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Drechsel KCE, Broer SL, Stoutjesdijk FS, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Beishuizen A, Wallace WH, Körholz D, Mauz-Körholz C, Hasenclever D, Cepelova M, Uyttebroeck A, Ronceray L, Twisk JWR, Kaspers GJL, Veening MA. The impact of treatment for childhood classical Hodgkin lymphoma according to the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol on serum anti-Müllerian Hormone. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1701-1711. [PMID: 38794915 PMCID: PMC11291946 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the impact of the EuroNet-PHL-C2 treatment protocol for children with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) on gonadal function in girls, based on assessment of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)? SUMMARY ANSWER Serum AMH levels decreased after induction chemotherapy and increased during subsequent treatment and 2 years of follow-up, with lowest levels in patients treated for advanced stage cHL. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Treatment for cHL, particularly alkylating agents and pelvic irradiation, can be gonadotoxic and result in premature reduction of primordial follicles in females. The current EuroNet-PHL-C2 trial aims to reduce the use of radiotherapy in standard childhood cHL treatment, by intensifying chemotherapy. This study aims to assess the gonadotoxic effect of the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This international, prospective, multicenter cohort study is embedded in the EuroNet-PHL-C2 trial, an European phase-3 treatment study evaluating the efficacy of standard cHL treatment with OEPA-COPDAC-28 (OEPA: vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and doxorubicin; COPDAC-28: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and dacarbazine) versus intensified OEPA-DECOPDAC-21 (DECOPDAC-21: COPDAC with additional doxorubicin and etoposide and 25% more cyclophosphamide) in a randomized setting. Participants were recruited between January 2017 and September 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Female patients aged ≤18 years, treated according to the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol for cHL were recruited across 18 sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic. All parents and patients (aged ≥12 years old) provided written informed consent. Serum AMH levels and menstrual cycle characteristics were evaluated over time (at diagnosis, one to three times during treatment and 2 up to 5 years post-diagnosis) and compared between treatment-levels (TL1, TL2, and TL3) and treatment-arms (OEPA-COPDAC-28 and OEPA-DECOPDAC-21). Serum samples obtained from patients after receiving pelvic radiotherapy were excluded from the main analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 104 females, with median age at diagnosis of 15.6 years (IQR 13.7; 17.0), were included in the analysis. Ninety-nine were (post)pubertal. Eighteen girls were diagnosed with an early stage of cHL (TL1) and 86 with intermediate or advanced stage disease (50 TL2 and 36 TL3, 66% received COPDAC-28 and 34% DECOPDAC-21). Five patients received pelvic radiotherapy. Median AMH level at diagnosis was 1.7 µg/l (IQR 0.9; 2.7). After two courses of OEPA chemotherapy, AMH levels decreased substantially in all patients (98% <0.5 µg/l), followed by a significant increase during the consolidation treatment and follow-up. After 2 years, 68% of patients reached their baseline AMH value, with overall median recovery of 129% (IQR 75.0; 208.9) compared to baseline measurement. Five patients (7%) had AMH <0.5 µg/l. In patients treated for advanced stage disease, AMH levels remained significantly lower compared to early- or intermediate stage disease, with median serum AMH of 1.3 µg/l (IQR 0.8; 2.1) after 2 years. Patients who received DECOPDAC-21 consolidation had lower AMH levels during treatment than patients receiving COPDAC-28, but the difference was no longer statistically significant at 2 years post-diagnosis. Of the 35 postmenarchal girls who did not receive hormonal co-treatment, 19 (54%) experienced treatment-induced amenorrhea, two girls had persisting amenorrhea after 2 years. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The studied population comprises young girls with diagnosis of cHL often concurring with pubertal transition, during which AMH levels naturally rise. There was no control population, while the interpretation of AMH as a biomarker during childhood is complex. The state of cHL disease may affect AMH levels at diagnosis, potentially complicating assessment of AMH recovery as a comparison with baseline AMH. The current analysis included data up to 2-5 years post-diagnosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The current PANCARE guideline advises to use the cyclophosphamide-equivalent dose score (CED-score, as an estimation of cumulative alkylating agent exposure) with a cut-off of 6000 mg/m2 to identify females aged <25 years at high risk of infertility. All treatment-arms of the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol remain below this cut-off, and based on this guideline, girls treated for cHL should therefore be considered low-risk of infertility. However, although we observed an increase in AMH after chemotherapy, it should be noted that not all girls recovered to pre-treatment AMH levels, particularly those treated for advanced stages of cHL. It remains unclear how our measurements relate to age-specific expected AMH levels and patterns. Additional (long-term) data are needed to explore clinical reproductive outcomes of survivors treated according to the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The fertility add-on study was funded by the Dutch charity foundation KiKa (project 257) that funds research on all forms of childhood cancer. C.M-K., D.K., W.H.W., D.H., M.C., A.U., and A.B. were involved in the development of the EuroNet-PHL-C2 regimen. The other authors indicated no potential conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C E Drechsel
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Treament and quality of life, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S L Broer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine & Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F S Stoutjesdijk
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E van Dulmen-den Broeder
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Beishuizen
- Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, Erasmus MC—Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W H Wallace
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Körholz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Giessen—Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Giessen, Germany
| | - C Mauz-Körholz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Giessen—Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Giessen, Germany
- Clinic for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University of Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - D Hasenclever
- Institut für Medizinische Informatik, Statistik und Epidemiologie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Cepelova
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty Hospital Motol and 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - A Uyttebroeck
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, KU Leuven, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Ronceray
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, St Anna Children's Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - J W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G J L Kaspers
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M A Veening
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Winship AL, Alesi LR, Stringer JM, Cao Y, Lewis YM, Tu L, Swindells EOK, Giridharan S, Cai X, Griffiths MJ, Zerafa N, Gilham L, Hickey M, Hutt KJ. Conditional loss of Brca1 in oocytes causes reduced litter size, ovarian reserve depletion and impaired oocyte in vitro maturation with advanced reproductive age in mice. EBioMedicine 2024; 106:105262. [PMID: 39084071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105262] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 1 in 350 women carry germline BRCA1/2 mutations, which confer an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and may also contribute to subfertility. All mature, sex steroid-producing ovarian follicles are drawn from the pool of non-renewable primordial follicles, termed the 'ovarian reserve'. The clinical implications of early ovarian reserve exhaustion extend beyond infertility, to include the long-term adverse health consequences of loss of endocrine function and premature menopause. We aimed to determine whether conditional loss of Brca1 in oocytes impacts ovarian follicle numbers, oocyte quality and fertility in mice with advancing maternal age. We also aimed to determine the utility of AMH as a marker of ovarian function, by assessing circulating AMH levels in mice and women with BRCA1/2 mutations, and correlating this with ovarian follicle counts. METHODS In this study, we addressed a longstanding question in the field regarding the functional consequences of BRCA1 inactivation in oocytes. To recapitulate loss of BRCA1 protein function in oocytes, we generated mice with conditional gene deletion of Brca1 in oocytes using Gdf9-Cre recombinase (WT: Brca1fl/flGdf9+/+; cKO: Brca1fl/flGdf9cre/+). FINDINGS While the length of the fertile lifespan was not altered between groups after a comprehensive breeding trial, conditional loss of Brca1 in oocytes led to reduced litter size in female mice. Brca1 cKO animals had a reduced ovarian reserve and oocyte maturation was impaired with advanced maternal age at postnatal day (PN)300, compared to WT animals. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations (the gold-standard indirect marker of the ovarian reserve used in clinical practice) were not predictive of reduced primordial follicle number in Brca1 cKO mice versus WT. Furthermore, we found no correlation between follicle number or density and serum AMH concentrations in matched samples from a small cohort of premenopausal women with BRCA1/2 mutations. INTERPRETATION Together, our data demonstrate that BRCA1 is a key regulator of oocyte number and quality in females and suggest that caution should be used in relying on AMH as a reliable marker of the ovarian reserve in this context. FUNDING This work was made possible through Victorian State Government Operational Infrastructure Support and Australian Government NHMRC IRIISS. This work was supported by funding from the Australian Research Council (ALW - DE21010037 and KJH - FT190100265), as well as the National Breast Cancer Foundation (IIRS-22-092) awarded to ALW and KJH. LRA, YML, LT, EOKS and MG were supported by Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships. LRA, YML and LT were also supported by a Monash Graduate Excellence Scholarship. YC, SG and XC were supported by Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute PhD Scholarships. LRA was also supported by a Monash University ECPF24-6809920940 Fellowship. JMS was supported by NHMRC funding (2011299). MH was supported by an NHMRC Investigator Grant (1193838).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Winship
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica M Stringer
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yujie Cao
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yasmin M Lewis
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Tu
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Elyse O K Swindells
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Saranya Giridharan
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Xuebi Cai
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Meaghan J Griffiths
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nadeen Zerafa
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Leslie Gilham
- Breast Cancer Network Australia and Breast Cancer Trials Australia, Camberwell, VIC, Australia
| | - Martha Hickey
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Rohayem J, Alexander EC, Heger S, Nordenström A, Howard SR. Mini-Puberty, Physiological and Disordered: Consequences, and Potential for Therapeutic Replacement. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:460-492. [PMID: 38436980 PMCID: PMC11244267 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
There are 3 physiological waves of central hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity over the lifetime. The first occurs during fetal life, the second-termed "mini-puberty"-in the first months after birth, and the third at puberty. After adolescence, the axis remains active all through adulthood. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion or action. In cases of severe CHH, all 3 waves of GnRH pulsatility are absent. The absence of fetal HPG axis activation manifests in around 50% of male newborns with micropenis and/or undescended testes (cryptorchidism). In these boys, the lack of the mini-puberty phase accentuates testicular immaturity. This is characterized by a low number of Sertoli cells, which are important for future reproductive capacity. Thus, absent mini-puberty will have detrimental effects on later fertility in these males. The diagnosis of CHH is often missed in infants, and even if recognized, there is no consensus on optimal therapeutic management. Here we review physiological mini-puberty and consequences of central HPG axis disorders; provide a diagnostic approach to allow for early identification of these conditions; and review current treatment options for replacement of mini-puberty in male infants with CHH. There is evidence from small case series that replacement with gonadotropins to mimic "mini-puberty" in males could have beneficial outcomes not only regarding testis descent, but also normalization of testis and penile sizes. Moreover, such therapeutic replacement regimens in disordered mini-puberty could address both reproductive and nonreproductive implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rohayem
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, 9006 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Emma C Alexander
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sabine Heger
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK
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Harasimov K, Gorry RL, Welp LM, Penir SM, Horokhovskyi Y, Cheng S, Takaoka K, Stützer A, Frombach AS, Taylor Tavares AL, Raabe M, Haag S, Saha D, Grewe K, Schipper V, Rizzoli SO, Urlaub H, Liepe J, Schuh M. The maintenance of oocytes in the mammalian ovary involves extreme protein longevity. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1124-1138. [PMID: 38902423 PMCID: PMC11252011 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Women are born with all of their oocytes. The oocyte proteome must be maintained with minimal damage throughout the woman's reproductive life, and hence for decades. Here we report that oocyte and ovarian proteostasis involves extreme protein longevity. Mouse ovaries had more extremely long-lived proteins than other tissues, including brain. These long-lived proteins had diverse functions, including in mitochondria, the cytoskeleton, chromatin and proteostasis. The stable proteins resided not only in oocytes but also in long-lived ovarian somatic cells. Our data suggest that mammals increase protein longevity and enhance proteostasis by chaperones and cellular antioxidants to maintain the female germline for long periods. Indeed, protein aggregation in oocytes did not increase with age and proteasome activity did not decay. However, increasing protein longevity cannot fully block female germline senescence. Large-scale proteome profiling of ~8,890 proteins revealed a decline in many long-lived proteins of the proteostasis network in the aging ovary, accompanied by massive proteome remodeling, which eventually leads to female fertility decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Harasimov
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca L Gorry
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luisa M Welp
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Bioanalytics Group, Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Mae Penir
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yehor Horokhovskyi
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shiya Cheng
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katsuyoshi Takaoka
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Laboratory of Embryology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Alexandra Stützer
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Frombach
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ana Lisa Taylor Tavares
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- East Anglian Medical Genetics Service, Cambridge University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Monika Raabe
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sara Haag
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Translation Alliance Lower Saxony, Hannover, Braunschweig, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Debojit Saha
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Grewe
- Department for Neuro and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vera Schipper
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silvio O Rizzoli
- Department for Neuro and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
- Bioanalytics Group, Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Juliane Liepe
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Melina Schuh
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Chevillon F, Rebotier M, Dhédin N, Bruno B, Cacciatore C, Charbonier A, Joseph L, Le Bourgeois A, Talouarn M, Magro L, Barraud Lange V. [Fertility preservation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SFGM-TC)]. Bull Cancer 2024:S0007-4551(24)00185-1. [PMID: 38918137 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Conditioning regimen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have an impact on patient fertility through the use of gonadal irradiation and/or bifunctional alkylating agents. Their impact on fertility depends mainly on the dose used and, in women, on age at the time of treatment. All patients should benefit before treatment from a consultation informing them of the potential impact on fertility and of fertility preservation techniques. In the absence of contraindications, the major toxicity of myeloablative conditioning regimen justifies fertility preservation. There are few data concerning fertility after reduced-intensity conditioning. Despite lower theoretical gonadotoxicity, we also recommend fertility preservation, if possible before transplantation. The fertility preservation techniques used depend on the patient's age, pathology and conditioning. In the event of subsequent use of harvested gonadal tissue in the context of acute leukemia or aggressive lymphoma, it is advisable to assess the risk of reintroduction of tumor cells. Finally, it is recommended to assess gonadal function after transplant, especially after reduced conditioning. If there is persistent residual gonadal function, post-treatment fertility preservation should be discuss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Chevillon
- Service hématologie adolescents jeunes adultes, hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France.
