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Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Sheng X. A more natural follicle culture system: Detailed steps of In Vitro 3D follicle culture with alginate gel. MethodsX 2024; 12:102756. [PMID: 38883585 PMCID: PMC11176788 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102756] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Follicle culture is a process of dividing follicle unit structures from ovaries for continued culture in vitro in an incubator, which simulates the in vivo environment. Alginate gel is the most stable and most convenient 3D material currently used in follicle culture. We performed in vitro follicle culture following the standard operating procedure recommended by the Follicle Handbook and we have summarized our experience and skills in details. Through several experiments, we found only follicles tightly surrounded by theca cells can grow healthily until the preovulatory stage. In addition, the hardness of alginate gel is crucial for constructing the 3D culture system, and selecting appropriate tools can reduce damage to the alginate gel and shorten the time follicles are exposed to room temperature. Our detailed operation improves bioavailability and provides a more natural environment for the entire process of follicular growth.•Alginate gel is still the most suitable 3D material used for in vitro follicle culture.•Follicle integrity and the hardness of alginate gel are the keys for in vitro culture.•Detailed operation steps better protect the follicular microenvironment and improve bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiang Sheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Li D, Zhao YJ, Wang Q, Chu MW, Xie JK, Zhang CL. Fertility preservation in hematological cancer patients. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03419-2. [PMID: 38575837 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03419-2] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Among adolescents and young adults, hematological malignancies are the most common malignancies. Although the survival rate of hematological malignancies in young patients has been dramatically improved, due to the continuous improvement and development of tumor diagnosis and treatment options, cytotoxic therapies can significantly reduce a patient's reproductive capacity and cause irreversible infertility. The most two established solutions are embryo cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation which can be considered in single female. Sperm or testicular tissue cryopreservation in adult male are feasible approaches that must be considered before gonadotoxic therapy. A comprehensive consultation with reproductive specialists when once diagnosed is a significantly issue which would help those survivors who want to have children. In this article, we review germ cell toxicity, which happens during the treatment of hematological malignancies, and aims to propose safety, efficacy fertility preservation methods in younger patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi-Jun Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Man-Wei Chu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Juan-Ke Xie
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Cui-Lian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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3
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Christodoulaki A, He H, Zhou M, De Roo C, Baetens M, De Pretre T, Fakhar-I-Adil M, Menten B, Van Soom A, Stoop D, Boel A, Heindryckx B. Pronuclear transfer rescues poor embryo development of in vitro-grown secondary mouse follicles. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae009. [PMID: 38425578 PMCID: PMC10904147 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae009] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is pronuclear transfer (PNT) capable of restoring embryo developmental arrest caused by cytoplasmic inferiority of in vitro-grown (IVG) mouse oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER PNT to in vivo matured cytoplasm significantly improved embryo development of IVG mouse oocytes, leading to living, fertile offspring. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vitro follicle culture has been considered as a fertility preservation option for cancer patients. Studies describing the culture of human follicles remain scarce, owing to low availability of tissue. Mouse models have extensively been used to study and optimize follicle culture. Although important achievements have been accomplished, including the production of healthy offspring in mice, IVG oocytes are of inferior quality when compared to in vivo-grown oocytes, likely because of cytoplasmic incompetence. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION The study was carried out from September 2020 to February 2022. In total, 120 15-day-old B6D2 mice were used to perform secondary follicle culture and assess the quality of IVG oocytes. In vivo-grown control oocytes were obtained from 85 8- to 12-week-old B6D2 mice, following ovarian stimulation. For sperm collection, four B6D2 males between 10 and 14 weeks old were used. For embryo transfer, 14 8- to 12-week-old CD1 females served as surrogate mothers and 10 CD1 vasectomized males 10-24 weeks old were used to generate pseudo-pregnant females. Finally, for mating, four B6D2 female mice aged 8-10 weeks and two B6D2 male mice aged 10 weeks old were used to confirm the fertility of nuclear transfer (NT)-derived pups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Secondary follicles from 15-day-old B6D2 mice were isolated from the ovaries and cultured for 9 days, before a maturation stimulus was given. Following 16-18 h of maturation, oocytes were collected and evaluated on maturation rate, oocyte diameter, activation rate, spindle morphology, calcium-releasing ability, and mitochondrial membrane potential. For every experiment, in vivo-grown oocytes were used as a control for comparison. When cytoplasmic immaturity and poor embryo development were confirmed in IVG oocytes, PNT was performed. For this, the pronuclei from IVG oocytes, created following parthenogenetic activation and IVF, were transferred to the cytoplasm of fertilized, in vivo-grown oocytes. Genetic analysis and embryo transfer of the generated embryos were implemented to confirm the safety of the technique. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Following 9 days of follicle culture, 703 oocytes were collected, of which 76% showed maturation to the metaphase II stage. Oocyte diameters were significantly lower in IVG oocytes, measuring 67.4 μm versus 73.1 μm in controls (P < 0.001). Spindle morphology did not differ significantly between IVG and control oocytes, but calcium-releasing ability was compromised in the IVG group. An average calcium release of 1.62 arbitrary units was observed in IVG oocytes, significantly lower than 5.74 in control oocytes (P < 0.001). Finally, mitochondrial membrane potential was inferior in IVG compared to the control group, reaching an average value of 0.95 versus 2.27 (P < 0.001). Developmental potential of IVG oocytes was assessed following parthenogenetic activation with strontium chloride (SrCl2). Only 59.4% of IVG oocytes cleaved to two cells and 36.3% reached the blastocyst stage, significantly lower than 89.5% and 88.2% in control oocytes, respectively (P < 0.001 and 0.001). Both PNT and spindle transfer (ST) were explored in pilot experiments with parthenogenetically activated oocytes, as a means to overcome poor embryo development. After the added value of NT was confirmed, we continued with the generation of biparental embryos by PNT. For this purpose, IVG and control oocytes first underwent IVF. Only 15.5% of IVG oocytes were normally fertilized, in contrast to 45.5% in controls (P < 0.001), with resulting failure of blastocyst formation in the IVG group (0 versus 86.2%, P < 0.001). When the pronuclei of IVG zygotes were transferred to the cytoplasm of control zygotes, the blastocyst rate was restored to 86.9%, a similar level as the control. Genetic analysis of PNT embryos revealed a normal chromosomal profile, to a rate of 80%. Finally, the generation of living, fertile offspring from PNT was possible following embryo transfer to surrogate mothers. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Genetic profiles of analysed embryos from PNT originate from groups that are too small to draw concrete conclusions, whilst ST, which would be the preferred NT approach, could not be used for the generation of biparental embryos owing to technical limitations. Even though promising, the use of PNT should be considered as experimental. Furthermore, results were acquired in a mouse model, so validation of the technique in human IVG oocytes needs to be performed to evaluate the clinical relevance of the technology. The genetic profiles from IVG oocytes, which would be the ultimate characterization for chromosomal abnormalities, were not analysed owing to limitations in the reliable analysis of single cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS PNT has the ability to overcome the poor cytoplasmic quality of IVG mouse oocytes. Considering the low maturation efficiency of human IVG oocytes and potential detrimental effects following long-term in vitro culture, NT could be applied to rescue embryo development and could lead to an increased availability of good quality embryos for transfer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS A.C. is a holder of FWO (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) grants (1S80220N and 1S80222N). B.H. and A.V.S. have been awarded with a special BOF (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds), GOA (Geconcerteerde onderzoeksacties) 2018000504 (GOA030-18 BOF) funding. B.H. has been receiving unrestricted educational funding from Ferring Pharmaceuticals (Aalst, Belgium). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Christodoulaki
