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Xiang X, Huang X, Wang J, Zhang H, Zhou W, Xu C, Huang Y, Tan Y, Yin Z. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the ovaries of Taihe black-bone silky fowls at the peak egg-laying and nesting period. Front Genet 2023; 14:1222087. [PMID: 37876591 PMCID: PMC10591096 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1222087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor reproductive performance of most local Chinese chickens limits the economic benefits and output of related enterprises. As an excellent local breed in China, Taihe black-bone silky fowl is in urgent need of our development and utilization. In this study, we performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the ovaries of Taihe black-bone silky fowls at the peak egg-laying period (PP) and nesting period (NP) to reveal the molecular mechanisms affecting reproductive performance. In the transcriptome, we identified five key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may affect the reproductive performance of Taihe black-bone silky fowl: BCHE, CCL5, SMOC1, CYTL1, and SCIN, as well as three important pathways: the extracellular region, Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In the metabolome, we predicted three important ovarian significantly differential metabolites (SDMs): LPC 20:4, Bisphenol A, and Cortisol. By integration analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, we identified three important metabolite-gene pairs: "LPC 20:4-BCHE", "Bisphenol A-SMOC1", and "Cortisol- SCIN". In summary, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanism of egg production in Taihe black-bone silky fowl and provides a scientific basis for improving the reproductive performance of Chinese local chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiang
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Haiyang Zhang
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunhui Xu
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunyan Huang
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Tan
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaozheng Yin
- Animal Science College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Fokidis HB, Brock T, Newman C, Macdonald DW, Buesching CD. Assessing chronic stress in wild mammals using claw-derived cortisol: a validation using European badgers ( Meles meles). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad024. [PMID: 37179707 PMCID: PMC10171820 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Measuring stress experienced by wild mammals is increasingly important in the context of human-induced rapid environmental change and initiatives to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Glucocorticoids (GC), such as cortisol, mediate responses by promoting physiological adjustments during environmental perturbations. Measuring cortisol is a popular technique; however, this often reveals only recent short-term stress such as that incurred by restraining the animal to sample blood, corrupting the veracity of this approach. Here we present a protocol using claw cortisol, compared with hair cortisol, as a long-term stress bio-indicator, which circumvents this constraint, where claw tissue archives the individual's GC concentration over preceding weeks. We then correlate our findings against detailed knowledge of European badger life history stressors. Based on a solid-phase extraction method, we assessed how claw cortisol concentrations related to season and badger sex, age and body-condition using a combination of generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) (n = 668 samples from 273 unique individuals) followed by finer scale mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) (n = 152 re-captured individuals). Claw and hair cortisol assays achieved high accuracy, precision and repeatability, with similar sensitivity. The top GLMM model for claw cortisol included age, sex, season and the sex*season interaction. Overall, claw cortisol levels were significantly higher among males than females, but strongly influenced by season, where females had higher levels than males in autumn. The top fine scale MMRM model included sex, age and body condition, with claw cortisol significantly higher in males, older and thinner individuals. Hair cortisol was more variable than claw; nevertheless, there was a positive correlation after removing 34 outliers. We discuss strong support for these stress-related claw cortisol patterns from previous studies of badger biology. Given the potential of this technique, we conclude that it has broad application in conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bobby Fokidis
- Corresponding author: Department of Biology, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, USA.
