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El Fouikar S, Van Acker N, Héliès V, Frenois FX, Giton F, Gayrard V, Dauwe Y, Mselli-Lakhal L, Rousseau-Ralliard D, Fournier N, Léandri R, Gatimel N. Folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis alterations after chronic exposure to a human-relevant mixture of environmental toxicants spare the ovarian reserve in the rabbit model. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:134. [PMID: 38943138 PMCID: PMC11214233 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01457-6] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Industrial progress has led to the omnipresence of chemicals in the environment of the general population, including reproductive-aged and pregnant women. The reproductive function of females is a well-known target of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This function holds biological processes that are decisive for the fertility of women themselves and for the health of future generations. However, insufficient research has evaluated the risk of combined mixtures on this function. This study aimed to assess the direct impacts of a realistic exposure to eight combined environmental toxicants on the critical process of folliculogenesis. METHODS Female rabbits were exposed daily and orally to either a mixture of eight environmental toxicants (F group) or the solvent mixture (NE group, control) from 2 to 19 weeks of age. The doses were computed from previous toxicokinetic data to reproduce steady-state serum concentrations in rabbits in the range of those encountered in pregnant women. Ovarian function was evaluated through macroscopic and histological analysis of the ovaries, serum hormonal assays and analysis of the expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Cellular dynamics in the ovary were further investigated with Ki67 staining and TUNEL assays. RESULTS F rabbits grew similarly as NE rabbits but exhibited higher total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in adulthood. They also presented a significantly elevated serum testosterone concentrations, while estradiol, progesterone, AMH and DHEA levels remained unaffected. The measurement of gonadotropins, androstenedione, pregnenolone and estrone levels yielded values below the limit of quantification. Among the 7 steroidogenic enzymes tested, an isolated higher expression of Cyp19a1 was measured in F rabbits ovaries. Those ovaries presented a significantly greater density/number of antral and atretic follicles and larger antral follicles without any changes in cellular proliferation or DNA fragmentation. No difference was found regarding the count of other follicle stages notably the primordial stage, the corpora lutea or AMH serum levels. CONCLUSION Folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis seem to be subtly altered by exposure to a human-like mixture of environmental toxicants. The antral follicle growth appears promoted by the mixture of chemicals both in their number and size, potentially explaining the increase in atretic antral follicles. Reassuringly, the ovarian reserve estimated through primordial follicles number/density and AMH is spared from any alteration. The consequences of these changes on fertility and progeny health have yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Fouikar
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Van Acker
- Plateforme Imag'IN, Service d'anatomopathologie, CHU Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Virginie Héliès
- GenPhySE (Génétique Physiologie et Système d'Elevage), INRAE, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - François-Xavier Frenois
- Plateforme Imag'IN, Service d'anatomopathologie, CHU Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Frank Giton
- Pôle Biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Inserm IMRB U955, Créteil, France
| | - Véronique Gayrard
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Yannick Dauwe
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Laila Mselli-Lakhal
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Delphine Rousseau-Ralliard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, BREED, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Natalie Fournier
- Athérosclérose et macrophages: impact des phospholipides et des fonctions mitochondriales sur l'efflux du cholestérol, Lip(Sys) Université Paris Saclay, UFR de Pharmacie, Orsay, EA, 7357, 91400, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, AP-HP (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris), Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Roger Léandri
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France.