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Haitang He
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloë De Roo
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Machteld Baetens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tine De Pretre
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Muhammad Fakhar-I-Adil
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dominic Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Herta AC, von Mengden L, Akin N, Billooye K, Coucke W, Cava-Cami B, Klamt F, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Glucose and redox metabolism in meiotically blocked in vitro grown mouse antral follicles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2851-2863. [PMID: 37776437 PMCID: PMC10656403 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02940-7] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glucose and redox metabolism characterization in mouse antral follicles with meiotically blocked oocytes, after in vitro follicle culture (IFC) from the early secondary stage. METHODS Following IFC (10 days), oocytes, corresponding cumulus (CC), and granulosa cells (GC) were collected from antral follicles: (i) on day 9-immature, germinal vesicle (GV) stage; (ii) on day 10, after hCG/EGF stimulation-mature, metaphase II (MII) stage and meiotically blocked (MB) immature GV stage. The metabolic profiles of all samples (GV, MII, and MB) were compared by measuring changes in metabolites involved in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and redox activity via enzymatic spectrophotometric assays in each cell type. RESULTS Within MB follicles, GCs drive higher levels of glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation (LAF) while oocytes exert more PPP activity. MB-oocytes had significantly larger diameters compared to day 9 GVs. MB follicles revealed limited metabolic changes in the somatic compartment compared to their GV counterparts (before stimulation). MB-CCs showed increased aconitase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities with lower malate levels comparted to GV-CCs. MB and MII in vitro grown follicles displayed comparable metabolic profiles, suggesting culture induces metabolic exhaustion regardless of the maturation stage. CONCLUSIONS Current results suggest that in addition to impaired nuclear maturation, metabolic disruption is present in MB follicles. MB follicles either compensate with high levels of TCA cycle and PPP activities in CCs, or are unable to drive proper levels of aerobic metabolism, which might be due to the current culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lucia von Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), (RS), Porto Alegre, 90035003, Brazil
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Coucke
- Freelance statistician, Brugstraat 107, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Berta Cava-Cami
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), (RS), Porto Alegre, 90035003, Brazil
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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Ma C, Li Q, Yang Y, Ge L, Cai J, Wang J, Zhu M, Xiong Y, Zhang W, Xie J, Cao Y, Zhao H, Wei Q, Huang C, Shi J, Zhang JV, Duan E, Lei X. mTOR hypoactivity leads to trophectoderm cell failure by enhancing lysosomal activation and disrupting the cytoskeleton in preimplantation embryo. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:219. [PMID: 38037142 PMCID: PMC10688112 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01176-3] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic homeostasis is closely related to early impairment of cell fate determination and embryo development. The protein kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism in the body. Inhibition of mTOR signaling in early embryo causes postimplantation development failure, yet the mechanisms are still poorly understood. METHODS Pregnancy mice and preimplantation mouse embryo were treated with mTOR inhibitor in vivo and in vitro respectively, and subsequently examined the blastocyst formation, implantation, and post-implantation development. We used immunofluorescence staining, RNA-Seq smart2, and genome-wide bisulfite sequencing technologies to investigate the impact of mTOR inhibitors on the quality, cell fate determination, and molecular alterations in developing embryos. RESULTS We showed mTOR suppression during preimplantation decreases the rate of blastocyst formation and the competency of implantation, impairs the post implantation embryonic development. We discovered that blocking mTOR signaling negatively affected the transformation of 8-cell embryos into blastocysts and caused various deficiencies in blastocyst quality. These included problems with compromised trophectoderm cell differentiation, as well as disruptions in cell fate specification. mTOR suppression significantly affected the transcription and DNA methylation of embryos. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors increase lysosomal activation and disrupts the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that mTOR plays a crucial role in 8-cell to blastocyst transition and safeguards embryo quality during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qin Li
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiaxuan Cai
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Maoxian Zhu
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yue Xiong
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenya Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingtong Xie
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yujing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Junchao Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Stewart S, Ou W, Aranda-Espinoza H, Rahaman SO, He X. Micromechanical characterizations and viscoelastic modeling reveal elastic and viscoelastic heterogeneities in ovarian tissue and the significant viscoelastic contribution to the apparent elastic modulus determined by AFM indentation. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:286-297. [PMID: 37451661 PMCID: PMC10529990 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.010] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian follicles develop in a highly regulated mechanical microenvironment and disruptions to the microenvironment may cause infertility. However, the viscoelastic properties of the ovarian tissue are not well studied. Here, we characterize both the elastic and viscoelastic properties of ovarian tissue from both reproductively older and younger domestic cats using atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation and viscoelastic models of stress relaxation. Importantly, our analyses reveal the apparent elastic modulus obtained from the conventional AFM indentation measurement is significantly higher than the intrinsic elastic modulus and insignificantly different from the equivalent elastic modulus that is the summation of the intrinsic elastic modulus and the viscoelastic contribution to modulus at time 0. Interestingly, the ovarian cortex of both reproductive age groups has a higher apparent/intrinsic modulus than that of the medulla. Furthermore, two different kinetics of stress relaxation are identified with rate constants of ∼1 s and ∼20-40 s, respectively. Moreover, the rate constant of the slow kinetics is significantly different between the cortex and medulla in the reproductively older ovaries. Finally, these mechanical heterogeneities appear to follow the heterogeneous distribution of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the ovary. These findings may be invaluable to the development of biomimetic follicle culture for treating infertility. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study investigates not only elastic but also the viscoelastic heterogeneity in both reproductively younger and older ovarian tissues for the first time. Further, by combining AFM indentation measurement and viscoelastic modeling, we show the apparent elastic modulus conventionally reported in the literature for AFM indentation measurement is the summation of the intrinsic elastic modulus and a significant viscoelastic contribution to the modulus at time 0. This is an important consideration for others who use this method to quantify biomaterial properties. In addition, the possible connection between the mechanical and compositional heterogeneities is explored. These findings may be invaluable for designing biomaterials to recapitulate the mechanical environment of the ovary and possibly many other organs for biomimetic tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Stewart
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Wenquan Ou
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Helim Aranda-Espinoza
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Shaik O Rahaman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Xiaoming He
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States.