| | - Marine Rebotier
- Service oncogynécologie, centre Leon-Berard et IHOPe, 28, promenade Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Nathalie Dhédin
- Service hématologie adolescents jeunes adultes, hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Bénédicte Bruno
- Service hématologie pédiatrique, hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, avenue Eugène-Avinée, 59037 Lille, France
| | - Carlotta Cacciatore
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | | | - Laure Joseph
- Service hématologie, département de biothérapie, hôpital Necker-enfants malades, AP-HP, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Amandine Le Bourgeois
- Service d'hématologie, CHU de Nantes, 1, place Alexis-Ricordeau, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Marie Talouarn
- Service d'hématologie, hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, 184, rue du faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Magro
- Service d'hématologie, CHU de Lille, 2, avenue Oscar-Lambret, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Virginie Barraud Lange
- Service hématologie adolescents jeunes adultes, hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France; Service biologie de la reproduction, hôpital Cochin Port Royal, AP-HP, 123, boulevard de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
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6
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Markowska A, Antoszczak M, Markowska J, Huczyński A. Gynotoxic Effects of Chemotherapy and Potential Protective Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2288. [PMID: 38927992 PMCID: PMC11202309 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122288] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the leading cancer treatments. Unfortunately, its use can contribute to several side effects, including gynotoxic effects in women. Ovarian reserve suppression and estrogen deficiency result in reduced quality of life for cancer patients and are frequently the cause of infertility and early menopause. Classic alkylating cytostatics are among the most toxic chemotherapeutics in this regard. They cause DNA damage in ovarian follicles and the cells they contain, and they can also induce oxidative stress or affect numerous signaling pathways. In vitro tests, animal models, and a few studies among women have investigated the effects of various agents on the protection of the ovarian reserve during classic chemotherapy. In this review article, we focused on the possible beneficial effects of selected hormones (anti-Müllerian hormone, ghrelin, luteinizing hormone, melatonin), agents affecting the activity of apoptotic pathways and modulating gene expression (C1P, S1P, microRNA), and several natural (quercetin, rapamycin, resveratrol) and synthetic compounds (bortezomib, dexrazoxane, goserelin, gonadoliberin analogs, imatinib, metformin, tamoxifen) in preventing gynotoxic effects induced by commonly used cytostatics. The presented line of research appears to provide a promising strategy for protecting and/or improving the ovarian reserve in the studied group of cancer patients. However, well-designed clinical trials are needed to unequivocally assess the effects of these agents on improving hormonal function and fertility in women treated with ovotoxic anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Markowska
- Department of Perinatology and Women’s Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznań, Poland
| | - Michał Antoszczak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Janina Markowska
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Poznańska 58A, 60-850 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Adam Huczyński
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Borges E, Braga D, Guilherme P, Iaconelli A, Setti A. The impact of severe oligozoospermia on morphokinetic embryo development in low-prognosis patients according to the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number criteria: an analysis of 10,366 injected oocytes. F&S SCIENCE 2024:S2666-335X(24)00030-2. [PMID: 38849117 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether severe male factor infertility (SMF), reflected by oligozoospermia, impacts embryo morphokinetic behavior in low-prognosis women as stratified by the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S) A total of 10,366 injected oocytes from 2,272 women who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles between March 2019 and April 2022. INTERVENTION(S) Patients were divided into 8 groups according to the POSEIDON criteria (1-4) and the presence or absence of SMF. A control group of normoresponder patients was included. Kinetic markers from the point of insemination were recorded in the EmbryoScope incubator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Morphokinetic milestones and intracytoplasmic sperm injection clinical outcomes. RESULT(S) Embryos from patients in the POSEIDON 1 group showed significantly slower timing to pronuclear appearance, timing to pronuclear fading (tPNf), timing to 2 (t2), 3 (t3), 4 (t4), 6 (t6), and 7 (t7) cells than those from the control group. Known Implantation Diagnosis Score ranking was significantly different between the SMF and non-SMF (nSMF) subgroups in both POSEIDON 1 as well as control groups. Embryos from patients in the POSEIDON 2 group showed significantly slower timing to pronuclear appearance, t4, t6, t7, timing to 8 cells (t8), and timing to morulae than those from the control group. Embryos in the POSEIDON 2 SMF subgroup took longer than those in the POSEIDON 2 nSMF subgroup and those in both control subgroups to achieve tPNf, t2, t3, timing to 5 cells (t5), timing to start blastulation, and timing to blastulation. Known Implantation Diagnosis Score ranking was significantly different between the SMF and nSMF subgroups in both POSEIDON 2 as well as control groups. Embryos from patients in the POSEIDON 3 group showed significantly slower t8 and duration of the second cell cycle (t3-t2) than those from the control group. Known Implantation Diagnosis Score ranking was significantly different across the subgroups. Embryos derived from patients in the POSEIDON 4 group showed significantly slower tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, timing to complete t4-t3 synchronous divisions, and timing to complete t8-t5 synchronous divisions than those from the control group. Known Implantation Diagnosis Score ranking was significantly different between the SMF and nSMF subgroups in both POSEIDON 4 as well as control groups. Irrespective of sperm quality, clinical outcomes significantly improved in the control subgroups compared with those in the POSEIDON 2 and 4 subgroups. CONCLUSION(S) Embryos in the SMF groups presented lower Known Implantation Diagnosis Score ranking than those in the nSMF groups in both POSEIDON 1-4 and control groups, suggesting that cumulative differences result in worse morphokinetic development when the algorithm is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group/FERTGROUP Medicina Reprodutiva, Clinical Department, São Paulo, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Scientific Research, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Braga
- Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Scientific Research, São Paulo, Brazil; Fertility Medical Group, Scientific Research, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia Guilherme
- Fertility Medical Group/FERTGROUP Medicina Reprodutiva, IVF Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical Group/FERTGROUP Medicina Reprodutiva, Clinical Department, São Paulo, Brazil; Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Scientific Research, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Setti
- Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Scientific Research, São Paulo, Brazil; Fertility Medical Group, Scientific Research, São Paulo, Brazil.
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8
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Foster KL, Lee DJ, Witchel SF, Gordon CM. Ovarian Insufficiency and Fertility Preservation During and After Childhood Cancer Treatment. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:377-388. [PMID: 38265460 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of many potential long-term consequences of childhood cancer treatment in females. Causes of POI in this patient population can include chemotherapy, especially alkylating agents, and radiation therapy. Rarely, ovarian tumors lead to ovarian dysfunction. POI can manifest as delayed pubertal development, irregular menses or amenorrhea, and infertility. This diagnosis often negatively impacts emotional health due to the implications of impaired ovarian function after already enduring treatment for a primary malignancy. The emerging adult may be challenged by the impact on energy level, quality of life, and fertility potential. POI can also lead to low bone density and compromised skeletal strength. This review discusses the health consequences of POI in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). We also explore the role of fertility preservation for CCS, including ovarian tissue cryopreservation and other available options. Lastly, knowledge gaps are identified that will drive a future research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla L Foster
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle J Lee
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Selma F Witchel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine M Gordon
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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9
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Homer HA. Understanding oocyte ageing. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:284-292. [PMID: 38536027 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.24.05343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Females are born with a finite and non-renewable reservoir of oocytes, which therefore decline both in number and quality with advancing age. A striking characteristic of oocyte quality is that "ageing" effects manifest whilst women are in their thirties and are therefore still chronologically and physically young. Furthermore, this decline is unrelenting and not modifiable to any great extent by lifestyle or diet. Since oocyte quality is rate-limiting for pregnancy success, as the proportion of good-quality oocytes progressively deteriorate, the chance of successful pregnancy during each 6-12-month period also decreases, becoming exponential after 37 years. Unlike oocyte quality, age-related attrition in the size of the ovarian reservoir is less impactful for natural fertility since only one mature oocyte is typically ovulated per menstrual cycle. In contrast, oocyte numbers are pivotal for in-vitro fertilization success, since larger numbers enable better-quality oocytes to be found and is important for buffering the inefficiencies of the IVF process. The ageing trajectory is accelerated in ~10% of women, so-called premature ovarian ageing, with ~1% of women at the extreme end of this spectrum with loss of ovarian function occurring before 40 years of age, termed premature ovarian insufficiency. The aim of this review was to analyze how ageing impacts the size and quality of the oocyte pool along with emerging interventions for combating low oocyte numbers and improving quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden A Homer
- Queensland Fertility Group, Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Center for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia -
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10
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Hill-Kayser C, Yorke E, Jackson A, Gracia C, Ginsberg J, Keene K, Ronckers C, Metzger ML, Li Z, Constine LS, Hua CH. Effects of Radiation Therapy on the Female Reproductive Tract in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:588-609. [PMID: 37804257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The PENTEC (Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic) task force aimed to quantify effects of radiation therapy (RT) dose to the female reproductive organs after treatment for childhood cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS Relevant studies published 1970 to 2017 were identified systematically through PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases with additional articles before 2021 identified by the group. Two large studies reported sufficient data to allow modeling of acute ovarian failure (AOF; loss of function ≤5 year from diagnosis) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI; loss of function at attained age <40 years) based on maximum dose to least affected ovary. Although normal tissue complication probability modeling was not feasible for the uterus due to limited data, the relationship between ultrasound-measured uterine volume and estimated amount of RT was plotted. Limited data regarding vaginal toxicity were available. RESULTS The risk of AOF increases with RT dose to least affected ovary, alkylating agent cumulative dose (cyclophosphamide equivalent dose [CED] in g/m2), age at RT, and stem cell transplantation: Two Gy to the least affected ovary resulted in AOF risk of 1% to 5% (CED = 0, risk increasing with age), 4% to 7% (CED = 10 g/m2, risk increasing with age), and 6% to 13% (CED = 30 g/m2, risk increasing with age). For patients aged 1 and 20 years at time of RT, AOF risk was ≥50% at doses of 24 Gy and 20 Gy with no alkylating chemotherapy, 22.5 Gy and 17 Gy with intermediate alkylator dose (10 g/m2), and 17 Gy and 13 Gy with high alkylator dose (30 g/m2). Risk of POI increases with survivor (attained) age (rather than age at time of RT), radiation dose to least affected ovary, and alkylator dose. Data review suggested that higher radiation doses to the uterus are associated with uterine toxicity, with uterine size considerably restricted after 12 Gy. Vaginal radiation in children is associated with high toxicity risk, although dose-volume data are not available for quantification. CONCLUSIONS Risk of AOF increases with age at RT, CED exposure, and RT dose; risk of POI likewise increases with RT dose, CED exposure, and survivor age. Both AOF and POI are expected to affect fertility and estrogen production. Data suggest that RT uterine dose >12 Gy may be associated with uterine size restriction. Adult literature suggests that maintaining vaginal dose <5 Gy may limit toxicity. Treatment of life-threatening malignancy remains a priority over reproductive preservation; however, when possible, radiation and surgical techniques should be considered to minimize dose to least affected ovary, uterus, and vagina. Survivors should receive endocrine and gynecologic support; those desiring pregnancy should be counseled early to maximize reproductive options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hill-Kayser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania & Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Ellen Yorke
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrew Jackson
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jill Ginsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania & Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kimberly Keene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Cecile Ronckers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Division of Childhood Cancer Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika L Metzger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Louis S Constine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Chia-Ho Hua
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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11
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Vazakidou P, Evangelista S, Li T, Lecante LL, Rosenberg K, Koekkoek J, Salumets A, Velthut-Meikas A, Damdimopoulou P, Mazaud-Guittot S, Fowler PA, Leonards PEG, van Duursen MBM. The profile of steroid hormones in human fetal and adult ovaries. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:60. [PMID: 38778396 PMCID: PMC11110185 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproduction in women is at risk due to exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system during different windows of sensitivity throughout life. Steroid hormone levels are fundamental for the normal development and function of the human reproductive system, including the ovary. This study aims to elucidate steroidogenesis at different life-stages in human ovaries. METHODS We have developed a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method for 21 important steroid hormones and measured them at different life stages: in media from cultures of human fetal ovaries collected from elective terminations of normally progressing pregnancy and in media from adult ovaries from Caesarean section patients, and follicular fluid from women undergoing infertility treatment. Statistically significant differences in steroid hormone levels and their ratios were calculated with parametric tests. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore clustering of the ovarian-derived steroidogenic profiles. RESULTS Comparison of the 21 steroid hormones revealed clear differences between the various ovarian-derived steroid profiles. Interestingly, we found biosynthesis of both canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids in first and second trimester fetal and adult ovarian tissue cultures. 17α-estradiol, a less potent naturally occurring isomer of 17β-estradiol, was detected only in follicular fluid. PCA of the ovarian-derived profiles revealed clusters from: adult ovarian tissue cultures with relatively high levels of androgens; first trimester and second trimester fetal ovarian tissue cultures with relatively low estrogen levels; follicular fluid with the lowest androgens, but highest corticosteroid, progestogen and estradiol levels. Furthermore, ratios of specific steroid hormones showed higher estradiol/ testosterone and estrone/androstenedione (indicating higher CYP19A1 activity, p < 0.01) and higher 17-hydroxyprogesterone/progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone /androstenedione (indicating higher CYP17A1 activity, p < 0.01) in fetal compared to adult ovarian tissue cultures. CONCLUSIONS Human ovaries demonstrate de novo synthesis of non-canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids. Elucidating the steroid profiles in human ovaries improves our understanding of physiological, life-stage dependent, steroidogenic capacity of ovaries and will inform mechanistic studies to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals that affect female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vazakidou