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - Nicolas Gatimel
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- DEFE (Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement) UMR1203 Inserm, Universités Toulouse et Montpellier, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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2
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Caram DA, Inserra PIF, Vitullo AD, Leopardo NP. Autophagy favors survival of corpora lutea during the long-lasting pregnancy of the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Caviomorpha). Sci Rep 2024; 14:11220. [PMID: 38755206 PMCID: PMC11099099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61478-5] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine gland that plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Although autophagy and apoptosis have been suggested as cooperative mechanisms, their interaction within the CL of pregnant mammals has not been thoroughly investigated. To understand the collaborative function of autophagy and apoptosis in the CL, we analyzed both mechanisms during pregnancy in the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus. This rodent undergoes a decline in progesterone levels during mid-gestation, a reactivation of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonadal axis, and the incorporation of new functional secondary CL. Our analysis of autophagy markers BECLIN 1 (BECN1), SEQUESTOSOME1 (SQSTM1), Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3B), and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and anti- and pro-apoptotic markers BCL2 and ACTIVE CASPASE 3 (A-C3) revealed interactive behaviors between both processes. Healthy primary and secondary CL exhibited positive expression of BECN1, SQSTM1, LC3B, and LAMP1, while regressed CL displayed enhanced expression of these autophagy markers along with nuclear A-C3. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a significant formation of autophagic vesicles in regressed CL during full-term pregnancy, whereas healthy CL exhibited a low number of autophagy vesicles. The co-localization between LC3B and SQSTM1 and LC3B with LAMP1 was observed in both healthy and regressed CL during pregnancy, while co-localization of BECN1 and BCL2 was only detected in healthy CL. LC3B and ACTIVE CASPASE 3 co-localization were detected in a subset of luteal cells within the regressing CL. We propose that autophagy could act as a survival mechanism in the CL, allowing the pregnancy to progress until full-term, while also serving as a mechanism to eliminate remnants of regressed CL, thereby providing the necessary space for subsequent follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daira A Caram
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo I F Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Noelia P Leopardo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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3
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Rosales GJ, Filippa VP, Mohamed FH. Effect of estrogens on apoptosis in the pituitary of viscachas (Lagostomus maximus maximus). ZOOLOGY 2024; 164:126171. [PMID: 38761613 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126171] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens, acting through their receptors (ERα and ERβ), regulate cell turnover in the pituitary gland, influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis across various species. However, their role in pituitary processes in seasonally reproducing animals remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the influence of estrogens, through the expression of their specific receptors, on the apoptosis of PD cells in relation to sexual maturity, the reproductive cycle, and pregnancy in a seasonal reproductive rodent (Lagostomus maximus maximus). ERα and caspase-3-cleaved (CASP3c) immunoreactive (-ir) cells were identified through immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic cells were detected using the TUNEL technique, with quantitative analysis facilitated by image analysis software, alongside measurement of serum estradiol levels using radioimmunoassay The immunostaining pattern for ERα included nuclear (ERαn) and cytoplasmic (ERαc) staining. In male viscachas, ERα expression significantly increases from immature to adult animals, correlating with the rise in serum estradiol levels and a decrease in the percentage of apoptotic cells. During the gonadal regression period in adult males, a decrease in the number of ER-ir cells and serum levels of estradiol corresponds with an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. In females, serum levels of estradiol peaked during mid-pregnancy, coinciding with a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells in the PD. Simultaneously, the percentage of ERαn-ir cells reaches its maximum value during late pregnancy, indicating the need to maintain the protective action of this gonadal hormone throughout the extensive pregnancy in these rodents. Regional ERα receptor expression and apoptotic cells appear to be associated with distinct PD cell populations and their hormonal responses. Finally, elevated estradiol levels coincide with diminished apoptotic cells in the male reproductive cycle and during pregnancy, suggesting an antiapoptotic role of estradiol in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Judith Rosales
- Laboratorio de Histología, Área Morfología, Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950 Bloque I Piso 1º, San Luis 5700, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Verónica Palmira Filippa
- Laboratorio de Histología, Área Morfología, Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950 Bloque I Piso 1º, San Luis 5700, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Fabian Heber Mohamed
- Laboratorio de Histología, Área Morfología, Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950 Bloque I Piso 1º, San Luis 5700, Argentina
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4
