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Rodríguez-Díaz R, Blanes-Zamora R, Paz-Montelongo S, Gómez-Rodríguez J, Fiestas SR, González-Weller D, Gutiérrez ÁJ, Rubio C, Hardisson A, Niebla-Canelo D, Vega SA, González-Dávila E. The Influence of Follicular Fluid Metals on Assisted Reproduction Outcome. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:5069-5082. [PMID: 36807885 PMCID: PMC10509058 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Infertility has become more common, with an increased exposure to toxic compounds including heavy metals (HM). Follicular fluid (FF) surrounds the developing oocyte in the ovary and can be analysed to assess metal content. The levels of twenty-two metals were measured in the FF of ninety-three females in a reproduction unit, and their influence on assisted reproduction technique (ART), were examined. The metals were determined by optical emission spectrophotometry. Low values of copper, zinc, aluminium, and calcium favour polycystic ovary syndrome. The relationships between the number of oocytes and metals: iron (rs=0.303; p=0.003) and calcium (rs=-0.276; p=0.007) are significant, as well as between the number of mature oocytes with iron (rs=0.319; p=0.002), calcium (rs=-0.307; p=0.003) and sodium (rs=-0.215; p=0.039) and are near to significance in the case of aluminium (rs=-0.198; p=0.057). In the group with a fertilisation rate ≤ 75%, 36% of the women presented calcium >176.62 mg/kg compared to the group with a fertilisation rate ≥ 75% where this percentage was only 10% (p=0.011). An excess of iron and calcium reduces the good quality embryo rate, and an excess of potassium impairs the blastocyst rate. If potassium is above 237.18 mg/kg and calcium is below 147.32 mg/kg, these conditions favour embryo implantation. Pregnancy is influenced by high potassium and low copper levels. Controlling exposure to toxic elements is recommended for all couples with reduced fertility or receiving an ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubí Rodríguez-Díaz
- Human Reproduction Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Raquel Blanes-Zamora
- Human Reproduction Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | - Sonsoles Rodríguez Fiestas
- Human Reproduction Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | - Carmen Rubio
- Toxicology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Enrique González-Dávila
- Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research. IMAULL, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Ju S, Chen H, Wang S, Lin J, Ma Y, Aroian RV, Peng D, Sun M. C. elegans monitor energy status via the AMPK pathway to trigger innate immune responses against bacterial pathogens. Commun Biol 2022; 5:643. [PMID: 35773333 PMCID: PMC9246835 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen recognition and the triggering of host innate immune system are critical to understanding pathogen-host interaction. Cellular surveillance systems have been identified as an important strategy for the identification of microbial infection. In the present study, using Bacillus thuringiensis-Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we found an approach for surveillance systems to sense pathogens. We report that Bacillus thuringiensis Cry5Ba, a typical pore-forming toxin, caused mitochondrial damage and energy imbalance by triggering potassium ion leakage, instead of directly targeting mitochondria. Interestingly, we find C. elegans can monitor intracellular energy status to trigger innate immune responses via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), secreting multiple effectors to defend against pathogenic attacks. Our study indicates that the imbalance of energy status is a prevalent side effect of pathogen infection. Furthermore, the AMPK-dependent surveillance system may serve as a practicable strategy for the host to recognize and defense against pathogens. Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry5Ba triggers potassium ion leakage, causing mitochondrial damage and energy imbalance. C. elegans can monitor this intracellular energy imbalance via AMP-activated protein kinase to trigger innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouyong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hanqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Shaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yanli Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Raffi V Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Worcester, Worcester, MA, 01605-2377, USA
| | - Donghai Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Ming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Hirakawa T, Goto M, Takahashi K, Iwasawa T, Fujishima A, Makino K, Shirasawa H, Sato W, Sato T, Kumazawa Y, Terada Y. Na+/K+ ATPase α1 and β3 subunits are localized to the basolateral membrane of trophectoderm cells in human blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1423-1430. [PMID: 35640043 PMCID: PMC9247425 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac124] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there a relation between specific Na+/K+ ATPase isoform expression and localization in human blastocysts and the developmental behavior of the embryo? SUMMARY ANSWER Na+/K+ ATPase α1, β1 and β3 are the main isoforms expressed in human blastocysts and no association was found between the expression level of their respective mRNAs and the rate of blastocyst expansion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In mouse embryos, Na+/K+ ATPase α1 and β1 are expressed in the basolateral membrane of trophectoderm (TE) cells and are believed to be involved in blastocoel formation (cavitation). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 20 surplus embryos from 11 patients who underwent IVF and embryo transfer at a university hospital between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS After freezing and thawing Day 5 human blastocysts, their developmental behavior was observed for 24 h using time-lapse imaging, and the expression of Na+/K+ ATPase isoforms was examined using quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressed isoforms were then localized in blastocysts using fluorescent immunostaining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE RT-qPCR results demonstrated the expression of Na+/K+ ATPase α1, β1 and β3 isoforms in human blastocysts. Isoforms α1 and β3 were localized to the basolateral membrane of TE cells, and β1 was localized between TE cells. A high level of β3 mRNA expression correlated with easier hatching (P = 0.0261). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The expression of mRNA and the localization of proteins of interest were verified, but we have not been able to perform functional analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Of the various Na+/K+ ATPase isoforms, expression levels of the α1, β1 and β3 mRNAs were clearly higher than other isoforms in human blastocysts. Since α1 and β3 were localized to the basolateral membrane via fluorescent immunostaining, we believe that these subunits contribute to the dilation of the blastocoel. The β1 isoform is localized between TE cells and may be involved in tight junction formation, as previously reported in mouse embryos. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the JSPS KAKENHI (https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/index.html), grant number 17K11215. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hirakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - M Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - K Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - T Iwasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - A Fujishima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - K Makino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - H Shirasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - W Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - T Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Y Kumazawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Y Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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Zeng J, Liu N, Yang Y, Cheng Y, Li Y, Guo X, Luo Q, Zhu L, Guan H, Song B, Sun X. Pak2 reduction induces a failure of early embryonic development in mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:181. [PMID: 34879863 PMCID: PMC8656077 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00865-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of the early embryo is vital to embryonic development and implantation. As a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2) participates in diverse biologic processes, especially in cytoskeleton remodeling and cell apoptosis. In mice, Pak2 knock out and endothelial depletion of Pak2 showed embryonic lethality. However, the role of Pak2 in preimplantation embryos remains unelucidated. METHODS In the present work, Pak2 was reduced using a specific small interfering RNA in early mouse embryos, validating the unique roles of Pak2 in spindle assembly and DNA repair during mice early embryonic development. We also employed immunoblotting, immunostaining, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and image quantification analyses to test the Pak2 knockdown on the embryonic development progression, spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, oxidative stress, DNA lesions and blastocyst cell apoptosis. Areas in chromatin with γH2AX were detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and serve as a biomarker of DNA damages. RESULTS We found that Pak2 knockdown significantly reduced blastocyst formation of early embryos. In addition, Pak2 reduction led to dramatically increased abnormal spindle assembly and chromosomal aberrations in the embryos. We noted the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with Pak2 knockdown in embryos. In response to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), the histone protein H2AX is specifically phosphorylated at serine139 to generate γH2AX, which is used to quantitative DSBs. In this research, Pak2 knockdown also resulted in the accumulation of phosphorylated γH2AX, indicative of increased embryonic DNA damage. Commensurate with this, a significantly augmented rate of blastocyst cell apoptosis was detected in Pak2-KD embryos compared to their controls. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that Pak2 may serve as an important regulator of spindle assembly and DNA repair, and thus participate in the development of early mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nengqing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinghong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanshuai Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxia Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lifen Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongmei Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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