after STZ injection were used for experiments. In superovulated oocytes of diabetic mice, the methylation pattern of Peg3 differential methylation regions (DMR) was affected in a time-dependent manner, and evident demethylation was observed on Day 35 after STZ injection. The expression level of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) was also decreased in a time-dependent manner in diabetic oocytes. However, the methylation patterns of H19 and Snrpn DMRs were not significantly altered by maternal diabetes, although there were some changes in Snrpn. In NOD mice, the methylation pattern of Peg3 was similar to that of STZ-induced mice. Embryo development was adversely affected by maternal diabetes; however, no evident imprinting abnormality was observed in oocytes from female offspring derived from a diabetic mother. These results indicate that maternal diabetes has adverse effects on DNA methylation of maternally imprinted gene Peg3 in oocytes of a diabetic female in a time-dependent manner, but methylation in offspring's oocytes is normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Jia Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Whole transcriptome analysis of the effects of type I diabetes on mouse oocytes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41981. [PMID: 22911868 PMCID: PMC3404043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In mouse ovarian follicles, granulosa cells but not oocytes take up glucose to provide the oocyte with nourishments for energy metabolism. Diabetes-induced hyperglycemia or glucose absorption inefficiency consistently causes granulosa cell apoptosis and further exerts a series of negative impacts on oocytes including reduced meiosis resumption rate, low oocyte quality and preimplantation embryo degeneration. Here we compared the transcriptome of mouse oocytes from genetically derived NOD diabetic mice or chemically induced STZ diabetic mice with that of corresponding normal mice. Differentially expressed genes were extracted from the two diabetic models. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that genes associated with metabolic and developmental processes were differentially expressed in oocytes from both models of diabetes. In addition, NOD diabetes also affected the expression of genes associated with ovulation, cell cycle progression, and preimplantation embryo development. Notably, Dnmt1 expression was significantly down-regulated, but Mbd3 expression was up-regulated in diabetic mouse oocytes. Our data not only revealed the mechanisms by which diabetes affects oocyte quality and preimplantation embryo development, but also linked epigenetic hereditary factors with metabolic disorders in germ cells.
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Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8): a novel protein in the mammalian endometrium with putative roles in implantation and placentation. Placenta 2012; 33:795-802. [PMID: 22770563 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES MFG-E8 is a novel endometrial protein with conserved functions in tissue remodeling and angiogenesis in non-uterine tissues. Our aims were: 1. To examine the presence of MFG-E8 protein in the human endometrium during the window of implantation, in human endometrial cell lines, in human placental tissue at different gestational ages, and in murine implantation sites during early gestation; and 2. To study the regulation of MFG-E8 mRNA expression in mice implantation sites. STUDY DESIGN MFG-E8 protein and its receptor integrin αvβ3 were detected by immunostaining in human endometrial biopsies obtained from normal volunteers, in human endometrial cell lines (epithelial: Ishikawa and HEC-1A, stromal: HESC, and endothelial: HEEC), in human products of conception from all trimesters of gestation, and in murine implantation and inter-implantation sites dissected on days 5 and 8 post-coitus. MFG-E8 gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Immunohistochemical determination of MFG-E8 in endometrium and products of conception as well as relative MFG-E8 mRNA expression in mice implantation sites. RESULTS MFG-E8 protein was present almost exclusively in the epithelial compartment of human endometrium. It was also expressed in the cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts outlining chorionic villi of the human placenta at all trimesters of gestation, and in murine implantation sites. MFG-E8 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in murine implantation sites and with increased gestational age. CONCLUSIONS MFG-E8 expression in the endometrial epithelium as well as in chorionic villi suggests its possible role in endometrial reorganization during the receptive phase and in events related to normal pregnancy in mammals.