| | - Taylor Brock
- Department of Biology, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789-4499, USA
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abindgon Rd, Tubney, OX13 5QL, UK
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abindgon Rd, Tubney, OX13 5QL, UK
| | - Christina D Buesching
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, 3187 University Way, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V1V7, Canada
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3
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Ozgocer T, Ucar C, Yildiz S. Daily cortisol awakening response and menstrual symptoms in young females. Stress Health 2022; 38:57-68. [PMID: 34137165 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Menstrual symptoms include some rhythmical changes and stress perception but women differ in duration and severity of these symptoms. It is not known whether these differences are associated with cortisol awakening response (CAR). The aim of the current study was to follow young women daily for the CAR and menstrual parameters throughout the whole menstrual cycle. Healthy and regularly cycling young women (n = 16, 17 to 31-year-old) participated in the current study. The daily records of severity of problems (DRSP) was filled in daily by the participants. CAR was also assessed daily form the salivary samples collected at a 0-, 15-, 30- and 60-min post-awakening. In terms of daily awakening cortisol profiles, women had either 2-20 (n = 3), or 20-200 (n = 8) or 200-2000 (n = 5) ng/ml cortisol according to the median levels throughout their cycle. CAR was weakly and negatively correlated with DRSP scores but strongly and positively with oestradiol (R2 = 0.300; p = 0.000) and progesterone (R2 = 0.490; p = 0.000) concentrations. Individuals with higher oestradiol and progesterone concentrations did not have high DRSP scores. In conclusion, CAR had a very high between-subject difference but had a low within-subject difference throughout the days of menstrual cycle, suggesting that CAR is a relatively stable personal trait. Moreover, the interplay between cortisol, progesterone and oestradiol appears to be important for the severity of menstrual symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Ozgocer
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Harran, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Cihat Ucar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Adıyaman, Adıyaman, Turkey
| | - Sedat Yildiz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Inonu, Malatya, Turkey
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Skarzynski DJ, Bazer FW, Maldonado-Estrada JG. Editorial: Veterinary Reproductive Immunology. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:823169. [PMID: 35083310 PMCID: PMC8784508 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.823169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada
- OHVRI Research Group, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada
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Endo N, Rahayu LP, Yamamura T, Tanaka H, Tanaka T. Intravaginal administration of progesterone using a new technique for sustained drug release in goats. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:489-492. [PMID: 32522937 PMCID: PMC7593637 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a sustained release vaginal progesterone (P4) capsule containing a mixture of
mucoadhesive polymer and silicone fluid. Goats were administered a gelatin capsule containing 0.4 g of P4 mixed in silicone fluid and either a
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HM) or polyaclil starch (PA) base. The mean plasma P4 concentrations at 2 and 12 h after administration were
significantly higher in goats treated with PA capsules than in those with HM capsules. The plasma P4 concentrations in goats treated with HM capsules
increased and remained above 1.0 ng/ml for 96 h after administration, whereas the plasma P4 concentrations in goats treated with PA capsules remained
above 1.0 ng/ml for only 24 h after administration. In the next experiment, an HM capsule was attached to a silicone device and inserted in the vagina for 10
days. The plasma P4 concentration remained similar to that of the natural luteal phase for 9 days. These results suggest that a mixture of
mucoadhesive polymer and silicone fluid has the potential to be applied clinically as a sustained release base for estrus synchronization or hormonal
therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Endo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Reproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Larasati Puji Rahayu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Reproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamura
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | | | - Tomomi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Reproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Dong J, Li J, Li J, Cui L, Meng X, Qu Y, Wang H. The proliferative effect of cortisol on bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:97. [PMID: 31757215 PMCID: PMC6873581 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) undergo regular regeneration after calving. Elevated cortisol concentrations have been reported in postpartum cattle due to various stresses. However, the effects of the physiological level of cortisol on proliferation in BEECs have not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cortisol can influence the proliferation properties of BEECs and to clarify the possible underlying mechanism. METHODS BEECs were treated with different concentrations of cortisol (5, 15 and 30 ng/mL). The mRNA expression of various growth factors was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), progression of the cell cycle in BEECs was measured using flow cytometric analysis, and the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Cortisol treatment resulted in upregulated mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); however, it had no influence on transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Cortisol (15 ng/mL) accelerated the cell cycle transition from the G0/G1 to the S phase. Cortisol upregulated the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclinD1 and promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that cortisol may promote proliferation in BEECs by increasing the expression of some growth factors and activating the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Dong
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Jun Li
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Jianji Li
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Luying Cui
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Xia Meng
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Yang Qu
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
| | - Heng Wang
- grid.268415.cCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009 Jiangsu China
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Edwards KL, Edes AN, Brown JL. Stress, Well-Being and Reproductive Success. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:91-162. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Zhao F, Wu W, Wei Q, Shen M, Li B, Jiang Y, Liu K, Liu H. Exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone affects genome‐wide DNA methylation and transcriptome of corpus luteum in sows. FASEB J 2018; 33:3264-3278. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801081rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Wangjun Wu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Quanwei Wei
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Ming Shen
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Bojiang Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Kaiqing Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Honglin Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
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9
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MiR-29b affects the secretion of PROG and promotes the proliferation of bovine corpus luteum cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195562. [PMID: 29617446 PMCID: PMC5884578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulatory role of miRNAs has been explored in ovarian cells, and their effects on gonadal development, apoptosis, ovulation, steroid production and corpus luteum (CL) development have been revealed. In this study, we analyzed the expression of miR-29b at different stages of bovine CL development and predicted the target genes of miR-29b. We confirmed that miR-29b reduces the expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), affects progesterone (PROG) secretion and regulates the function of the CL. RT-PCR showed that the expression of miR-29b was significantly higher in functional CL phases than in the regressed CL phase. Immunohistochemistry showed that OXTR was expressed in both large and small CL cells and was mainly located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of these cells. We analyzed the expression levels of OXTR and found that transfection with a miR-29b mimic decreased OXTR expression, but transfection with the inhibitor had a limited effect on the expression of the OXTR protein. At the same time, the secretion of PROG was significantly increased in the miR-29b mimic-transfected group. We also analyzed the effect of miR-29b on the apoptosis of CL cells. Finally, we found that miR-29b could promote the proliferation of bovine CL cells. In conclusion, we found that miR-29b reduces the expression of OXTR and can promote PROG secretion and the proliferation of CL cells via OXTR.