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7
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Barbato V, Genovese V, De Gregorio V, Di Nardo M, Travaglione A, De Napoli L, Fragomeni G, Zanetti EM, Adiga SK, Mondrone G, D'Hooghe T, Zheng W, Longobardi S, Catapano G, Gualtieri R, Talevi R. Dynamic in vitro culture of bovine and human ovarian tissue enhances follicle progression and health. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11773. [PMID: 37479791 PMCID: PMC10361967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37086-0] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro ovarian cortical tissue culture, followed by culture of isolated secondary follicles, is a promising future option for production of mature oocytes. Although efforts have been made to improve the culture outcome by changing the medium composition, so far, most studies used static culture systems. Here we describe the outcome of 7 days cultures of bovine and human ovarian cortical tissue in a dynamic system using a novel perifusion bioreactor in comparison to static culture in conventional and/or gas permeable dishes. Findings show that dynamic culture significantly improves follicle quality and viability, percentage and health of secondary follicles, overall tissue health, and steroid secretion in both species. Model predictions suggest that such amelioration can be mediated by an enhanced oxygen availability and/or by fluid-mechanical shear stresses and solid compressive strains exerted on the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Genovese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenza De Gregorio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Di Nardo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies ITB, National Research Council CNR, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Travaglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi De Napoli
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Gionata Fragomeni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa - Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Satish K Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Giuseppe Mondrone
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (Leuven University), Gasthuisberg Campus, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wengijng Zheng
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerardo Catapano
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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Hu B, Wang R, Wu D, Long R, Ruan J, Jin L, Ma D, Sun C, Liao S. Prospects for fertility preservation: the ovarian organ function reconstruction techniques for oogenesis, growth and maturation in vitro. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1177443. [PMID: 37250136 PMCID: PMC10213246 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1177443] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, fertility preservation is receiving more attention than ever. Cryopreservation, which preserves ovarian tissue to preserve fertility in young women and reduce the risk of infertility, is currently the most widely practiced. Transplantation, however, is less feasible for women with blood-borne leukemia or cancers with a high risk of ovarian metastasis because of the risk of cancer recurrence. In addition to cryopreservation and re-implantation of embryos, in vitro ovarian organ reconstruction techniques have been considered as an alternative strategy for fertility preservation. In vitro culture of oocytes in vitro Culture, female germ cells induction from pluripotent stem cells (PSC) in vitro, artificial ovary construction, and ovaria-related organoids construction have provided new solutions for fertility preservation, which will therefore maximize the potential for all patients undergoing fertility preservation. In this review, we discussed and thought about the latest ovarian organ function reconstruction techniques in vitro to provide new ideas for future ovarian disease research and fertility preservation of patients with cancer and premature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Hu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Renjie Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Long
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinghan Ruan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujie Liao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bora G, Önel T, Yıldırım E, Yaba A. Circadian regulation of mTORC1 signaling via Per2 dependent mechanism disrupts folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation in female mice. J Mol Histol 2023:10.1007/s10735-023-10126-9. [PMID: 37162693 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
mTOR (mammalian target of Rapamycin) is an important signaling pathway involved in several crucial ovarian functions including folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. The circadian rhythm regulates multiple physiological processes and PER2 is one of the core circadian rhythm components. mTOR is regulated by the circadian clock and in turn, the rhythmic mTOR activities strengthen the clock function. Our current study aims to investigate a possible interconnection between the circadian clock and the mTORC1 signaling pathway in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. Here we demonstrate that the circadian system regulates mTORC1 signaling via Per2 dependent mechanism in the mouse ovary. To investigate the effect of constant light on ovarian and oocyte morphology, animals were housed 12:12 h L:D group in standard lightening conditions and the 12:12 h L:L group in constant light for one week. Food intake and body weight changes were measured. Ovarian morphology, follicle counting, and oocyte aging were evaluated. Afterward, western blot for mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K, p-p70S6K, PER2, and Caspase-3 protein levels was performed. The study demonstrated that circadian rhythm disruption caused an alteration in their food intake and decrease in primordial follicle numbers and an increase in the number of atretic follicles. It caused an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in ZP3 expression in oocytes. Decreased protein levels of mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6K, and PER2 were shown. The results showed that the circadian clock regulates mTORC1 through PER2 dependent mechanism and that decreased mTORC1 activity can contribute to premature aging of mouse ovary. In conclusion, these results suggest that the circadian clock may control ovarian aging by regulating mTOR signaling pathway through Per2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Bora
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, 34755, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğçe Önel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, 34755, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ecem Yıldırım
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, 34755, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aylin Yaba
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, 34755, İstanbul, Turkey.