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
| | - Sara Evangelista
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Tianyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Laetitia L Lecante
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kristine Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Nova Vita Clinic, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jacco Koekkoek
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Competence Center on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Inserm, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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12
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Silber SJ, Goldsmith S, Castleman L, Hayashi K. In Vitro Maturation, In Vitro Oogenesis, and Ovarian Longevity. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1234-1245. [PMID: 38160209 PMCID: PMC11090930 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01427-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
This paper will review a remarkable new approach to in vitro maturation "IVM" of oocytes from ovarian tissue, based on our results with in vitro oogenesis from somatic cells. As an aside benefit we also have derived a better understanding of ovarian longevity from ovary transplant. We have found that primordial follicle recruitment is triggered by tissue pressure gradients. Increased pressure holds the follicle in meiotic arrest and prevents recruitment. Therefore recruitment occurs first in the least dense inner tissue of the cortico-medullary junction. Many oocytes can be obtained from human ovarian tissue and mature to metaphase 2 in vitro with no need for ovarian stimulation. Ovarian stimulation may only be necessary for removing the oocyte from the ovary, but this can also be accomplished by simple dissection at the time of ovary tissue cryopreservation. By using surgical dissection of the removed ovary, rather than a needle stick, we can obtain many oocytes from very small follicles not visible with ultrasound. A clearer understanding of ovarian function has come from in vitro oogenesis experiments, and that explains why IVM has now become so simple and robust. Tissue pressure (and just a few "core genes" in the mouse) direct primordial follicle recruitment and development to mature oocyte, and therefore also control ovarian longevity. There are three distinct phases to oocyte development both in vitro and in vivo: in vitro differentiation "IVD" which is not gonadotropin sensitive (the longest phase), in vitro gonadotropin sensitivity "IVG" which is the phase of gonadotropin stimulation to prepare for meiotic competence, and IVM to metaphase II. On any given day 35% of GVs in ovarian tissue have already undergone "IVD" and "IVG" in vivo, and therefore are ready for IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherman J Silber
- Infertility Center of St. Louis at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Sierra Goldsmith
- Infertility Center of St. Louis at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Leilani Castleman
- Infertility Center of St. Louis at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Bahety D, Böke E, Rodríguez-Nuevo A. Mitochondrial morphology, distribution and activity during oocyte development. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00064-X. [PMID: 38599901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria have a crucial role in cellular function and exhibit remarkable plasticity, adjusting both their structure and activity to meet the changing energy demands of a cell. Oocytes, female germ cells that become eggs, undergo unique transformations: the extended dormancy period, followed by substantial increase in cell size and subsequent maturation involving the segregation of genetic material for the next generation, present distinct metabolic challenges necessitating varied mitochondrial adaptations. Recent findings in dormant oocytes challenged the established respiratory complex hierarchies and underscored the extent of mitochondrial plasticity in long-lived oocytes. In this review, we discuss mitochondrial adaptations observed during oocyte development across three vertebrate species (Xenopus, mouse, and human), emphasising current knowledge, acknowledging limitations, and outlining future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Bahety
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elvan Böke
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Aida Rodríguez-Nuevo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Ben Shimol J. Perimenopause in women with rheumatologic diseases: a spotlight on an under-addressed transition. Climacteric 2024; 27:115-121. [PMID: 37990992 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2276201] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Abundant research has been published describing the effects invoked during menopause across different organ systems. Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone result in bidirectional alterations of immune cell pathways. Overall, the net trend dampens immunoregulation and promotes inflammation. In paradigmatic rheumatologic diseases, the combined effect is far from predictable. While some features may abate during menopause, studies have shown a general increased frequency toward disease exacerbation. Similarly, while impossible to isolate the ramifications of menopause in women with fibromyalgia, a tendency toward enhanced symptoms is unquestionably apparent. Furthermore, the comorbidities accrued by increasing age and the consequences of long-term medication use may also confound this picture. Periodic rheumatologic visits are warranted, with clinical assessments directed toward a multi-disciplinary approach. Ultimately, while an arsenal of effective tools is available for caring for these women and their underlying conditions, more studies are needed to better clarify how the different stages surrounding perimenopause affect subpopulations with rheumatic diseases and fibromyalgia-related disorders so that clinical course can be predicted and addressed prior to the emergence of symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ben Shimol
- Department of Rheumatology, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashqelon, Israel
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15
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Johnson J, Lawley SD, Emerson JW, Oktay KH. Modeling delay of age at natural menopause with planned tissue cryopreservation and autologous transplantation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:426.e1-426.e8. [PMID: 38184290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been proven to preserve fertility against gonadotoxic treatments. It has not been clear how this procedure would perform if planned for slowing ovarian aging. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the feasibility of cryopreserving ovarian tissue to extend reproductive life span and delay menopause by autotransplantation near menopause. STUDY DESIGN Based on the existing biological data on follicle loss rates, a stochastic model of primordial follicle wastage was developed to determine the years of delay in menopause (denoted by D) by ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation near menopause. Our model accounted for (1) age at ovarian tissue harvest (21-40 years), (2) the amount of ovarian cortex harvested, (3) transplantation of harvested tissues in single vs multiple procedures (fractionation), and (4) posttransplant follicle survival (40% [conservative] vs 80% [improved] vs 100% [ideal or hypothetical]). RESULTS Our model predicted that, for most women aged <40 years, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation would result in a significant delay in menopause. The advantage is greater if the follicle loss after transplant can be minimized. As an example, the delay in menopause (D) for a woman with a median ovarian reserve who cryopreserves 25% of her ovarian cortex at the age of 25 years and for whom 40% of follicles survive after transplantation would be approximately 11.8 years, but this extends to 15.5 years if the survival is 80%. As another novel finding, spreading the same amount of tissue to repetitive transplants significantly extends the benefit. For example, for the same 25-year-old woman with a median ovarian reserve, 25% cortex removal, and 40% follicle survival, fractionating the transplants to 3 or 6 procedures would result in the corresponding delay in menopause (D) of 23 or 31 years. The same conditions (3 or 6 procedures) would delay menopause as much as 47 years if posttransplant follicle survival is improved to 80% with modern approaches. An interactive Web tool was created to test all variables and the feasibility of ovarian tissue freezing and transplantation to delay ovarian aging (here). CONCLUSION Our model predicts that with harvesting at earlier adult ages and better transplant techniques, a significant menopause postponement and, potentially, fertile life span extension can be achieved by ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in healthy women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine (Anschutz Medical Campus), Aurora, CO
| | - Sean D Lawley
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - John W Emerson
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Kutluk H Oktay
- Innovation Institute for Fertility Preservation, New York, NY and New Haven, CT; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
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Ding W, Xu Y, Kondracki AJ, Sun Y. Childhood adversity and accelerated reproductive events: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:315-329.e31. [PMID: 37820985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.005] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accelerated female reproductive events represent the early onset of reproductive events involving puberty, menarche, pregnancy loss, first sexual intercourse, first birth, parity, and menopause. This study aimed to explore the association between childhood adversity and accelerated female reproductive events. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched from September 22, 2022 to September 23, 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Observational cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies in human populations were included if they reported the time of reproductive events for female individuals with experience of childhood adversity and were published in English. METHODS Two reviewers independently screened studies, obtained data, and assessed study quality, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Dichotomous outcomes were evaluated using meta-analysis, and pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using random-effects models. Moderation analysis and meta-regression were used to investigate heterogeneity. RESULTS In total, 21 cohort studies, 9 cross-sectional studies, and 3 case-control studies were identified. Overall, female individuals with childhood adversity were nearly 2 times more likely to report accelerated reproductive events than those with no adversity exposure (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.76; I2=99.6%; P<.001). Moderation analysis indicated that effect sizes for the types of childhood adversity ranged from an odds ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.09) for low socioeconomic status to 2.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.99) for dysfunctional family dynamics. Among the 7 groups based on different reproductive events, including early onset of puberty, early menarche, early sexual initiation, teenage childbirth, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, and early menopause, early sexual initiation had a nonsignificant correlation with childhood adversity (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-8.30; I2=99.9%; P<.001). Considerable heterogeneity (I2>75%) between estimates was observed for over half of the outcomes. Age, study type, and method of data collection could explain 35.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION The literature tentatively corroborates that female individuals who reported adverse events in childhood are more likely to experience accelerated reproductive events. This association is especially strong for exposure to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics. However, the heterogeneity among studies was high, requiring caution in interpreting the findings and highlighting the need for further evaluation of the types and timing of childhood events that influence accelerated female reproductive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Ding
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuxiang Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Anthony J Kondracki
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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17
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Chu Q, Yu YX, Zhang JZ, Zhang YT, Yu JP. Effects of flaxseed oil supplementation on metaphase II oocyte rates in IVF cycles with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1280760. [PMID: 38469148 PMCID: PMC10925664 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1280760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study was designed to explore the effects of flaxseed oil on the metaphase II (MII) oocyte rates in women with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Methods The women with DOR were divided into a study group (n = 108, flaxseed oil treatment) and a control group (n = 110, no treatment). All patients were treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Subsequently, the ART stimulation cycle parameters, embryo transfer (ET) results, and clinical reproductive outcomes were recorded. The influencing factors affecting the MII oocyte rate were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Results Flaxseed oil reduced the recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) dosage and stimulation time and increased the peak estradiol (E2) concentration in DOR women during ART treatment. The MII oocyte rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, and blastocyst formation rate were increased after flaxseed oil intervention. The embryo implantation rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (p = 0.05). Additionally, the female age [odds ratio (OR): 0.609, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52-0.72, p < 0.01] was the hindering factor of MII oocyte rate, while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH; OR: 100, 95% CI: 20.31-495, p < 0.01), peak E2 concentration (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.00, p = 0.01), and the intake of flaxseed oil (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.06-5.93, p = 0.04) were the promoting factors for MII oocyte rate. Conclusion Flaxseed oil improved ovarian response and the quality of oocytes and embryos, thereby increasing the fertilization rate and high-quality embryo rate in DOR patients. The use of flaxseed oil was positively correlated with MII oocyte rate in women with DOR. Clinical trial number https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300073785.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jia-ping Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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18