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Chesnokov MS, Mamedova AR, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. A matter of new life and cell death: programmed cell death in the mammalian ovary. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:31. [PMID: 38509545 PMCID: PMC10956231 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01017-6] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian ovary is a unique organ that displays a distinctive feature of cyclic changes throughout the entire reproductive period. The estrous/menstrual cycles are associated with drastic functional and morphological rearrangements of ovarian tissue, including follicular development and degeneration, and the formation and subsequent atrophy of the corpus luteum. The flawless execution of these reiterative processes is impossible without the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD). MAIN TEXT PCD is crucial for efficient and careful clearance of excessive, depleted, or obsolete ovarian structures for ovarian cycling. Moreover, PCD facilitates selection of high-quality oocytes and formation of the ovarian reserve during embryonic and juvenile development. Disruption of PCD regulation can heavily impact the ovarian functions and is associated with various pathologies, from a moderate decrease in fertility to severe hormonal disturbance, complete loss of reproductive function, and tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated information on the role of PCD in various processes occurring in normal and pathologic ovaries. Three major events of PCD in the ovary-progenitor germ cell depletion, follicular atresia, and corpus luteum degradation-are described, alongside the detailed information on molecular regulation of these processes, highlighting the contribution of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Ultimately, the current knowledge of PCD aberrations associated with pathologies, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and tumors of ovarian origin, is outlined. CONCLUSION PCD is an essential element in ovarian development, functions and pathologies. A thorough understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating PCD events is required for future advances in the diagnosis and management of various disorders of the ovary and the female reproductive system in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S Chesnokov
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aygun R Mamedova
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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5
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Abd-Elkareem M, Khormi MA, Mohamed RH, Ali F, Hassan MS. Histological, immunohistochemical and serological investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:98. [PMID: 38461282 PMCID: PMC10924360 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03933-z] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saidi sheep are the most abundant ruminant livestock species in Upper Egypt, especially in the Assiut governorate. Sheep are one of the most abundant animals raised for food in Egypt. They can convert low-quality roughages into meat and milk in addition to producing fiber and hides therefore; great opportunity exists to enhance their reproduction. Saidi breed is poorly known in terms of reproduction. So this work was done to give more information on some hormonal, oxidative, and blood metabolites parameters in addition to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle. The present study was conducted on 25 healthy Saidi ewes for serum analysis and 10 healthy ewes for histological assessment aged 2 to 5 years and weighted (38.5 ± 2.03 kg). RESULTS The follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep was characterized by the presence of ovarian follicles in different stages of development and atresia in addition to regressed corpus luteum. Interestingly, apoptosis and tissue oxidative markers play a crucial role in follicular and corpus luteum regression. The most prominent features of the follicular phase were the presence of mature antral (Graafian) and preovulatory follicles as well as increased level of some blood metabolites and oxidative markers. Here we give a new schematic sequence of ovarian follicles in Saidi sheep and describing the features of different types. We also clarified that these histological pictures of the ovary was influenced by hormonal, oxidative and blood metabolites factors that characterizes the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. CONCLUSION This work helps to understanding the reproduction in Saidi sheep which assist in improving the reproductive outcome of this breed of sheep. These findings are increasingly important for implementation of a genetic improvement program and utilizing the advanced reproductive techniques as estrous synchronization, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abd-Elkareem
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - M A Khormi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box. 114, Jazan, 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ragab Hassan Mohamed
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Fatma Ali
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Mervat S Hassan
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New-Valley University, New Valley, 725211, Egypt
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6