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10
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Impact of exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone on gelatinase expression and steroidogenesis in the newly formed corpus luteum in sows. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Amweg AN, Rodríguez FM, Huber E, Marelli BE, Gareis NC, Belotti EM, Rey F, Salvetti NR, Ortega HH. Detection and activity of 11 beta hydroxylase (CYP11B1) in the bovine ovary. Reproduction 2017; 153:433-441. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as cortisol and corticosterone are important steroid hormones with different functions in intermediate metabolism, development, cell differentiation, immune response and reproduction. In response to physiological and immunological stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) acts on the adrenal gland by stimulating the synthesis and secretion of GCs. However, there is increasing evidence that GCs may also be synthesized by extra-adrenal tissues. Here, we examined the gene and protein expression of the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase P450c11 (CYP11B1), involved in the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol, in the different components of the bovine ovary and determined the functionality of CYP11B1in vitro.CYP11B1mRNA was expressed in granulosa and theca cells in small, medium and large antral ovarian follicles, and CYP11B1 protein was expressed in medium and large antral follicles. After stimulation by ACTH, we observed an increased secretion of cortisol by the wall of large antral follicles. We also observed a concentration-dependent decrease in the concentration of cortisol in response to metyrapone, an inhibitor of CYP11B1. This decrease was significant at 10−5 µM metyrapone. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the presence of CYP11B1 in the bovine ovary. This confirms that there could be a local synthesis of GCs in the bovine ovary and therefore a potential endocrine responder to stress through these hormones.
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12
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Amweg AN, Rodríguez FM, Huber E, Marelli BE, Salvetti NR, Rey F, Ortega HH. Role of Glucocorticoids in Cystic Ovarian Disease: Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor in the Bovine Ovary. Cells Tissues Organs 2015; 201:138-47. [DOI: 10.1159/000442150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the components of normal bovine ovary and in animals with cystic ovarian disease (COD). Changes in the protein and mRNA expression levels were determined in control cows and cows with COD by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. GR protein expression in granulosa cells was higher in cysts from animals with spontaneous COD and adrenocorticotropic hormone-induced COD than in tertiary follicles from control animals. In theca interna cells, GR expression was higher in cysts from animals with spontaneous COD than in tertiary follicles from control animals. The increase in GR expression observed in cystic follicles suggests a mechanism of action for cortisol and its receptor through the activation/inactivation of specific transcription factors. These factors could be related to the pathogenesis of COD in cattle.