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Steane SE, Burgess DJ, Moritz KM, Akison LK. The Impacts of Periconceptional Alcohol on Neonatal Ovaries and Subsequent Adult Fertility in the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2471. [PMID: 38473719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposures during pregnancy can impact the establishment of the ovarian reserve in offspring, the lifetime supply of germ cells that determine a woman's reproductive lifespan. However, despite alcohol consumption being common in women of reproductive age, the impact of prenatal alcohol on ovarian development is rarely investigated. This study used an established rat model of periconceptional ethanol exposure (PCEtOH; 12.5% v/v ethanol) for 4 days prior to 4 days post-conception. Ovaries were collected from neonates (day 3 and day 10), and genes with protein products involved in regulating the ovarian reserve analyzed by qPCR. Adult offspring had estrous cycles monitored and breeding performance assessed. PCEtOH resulted in subtle changes in expression of genes regulating apoptosis at postnatal day (PN) 3, whilst those involved in regulating growth and recruitment of primordial follicles were dysregulated at PN10 in neonatal ovaries. Despite these gene expression changes, there were no significant impacts on breeding performance in adulthood, nor on F2-generation growth or survival. This contributes additional evidence to suggest that a moderate level of alcohol consumption exclusively around conception, when a woman is often unaware of her pregnancy, does not substantially impact the fertility of her female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Steane
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Mater Research, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Danielle J Burgess
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lisa K Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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19
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Ma JY, Xia TJ, Li S, Yin S, Luo SM, Li G. Germline cell de novo mutations and potential effects of inflammation on germline cell genome stability. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:316-327. [PMID: 36376195 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.003] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled pathogenic genome mutations in germline cells might impair adult fertility, lead to birth defects or even affect the adaptability of a species. Understanding the sources of DNA damage, as well as the features of damage response in germline cells are the overarching tasks to reduce the mutations in germline cells. With the accumulation of human genome data and genetic reports, genome variants formed in germline cells are being extensively explored. However, the sources of DNA damage, the damage repair mechanisms, and the effects of DNA damage or mutations on the development of germline cells are still unclear. Besides exogenous triggers of DNA damage such as irradiation and genotoxic chemicals, endogenous exposure to inflammation may also contribute to the genome instability of germline cells. In this review, we summarized the features of de novo mutations and the specific DNA damage responses in germline cells and explored the possible roles of inflammation on the genome stability of germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yu Ma
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Tian-Jin Xia
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China; College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Methodology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shen Yin
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Shi-Ming Luo
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guowei Li
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Methodology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
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20
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Maitin-Shepard M, Werner EF, Feig LA, Chavarro JE, Mumford SL, Wylie B, Rando OJ, Gaskins AJ, Sakkas D, Arora M, Kudesia R, Lujan ME, Braun J, Mozaffarian D. Food, nutrition, and fertility: from soil to fork. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:578-589. [PMID: 38101699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.005] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Food and nutrition-related factors, including foods and nutrients consumed, dietary patterns, use of dietary supplements, adiposity, and exposure to food-related environmental contaminants, have the potential to impact semen quality and male and female fertility; obstetric, fetal, and birth outcomes; and the health of future generations, but gaps in evidence remain. On 9 November 2022, Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the school's Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute hosted a 1-d meeting to explore the evidence and evidence gaps regarding the relationships between food, nutrition, and fertility. Topics addressed included male fertility, female fertility and gestation, and intergenerational effects. This meeting report summarizes the presentations and deliberations from the meeting. Regarding male fertility, a positive association exists with a healthy dietary pattern, with high-quality evidence for semen quality and lower quality evidence for clinical outcomes. Folic acid and zinc supplementation have been found to not impact male fertility. In females, body weight status and other nutrition-related factors are linked to nearly half of all ovulation disorders, a leading cause of female infertility. Females with obesity have worse fertility treatment, pregnancy-related, and birth outcomes. Environmental contaminants found in food, water, or its packaging, including lead, perfluorinated alkyl substances, phthalates, and phenols, adversely impact female reproductive outcomes. Epigenetic research has found that maternal and paternal dietary-related factors can impact outcomes for future generations. Priority evidence gaps identified by meeting participants relate to the effects of nutrition and dietary patterns on fertility, gaps in communication regarding fertility optimization through changes in nutritional and environmental exposures, and interventions impacting germ cell mechanisms through dietary effects. Participants developed research proposals to address the priority evidence gaps. The workshop findings serve as a foundation for future prioritization of scientific research to address evidence gaps related to food, nutrition, and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika F Werner
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Larry A Feig
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Blair Wylie
- Collaborative for Women's Environmental Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Oliver J Rando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Marla E Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Food is Medicine Institute, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States.
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21
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Athar F, Karmani M, Templeman N. Metabolic hormones are integral regulators of female reproductive health and function. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231916. [PMID: 38131197 PMCID: PMC10830447 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231916] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system is strongly influenced by nutrition and energy balance. It is well known that food restriction or energy depletion can induce suppression of reproductive processes, while overnutrition is associated with reproductive dysfunction. However, the intricate mechanisms through which nutritional inputs and metabolic health are integrated into the coordination of reproduction are still being defined. In this review, we describe evidence for essential contributions by hormones that are responsive to food intake or fuel stores. Key metabolic hormones-including insulin, the incretins (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1), growth hormone, ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin-signal throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to support or suppress reproduction. We synthesize current knowledge on how these multifaceted hormones interact with the brain, pituitary, and ovaries to regulate functioning of the female reproductive system, incorporating in vitro and in vivo data from animal models and humans. Metabolic hormones are involved in orchestrating reproductive processes in healthy states, but some also play a significant role in the pathophysiology or treatment strategies of female reproductive disorders. Further understanding of the complex interrelationships between metabolic health and female reproductive function has important implications for improving women's health overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Muskan Karmani
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
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22
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Guo Y, Jia L, Zeng H, Sun P, Su W, Li T, Liang X, Fang C. Neurotrophin-4 promotes in vitro development and maturation of human secondary follicles yielding metaphase II oocytes and successful blastocyst formation. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae005. [PMID: 38371224 PMCID: PMC10873269 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does a matrix-free culture system supplemented with neurotrophic factor 4 (NT4) improve human in vitro follicular development and meiotic maturation, ultimately resulting in fertilizable oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER NT4 supplementation of in vitro culture significantly enhances the growth, steroid hormone production, and maturity potential of human secondary follicles derived from fresh ovarian medulla (from post- and pre-pubertal patients), thereby yielding fertilizable oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Reconstituting folliculogenesis in vitro is of paramount importance in the realms of fertility preservation, reproductive biology research, and reproductive toxicity assessments. However, the efficiency of in vitro culture systems remains suboptimal, as the attainment of fertilizable oocytes from in vitro growth (IVG) of human follicles remains unachieved, with the data being particularly scant regarding follicles from prepubertal girls. We have previously found that mouse oocytes from secondary follicles derived from IVG are deficient in neuroendocrine regulation. NT4 and its corresponding receptor have been identified in human follicles. Significantly, the addition of NT4 during the IVG process markedly enhances both follicle growth and oocyte maturation rates in mice. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Fresh medulla tissue obtained during tissue preparation for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) were collected from 10 patients aged from 6 to 21 years old, all of whom had undergone unilateral oophorectomy as a means of fertility preservation. Isolated secondary follicles were individually cultured in vitro with or without NT4 in a matrix-free system. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Secondary follicles, extracted via enzymatic digestion and mechanical disruption from each patient, were randomly allocated to either a control group or an NT4-supplemented group (100 ng/ml), followed by individual culture on an ultra-low attachment plate. Follicle growth and viability were assessed by microscopy. Levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, and progesterone in the medium were quantified. An oocyte-specific marker was identified using confocal fluorescence microscopy following DEAD box polypeptide 4 (DDX4) staining. The competence of individual oocytes for maturation and fertilization were assessed after IVM and ICSI with donated sperm samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, isolated follicles from both groups survived up to 6 weeks with increasing diameters over the duration (P < 0.05), reaching terminal diameters of almost 1 mm with confirmed steroidogenesis and expression of oocyte marker (DDX4), and producing morphologically normal MII oocytes. When compared with the control group, the NT4 group had a similar initial follicular diameter (206 ± 61.3 vs 184 ± 93.4 μm) but exhibited a significant increase in follicular diameter from the ninth day of culture onwards (P < 0.05). From Week 3, estradiol and progesterone production were significantly increased in the NT4 group, while no significant difference was observed in AMH production between groups. The proportion of 'fast-growth' follicles in the NT4 group was significantly higher than that in the control group (13/23 vs 6/24, P < 0.05). An increased efficiency of MII oocyte maturation per live follicle in the NT4 group was also observed (control group vs NT4 group, 4/24 vs 10/23, P < 0.05). It is noteworthy that an MII oocyte obtained from the control group exhibited abnormal fertilization after ICSI. In contrast, an MII oocyte acquired from the NT4 group progressed to the blastocyst stage and showed potential for transfer. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The cohort examined in this study was all patients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major. Whether this culture system is effective for patients with other diseases remains unknown. Since the chosen dose of NT4 was established based on dose finding in mice, the optimal dose for use in a human IVG system needs further confirmation. The oocytes and embryos procured from this study have not been quantified for ploidy status or epigenetic signatures. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Fresh medulla tissue obtained during tissue preparation for OTC may serve as a precious source of fertilizable oocytes for female fertility preservation, even for pre-pubertal girls, without the threat of tumour reintroduction. After further characterization and optimization of the system, this culture system holds the potential to provide a powerful future research tool, for the comprehensive exploration of human follicular development mechanisms and for conducting reproductive toxicity evaluations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (grant number 2022YFC2703000) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 82271651 and 81871214). The medium used in human follicle in vitro culture in this study has been applied for a national invention patent in China (No. 202211330660.7). The inventors of the patent, in order, are: Y.G., C.F., and X.L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenlong Su
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Fertility Preservation, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
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Lawley SD, Sammel MD, Santoro N, Johnson J. Mathematical recapitulation of the end stages of human ovarian aging. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4490. [PMID: 38215196 PMCID: PMC10786411 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian aging in women can be described as highly unpredictable within individuals but predictable across large populations. We showed previously that modeling an individual woman's ovarian reserve of primordial follicles using mathematical random walks replicates the natural pattern of growing follicles exiting the reserve. Compiling many simulations yields the observed population distribution of the age at natural menopause (ANM). Here, we have probed how stochastic control of primordial follicle loss might relate to the distribution of the preceding menopausal transition (MT), when women begin to experience menstrual cycle irregularity. We show that identical random walk model conditions produce both the reported MT distribution and the ANM distribution when thresholds are set for growing follicle availability. The MT and ANM are shown to correspond to gaps when primordial follicles fail to grow for 7 and 12 days, respectively. Modeling growing follicle supply is shown to precisely recapitulate epidemiological data and provides quantitative criteria for the MT and ANM in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean D. Lawley
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, 155 S 1400 E, JWB 233, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Mary D. Sammel
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine (AMC) Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine (AMC) Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joshua Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine (AMC) Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Iwase A, Asada Y, Sugishita Y, Osuka S, Kitajima M, Kawamura K. Anti-Müllerian hormone for screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and prediction: A systematic review and expert opinions. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:15-39. [PMID: 37964401 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM To present evidence-based recommendations for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurement as an ovarian reserve test. METHODS A systematic literature search for the clinical utility of AMH was conducted in PubMed from its inception to August 2022 to identify studies, including meta-analyses, reviews, randomized controlled trials, and clinical trials, followed by an additional systematic search using keywords. Based on this evidence, an expert panel developed clinical questions (CQs). RESULTS A total of 1895 studies were identified and 95 articles were included to establish expert opinions subdivided into general population, infertility treatment, primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, surgery, and oncofertility. We developed 13 CQs and 1 future research question with levels of evidence and recommendations. CONCLUSION The findings of the current systematic review covered the clinical utility of AMH including its screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and prediction. Although some clinical implications of AMH remain debatable, these expert opinions may help promote a better understanding of AMH and establish its clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | | | - Yodo Sugishita