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Fauser BCJM, Laven JSE, Tarlatzis BC, Moley KH, Critchley HOD, Taylor RN, Berga SL, Mermelstein PG, Devroey P, Gianaroli L, D'Hooghe T, Vercellini P, Hummelshoj L, Rubin S, Goverde AJ, De Leo V, Petraglia F. Sex steroid hormones and reproductive disorders: impact on women's health. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:702-12. [PMID: 21795737 DOI: 10.1177/1933719111405068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of sex steroid hormones in reproductive function in women is well established. However, in the last two decades it has been shown that receptors for estrogens, progesterone and androgens are expressed in non reproductive tissue /organs (bone, brain, cardiovascular system) playing a role in their function. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the impact of sex steroid hormones in the pathophysiology of some diseases (osteoporosis, Alzheimer, atherosclerosis). In particular, women with primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and climacteric syndrome may have more health problems and therefore an hormonal treatment may be crucial for these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart C J M Fauser
- 1Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Vonnahme KA, Bilski JJ, Borowczyk E, Soni D, Mikkelson B, Johnson ML, Reynolds LP, Redmer DA, Caton JS. Expression of gap junctional connexin proteins in ovine fetal ovaries: effects of maternal diet. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2011; 41:185-94. [PMID: 21820266 PMCID: PMC3190047 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions have been implicated in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the coordination of cellular functions during growth and differentiation of organs and tissues, and gap junctions play a major role in direct cell-cell communication. Gap junctional channels and connexin (Cx) proteins have been detected in adult ovaries in several species. Furthermore, it has been shown that several environmental factors, including maternal diet, may affect fetal organ growth and function. To determine whether maternal diet affects expression of Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 in fetal ovaries, sheep were fed a maintenance (M) diet with adequate (A) selenium (Se) or high (H) Se levels from 21 d before breeding to day 132 of pregnancy. From day 50 to 132 of pregnancy (tissue collection day), a portion of the ewes from the ASe and HSe groups was fed a restricted (R; 60% of M) diet. Sections of fetal ovaries were immunostained for the presence of Cxs followed by image analysis. All four Cxs were detected, but the distribution pattern differed. Cx26 was immunolocalized in the oocytes from primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles; in granulosa and theca layers of secondary and antral follicles; stroma; and blood vessels. Cx32 was in oocytes, granulosa, and theca cells in a portion of antral follicles; Cx37 was on the borders between oocyte and granulosa/cumulus cells of primordial to antral follicles and in endothelium; and Cx43 was on cellular borders in granulosa and theca layers and between oocyte and granulosa/cumulus cells of primordial to antral follicles. Maternal diet affected Cx26 and Cx43 expression, Cx26 in granulosa layer of antral follicles was decreased (P < 0.01) by HSe in the M and R diets, and Cx43 in granulosa layer of primary and granulosa and theca of antral follicles was increased (P < 0.05) by the M diet with HSe. Thus, Cxs may be differentially involved in regulation of fetal ovarian function in sheep. These data emphasize the importance of maternal diet in fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, 58108, USA.
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Purcell SH, Moley KH. The impact of obesity on egg quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:517-24. [PMID: 21625966 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity in women is a concern in many countries. This causes numerous health issues; however, this review focuses on the impact of obesity on women's reproduction, and in particular the oocyte. Data from infertility clinics and experimental animal models that address the effects of obesity are presented. Bidirectional communication and metabolic support from the surrounding cumulus cells are critical for oocyte development, and the impact of obesity on these cells is also addressed. Both oocyte maturation and metabolism are impaired due to obesity, negatively impacting further development. In addition to reproductive hormones, obesity induced elevations in insulin, glucose, or free fatty acids, and changes in adipokines appear to impact the developmental competence of the oocyte. The data indicate that any one of these hormones or metabolites can impair oocyte developmental competence in vivo, and the combination of all of these factors and their interactions are the subject of ongoing investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H Purcell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Brogan RS, MacGibeny M, Mix S, Thompson C, Puttabyatappa M, VandeVoort CA, Chaffin CL. Dynamics of intra-follicular glucose during luteinization of macaque ovarian follicles. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 332:189-95. [PMID: 20969917 PMCID: PMC3011036 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glucose is important to the maturation of the oocyte and development of the embryo, while hyperglycemia results in profound reproductive and developmental consequences. However, the normal physiology of glucose in the ovary remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to determine intra-follicular glucose dynamics during the periovulatory interval in non-human primates undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation protocols. Follicular fluid and mural granulosa cells were isolated before or up to 24h after an ovulatory hCG bolus, and the human granulosa-lutein cell line hGL5 was used. Intra-follicular glucose increased 3h after hCG, and remained at that level until 12h when levels decline back to pre-hCG concentrations. Pyruvate and lactate concentrations in the follicle were not strongly altered by hCG. Mural granulosa cell expression of hexokinase 1 and 2, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA decreased following hCG, while glycogen phosphorylase (liver form) increased following hCG. Glucose uptake by hGL5 cells was delayed until 24h following stimulation. In summary, intra-follicular glucose increases following an ovulatory stimulus and mural granulosa cells do not appear able to utilize it, sparing the glucose for the cumulus-oocyte complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Brogan
- Loyola University Maryland, Department of Biology, 4501 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Margaret MacGibeny
- Loyola University Maryland, Department of Biology, 4501 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Scott Mix
- Loyola University Maryland, Department of Biology, 4501 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Christopher Thompson
- Loyola University Maryland, Department of Biology, 4501 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Muraly Puttabyatappa
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN & Reproductive Sciences, 655 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21210
| | - Catherine A VandeVoort
- California National Primate Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Roads 98 and Hutchison, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Charles L Chaffin
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN & Reproductive Sciences, 655 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21210