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Zelena D. The janus face of stress on reproduction: from health to disease. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:458129. [PMID: 25945091 PMCID: PMC4405284 DOI: 10.1155/2015/458129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parenthood is a fundamental feature of all known life. However, infertility has been recognized as a public health issue worldwide. But even when the offspring are conceived, in utero problems can lead to immediate (abortion), early (birth), and late (adulthood) consequences. One of the most studied factors is stress. However, stress response is, per se, of adaptive nature allowing the organism to cope with challenges. Stressors lead to deterioration if one is faced with too long lasting, too many, and seemingly unsolvable situations. In stress adaptation the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the resulting glucocorticoid elevation are one of the most important mechanisms. At cellular level stress can be defined as an unbalance between production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress is widely accepted as an important pathogenic mechanism in different diseases including infertility. On the other hand, the goal of free radical production is to protect the cells from infectious entities. This review aims to summarize the negative and positive influence of stress on reproduction as a process leading to healthy progeny. Special emphasis was given to the balance at the level of the organism and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Zelena
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Szigony 43, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- *Dóra Zelena:
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14
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Sirotkin AV, Chrenek P, Kolesarová A, Parillo F, Zerani M, Boiti C. Novel regulators of rabbit reproductive functions. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 148:188-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA. A role for glucocorticoids in stress-impaired reproduction: beyond the hypothalamus and pituitary. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4450-68. [PMID: 24064362 PMCID: PMC3836069 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the well-characterized role of the sex steroid receptors in regulating fertility and reproduction, reproductive events are also mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to an individual's environment. Glucocorticoid secretion in response to stress contributes to the well-characterized suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis through central actions in the hypothalamus and pituitary. However, both animal and in vitro studies indicate that other components of the reproductive system are also regulated by glucocorticoids. Furthermore, in the absence of stress, it appears that homeostatic glucocorticoid signaling plays a significant role in reproduction and fertility in all tissues comprising the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Indeed, as central regulators of the immune response, glucocorticoids are uniquely poised to integrate an individual's infectious, inflammatory, stress, nutritional, and metabolic status through glucocorticoid receptor signaling in target tissues. Endocrine signaling between tissues regulating the immune and stress response and those determining reproductive status provides an evolutionary advantage, facilitating the trade-off between reproductive investment and offspring fitness. This review focuses on the actions of glucocorticoids in tissues important for fertility and reproduction, highlighting recent studies that show glucocorticoid signaling plays a significant role throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and characterizing these effects as permissive or inhibitory in terms of facilitating reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Whirledge
- NIEHS/NIH, MD F3-07, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
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16
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Kuse M, Lee HY, Acosta TJ, Hojo T, Okuda K. Expression of glucocorticoid receptor α and its regulation in the bovine endometrium: possible role in cyclic prostaglandin F2α production. J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:346-52. [PMID: 23563496 PMCID: PMC3944365 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol (Cr), the most important glucocorticoid (GC), is well known to suppress uterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF) production. However, the details of the regulatory mechanisms controlling the cyclic changes in endometrial PGF production remain unclear. Here we investigated the expression of the GC receptor (GC-Rα), the actions of cortisol throughout the estrous cycle and the regulatory mechanism of GC-Rα in the bovine endometrium. The levels of GC-Rα protein were greater at the mid-luteal stage (Days 8-12) than at the other stages. Cr more strongly suppressed PGF production at the mid-luteal stage than at the follicular stage. GC-Rα expression was increased by progesterone (P4) but decreased by estradiol-17β (E2) in cultured endometrial stromal cells. The overall results suggest that ovarian steroid hormones control the cyclic changes in endometrial PGF production by regulating GC-Rα expression in bovine endometrial stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Kuse
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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17
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Walusimbi SS, Pate JL. Physiology and Endocrinology Symposium: role of immune cells in the corpus luteum. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:1650-9. [PMID: 23422006 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-6179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is essential for optimal function of the reproductive system. The corpus luteum (CL) is an endocrine organ that secretes progesterone, which is responsible for regulating the length of the estrous cycle, and for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. This paper reviews literature that addresses 2 areas; i) how immune cells are recruited to the CL, and ii) how immune cells communicate with luteal cells to affect the formation, development, and regression of the CL. Immune cells, primarily recruited to the ovulatory follicle from lymphoid organs after the LH surge, facilitate ovulation and populate the developing CL. During the luteal phase, changes in the population of macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes occur at critical functional stages of the CL. In addition to their role in facilitating ovulation, immune cells may have an important role in luteal function. Evidence shows that cytokines secreted by immune cells modulate both luteotropic and luteolytic processes. However, the decision to pursue either function may depend on the environment provided by luteal cells. It is suggested that understanding the role immune cells play could lead to identification of new strategies to improve fertility in dairy cattle and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Walusimbi
- Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
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