- Department of Frontier Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Satoko Osuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michio Kitajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Biswas L, Schindler K. Predicting Infertility: How Genetic Variants in Oocyte Spindle Genes Affect Egg Quality. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2024; 238:1-22. [PMID: 39030352 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-55163-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful reproduction relies on the union of a single chromosomally normal egg and sperm. Chromosomally normal eggs develop from precursor cells, called oocytes, that have undergone accurate chromosome segregation. The process of chromosome segregation is governed by the oocyte spindle, a unique cytoskeletal machine that splits chromatin content of the meiotically dividing oocyte. The oocyte spindle develops and functions in an idiosyncratic process, which is vulnerable to genetic variation in spindle-associated proteins. Human genetic variants in several spindle-associated proteins are associated with poor clinical fertility outcomes, suggesting that heritable etiologies for oocyte dysfunction leading to infertility exist and that the spindle is a crux for female fertility. This chapter examines the mammalian oocyte spindle through the lens of human genetic variation, covering the genes TUBB8, TACC3, CEP120, AURKA, AURKC, AURKB, BUB1B, and CDC20. Specifically, it explores how patient-identified variants perturb spindle development and function, and it links these molecular changes in the oocyte to their cognate clinical consequences, such as oocyte maturation arrest, elevated egg aneuploidy, primary ovarian insufficiency, and recurrent pregnancy loss. This discussion demonstrates that small genetic errors in oocyte meiosis can result in remarkably far-ranging embryonic consequences, and thus reveals the importance of the oocyte's fine machinery in sustaining life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Nilsson HP, Bergh J, Malmros J, Ljungman P, Foukakis T, Stragliotto CL, Friman EI, Linderholm B, Valachis A, Andersson A, Harrysson S, Vennström L, Frisk P, Mörse H, Eloranta S. ProFertil study protocol for the investigation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy aiming at fertility protection of young women and teenagers with cancer in Sweden-a phase III randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e078023. [PMID: 38070906 PMCID: PMC10728964 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) cotreatment used to transiently suppress ovarian function during chemotherapy to prevent ovarian damage and preserve female fertility is used globally but efficacy is debated. Most clinical studies investigating a beneficial effect of GnRHa cotreatment on ovarian function have been small, retrospective and uncontrolled. Unblinded randomised studies on women with breast cancer have suggested a beneficial effect, but results are mixed with lack of evidence of improvement in markers of ovarian reserve. Unblinded randomised studies of women with lymphoma have not shown any benefit regarding fertility markers after long-term follow-up and no placebo-controlled study has been conducted so far. The aim of this study is to investigate if administration of GnRHa during cancer treatment can preserve fertility in young female cancer patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase III study including 300 subjects with breast cancer. In addition, 200 subjects with lymphoma, acute leukemias and sarcomas will be recruited. Women aged 14-42 will be randomised 1:1 to treatment with GnRHa (triptorelin) or placebo for the duration of their gonadotoxic chemotherapy. Follow-up until 5 years from end of treatment (EoT). The primary endpoint will be change in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) recovery at follow-up 12 months after EoT, relative to AMH levels at EoT, comparing the GnRHa group and the placebo group in women with breast cancer. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is designed in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP E6 (R2)), local regulations (ie, European Directive 2001/20/EC) and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Within 6 months of study completion, the results will be analysed and the study results shall be reported in the EudraCT database. STUDY REGISTRATION The National Institutional review board in Sweden dnr:2021-03379, approval date 12 October 2021 (approved amendments 12 June 2022, dnr:2022-02924-02 and 13 December 2022, dnr:2022-05565-02). The Swedish Medical Product Agency 19 January 2022, Dnr:5.1-2021-98927 (approved amendment 4 February 2022). Manufacturing authorisation for authorised medicinal products approved 6 December 2021, Dnr:6.2.1-2020-079580. Stockholm Medical Biobank approved 22 June 2022, RBC dnr:202 253. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05328258; EudraCT number:2020-004780-71.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jonas Bergh
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme cancer, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmros
- Pediatric Theme Astrid Lindgren's Pediatric Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Ljungman
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Theodoros Foukakis
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme cancer, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Barbro Linderholm
- Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Antonis Valachis
- Oncology, Örebro universitet Fakulteten för medicin och hälsa, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Anne Andersson
- Department of Oncology, Norrlands University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sara Harrysson
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Vennström
- Department of Hematology and Coagulation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Per Frisk
- Akademiska Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Mörse
- Center for Pediatric Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sandra Eloranta
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Xu Z, Takahashi N, Harada M, Kunitomi C, Kusamoto A, Koike H, Tanaka T, Sakaguchi N, Urata Y, Wada-Hiraike O, Hirota Y, Osuga Y. The Role of Cellular Senescence in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17193. [PMID: 38139022 PMCID: PMC10743614 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Young female cancer patients can develop chemotherapy-induced primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is one of the most widely used chemotherapies and has the highest risk of damaging the ovaries. Recent studies elucidated the pivotal roles of cellular senescence, which is characterized by permanent cell growth arrest, in the pathologies of various diseases. Moreover, several promising senolytics, including dasatinib and quercetin (DQ), which remove senescent cells, are being developed. In the present study, we investigated whether cellular senescence is involved in Cy-induced POI and whether DQ treatment rescues Cy-induced ovarian damage. Expression of the cellular senescence markers p16, p21, p53, and γH2AX was upregulated in granulosa cells of POI mice and in human granulosa cells treated with Cy, which was abrogated by DQ treatment. The administration of Cy decreased the numbers of primordial and primary follicles, with a concomitant increase in the ratio of growing to dormant follicles, which was partially rescued by DQ. Moreover, DQ treatment significantly improved the response to ovulation induction and fertility in POI mice by extending reproductive life. Thus, cellular senescence plays critical roles in Cy-induced POI, and targeting senescent cells with senolytics, such as DQ, might be a promising strategy to protect against Cy-induced ovarian damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (Z.X.); (Y.O.)
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Martirosyan YO, Silachev DN, Nazarenko TA, Birukova AM, Vishnyakova PA, Sukhikh GT. Stem-Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Unlocking New Possibilities for Treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2247. [PMID: 38137848 PMCID: PMC10744991 DOI: 10.3390/life13122247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART), achieving successful pregnancy rates remains challenging. Diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency hinder IVF success-about 20% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients face a poor prognosis due to a low response, leading to higher cancellations and reduced birth rates. In an attempt to address the issue of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), we conducted systematic PubMed and Web of Science research, using keywords "stem cells", "extracellular vesicles", "premature ovarian insufficiency", "diminished ovarian reserve" and "exosomes". Amid the complex ovarian dynamics and challenges like POI, stem cell therapy and particularly the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a great potential is shown. EVs trigger paracrine mechanisms via microRNAs and bioactive molecules, suppressing apoptosis, stimulating angiogenesis and activating latent regenerative potential. Key microRNAs influence estrogen secretion, proliferation and apoptosis resistance. Extracellular vesicles present a lot of possibilities for treating infertility, and understanding their molecular mechanisms is crucial for maximizing EVs' therapeutic potential in addressing ovarian disorders and promoting reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana O. Martirosyan
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Denis N. Silachev
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
- Department of Functional Biochemistry of Biopolymers, A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A. Nazarenko
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Almina M. Birukova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Polina A. Vishnyakova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennadiy T. Sukhikh
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (A.M.B.); (P.A.V.); (G.T.S.)
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Zhang S, Yahaya BH, Pan Y, Liu Y, Lin J. Menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cell, a unique and promising alternative in the stem cell-based therapy for chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:327. [PMID: 37957675 PMCID: PMC10644549 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03551-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy can cause ovarian dysfunction and infertility since the ovary is extremely sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. Apart from the indispensable role of the ovary in the overall hormonal milieu, ovarian dysfunction also affects many other organ systems and functions including sexuality, bones, the cardiovascular system, and neurocognitive function. Although conventional hormone replacement therapy can partly relieve the adverse symptoms of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the treatment cannot fundamentally prevent deterioration of POI. Therefore, effective treatments to improve chemotherapy-induced POI are urgently needed, especially for patients desiring fertility preservation. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies have resulted in promising improvements in chemotherapy-induced ovary dysfunction by enhancing the anti-apoptotic capacity of ovarian cells, preventing ovarian follicular atresia, promoting angiogenesis and improving injured ovarian structure and the pregnancy rate. These improvements are mainly attributed to MSC-derived biological factors, functional RNAs, and even mitochondria, which are directly secreted or indirectly translocated with extracellular vesicles (microvesicles and exosomes) to repair ovarian dysfunction. Additionally, as a novel source of MSCs, menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) have exhibited promising therapeutic effects in various diseases due to their comprehensive advantages, such as periodic and non-invasive sample collection, abundant sources, regular donation and autologous transplantation. Therefore, this review summarizes the efficacy of MSCs transplantation in improving chemotherapy-induced POI and analyzes the underlying mechanism, and further discusses the benefit and existing challenges in promoting the clinical application of MenSCs in chemotherapy-induced POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Zhang
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Stem Cell Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Lung Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Regenerative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Badrul Hisham Yahaya
- Lung Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Regenerative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ying Pan
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, , China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Stem Cell Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cell and Biotherapy Technology Research Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Stem Cell Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, East of JinSui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
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30
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Génard-Walton M, McGee G, Williams PL, Souter I, Ford JB, Chavarro JE, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Mínguez-Alarcón L. Mixtures of urinary concentrations of phenols and phthalate biomarkers in relation to the ovarian reserve among women attending a fertility clinic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165536. [PMID: 37453702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Although prior studies have found associations of the ovarian reserve with urinary concentrations of some individual phenols and phthalate metabolites, little is known about the potential associations of these chemicals as a mixture with the ovarian reserve. We investigated whether mixtures of four urinary phenols (bisphenol A, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben) and eight metabolites of five phthalate diesters including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were associated with markers of the ovarian reserve among 271 women attending a fertility center who enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health study (2004-2017). The analysis was restricted to one outcome per study participant using the earliest outcome after the last exposure assessment. Ovarian reserve markers included lower antral follicle count (AFC) defined as AFC < 7, circulating serum levels of day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) assessed by immunoassays, and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) defined as either AFC < 7, FSH > 10 UI/L or primary infertility diagnosis of DOR. We applied Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation to estimate the joint associations and assess the interactions between chemical exposure biomarkers on the markers of the ovarian reserve while adjusting for confounders. Among all 271 women, 738 urine samples were collected. In quantile g-computation models, a quartile increase in the exposure biomarkers mixture was not significantly associated with lower AFC (OR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 0.52, 2.30), day 3 FSH levels (Beta = 0.30, 95 % CI = -0.32, 0.93) or DOR (OR = 1.02, 95 % CI = 0.52, 2.05). Similarly, BKMR did not show any evidence of associations between the mixture and any of the studied outcomes, or interactions between chemicals. Despite the lack of associations, these results need to be explored among women in other study cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilien Génard-Walton
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Glen McGee
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
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31
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Zhu Q, Li Y, Ma J, Ma H, Liang X. Potential factors result in diminished ovarian reserve: a comprehensive review. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:208. [PMID: 37880734 PMCID: PMC10598941 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovarian reserve is defined as the quantity of oocytes stored in the ovary or the number of oocytes that can be recruited. Ovarian reserve can be affected by many factors, including hormones, metabolites, initial ovarian reserve, environmental problems, diseases, and medications, among others. With the trend of postponing of pregnancy in modern society, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) has become one of the most common challenges in current clinical reproductive medicine. Attributed to its unclear mechanism and complex clinical features, it is difficult for physicians to administer targeted treatment. This review focuses on the factors associated with ovarian reserve and discusses the potential influences and pathogenic factors that may explain the possible mechanisms of DOR, which can be improved or built upon by subsequent researchers to verify, replicate, and establish further study findings, as well as for scientists to find new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianhong Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No.1, Donggangxi Rd, Chengguan District, 730000, Lanzhou, China.