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Samare-Najaf M, Neisy A, Samareh A, Moghadam D, Jamali N, Zarei R, Zal F. The constructive and destructive impact of autophagy on both genders' reproducibility, a comprehensive review. Autophagy 2023; 19:3033-3061. [PMID: 37505071 PMCID: PMC10621263 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is characterized by a series of massive renovations at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Recent studies have strongly tended to reveal the involvement of basic molecular pathways such as autophagy, a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling, during reproductive processes. This review comprehensively describes the current knowledge, updated to September 2022, of autophagy contribution during reproductive processes in males including spermatogenesis, sperm motility and viability, and male sex hormones and females including germ cells and oocytes viability, ovulation, implantation, fertilization, and female sex hormones. Furthermore, the consequences of disruption in autophagic flux on the reproductive disorders including oligospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, globozoospermia, premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and other disorders related to infertility are discussed as well.Abbreviations: AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy related; E2: estrogen; EDs: endocrine disruptors; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; FOX: forkhead box; GCs: granulosa cells; HIF: hypoxia inducible factor; IVF: in vitro fertilization; IVM: in vitro maturation; LCs: Leydig cells; LDs: lipid droplets; LH: luteinizing hormone; LRWD1: leucine rich repeats and WD repeat domain containing 1; MAP1LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa B; P4: progesterone; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; PDLIM1: PDZ and LIM domain 1; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; POI: premature ovarian insufficiency; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SCs: Sertoli cells; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TSGA10: testis specific 10; TST: testosterone; VCP: vasolin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Neisy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Jamali
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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7
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Wang Y, Li Q, Ma Z, Xu H, Peng F, Chen B, Ma B, Qin L, Lan J, Li Y, Lan D, Li J, Wang S, Fu W. β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Alleviates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Death in Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15666. [PMID: 37958650 PMCID: PMC10649918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115666] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining normal functions of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is essential for oocyte development and maturation. The dysfunction of GCs impairs nutrition supply and estrogen secretion by follicles, thus negatively affecting the breeding capacity of farm animals. Impaired GCs is generally associated with declines in Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, which triggers un-controlled oxidative stress, and the oxidative stress, thus, attack the subcellular structures and cause cell damage. β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a NAD+ precursor, has demonstrated well-known antioxidant properties in several studies. In this study, using two types of ovarian GCs (mouse GCs (mGCs) and human granulosa cell line (KGN)) as cell models, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of NMN on gene expression patterns and antioxidant capacity of both mGCs and KGN that were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). As shown in results of the study, mGCs that were exposed to H2O2 significantly altered the gene expression patterns, with 428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared with those of the control group. Furthermore, adding NMN to H2O2-cultured mGCs displayed 621 DEGs. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in key pathways like cell cycle, senescence, and cell death. Using RT-qPCR, CCK8, and β-galactosidase staining, we found that H2O2 exposure on mGCs obviously reduced cell activity/mRNA expressions of antioxidant genes, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cellular senescence. Notably, NMN supplementation partially prevented these H2O2-induced abnormalities. Moreover, these similar beneficial effects of NMN on antioxidant capacity were confirmed in the KGN cell models that were exposed to H2O2. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that NMN supplementation protects against H2O2-induced impairments in gene expression pattern, cell cycle arrest, and cell death in ovarian GCs through boosting NAD+ levels and provide potential strategies to ameliorate uncontrolled oxidative stress in ovarian GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunduan Wang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Zifeng Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Hongmei Xu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Feiyu Peng
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bo Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Linmei Qin
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiachen Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Yueyue Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Daoliang Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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8
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [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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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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10