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Haider S, Beristain AG. Human organoid systems in modeling reproductive tissue development, function, and disease. Hum Reprod 2023:7147082. [PMID: 37119533 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research focused on human reproductive biology has primarily relied upon clinical samples affording mainly descriptive studies with limited implementation of functional or mechanistic understanding. More importantly, restricted access to human embryonic material has necessitated the use of animals, primarily rats and mice, and short-term primary cell cultures derived from human patient material. While reproductive developmental processes are generally conserved across mammals, specific features unique to human reproduction have resulted in the development of human-based in vitro systems designed to retain or recapitulate key molecular and cellular processes important in humans. Of note, major advances in 3D epithelial stem cell-based systems modeling human reproductive organ development have been made. These cultures, broadly referred to as organoids, enable research aimed at understanding cellular hierarchies and processes controlling cellular differentiation and function. Moreover, organoids allow the pre-clinical testing of pharmacological substances, both from safety and efficacy standpoints, and hold large potential in driving aspects of personalized medicine that were previously not possible with traditional models. In this mini-review, we focus on summarizing the current state of regenerative organoid culture systems of the female and male reproductive tracts that model organ development, maintenance, and function. Specifically, we will introduce stem cell-based organoid models of the ovary/fallopian tube, endometrium, cervix, prostate gland, and testes. We will also describe organoid systems of the pre-implanting blastocyst and trophoblast, as the blastocyst and its extraembryonic trophectoderm are central to fetal, maternal, and overall pregnancy health. We describe the foundational studies leading to their development and outline the utility as well as specific limitations that are unique and common to many of these in vitro platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Peserico A, Di Berardino C, Capacchietti G, Camerano Spelta Rapini C, Liverani L, Boccaccini AR, Russo V, Mauro A, Barboni B. IVM Advances for Early Antral Follicle-Enclosed Oocytes Coupling Reproductive Tissue Engineering to Inductive Influences of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Ovarian Surface Epithelium Coculture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076626. [PMID: 37047595 PMCID: PMC10095509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is not a routine assisted reproductive technology (ART) for oocytes collected from early antral (EA) follicles, a large source of potentially available gametes. Despite substantial improvements in IVM in the past decade, the outcomes remain low for EA-derived oocytes due to their reduced developmental competences. To optimize IVM for ovine EA-derived oocytes, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-mediated follicle-enclosed oocytes (FEO) system was compared with a validated cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) protocol. Gonadotropin stimulation (eCG and/or hCG) and/or somatic cell coculture (ovarian vs. extraovarian-cell source) were supplied to both systems. The maturation rate and parthenogenetic activation were significantly improved by combining hCG stimulation with ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) cells coculture exclusively on the FEO system. Based on the data, the paracrine factors released specifically from OSE enhanced the hCG-triggering of oocyte maturation mechanisms by acting through the mural compartment (positive effect on FEO and not on COC) by stimulating the EGFR signaling. Overall, the FEO system performed on a developed reproductive scaffold proved feasible and reliable in promoting a synergic cytoplasmatic and nuclear maturation, offering a novel cultural strategy to widen the availability of mature gametes for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Peserico
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Berardino
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Chiara Camerano Spelta Rapini
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Liliana Liverani
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- DGS S.p.A., 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Roberto Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Nascimento BR, de Freitas DS, Nogueira JM, Souza CCE, de Paula RS, Pereira JM, Madureira AP, Barcelos LS, Jorge EC, Campos-Junior PHA. Drastic Loss of Antral Follicles Due to Gene Expression Dysregulation Occurs on the First Day After Subcutaneous Ovarian Transplantation. Reprod Sci 2023:10.1007/s43032-023-01184-1. [PMID: 36759496 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01184-1] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cryopreservation is an alternative for the preservation of fertility, and the subcutaneous transplantation site is considered one of the most promising. Studies evaluating the follicular growth and its relationship with gene expression and vascular perfusion are essential for improving this technique and its clinical application. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous autotransplantation and vitrification on follicular growth and atresia and their relationship with vascular perfusion and gene expression. Therefore, female mice were ovariectomized, and the ovaries were divided in two experimental groups (1) vitrified (treatment, n = 97) and (2) not vitrified (control, n = 97) and subsequently were transplanted. Then grafts, from both groups, were recovered after 1, 12, or 23 days (D1, D12, D23) and subjected to follicular quantification, morphometry, and qPCR. Non-transplanted ovaries (D0) were also used. The estrous cycle and vascular perfusion were monitored throughout the experiment. On D9, 100% of the animals had reestablished their estrous cycles (p > 0.05). Blood perfusion at the transplant site was similar for both treatments (p > 0.05), with greater perfusion at the site of vitrified transplants only on D1 (p < 0.05). A drastic reduction in the number of antral follicles and an increased number of atretic follicles were observed on D1 (p < 0.0001), associated with upregulation of Casp3, Fshr, and Igf1r; and downregulation of Bax, Acvr1, Egfr, and Lhcgr (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that the first day after subcutaneous transplantation is a critical period for follicular survival, with intense follicular atresia independent of Bax upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rodrigues Nascimento
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Reprodução, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74 - Dom Bosco, São João del-Rei, MG, 36301-160, Brazil
| | - Danielle Storino de Freitas
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Reprodução, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74 - Dom Bosco, São João del-Rei, MG, 36301-160, Brazil
| | - Júlia Meireles Nogueira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Clara Carvalho E Souza
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rayan Silva de Paula
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jousie Michel Pereira
- Departamento de Fisiologia E Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Madureira
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Reprodução, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74 - Dom Bosco, São João del-Rei, MG, 36301-160, Brazil
| | - Luciola Silva Barcelos
- Departamento de Fisiologia E Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Erika Cristina Jorge
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique Almeida Campos-Junior
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Reprodução, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74 - Dom Bosco, São João del-Rei, MG, 36301-160, Brazil.