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32
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Hassan J, Knuus K, Lahtinen A, Rooda I, Otala M, Tuuri T, Gidlöf S, Edlund E, Menezes J, Malmros J, Byström P, Sundin M, Langenskiöld C, Vogt H, Frisk P, Petersen C, Damdimopoulou P, Jahnukainen K. Reference standards for follicular density in ovarian cortex from birth to sexual maturity. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103287. [PMID: 37603956 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103287] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are age-normalized reference values for human ovarian cortical follicular density adequate for tissue quality control in fertility preservation? DESIGN Published quantitative data on the number of follicles in samples without known ovarian pathology were converted into cortical densities to create reference values. Next, a sample cohort of 126 girls (age 1-24 years, mean ± SD 11 ± 6) with cancer, severe haematological disease or Turner syndrome were used to calculate Z-scores for cortical follicular density based on the reference values. RESULTS No difference was observed between Z-scores in samples from untreated patients (0.3 ± 3.5, n = 30) and patients treated with (0.5 ± 2.9, n = 48) and without (0.1 ± 1.3, n = 6) alkylating chemotherapy. Z-scores were not correlated with increasing cumulative exposure to cytostatics. Nevertheless, Z-scores in young treated patients (0-2 years -2.1 ± 3.1, n = 10, P = 0.04) were significantly lower than Z-scores in older treated patients (11-19 years, 2 ± 1.9, n = 15). Samples from patients with Turner syndrome differed significantly from samples from untreated patients (-5.2 ± 5.1, n = 24, P = 0.003), and a Z-score of -1.7 was identified as a cut-off showing good diagnostic value for identification of patients with Turner syndrome with reduced ovarian reserve. When this cut-off was applied to other patients, analysis showed that those with indications for reduced ovarian reserve (n = 15) were significantly younger (5.9 ± 4.2 versus 10.7 ± 5.9 years, P = 0.004) and, when untreated, more often had non-malignant haematologic diseases compared with those with normal ovarian reserve (n = 24, 100% versus 19%, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION Z-scores allow the estimation of genetic- and treatment-related effects on follicular density in cortical tissue from young patients stored for fertility preservation. Understanding the quality of cryopreserved tissue facilitates its use during patient counselling. More research is needed regarding the cytostatic effects found in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Hassan
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Katri Knuus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Atte Lahtinen
- Applied Tumour Genomics Research Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmatar Rooda
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marjut Otala
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sebastian Gidlöf
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Edlund
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judith Menezes
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmros
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petra Byström
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Section of Paediatric Haematology, Immunology and HCT, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Sundin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Section of Paediatric Haematology, Immunology and HCT, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Langenskiöld
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hartmut Vogt
- Crown Princess Victoria's Child and Youth Hospital, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Children's and Women's Health, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Frisk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Petersen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Paediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Cui W, Rocconi RP, Thota R, Anderson RA, Bruinooge SS, Comstock IA, Denduluri N, Gassman A, Gralow J, Hutt KJ, Amiri-Kordestani L, Lambertini M, Leighton J, Lu KH, Mostoufi-Moab S, Pollastro T, Pradhan S, Saber H, Schenkel C, Spratt D, Wedam S, Phillips KA. Measuring ovarian toxicity in clinical trials: an American Society of Clinical Oncology research statement. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e415-e423. [PMID: 37797647 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer agents can impair ovarian function, resulting in premature menopause and associated long-term health effects. Ovarian toxicity is not usually adequately assessed in trials of anticancer agents, leaving an important information gap for patients facing therapy choices. This American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) statement provides information about the incorporation of ovarian toxicity measures in trial design. ASCO recommends: (1) measurement of ovarian toxicity in relevant clinical trials of anticancer agents that enrol post-pubertal, pre-menopausal patients; (2) collection of ovarian function measures at baseline and at 12-24 months after anticancer agent cessation, as a minimum, and later in line with the trial schedule; and (3) assessment of both clinical measures and biomarkers of ovarian function. ASCO recognises that routine measurement of ovarian toxicity and function in cancer clinical trials will add additional complexity and burden to trial resources but asserts that this issue is of such importance to patients that it cannot continue to be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rodney P Rocconi
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Cancer Center & Research Institute, Jackson, MS, USA
| | | | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Ioanna A Comstock
- Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Audrey Gassman
- Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Julie Gralow
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Development and Stem Cell Program and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laleh Amiri-Kordestani
- Division of Oncology 1, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, UO Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - John Leighton
- Division of Hematology Oncology Toxicity, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Karen H Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sogol Mostoufi-Moab
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Shan Pradhan
- Office of Oncologic Diseases, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Haleh Saber
- Division of Hematology Oncology Toxicity, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Daniel Spratt
- Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Suparna Wedam
- Division of Oncology 1, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Kelly-Anne Phillips
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Levy SB, Bribiescas RG. Hierarchies in the energy budget: Thyroid hormones and the evolution of human life history patterns. Evol Anthropol 2023; 32:275-292. [PMID: 37584402 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of human life history characteristics required dramatic shifts in energy allocation mechanisms compared with our primate ancestors. Thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are sensitive to energy balance, and are significant determinants for both tissue-specific and whole-body metabolic rate. Thus, thyroid hormones are in part responsible for setting the body's overall energy budget and likely played an important role in the evolution of human life history patterns. We propose that the dynamics of mammalian T3 production, uptake, and action have evolved so that energy allocation prioritizes the high demands of brain development and functioning, often at the expense of growth and reproduction. This paper explores the role of thyroid hormone dynamics in the evolution of human encephalization, prolonged childhood and adolescence, long lifespans, reproduction, and human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Levy
- Department of Anthropology, CUNY Hunter College, New York, New York, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, USA
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Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Miquel L, Liotta J, Hours A, Bottin P, Castel P, Perrin J, Guillemain C, Courbiere B. Feasibility and efficiency of delayed ovarian stimulation and metaphase II oocyte banking for fertility preservation and childbearing desire after fertility-impairing treatment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15661. [PMID: 37730827 PMCID: PMC10511488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of delayed ovarian stimulation and metaphase II oocyte banking for fertility preservation after fertility-impairing treatment regardless of the initial disease. We conducted a cohort study based on population of women < 40 years of age with diminished ovarian reserve caused by fertility-impairing treatment (n = 129). Three groups of women were compared according to the type of initial disease: hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and benign diseases. The primary endpoint was the number of metaphase II oocytes collected per woman. We studied the cumulative live-birth rate per cycle with fertilized metaphase II oocyte, for women who wanted to conceive. We studied 245 delayed controlled ovarian stimulation cycles in 129 women: 201 for fertility preservation and 44 for in vitro fertilization and fresh embryo transfers. The number of metaphase II oocytes collected per woman after banking was similar in the three groups, with a mean of 10.7 ± 4.6, 12.3 ± 9.1, and 10.1 ± 7.6 metaphase II oocytes (p = 0.46), respectively. In the subgroup of women who wanted to conceive, the cumulative live birth rate per woman was 38%, with 8 live births for these 21 women. After fertility-impairing treatment, practitioners should discuss a fertility preservation procedure for banking metaphase II oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miquel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Pôle femmes parents enfants, AP-HM, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France.