- Correspondance: Charles Chaffin, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN & Reproductive Sciences, BRB 11-013, 655 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201, Phone (410) 706-3031, Fax (410) 706-5747,
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Wang Q, Frolova AI, Purcell S, Adastra K, Schoeller E, Chi MM, Schedl T, Moley KH. Mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in cumulus cells of type I diabetic mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15901. [PMID: 21209947 PMCID: PMC3011018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired oocyte quality has been demonstrated in diabetic mice; however, the potential pathways by which maternal diabetes exerts its effects on the oocyte are poorly understood. Cumulus cells are in direct contact with the oocyte via gap junctions and provide essential nutrients to support oocyte development. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal diabetes on the mitochondrial status in cumulus cells. We found an increased frequency of fragmented mitochondria, a decreased transmembrane potential and an aggregated distribution of mitochondria in cumulus cells from diabetic mice. Furthermore, while mitochondrial biogenesis in cumulus cells was induced by maternal diabetes, their metabolic function was disrupted as evidenced by lower ATP and citrate levels. Moreover, we present evidence suggesting that the mitochondrial impairments induced by maternal diabetes, at least in part, lead to cumulus cell apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c. Together the deleterious effects on cumulus cells may disrupt trophic and signaling interactions with the oocyte, contributing to oocyte incompetence and thus poor pregnancy outcomes in diabetic females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Antonina I. Frolova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Scott Purcell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Katie Adastra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Erica Schoeller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Maggie M. Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tim Schedl
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kelle H. Moley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kim ST, Marquard K, Stephens S, Louden E, Allsworth J, Moley KH. Adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in the mouse preimplantation embryo and uterus. Hum Reprod 2010; 26:82-95. [PMID: 21106494 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adiponectin (Adipoq), a protein secreted by adipocytes in inverse proportion to the adipose mass present, modulates energy homeostasis and increases insulin sensitivity. Tissue Adipoq signaling decreases in settings of maternal diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, conditions which are associated with reproductive difficulty. Our objective was to define the expression and hormonal regulation of Adipoq and its receptors in the mouse preimplantation embryo and uterus. METHODS AND RESULTS By real-time quantitative PCR, mRNA transcripts for Adipoq, AdipoR1, AdipoR2, Ppara, Ppard, FATP1 (SLC27A1) and acyl CoA oxidase (Acox1) were identified in mouse 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, while blastocyst stage embryos and trophoblast stem (TS) cells expressed mRNA for all genes except Adipoq. Protein expression of Adipoq, AdipoR1, AdipoR2, the insulin sensitive transporters GLUT8 (Slc2A8), GLUT12 (Slc2A12) and p-PRKAA1 was identified by immunofluorescence staining in all stages of preimplantation embryos including the blastocyst. In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of Adipoq, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA in the mouse decidual cells of the implantation site and in artificially decidualized cells, and the expression of these proteins was confirmed by western blotting. Flow cytometry confirmed cell surface expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in TS cells and decidual cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest for the first time that Adipoq signaling may play an important role in preimplantation embryo development and uterine receptivity by autocrine and paracrine methods in the mouse. Implantation failures and pregnancy loss, specifically those experienced in women with maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and PCOS, may be the result of aberrant Adipoq and AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression and suboptimal decidualization in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Wang Q, Moley KH. Maternal diabetes and oocyte quality. Mitochondrion 2010; 10:403-10. [PMID: 20226883 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Maternal diabetes has been demonstrated to adversely affect preimplantation embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. Emerging evidence has implicated that these effects are associated with compromised oocyte competence. Several developmental defects during oocyte maturation in diabetic mice have been reported over past decades. Most recently, we further identified the structural, spatial and metabolic dysfunction of mitochondria in oocytes from diabetic mice, suggesting the impaired oocyte quality. These defects in the oocyte may be maternally transmitted to the embryo and then manifested later as developmental abnormalities in preimplantation embryo, congenital malformations, and even metabolic disease in the offspring. In this paper, we briefly review the effects of maternal diabetes on oocyte quality, with a particular emphasis on the mitochondrial dysfunction. The possible connection between dysfunctional oocyte mitochondria and reproductive failure of diabetic females, and the mechanism(s) by which maternal diabetes exerts its effects on the oocyte are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Sutton-McDowall ML, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG. The pivotal role of glucose metabolism in determining oocyte developmental competence. Reproduction 2010; 139:685-95. [PMID: 20089664 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The environment that the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) is exposed to during either in vivo or in vitro maturation (IVM) can have profound effects on the success of fertilisation and subsequent embryo development. Glucose is a pivotal metabolite for the COC and is metabolised by glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) and the polyol pathway. Over the course of oocyte maturation, a large proportion of total glucose is metabolised via the glycolytic pathway to provide substrates such as pyruvate for energy production. Glucose is also the substrate for many cellular functions during oocyte maturation, including regulation of nuclear maturation and redox state via the PPP and for the synthesis of substrates of extracellular matrices (cumulus expansion) and O-linked glycosylation (cell signalling) via the HBP. However, the oocyte is susceptible to glucose concentration-dependent perturbations in nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, leading to poor embryonic development post-fertilisation. For example, glucose concentrations either too high or too low result in precocious resumption of nuclear maturation. This review will discuss the relevant pathways of glucose metabolism by COCs during in vivo maturation and IVM, including the relative contribution of the somatic and gamete compartments of the COC to glucose metabolism. The consequences of exposing COCs to abnormal glucose concentrations will also be examined, either during IVM or by altered maternal environments, such as during hyperglycaemia induced by diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L Sutton-McDowall
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
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