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13
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Untargeted Metabolomics Revealed Potential Biomarkers of Small Yellow Follicles of Chickens during Sexual Maturation. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020176. [PMID: 36837802 PMCID: PMC9964950 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020176] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual maturation provides economically important traits in poultry production. Research on the initiation mechanism of sexual maturity is of great significance for breeding high-yield laying hens. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully clear. Here, one hundred and fifty Chahua No. 2 laying hens (the CH2 group, which has precocious puberty) and one hundred and fifty Wu Liang Shan black-bone laying hens (the WLS group, a late-maturing chicken breed) with similar weights and ages were randomly selected. ELISA was used to determine the secretion levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) in 150-day-old serum and small yellow follicle (SYF) tissues. A histology examination, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to explore the molecular mechanism of how some genes related to oxidative stress affect sexual maturation. The results showed that the secretion levels of LH, E2, and P4 in the CH2 group serum and SYF were higher than those in the WLS group. The results of the real-time PCR of all genes showed that the expression levels of cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 in the CH2 group were significantly higher than those in the WLS groups (p < 0.001). Untargeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify biomarkers of SYF tissues in the CH2 and WLS groups. A trajectory analysis of the principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that the samples within the group were clustered and that the samples were dispersed between the CH2 and the WLS groups, indicating that the results of the measured data were reliable and could be used for further research. Further analysis showed that a total of 319 metabolites in small yellow follicles of the CH2 and WLS groups were identified, among which 54 downregulated differential metabolites were identified. These 54 metabolites were found as potential CH2 biomarkers compared with WLS at 150 days, and the different expressions of L-arginine, L-prolinamide, (R)-4-hydroxymandelate, glutathione, and homovanillic acid were more significant. Twenty metabolic pathways were found when significantly differential metabolites were queried in the KEGG database. According to the impact values of the metabolic pathways, eighteen differential metabolites belonged to the mTOR signaling pathway, glutathione metabolism, ABC transporters, the cell ferroptosis pathway, and D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism. Interestingly, we identified that the cell ferroptosis pathway played an important role in chicken follicle selection for the first time. The histology and immunohistochemistry of SYF showed that the number of granulosa cells increased in the CH2 groups and the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4, tumor protein p53, ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 in the granulosa cell layer were upregulated in the CH2 group at the time of sexual maturation. Furthermore, we also speculated that the antioxidant system may play an indispensable role in regulating sexual maturity in chickens. Overall, our findings suggest differentially expressed metabolites and metabolic pathways between CH2 and WLS chickens, providing new insights into the initiation mechanism of sexual maturation.
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Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation alterations induced by superovulation, sexual immaturity and in vitro follicle growth in mouse blastocysts. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:9. [PMID: 36647174 PMCID: PMC9843966 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01421-z] [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: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In their attempt to fulfill the wish of having children, women who suffer from fertility issues often undergo assisted reproductive technologies such as ovarian stimulation, which has been associated with adverse health outcomes and imprinting disorders in children. However, given the crucial role of exogenous hormone stimulation in improving human infertility treatments, a more comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts on DNA methylation in embryos following ovarian stimulation is needed. Here, we provide genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of blastocysts generated after superovulation of prepubertal or adult mice, compared with blastocysts derived from non-stimulated adult mice. Additionally, we assessed the impact of the in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes on methylation in blastocysts. RESULTS Neither hormone stimulation nor sexual maturity had an impact on the low global methylation levels characteristic of the blastocyst stage or was associated with extensive DNA methylation alterations. However, we found hormone- and age-associated changes at specific positions but dispersed throughout the genome. In particular, we detected anomalous methylation at a limited number of CpG islands. Additionally, superovulation in adult mice was associated with alterations at the Sgce and Zfp777 imprinted genes. On the other hand, in vitro culture of follicles from the early pre-antral stage was associated with globally reduced methylation and increased variability at imprinted loci in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a minimal effect of ovarian stimulation of adult and prepubertal mice on the DNA methylation landscape attained at the blastocyst stage, but potentially greater impacts of in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes. These findings have potential significance for the improvement of assisted reproductive techniques, in particular for those related to treatments in prepubertal females, which could be crucial for improving human fertility preservation strategies.
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Khunmanee S, Park H. Three-Dimensional Culture for In Vitro Folliculogenesis in the Aspect of Methods and Materials. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2022; 28:1242-1257. [PMID: 35822548 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vitro ovarian follicle culture is a reproduction technique used to obtain fertilizable oocytes, for overcoming fertility issues due to premature ovarian failure. This requires the establishment of an in vitro culture model that is capable of better simulating the in vivo ovarian growth environment. Two-dimensional (2D) culture systems have been successfully set up in rodent models. However, they are not suitable for larger animal models as the follicles of larger animals cultured in 2D culture systems often lose their shape due to dysfunction in the gap junctions. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems are more suitable for maintaining follicle architecture, and therefore are proposed for the successful in vitro culturing of follicles in various animal models. The role of different methods, scaffolds, and suspension cultures in supporting follicle development has been studied to provide direction for improving in vitro follicle culture technologies. The three major strategies for in vitro 3D follicle cultures are discussed in this article. First, the in vitro culture systems, such as microfluidics, hanging drop, hydrogels, and 3D-printing, are reviewed. We have focused on the 3D hydrogel system as it uses different materials for supporting follicular growth and oocyte maturation in several animal models and in humans. We have also discussed the criteria used for biomaterial evaluations such as solid concentration, elasticity, and rigidity. In addition, future research directions for advancing in vitro 3D follicle culture system are discussed. Impact statement A new frontier in assisted reproductive technology is in vitro tissue or follicle culture, particularly for fertility preservation. The in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture technique enhances follicular development and provides mature oocytes, overcoming the limitations of traditional in vitro two-dimensional cultures. Polymer biomaterials have good compatibility and retain the physiological structure of follicles in the 3D culture system. Utilizing hybrid in vitro culture materials by merging matrix, hydrogel, and unique patterned materials may facilitate follicular growth in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sureerat Khunmanee
- Department of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hansoo Park
- Department of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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16
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Abedpour N, Javanmard MZ, Karimipour M, Farjah GH. Chlorogenic acid improves functional potential of follicles in mouse whole ovarian tissues in vitro. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10327-10338. [PMID: 36097112 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07793-4] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the well-known polyphenol compounds possessing several important biological and therapeutic functions. In order to optimize a culture system to achieve complete development of follicles, we focused on the effects of CGA supplementation during in vitro culture (IVC) on follicular development, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, developmental gene expression, and functional potential in cultured mouse ovarian tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS The collected whole murine ovaries were randomly divided into four groups: (1) non-cultured group (control 1) with 7-day-old mouse ovaries, (2) non-cultured group (control 2) with 14-day-old mouse ovaries, (3) cultured group (experimental 1) with the culture plates containing only the basic culture medium, (4) cultured group (experimental 2) with the culture plates containing basic culture medium + CGA (50, 100 and 200 µmol/L CGA). Afterward, histological evaluation, biochemical analyses, the expression assessment of genes related to follicular development and apoptosis as well as the analysis of 17-β-estradiol were performed. The results showed that supplementation of ovarian tissue with the basic culture media using CGA (100 µmol/l) significantly increased the survival, developmental and functional potential of follicles in whole mouse ovarian tissues after 7 days of culture. Furthermore, CGA (100 µmol/L) attenuated oxidative damage and enhanced the concentration of antioxidant capacity along with developmental gene expression. CONCLUSION It seems that supplementation of ovarian tissue with culture media using CGA could optimize follicular growth and development in the culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Abedpour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, school of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Zirak Javanmard