| | - Julie Liotta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Pôle femmes parents enfants, AP-HM, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Alice Hours
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Pôle femmes parents enfants, AP-HM, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Pauline Bottin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Pôle femmes parents enfants, AP-HM, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Castel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Pôle femmes parents enfants, AP-HM, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Jeanne Perrin
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, IMBE, 13397, Marseille, France
| | | | - Blandine Courbiere
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, IMBE, 13397, Marseille, France
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Moslehi AH, Hoseinpour F, Saber A, Akhavan Taheri M, Hashemian AH. Fertility-enhancing effects of inositol & vitamin C on cisplatin induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113995. [PMID: 37619831 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin can lead to infertility due to its negative impact on the uterus and ovaries. This study aimed to explore the effects of Inositol and vitamin C on cisplatin-induced infertility. Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (N = 6) and orally treated for 21 days. The treatments were as follows: negative control (saline), positive control (saline and cisplatin injected into the abdomen on day 15), T1-T3: rats given vitamin C (150 mg/kg), Inositol (420 mg/kg), and vitamin C + Inositol, respectively, along with cisplatin injected into the abdomen on day 15, T4-T6: rats given only vitamin C, Inositol, and vitamin C + Inositol, respectively. Vitamin C and Inositol enhanced cisplatin-induced histopathological improvements in the uterus and ovaries, raising progesterone and estradiol serum levels. Furthermore, the supplements enhanced ESR1 gene expression in the uterus and ovary, reducing uterine and ovarian apoptosis caused by cisplatin through modulation of caspase 3, 8, and Bcl-2 gene levels. These substances decreased ovarian and uterine malondialdehyde levels, boosted total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, and alleviated oxidative stress. The findings reveal that vitamin C and Inositol shield against cisplatin-related infertility by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in the uterus and ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hosein Moslehi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hoseinpour
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Amir Saber
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Maryam Akhavan Taheri
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hashemian
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Lopez J, Hohensee G, Liang J, Sela M, Johnson J, Kallen AN. The Aging Ovary and the Tales Learned Since Fetal Development. Sex Dev 2023; 17:156-168. [PMID: 37598664 PMCID: PMC10841896 DOI: 10.1159/000532072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the term "aging" implies a process typically associated with later life, the consequences of ovarian aging are evident by the time a woman reaches her forties, and sometimes earlier. This is due to a gradual decline in the quantity and quality of oocytes which occurs over a woman's reproductive lifespan. Indeed, the reproductive potential of the ovary is established even before birth, as the proper formation and assembly of the ovarian germ cell population during fetal life determines the lifetime endowment of oocytes and follicles. In the ovary, sophisticated molecular processes have been identified that regulate the timing of ovarian aging and these are critical to ensuring follicular maintenance. SUMMARY The mechanisms thought to contribute to overall aging have been summarized under the term the "hallmarks of aging" and include such processes as DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition, genomic instability, and stem cell exhaustion, among others. Similarly, in the ovary, molecular processes have been identified that regulate the timing of ovarian aging and these are critical to ensuring follicular maintenance. In this review, we outline critical processes involved in ovarian aging, highlight major achievements for treatment of ovarian aging, and discuss ongoing questions and areas of debate. KEY MESSAGES Ovarian aging is recognized as what may be a complex process in which age, genetics, environment, and many other factors contribute to the size and depletion of the follicle pool. The putative hallmarks of reproductive aging outlined herein include a diversity of plausible processes contributing to the depletion of the ovarian reserve. More research is needed to clarify if and to what extent these putative regulators do in fact govern follicle and oocyte behavior, and how these signals might be integrated in order to control the overall pattern of ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gabe Hohensee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Meirav Sela
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amanda N. Kallen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Han S, Kwon JH, Lee KW, Lee S, Choi GS, Kim JM, Ko JS, Gwak MS, Kim GS, Ha SY, Joh JW. Abrogation of greater graft failure risk of female-to-male liver transplantation with donors older than 40 years or graft macrosteatosis greater than 5. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12914. [PMID: 37558742 PMCID: PMC10412610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38113-w] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Greater graft-failure-risk of female-to-male liver transplantation (LT) is thought to be due to acute decrease in hepatic-estrogen-signaling. Our previous research found evidence that female hepatic-estrogen-signaling decreases after 40 years or with macrosteatosis. Thus, we hypothesized that inferiority of female-to-male LT changes according to donor-age and macrosteatosis. We stratified 780 recipients of grafts from living-donors into four subgroups by donor-age and macrosteatosis and compared graft-failure-risk between female-to-male LT and other LTs within each subgroup using Cox model. In recipients with ≤ 40 years non-macrosteatotic donors, graft-failure-risk was significantly greater in female-to-male LT than others (HR 2.03 [1.18-3.49], P = 0.011). Within the subgroup of recipients without hepatocellular carcinoma, the inferiority of female-to-male LT became greater (HR 4.75 [2.02-11.21], P < 0.001). Despite good graft quality, 1y-graft-failure-probability was 37.9% (23.1%-57.9%) in female-to-male LT within this subgroup while such exceptionally high probability was not shown in any other subgroups even with worse graft quality. When donor was > 40 years or macrosteatotic, graft-failure-risk was not significantly different between female-to-male LT and others (P > 0.60). These results were in agreement with the estrogen receptor immunohistochemistry evaluation of donor liver. In conclusion, we found that the inferiority of female-to-male LT was only found when donor was ≤ 40 years and non-macrosteatotic. Abrogation of the inferiority when donor was > 40 years or macrosteatotic suggests the presence of dominant contributors for post-transplant graft-failure other than graft quality/quantity and supports the role of hepatic-estrogen-signaling mismatch on graft-failure after female-to-male LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangbin Han
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Ji Hye Kwon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyo Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyu Sung Choi
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Man Kim
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Justin Sangwook Ko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Sook Gwak
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gaab Soo Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Yun Ha
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Joh
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
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Stringer JM, Alesi LR, Winship AL, Hutt KJ. Beyond apoptosis: evidence of other regulated cell death pathways in the ovary throughout development and life. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:434-456. [PMID: 36857094 PMCID: PMC10320496 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulated cell death is a fundamental component of numerous physiological processes; spanning from organogenesis in utero, to normal cell turnover during adulthood, as well as the elimination of infected or damaged cells throughout life. Quality control through regulation of cell death pathways is particularly important in the germline, which is responsible for the generation of offspring. Women are born with their entire supply of germ cells, housed in functional units known as follicles. Follicles contain an oocyte, as well as specialized somatic granulosa cells essential for oocyte survival. Follicle loss-via regulated cell death-occurs throughout follicle development and life, and can be accelerated following exposure to various environmental and lifestyle factors. It is thought that the elimination of damaged follicles is necessary to ensure that only the best quality oocytes are available for reproduction. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Understanding the precise factors involved in triggering and executing follicle death is crucial to uncovering how follicle endowment is initially determined, as well as how follicle number is maintained throughout puberty, reproductive life, and ovarian ageing in women. Apoptosis is established as essential for ovarian homeostasis at all stages of development and life. However, involvement of other cell death pathways in the ovary is less established. This review aims to summarize the most recent literature on cell death regulators in the ovary, with a particular focus on non-apoptotic pathways and their functions throughout the discrete stages of ovarian development and reproductive life. SEARCH METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar for human, animal, and cellular studies published until August 2022 using the following search terms: oogenesis, follicle formation, follicle atresia, oocyte loss, oocyte apoptosis, regulated cell death in the ovary, non-apoptotic cell death in the ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency, primordial follicles, oocyte quality control, granulosa cell death, autophagy in the ovary, autophagy in oocytes, necroptosis in the ovary, necroptosis in oocytes, pyroptosis in the ovary, pyroptosis in oocytes, parthanatos in the ovary, and parthanatos in oocytes. OUTCOMES Numerous regulated cell death pathways operate in mammalian cells, including apoptosis, autophagic cell death, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. However, our understanding of the distinct cell death mediators in each ovarian cell type and follicle class across the different stages of life remains the source of ongoing investigation. Here, we highlight recent evidence for the contribution of non-apoptotic pathways to ovarian development and function. In particular, we discuss the involvement of autophagy during follicle formation and the role of autophagic cell death, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos during follicle atresia, particularly in response to physiological stressors (e.g. oxidative stress). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Improved knowledge of the roles of each regulated cell death pathway in the ovary is vital for understanding ovarian development, as well as maintenance of ovarian function throughout the lifespan. This information is pertinent not only to our understanding of endocrine health, reproductive health, and fertility in women but also to enable identification of novel fertility preservation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Barragán M, Cornet-Bartolomé D, Molina N, Vassena R. The expression levels of NOS2, HMOX1, and VEGFC in cumulus cells are markers of oocyte maturation and fertilization rate. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:369-377. [PMID: 37486100 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the reproductive life of women, cumulus cells (CC) protect the dormant oocyte from damage, act as sensors of the follicular microenvironment, and act as a gatekeeper for oocyte developmental potential. One such mechanism relies on the hypoxia-tolerance response, which, with age, decreases systematically, including in the ovary. We aimed to evaluate the association between gene expression related to hypoxia and aging in CC and reproductive results in in vitro fertilization cycles. We recruited 94 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Total RNA was extracted from pooled CCs collected after oocyte pick-up (OPU) and reverse-transcribed to complementary DNA using random hexamers to test 14 genes related to hypoxia response via HIF1α activation, oxidative stress, and angiogenic responses. The expression of CLU, NOS2, and TXNIP had a positive correlation with age (rs = 0.25, rs = 0.24, and rs = 0.35, respectively). Additionally, NOS2 and HMOX1 expression correlated positively with the retrieval of immature oocytes (rs = 0.22 and rs = 0.40, respectively). Moreover, VEGFC levels decreased overall with increasing fertilization rate, independently of age (rs = -0.29). We found that the fertilization potential of a cohort of oocytes is related to the ability of CC to respond to oxidative stress and hypoxia with age, pointing at NOS2, HMOX1, and VEGFC expression as markers for oocyte maturation and fertilization success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Barragán
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Cornet-Bartolomé
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistic, CIBERER, IBUB, IRSJD, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Molina
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Vassena
- EUGIN Group, Research and Development, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Lawley SD, Johnson J. Slowest first passage times, redundancy, and menopause timing. J Math Biol 2023; 86:90. [PMID: 37148411 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-023-01921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Biological events are often initiated when a random "searcher" finds a "target," which is called a first passage time (FPT). In some biological systems involving multiple searchers, an important timescale is the time it takes the slowest searcher(s) to find a target. For example, of the hundreds of thousands of primordial follicles in a woman's ovarian reserve, it is the slowest to leave that trigger the onset of menopause. Such slowest FPTs may also contribute to the reliability of cell signaling pathways and influence the ability of a cell to locate an external stimulus. In this paper, we use extreme value theory and asymptotic analysis to obtain rigorous approximations to the full probability distribution and moments of slowest FPTs. Though the results are proven in the limit of many searchers, numerical simulations reveal that the approximations are accurate for any number of searchers in typical scenarios of interest. We apply these general mathematical results to models of ovarian aging and menopause timing, which reveals the role of slowest FPTs for understanding redundancy in biological systems. We also apply the theory to several popular models of stochastic search, including search by diffusive, subdiffusive, and mortal searchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean D Lawley
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Joshua Johnson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Jain V, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Benotmane MA, Verratti V, Mitchell RT, Stukenborg JB. Human development and reproduction in space-a European perspective. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 36973260 PMCID: PMC10042989 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarises key aspects of the first reproductive and developmental systems Science Community White Paper, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Current knowledge regarding human development and reproduction in space is mapped to the roadmap. It acknowledges that sex and gender have implications on all physiological systems, however, gender identity falls outside the scope of the document included in the white paper collection supported by ESA. The ESA SciSpacE white papers on human developmental and reproductive functions in space aim to reflect on the implications of space travel on the male and female reproductive systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive hormone axis, and considerations for conception, gestation and birth. Finally, parallels are drawn as to how this may impact society as a whole on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.
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Grosbois J, Bailie EC, Kelsey TW, Anderson RA, Telfer EE. Spatio-temporal remodelling of the composition and architecture of the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix during in vitro culture. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:444-458. [PMID: 36721914 PMCID: PMC9977129 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does in vitro culture alter the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix (ECM) network structure? SUMMARY ANSWER The ECM composition and architecture vary in the different layers of the ovarian cortex and are remodelled during in vitro culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The ovarian ECM is the scaffold within which follicles and stromal cells are organized. Its composition and structural properties constantly evolve to accommodate follicle development and expansion. Tissue preparation for culture of primordial follicles within the native ECM involves mechanical loosening; this induces undefined modifications in the ECM network and alters cell-cell contact, leading to spontaneous follicle activation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fresh ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from six women aged 28-38 years (mean ± SD: 32.7 ± 4.1 years) at elective caesarean section. Biopsies were cut into fragments of ∼4 × 1 × 1 mm and cultured for 0, 2, 4, or 6 days (D). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primordial follicle activation, stromal cell density, and ECM-related protein (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminin) positive area in the entire cortex were quantified at each time point using histological and immunohistological analysis. Collagen and elastin content, collagen fibre characteristics, and follicle distribution within the tissue were further quantified within each layer of the human ovarian cortex, namely the outer cortex, the mid-cortex, and the cortex-medulla junction regions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Primordial follicle activation occurred concomitantly with a loosening of the ovarian cortex during culture, characterized by an early decrease in stromal cell density from 3.6 ± 0.2 × 106 at day 0 (D0) to 2.8 ± 0.1 × 106 cells/mm3 at D2 (P = 0.033) and a dynamic remodelling of the ECM. Notably, collagen content gradually fell from 55.5 ± 1.7% positive area at D0 to 42.3 ± 1.1% at D6 (P = 0.001), while elastin increased from 1.1 ± 0.2% at D0 to 1.9 ± 0.1% at D6 (P = 0.001). Fibronectin and laminin content remained stable. Moreover, collagen and elastin distribution were uneven throughout the cortex and during culture. Analysis at the sub-region level showed that collagen deposition was maximal in the outer cortex and the lowest in the mid-cortex (69.4 ± 1.2% versus 53.8 ± 0.8% positive area, respectively, P < 0.0001), and cortical collagen staining overall decreased from D0 to D2 (65.2 ± 2.4% versus 60.6 ± 1.8%, P = 0.033) then stabilized. Elastin showed the converse distribution, being most concentrated at the cortex-medulla junction (3.7 ± 0.6% versus 0.9 ± 0.2% in the outer cortex, P < 0.0001), and cortical elastin peaked at D6 compared to D0 (3.1 ± 0.5% versus 1.3 ± 0.2%, P < 0.0001). This was corroborated by a specific signature of the collagen fibre type across the cortex, indicating a distinct phenotype of the ovarian cortical ECM depending on region and culture period that might be responsible for the spatio-temporal and developmental pattern of follicular distribution observed within the cortex. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from women undergoing caesarean sections. As such, the data obtained may not accurately reflect the ECM distribution and structure of non-pregnant women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Clarifying the composition and architecture signature of the human ovarian cortical ECM provides a foundation for further exploration of ovarian microenvironments. It is also critical for understanding the ECM-follicle interactions regulating follicle quiescence and awakening, leading to improvements in both in vitro activation and in vitro growth techniques. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Medical Research Council grant MR/R003246/1 and Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award in Science: 215625/Z/19/Z. The authors have no conflicts to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily C Bailie
- Institute of Cell Biology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tom W Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Chabut M, Schneider P, Courbiere B, Saultier P, Bertrand Y, Tabone MD, Pochon C, Ducassou S, Paillard C, Gandemer V, Kanold J, Dalle JH, Poiree M, Plat G, Thouvenin S, Plantaz D, Sirvent N, Weinhard S, Berbis J, Baruchel A, Leverger G, Hamidou Z, Auquier P, Michel G. Ovarian Function and Spontaneous Pregnancy After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Leukemia Before Puberty: An L.E.A. Cohort Study. Transplant Cell Ther 2023:S2666-6367(23)01130-2. [PMID: 36849077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2023.02.019] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian function impairment and infertility are among the most frequent late effects after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian function, occurrence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and spontaneous pregnancy in a large cohort of adult survivor women who had undergone HSCT for leukemia before puberty. We conducted a retrospective observational study in women from the national cohort L.E.A., the long-term French follow-up program after childhood leukemia. The median follow-up duration was 18 years (14.2-23.3) after HSCT. Among 178 women, 106 (60%) needed pubertal induction with hormone substitution treatment, whereas 72 (40%) had spontaneous menarche. After spontaneous menarche, 33 (46%) developed POI, mostly within 5 years of HSCT. Older age at time of HSCT and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue appeared as significant risk factors for POI. More than 65% of patients who underwent HSCT before the age of 4.8 years had spontaneous menarche, and almost 50% didn't have POI at last evaluation, whereas more than 85% with HSCT after the age of 10.9 years didn't have spontaneous menarche and needed induction of puberty with hormone replacement therapy. Twenty-two women (12%) had at least one spontaneous pregnancy, with 17 live-births, 14 miscarriages, 4 legal abortions, and 2 therapeutic abortions. These results add supplementary data to better counsel patients and their families on the chances of ovarian residual function and pregnancy after HSCT, as well as on the potential interest of fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Chabut
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Rouen, Rouen, France.