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Liu F, Li M. BNIP3-mediated autophagy via the mTOR/ULK1 pathway induces primordial follicle loss after ovarian tissue transplantation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:491-508. [PMID: 36869237 PMCID: PMC10033815 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the underlying mechanism of primordial follicle loss in the early period following ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT). METHODS BNIP3 was selected through bioinformatic protocols, as the hub gene related to autophagy during OTT. BNIP3 and autophagy in mice ovarian grafts and in hypoxia-mimicking KGN cells were detected using immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting, qPCR, and fluorescence staining. The regulatory role played by BNIP3 overexpression and the silencing of KGN cells in autophagy via the mTOR/ULK1 pathway was investigated. RESULTS Ultrastructure examination showed that autophagic vacuoles increased after mice ovarian auto-transplantation. The BNIP3 and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, LC3B, and SQSTM1/p62) in mice ovarian granulosa cells of primordial follicle from ovarian grafts were altered compared with the control. Administration of an autophagy inhibitor in mice decreased the depletion of primordial follicles. In vitro experiments indicated that BNIP3 and autophagy activity were upregulated in KGN cells treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2). The overexpression of BNIP3 activated autophagy, whereas the silencing of BNIP3 suppressed it and reversed the autophagy induced by CoCl2 in KGN cells. Western blotting analysis showed the inhibition of mTOR and activation of ULK1 in KGN cells treated with CoCl2 and in the overexpression of BNIP3, and the opposite results following BNIP3 silencing. The activation of mTOR reversed the autophagy induced by BNIP3 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS BNIP3-induced autophagy is crucial in primordial follicle loss during OTT procedure, and BNIP3 is a potential therapeutic target for primordial follicle loss after OTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Liu
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Mujun Li
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
- Department of the Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
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11
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Özbilgin MK, Öztatlıcı M, Üçöz M. Effect of High dose Gonadotropin Stimulation on Follicular Atresia through Light Chain 3B and Voltage Dependent Anion Channel 2. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:343-350. [PMID: 37033140 PMCID: PMC10077742 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_143_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Follicle development takes place under the control of hormonal and environmental stimuli. It suggested that to improve in vitro fertilisation outcomes in poor responders increasing gonadotropin doses be used. Excessive gonadotropin leads to atresia and impairs follicular development, but the molecular mechanisms of follicular atresia remain largely unknown. Recently, it was suggested that autophagy may be an alternative mechanism involved in follicle depletion. Aims In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of autophagic markers such as light chain (LC) 3B and voltage dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) in follicular atresia using the high dose gonadotropin stimulation. Settings and Design The female 24 BALB/c mice were employed in the present study under the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals guidelines with ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. These mice were categorised into four groups, with six rats in each as control and test animals. Materials and Methods Group 1 (control): no action will be taken. Group 2 (sham): only saline will be applied. Group 3: low-dose gonadotropin Pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) + human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) will be applied. Group 4: high-dose gonadotropin + HCG will be applied. The animals were sacrificed 48 h after the last injection. For all group samples, both protein and mRNAs of the LC3B and VDAC2 were examined by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques. Statistical Analysis Used All variables were analysed using GraphPad Prism 8. Kruskal-Wallis t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare immunohistochemical results; in addition to this, parametric one-way ANOVA test and Shapiro-Wilk test were applied for quantitative polymerase chain reaction statistics. Results An increased number of atretic follicles were observed in the high-dose gonadotropin + HCG group. LC3B immunoreactivity of the atretic secondary follicles in the high-dose group is higher than in other groups. The expression of VDAC2 protein in the secondary and Graafian follicles and also VDAC2 mRNA in the ovary were more highly expressed in the control and sham groups. The decrease in VDAC2 mRNA level and immunohistochemical expression was remarkable in the low-dose and high-dose follicle-stimulating hormone groups compared to the control and sham groups. Conclusion In this study, the increased LC3B and decreased VDAC2 expression, which are autophagy markers, were observed in both the gonadotropins groups, so we suggested that high doses of gonadotropins may cause ovarian atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Kemal Özbilgin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Manisa Celal Bayar University Medical Faculty, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Öztatlıcı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, GİPTU, Medical Faculty, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Meltem Üçöz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Manisa Celal Bayar University Medical Faculty, Manisa, Turkey
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12