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, school of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, school of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Gholam Hossein Farjah
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, school of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Wan S, Sun Y, Fu J, Song H, Xiao Z, Yang Q, Wang S, Yu G, Feng P, Lv W, Luo L, Guan Z, Liu F, Zhou Q, Yin Z, Yang M. mTORC1 signaling pathway integrates estrogen and growth factor to coordinate vaginal epithelial cells proliferation and differentiation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:862. [PMID: 36220823 PMCID: PMC9553898 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05293-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mouse vaginal epithelium cyclically exhibits cell proliferation and differentiation in response to estrogen. Estrogen acts as an activator of mTOR signaling but its role in vaginal epithelial homeostasis is unknown. We analyzed reproductive tract-specific Rptor or Rictor conditional knockout mice to reveal the role of mTOR signaling in estrogen-dependent vaginal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Loss of Rptor but not Rictor in the vagina resulted in an aberrant proliferation of epithelial cells and failure of keratinized differentiation. As gene expression analysis indicated, several estrogen-mediated genes, including Pgr and Ereg (EGF-like growth factor) were not induced by estrogen in Rptor cKO mouse vagina. Moreover, supplementation of EREG could activate the proliferation and survival of vaginal epithelial cells through YAP1 in the absence of Rptor. Thus, mTORC1 signaling integrates estrogen and growth factor signaling to mediate vaginal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, providing new insights into vaginal atrophy treatment for post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632 China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Yadong Sun
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Jiamin Fu
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Hongrui Song
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiao
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Quanli Yang
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Sanfeng Wang
- grid.459579.30000 0004 0625 057XGuangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510010 China
| | - Gongwang Yu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Genetics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Peiran Feng
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Wenkai Lv
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Liang Luo
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Zerong Guan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Feng Liu
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632 China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Meixiang Yang
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632 China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
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18
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Herta AC, Mengden L, Akin N, Billooye K, Coucke W, Leersum J, Cava-Cami B, Saucedo-Cuevas L, Klamt F, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Characterization of carbohydrate metabolism in in vivo and in vitro grown and matured mouse antral follicles. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:998-1013. [PMID: 35717588 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing an ideal human follicle culture system for oncofertility patients relies mainly on animal models since donor tissue is scarce and often of suboptimal quality. The in vitro system developed in our laboratory supports the growth of prepubertal mouse secondary follicles up to mature oocytes. Given the importance of glucose in preparing the oocyte for proper maturation, a baseline characterization of follicle metabolism both in the culture system and in vivo was carried out. Markers of glucose-related pathways (glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), polyol pathway, hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP)) as well as for the antioxidant capacity were measured in the different follicle cell types by both enzymatic activities (spectrophotometric detection) and gene expression (qPCR). This study confirmed that in vivo the somatic cells, mainly granulosa, exhibit intense glycolytic activity, while oocytes perform PPP. Throughout the final maturation step, oocytes in vivo and in vitro showed steady levels for all the key enzymes and metabolites. On the other hand, ovulation triggers a boost of pyruvate and lactate uptake in cumulus cells in vivo, consumes reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and increases TCA cycle and small molecules antioxidant capacity (SMAC) activities, while in vitro, the metabolic upregulation in all the studied pathways is limited. This altered metabolic pattern might be a consequence of cell exhaustion because of culture conditions, impeding cumulus cells to fulfil their role in providing proper support for acquiring oocyte competence. SUMMARY SENTENCE: In vitro cultured mouse follicles exhibit altered glycolytic activity and redox metabolism in the somatic compartment during meiotic maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Lucia Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), 90035003, Brazil
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Wim Coucke
- Freelance statistician, Brugstraat 107, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Julia Leersum
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Berta Cava-Cami
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), 90035003, Brazil
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
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19
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Mauro A, Berardinelli P, Barboni B. Gonadotropin Cell Transduction Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116303. [PMID: 35682981 PMCID: PMC9181808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intention of this Special Edition was to collect review and original research articles that illustrate and stimulate the growing efforts to highlight the mechanisms of action of gonadotropins, as well as deepen our understanding of their biological roles in health and disease, aiming at revealing novel therapeutic opportunities in reproductive and regenerative medicine [...].
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20
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Yang Q, Xi Q, Wang M, Long R, Hu J, Li Z, Ren X, Zhu L, Jin L. Rapamycin improves the quality and developmental competence of mice oocytes by promoting DNA damage repair during in vitro maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:67. [PMID: 35436937 PMCID: PMC9014618 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00943-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has shown that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a critical role in oocyte meiosis and embryonic development, however, previous studies reporting the effects of rapamycin on oocyte IVM showed different or even opposite results, and the specific mechanisms were not clear. METHODS The immature oocytes from female mice underwent IVM with rapamycin at different concentrations to select an optimal dose. The maturation rate, activation rate, subsequent cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ROS levels, and DNA damage levels were evaluated and compared in oocytes matured with or without rapamycin. In addition, the expression levels of genes associated with mTORC1 pathway, spindle assembly, antioxidant function, and DNA damage repair (DDR) were also assessed and compared. RESULTS Rapamycin at 10 nM was selected as an optimal concentration based on the higher maturation and activation rate of IVM oocytes. Following subsequent culture, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were elevated in activated embryos from the rapamycin group. Additionally, oocytes cultured with 10 nM rapamycin presented decreased ROS levels, reduced chromosome aberration, and attenuated levels of γ-H2AX. No significant effects on the percentages of abnormal spindle were observed. Correspondingly, the expressions of Nrf2, Atm, Atr, and Prkdc in IVM oocytes were markedly increased, following the inhibition of mTORC1 pathway by 10 nM rapamycin. CONCLUSION Rapamycin at 10 nM could ameliorate the developmental competence and quality of IVM oocytes of mice, mainly by improving the chromosome alignments. The inhibition of mTORC1 pathway, which involved in activating DDR-associated genes may act as a potential mechanism for oocyte quality improvement by rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rui Long
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinling Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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21
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Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin as an Effective FSH Replacement for In Vitro Ovine Follicle and Oocyte Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212422. [PMID: 34830304 PMCID: PMC8619287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) still requires strategies through which to maximize individual fertility chances. In vitro folliculogenesis (ivF) may represent a valid option to convey the large source of immature oocytes in ART. Several efforts have been made to set up ivF cultural protocols in medium-sized mammals, starting with the identification of the most suitable gonadotropic stimulus. In this study, Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) is proposed as an alternative to Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) based on its long superovulation use, trans-species validation, long half-life, and low costs. The use of 3D ivF on single-ovine preantral (PA) follicles allowed us to compare the hormonal effects and to validate their influence under two different cultural conditions. The use of eCG helped to stimulate the in vitro growth of ovine PA follicles by maximizing its influence under FBS-free medium. Higher performance of follicular growth, antrum formation, steroidogenic activity and gap junction marker expression were recorded. In addition, eCG, promoted a positive effect on the germinal compartment, leading to a higher incidence of meiotic competent oocytes. These findings should help to widen the use of eCG to ivF as a valid and largely available hormonal support enabling a synchronized in vitro follicle and oocyte development.