| | - Pascale Schneider
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Blandine Courbiere
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetric and Reproductive Medicine, AP-HM, Hôpital La Conception/Aix-Marseille Université, IMBE, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Marseille, France
| | - Paul Saultier
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Oncology, APHM, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAe, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Yves Bertrand
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Dominique Tabone
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Armand Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Pochon
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Brabois, Brabois,France
| | - Stéphane Ducassou
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Catherine Paillard
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Gandemer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Justyna Kanold
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Hugues Dalle
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology, University Hospital of Saint Louis, Paris, France; Department of Hematology and immunology, Hôpital Robert-Debré, GHU APHP-Nord Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Maryline Poiree
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital L'Archet, Nice, France
| | - Geneviève Plat
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Thouvenin
- Department of Pediatric Onco-hematology, CHU de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Dominique Plantaz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Nicolas Sirvent
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Weinhard
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Brabois, Brabois,France
| | - Julie Berbis
- CEReS Research Unit EA 3279 and Department of Public Health, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - André Baruchel
- Department of Hematology and immunology, Hôpital Robert-Debré, GHU APHP-Nord Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guy Leverger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Armand Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Zeinab Hamidou
- CEReS Research Unit EA 3279 and Department of Public Health, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- CEReS Research Unit EA 3279 and Department of Public Health, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Gérard Michel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Oncology, APHM, La Timone Children's Hospital, Marseille, France; CEReS Research Unit EA 3279 and Department of Public Health, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
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46
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Brieño-Enríquez MA, Faykoo-Martinez M, Goben M, Grenier JK, McGrath A, Prado AM, Sinopoli J, Wagner K, Walsh PT, Lopa SH, Laird DJ, Cohen PE, Wilson MD, Holmes MM, Place NJ. Postnatal oogenesis leads to an exceptionally large ovarian reserve in naked mole-rats. Nat Commun 2023; 14:670. [PMID: 36810851 PMCID: PMC9944903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36284-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the long-lived naked mole-rat (NMR), the entire process of oogenesis occurs postnatally. Germ cell numbers increase significantly in NMRs between postnatal days 5 (P5) and P8, and germs cells positive for proliferation markers (Ki-67, pHH3) are present at least until P90. Using pluripotency markers (SOX2 and OCT4) and the primordial germ cell (PGC) marker BLIMP1, we show that PGCs persist up to P90 alongside germ cells in all stages of female differentiation and undergo mitosis both in vivo and in vitro. We identified VASA+ SOX2+ cells at 6 months and at 3-years in subordinate and reproductively activated females. Reproductive activation was associated with proliferation of VASA+ SOX2+ cells. Collectively, our results suggest that highly desynchronized germ cell development and the maintenance of a small population of PGCs that can expand upon reproductive activation are unique strategies that could help to maintain the NMR's ovarian reserve for its 30-year reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Brieño-Enríquez
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Mariela Faykoo-Martinez
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meagan Goben
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer K Grenier
- RNA sequencing core and Center for Reproductive Genomics, College of Veterinary, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ashley McGrath
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra M Prado
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jacob Sinopoli
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kate Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Patrick T Walsh
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samia H Lopa
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Diana J Laird
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Center for Reproductive Genomics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa M Holmes
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ned J Place
- Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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47
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Geijer-Simpson AV, Tinning H, De Bem THC, Tsagakis I, Taylor AS, Hume L, Collins LM, Forde N. Sex bias in utero alters ovarian reserve but not uterine capacity in female offspring†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:304-315. [PMID: 36394270 PMCID: PMC9930395 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac208] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stressors to which a fetus is exposed affect a range of physiological functions in postnatal offspring. We aimed to determine the in utero effect of steroid hormones on the reproductive potential of female offspring using a porcine model. Reproductive tracts of pigs from female-biased (>65% female, n = 15), non-biased (45-54.9% female, n = 15), and male-biased litters (<35% females, n = 9) were collected at slaughter (95-115 kg). Ovaries and uterine horns were processed for H&E or immunohistochemistry. Variability of data within groups was analyzed with a Levene's test, while data were analyzed using mixed linear models in R. In the ovarian reserve, there was a significant birth weight by sex ratio interaction (P = 0.015), with low birth weight pigs from male-biased litters having higher numbers of primordial follicles with opposite trends seen in pigs from female-biased litters. Sex bias held no effect on endometrial gland development. A lower birth weight decreased the proportion of glands found in the endometrium (P = 0.045) and was more variable in both male-biased and female-biased litters (P = 0.026). The variability of primordial follicles from male-biased litters was greater than non- and female-biased litters (P = 0.014). Similarly, endometrial stromal nuclei had a greater range in male- and female-biased litters than non-biased litters (P = 0.028). A crucial finding was the greater variability in primordial follicles in the ovaries from females derived from male-biased litters and stromal cell count in the endometrium of females from male- and female-biased litters. This could be inflating the variability of reproductive success seen in females from male-biased litters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika V Geijer-Simpson
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tiago H C De Bem
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ioannis Tsagakis
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alysha S Taylor
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Laura Hume
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lisa M Collins
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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48
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The Contribution of the Sheep and the Goat Model to the Study of Ovarian Ageing. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020270. [PMID: 36829547 PMCID: PMC9953374 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian ageing stands as the major contributor towards fertility loss. As such, there is an urge for studies addressing the mechanisms that promote ovarian ageing and new strategies aiming to delay it. Recently, the presence of a unique population of multinucleated giant cells has been identified in the ovaries of reproductively aged mice. These cells have been considered hallmarks of ovarian ageing. However, up to date multinucleated giant cells have only been described in the ovaries of the mice. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate and characterize the presence of such hallmarks of ovarian ageing in the sheep and the goat. In this study, ovaries from juvenile (6 months) and mature animals (18-24 months) were used. The hematoxylin and eosin technique was performed to describe the ovarian morphology and evaluate the ovarian follicle reserve pool. Sudan black B staining and the detection of autofluorescence emission were used to identify and characterize the presence of multinucleated giant cells. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism 9.0.0. A decrease in the follicle reserve pool and the presence of multinucleated giant cells, with lipofuscin accumulation and the emission of autofluorescence, were observed in the ovaries of the mature animals of both species. Our results support the interest in the use of the ovine and the caprine model, that share physiological and pathophysiological characteristics with humans, in future studies addressing ovarian ageing.
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49
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Xiang P, Yao JY, Li XL, Zhang M, Hu PJ, Zhi M. Clinical characteristics and risk factors of ovarian reserve decreases in women with Crohn's disease: a case-control study. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:34. [PMID: 36750949 PMCID: PMC9903622 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01112-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease (CD), often occurring in women of child-bearing age, can decline the fertility rate. However, whether it reduces ovarian reserve has been rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the ovarian reserve in women with CD from the perspective of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and explore the factors that can decrease ovarian reserve. METHODS A case-control retrospective study was designed. We analyzed the AMH levels in a total of 135 CD women and 878 healthy controls. Through propensity score matching, the subjects were assigned in a ratio of 1:3 to CD group (n = 121) and control group (n = 324). Both groups shared similar basic characteristics, like age, body mass index and smoking status. Serum AMH levels were measured by chemiluminescence. RESULTS The AMH level in the CD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.17 ± 2.23 μg/L vs 3.95 ± 2.01 μg/L, 95%CI [1.34-2.21], P < 0.001). In both groups, the AMH levels decreased as age increased, but without between-group difference in the decreasing rate (P = 0.639). Multivariate analysis showed that age > 30 years (OR, 2.905; 95%CI [1.053-8.531], P = 0.017), disease activity (OR,4.314; 95%CI [1.561-12.910], P = 0.002) and thalidomide use (OR,12.628; 95%CI [4.351 -42.820], P < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with decreased ovarian reserve (AMH<1.1μg/L). CONCLUSION Ovarian reserve is lower in CD women than in healthy women. Age, CD activity and medication of thalidomide are risk factors that can aggravate the decline of ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xiang
- grid.488525.6Department of Gastroenterology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.26, Erheng Road, Yuancun, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488525.6Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-yin Yao
- grid.488525.6Department of Gastroenterology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.26, Erheng Road, Yuancun, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488525.6Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-lan Li
- grid.488525.6Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- grid.488525.6Department of Gastroenterology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.26, Erheng Road, Yuancun, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488525.6Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China
| | - Pin-jin Hu
- grid.488525.6Department of Gastroenterology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.26, Erheng Road, Yuancun, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488525.6Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Zhi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.26, Erheng Road, Yuancun, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China.
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50
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Das A, Destouni A. Novel insights into reproductive ageing and menopause from genomics. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:195-203. [PMID: 36478237 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac256] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The post-reproductive phase or menopause in females is triggered by a physiological timer that depends on a threshold of follicle number in the ovary. Curiously, reproductive senescence appears to be decoupled from chronological age and is instead thought to be a function of physiological ageing. Ovarian ageing is associated with a decrease in oocyte developmental competence, attributed to a concomitant increase in meiotic errors. Although many biological hallmarks of general ageing are well characterized, the precise mechanisms underlying the programmed ageing of the female reproductive system remain elusive. In particular, the molecular pathways linking the external menopause trigger to the internal oocyte chromosome segregation machinery that controls fertility outcomes is unclear. However, recent large scale genomics studies have begun to provide insights into this process. Next-generation sequencing integrated with systems biology offers the advantage of sampling large datasets to uncover molecular pathways associated with a phenotype such as ageing. In this mini-review, we discuss findings from these studies that are crucial for advancing female reproductive senescence research. Targets identified in these studies can inform future animal models for menopause. We present three potential hypotheses for how external pathways governing ovarian ageing can influence meiotic chromosome segregation, with evidence from both animal models and molecular targets revealed from genomics studies. Although still in incipient stages, we discuss the potential of genomics studies combined with epigenetic age acceleration models for providing a predictive toolkit of biomarkers controlling menopause onset in women. We also speculate on future research directions to investigate extending female reproductive lifespan, such as comparative genomics in model systems that lack menopause. Novel genomics insights from such organisms are predicted to provide clues to preserving female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunika Das
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aspasia Destouni
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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