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Cortasa SA, Inserra PFI, Proietto S, Corso MC, Schmidt AR, Vitullo AD, Dorfman VB, Halperin J. Achieving full-term pregnancy in the vizcacha relies on a reboot of luteal steroidogenesis in mid-gestation (Lagostomus maximus, Rodentia). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271067. [PMID: 35802690 PMCID: PMC9269958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis triggered by the decline in serum progesterone in mid-gestation is an uncommon trait that distinguishes the vizcacha from most mammals. Accessory corpora lutea (aCL) developed upon this event have been proposed as guarantors of the restoration of the progesterone levels necessary to mantain gestation. Therefore, the steroidogenic input of primary CL (pCL) vs aCL was evaluated before and after HPO axis-reactivation (BP and AP respectively) and in term pregnancy (TP). Nonpregnant-ovulated females (NP) were considered as the pCL-starting point group. In BP, the ovaries mainly showed pCL, whose LH receptor (LHR), StAR, 3β-HSD, 20α-HSD, and VEGF immunoexpressions were similar or lower than those of NP. In AP, luteal reactivity increased significantly compared to the previous stages, and the pool of aCL developed in this stage represented 20% of the ovarian structures, equaling the percentage of pCL. Both pCL and aCL luteal cells shared similar histological features consistent with secretory activity. Although pCL and aCL showed equivalent labeling intensity for the luteotropic markers, pCL were significantly larger than aCL. Towards TP, both showed structural disorganization and loss of secretory characteristics. No significant DNA fragmentation was detected in luteal cells throughout gestation. Our findings indicate that the LH surge derived from HPO axis-reactivation targets the pCL and boost luteal steroidogenesis and thus progesterone production. Because there are many LHR-expressing antral follicles in BP, they also respond to the LH stimuli and luteinize without extruding the oocyte. These aCL certainly contribute but it is the steroidogenic restart of the pCL that is the main force that restores progesterone levels, ensuring that gestation is carried to term. Most importantly, the results of this work propose luteal steroidogenesis reboot as a key event in the modulation of vizcacha pregnancy and depict yet another distinctive aspect of its reproductive endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Andrés Cortasa
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Felipe Ignacio Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía Proietto
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Corso
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Raúl Schmidt
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Daniel Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Berta Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Ali FF, Mokhemer SA, Elroby Ali DM. Administration of hemin ameliorates ovarian ischemia reperfusion injury via modulation of heme oxygenase-1 and p-JNK/p-NF-κBp65/iNOS signaling pathway. Life Sci 2022; 296:120431. [PMID: 35218766 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Ovarian torsion is the fifth common gynecological emergency that can affect females of all ages particularly during reproductive age and its management by detorsion leads to ovarian ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. Therefore, prophylactic measures are required to protect the ovarian function after detorsion. So that, our study aimed to assess the effect and underlying mechanisms of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducer; hemin against ovarian damage induced by IR injury in rats. MAIN METHODS Female rats were divided into: sham group, hemin group, ovarian IR (OIR) groups with and without hemin treatment. Serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and interleukin 1 β (IL-1β) were measured in addition to ovarian levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Ovarian phospho-Janus kinase (p-JNK) levels and gene expressions of HO-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined. Moreover, histopathological changes and expressions of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) and cleaved caspase-3 were done. KEY FINDINGS Treatment of OIR rats with hemin led to significant attenuation of ovarian damage through histological examination which was associated with significant increase in ovarian expression of HO-1, ovarian SOD and serum GSH levels with significant decrease in ovarian p-JNK levels, expressions of p-NF-κB p65, iNOS and cleaved caspase-3 in addition to serum IL-1β levels. SIGNIFICANCE The protective effect of hemin can be attributed to the increased expression of HO-1 which showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, hemin can be administered to prevent ovarian IR injury which occurs after detorsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma F Ali
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
| | - Sahar A Mokhemer
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Doaa M Elroby Ali
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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14
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Whang J, Ahn C, Kim S, Seok E, Yang Y, Han G, Jo H, Yang H. Effects of Repeated Ovarian Stimulation on Ovarian Function and Aging
in Mice. Dev Reprod 2021; 25:213-223. [PMID: 35141447 PMCID: PMC8807135 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2021.25.4.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is routinely used in the in
vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles to increase
the number of retrieved mature oocytes. However, the relationship between
repeated COH and ovarian function is still controversial. Therefore, we
investigated whether repeated ovarian stimulation affects ovarian aging and
function, including follicular development, autophagy, and apoptosis in
follicles. Ovarian hyperstimulation in mice was induced by intraperitoneal
injection with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG). Mice subjected to ovarian stimulation once were used as a
control group and 10 times as an experimental group. Repeated injections with
PMSG and hCG significantly reduced the number of primary follicles compared to a
single injection. The number of secondary and antral follicles increased
slightly, while the number of corpus luteum increased significantly with
repeated injections. On the other hand, repeated injections did not affect
apoptosis in follicles associated with follicular atresia. The expression of
autophagy-related genes Atg5, Atg12,
LC3B, and Beclin1, cell
proliferation-related genes mTOR, apoptosis-related genes
Fas, and FasL was not significantly
different between the two groups. In addition, the expression of the
aging-related genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and