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22
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Bernabò N, Di Berardino C, Capacchietti G, Peserico A, Buoncuore G, Tosi U, Crociati M, Monaci M, Barboni B. In Vitro Folliculogenesis in Mammalian Models: A Computational Biology Study. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:737912. [PMID: 34859047 PMCID: PMC8630647 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.737912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro folliculogenesis (ivF) has been proposed as an emerging technology to support follicle growth and oocyte development. It holds a great deal of attraction from preserving human fertility to improving animal reproductive biotechnology. Despite the mice model, where live offspring have been achieved,in medium-sized mammals, ivF has not been validated yet. Thus, the employment of a network theory approach has been proposed for interpreting the large amount of ivF information collected to date in different mammalian models in order to identify the controllers of the in vitro system. The WoS-derived data generated a scale-free network, easily navigable including 641 nodes and 2089 links. A limited number of controllers (7.2%) are responsible for network robustness by preserving it against random damage. The network nodes were stratified in a coherent biological manner on three layers: the input was composed of systemic hormones and somatic-oocyte paracrine factors; the intermediate one recognized mainly key signaling molecules such as PI3K, KL, JAK-STAT, SMAD4, and cAMP; and the output layer molecules were related to functional ivF endpoints such as the FSH receptor and steroidogenesis. Notably, the phenotypes of knock-out mice previously developed for hub.BN indirectly corroborate their biological relevance in early folliculogenesis. Finally, taking advantage of the STRING analysis approach, further controllers belonging to the metabolic axis backbone were identified, such as mTOR/FOXO, FOXO3/SIRT1, and VEGF, which have been poorly considered in ivF to date. Overall, this in silico study identifies new metabolic sensor molecules controlling ivF serving as a basis for designing innovative diagnostic and treatment methods to preserve female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bernabò
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessia Peserico
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Buoncuore
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Umberto Tosi
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Monaci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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23
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Xiang D, Liu Y, Zhou E, Wang Y. Advances in the applications of polymer biomaterials for in vitro follicle culture. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111422. [PMID: 34098195 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111422] [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: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovarian reserve (OR) indicates ovarian function by representing the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles, and it gradually decreases with increasing age. With the prolongation of women's lives, the protection provided by estrogen is lost for decades in postmenopausal women, and the related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and decreased immunity are the main risk factors affecting women's quality of life and longevity. Pharmacologic hormone replacement therapy (PHRT) has been controversial, and the construction of artificial ovary (AO) has attracted increasing attention. The most critical step of AO generation is the establishment of an in vitro culture (IVC) system to support the development of isolated follicles. This article mainly compares the advantages and disadvantages of different polymer biomaterials for use in follicle IVC, provides theoretical support for the development and construction of the follicle IVC system using natural biological materials, and provides a theoretical basis for establishing mature AO technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Xiang
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Encheng Zhou
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
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24
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Jiao Z, Bukulmez O. Potential roles of experimental reproductive technologies in infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2507-2517. [PMID: 34100154 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology treatment, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition of utmost clinical and scientific relevance because of its negative influence on patient outcomes. The current methods of infertility treatment may be unsuitable for many women with DOR, which support the need for development of additional approaches to achieve fertility restoration. Various techniques have been tried to improve the quality and increase the quantity of oocytes in DOR patients, including mitochondrial transfer, activation of primordial follicles, in vitro culture of follicles, and regeneration of oocytes from various stem cells. Herein, we review the science behind these experimental reproductive technologies and their potential use to date in clinical studies for infertility treatment in women with DOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Jiao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Fertility and Advanced Reproductive Medicine Assisted Reproductive Technologies Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Fertility and Advanced Reproductive Medicine Assisted Reproductive Technologies Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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25
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Telfer EE, Andersen CY. In vitro growth and maturation of primordial follicles and immature oocytes. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1116-1125. [PMID: 33823993 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue to preserve the fertility of girls and young women at high risk of sterility is now widely practiced. Pieces of cryopreserved ovarian cortex can be thawed and autografted to restore fertility, but because of the risks of reintroduction of the cancer, transplantation may not be possible for girls and women with blood-borne leukemias or cancers with a high risk of ovarian metastasis. Cryopreserved ovarian tissue contains mainly primordial follicles but also provides access to immature oocytes from small antral follicles, which may be matured in vitro to provide an additional source of mature oocytes. So in cases in which transplantation is contraindicated, fertility restoration could be safely achieved in the laboratory either by in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes aspirated from growing follicles or by the complete in vitro growth (IVG) and maturation (IVM) of primordial follicles to produce fertile metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The development of IVM and IVG methods to support all stages of oocytes available within ovarian tissue will maximize the potential for all patients undergoing fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8XE, Scotland.