AMH were also not significantly different. In this study,
we demonstrated that repeated ovarian stimulation in mice affects follicular
development, but not autophagy, apoptosis, aging in ovary. These results suggest
that repetition of COH in the IVF-ET cycle may not result in ovarian aging, such
as a decrease in ovarian reserve in adult women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Whang
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Cheyoung Ahn
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Soohyun Kim
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Eunji Seok
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Yunjeong Yang
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Goeun Han
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Haeun Jo
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
| | - Hyunwon Yang
- Dept. of Bioenvironmental Technology,
College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women’s University,
Seoul 01797, Korea
- Corresponding author Hyunwon Yang, Dept. of
Bioenvironmental Technology, Seoul Women’s University, Seoul 01797,
Korea. Tel: +82-2-970-5662, Fax:
+82-2-970-5974 E-mail:
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15
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Bhardwaj JK, Paliwal A, Saraf P, Sachdeva SN. Role of autophagy in follicular development and maintenance of primordial follicular pool in the ovary. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1157-1170. [PMID: 34668576 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive life span of the organism mainly depends on follicular development that maintains the primordial follicle pool in the cohort of follicles within the ovary. The total count of primordial follicles decreases with age due to ovulation and follicular atresia. Follicular atresia, a process of ovarian follicles degradation, mainly occurs via apoptosis, but recent studies also favor autophagy existence. Autophagy is a cellular and energy homeostatic response that helps to maintain the number of healthy primordial follicles, germ cell survival, and removal of corpus luteum remnants. But the excessive autophagic cell death changes both the quality and quantity of oocytes that ultimately affect female reproductive health. Autophagy regulation occurs by various autophagy-regulated genes like BECN1 and LC3-II (autophagy marker genes). Their abnormal regulation or mutation highly influences follicular development by alteration of primordial follicles formation, the decline in oocytes count, and germ cell loss. Various classical signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK1/2, AMPK, and IRE1 are involved in granulosa and oocytes autophagy, while mTOR signaling is the primary mechanism. Along with basal level autophagy, chemical/hormone/stress-mediated autophagy also affects follicular development and female reproduction. In this review, we have primarily focused on granulosa cell and oocytes' autophagy, mechanism, and the role of autophagy determining marker genes in follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender K Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Aakansha Paliwal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Priyanka Saraf
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Som N Sachdeva
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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Flamini MA, Barbeito CG, Díaz AO, Portiansky EL. Comparison of the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of the female prostate between pregnant and non-pregnant plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). Tissue Cell 2020; 68:101458. [PMID: 33197656 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Some years ago, our group reported the presence of the female prostate in all the studied females of the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). The goal of the present study was to characterize and compare the female prostate gland between adult pregnant and non-pregnant plains viscacha using histochemical, lectin-histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, as well as optic and electron microscopy. Structurally, alveoli are lined by a simple epithelium formed by different cell types: basal cells, secretory cells in different stages of the secretory cycle and cells of clear cytoplasm. Secretory cells are the most abundant cell type, differing between them depending on the quantity and electron-density of their granules. The basal cells are less abundant and are responsible for the renewal of the alveolar epithelium. Likewise, other cells with secretory morphology were found in all the studied females; these have a clear cytoplasm, few granules and mitochondria. It could be considered that they are degranulated secretory cells or that they have partially released their granules. The stroma of the organ is formed by connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers, which are immunohistochemically evidenced against desmin. Histochemical and lectin-histochemical analysis revealed the presence of different glucidic residues in the different cell types. No structural, histochemical, lectin-histochemical, and ultrastructural differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant females of plain viscachas, except for the expression of some lectins. The paraurethral gland of Lagostomus maximus can be used as a model for studying the gland in other species since its structural and ultrastructural characteristics do not depend on the hormonal status of the female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirta A Flamini
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Alcira O Díaz
- Institute of Marine and Coastal Research (IIMyC), Department of Biology, FCEyN, CONICET-National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - Enrique L Portiansky
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Argentina; Image Analysis Laboratory. School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina.
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