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Sousa RP, Duarte ABG, Pinto Y, Sá NAR, Alves BG, Cibin FWS, Silva GC, Carvalho CES, Argôlo Neto NM, Rodrigues APR, Silva CMG, Figueiredo JR, Carvalho MAM. In Vitro Activation and Development of Goat Preantral Follicles Enclosed in Ovarian Tissue Co-cultured with Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1709-1717. [PMID: 33721296 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of culture systems capable of maintaining follicular growth since the preantral stage has been the target of investigations. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) present potential for use in a wide range of applications, including research aimed at preserving fertility. Therefore, this study investigated the use of caprine Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJMSC) on the survival and in vitro development of goat preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian fragments cultured for 1 or 7 days. Fragments of the ovarian cortex were immediately fixed (non-cultured control) or distributed in four treatments: ovarian tissue cultured in control medium (α-MEM+); ovarian tissue cultured in α-MEM+ supplemented with FBS (α-MEM+ + FBS); ovarian tissue co-cultured with stem cells in α-MEM+ (α-MEM+ + SC); and ovarian tissue co-cultured with stem cell in α-MEM+ + FBS (α-MEM+ + SC + FBS). The rates of cell proliferation, follicular survival, and activation, as well as follicular diameter, were evaluated. After 7 days, the treatment co-cultured with stem cells showed a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal preantral follicles compared to the other treatments, as well as a higher (P < 0.05) activation rate compared to cultured control. Moreover, the follicular diameter was higher (P < 0.05) in the treatment co-cultured with stem cells compared to co-cultured with stem cells plus FBS. This study demonstrates for the first time that in vitro co-culture of caprine WJMSC with preantral follicles enclosed in goat ovarian tissue improves activation and early follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata P Sousa
- Integrated Nucleus of Morphology and Research with Stem Cells (NUPCelt), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz G Duarte
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Yago Pinto
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes enclosed in Ovarian Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Naiza A R Sá
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes enclosed in Ovarian Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Benner G Alves
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Francielli W S Cibin
- Breeding Biotechnology Laboratory (Biotech), Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Gustavo C Silva
- Integrated Nucleus of Morphology and Research with Stem Cells (NUPCelt), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Camila E S Carvalho
- Integrated Nucleus of Morphology and Research with Stem Cells (NUPCelt), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Napoleão M Argôlo Neto
- Integrated Nucleus of Morphology and Research with Stem Cells (NUPCelt), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula R Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes enclosed in Ovarian Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cleidson M G Silva
- Humid Tropics Research Institute, Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, Xinguara, Brazil
| | - José R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes enclosed in Ovarian Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Maria Acelina M Carvalho
- Integrated Nucleus of Morphology and Research with Stem Cells (NUPCelt), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology, Federal University of Piauí, Rua Dirce de Oliveira, 3397, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
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Herta AC, Akin N, Billooye K, Saucedo-Cuevas L, Lolicato F, Segers I, Anckaert E, Smitz J. Reversing complete mechanical transzonal projections disruption during mouse in vitro follicle culture with unaltered oocyte competence†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1373-1385. [PMID: 33709109 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro oocyte growth is widely studied as an alternative fertility preservation approach. Several animal models are used to generate extensive information on this complex process regulated by the constant and dynamic interaction between the oocyte and its somatic compartment throughout follicle growth and maturation. A two-dimensional attachment mouse secondary follicle culture system was used to assess the oocyte's capacity to overcome disconnection from its somatic companions at different developmental stages for final competence acquisition. To test this, complete mechanical denudation of oocytes from preantral (PA) and early antral (EA) follicles was performed. Established endpoints were the oocyte's potential to reconnect with somatic cells and the impact of connectivity disruption on mature oocyte quality. This study proves that oocytes from PA and EA cultured mouse follicles can overcome complete denudation, restoring likely functional transzonal projections with no significant differences in meiotic and developmental competence compared with those from intact cultured follicles. These novel findings constitute good premises for developing successful strategies to rescue human oocyte competence in the context of in vitro culture approaches such as nonhuman chorionic gonadotropin triggered in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Segers
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Bourdon G, Cadoret V, Charpigny G, Couturier-Tarrade A, Dalbies-Tran R, Flores MJ, Froment P, Raliou M, Reynaud K, Saint-Dizier M, Jouneau A. Progress and challenges in developing organoids in farm animal species for the study of reproduction and their applications to reproductive biotechnologies. Vet Res 2021; 52:42. [PMID: 33691745 PMCID: PMC7944619 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the past decades, major progress has been accomplished in isolating germ/stem/pluripotent cells, in refining culture medium and conditions and in establishing 3-dimensional culture systems, towards developing organoids for organs involved in reproduction in mice and to some extent in humans. Haploid male germ cells were generated in vitro from primordial germ cells. So were oocytes, with additional support from ovarian cells and subsequent follicle culture. Going on with the female reproductive tract, spherical oviduct organoids were obtained from adult stem/progenitor cells. Multicellular endometrial structures mimicking functional uterine glands were derived from endometrial cells. Trophoblastic stem cells were induced to form 3-dimensional syncytial-like structures and exhibited invasive properties, a crucial point for placentation. Finally, considering the embryo itself, pluripotent embryonic cells together with additional extra-embryonic cells, could self-organize into a blastoid, and eventually into a post-implantation-like embryo. Most of these accomplishments have yet to be reached in farm animals, but much effort is devoted towards this goal. Here, we review the progress and discuss the specific challenges of developing organoids for the study of reproductive biology in these species. We consider the use of such organoids in basic research to delineate the physiological mechanisms involved at each step of the reproductive process, or to understand how they are altered by environmental factors relevant to animal breeding. We evaluate their potential in reproduction of animals with a high genetic value, from a breeding point of view or in the context of preserving local breeds with limited headcounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bourdon
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Véronique Cadoret
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- CHU Bretonneau, Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, 37044, Tours, France
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Maria-José Flores
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Mariam Raliou
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Alice Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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29
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Kechiche S, Venditti M, Knani L, Jabłońska K, Dzięgiel P, Messaoudi I, Reiter RJ, Minucci S. First evidence of the protective role of melatonin in counteracting cadmium toxicity in the rat ovary via the mTOR pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116056. [PMID: 33199064 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Herein, the first evidence of the ability of melatonin (MLT) to counteract cadmium (Cd) toxic effects on the rat ovary is reported. Cd treatment, enhancing oxidative stress, provoked clear morphological, histological and biomolecular alterations, i.e. in the estrous cycle duration, in the ovarian and serum E2 concentration other than in the steroidogenic and folliculogenic genes expression. Results demonstrated that the use of MLT, in combination with Cd, avoided the changes, strongly suggesting that it is an efficient antioxidant for preventing oxidative stress in the rat ovary. Moreover, to explore the underlying mechanism involved, at molecular level, in the effects of Cd-MLT interaction, the study focused on the mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways. Interestingly, data showed that Cd influenced the phosphorylation status of mTOR, of its downstream effectors and of ERK1/2, inducing autophagy and apoptosis, while cotreatment with MLT nullified these changes. This work highlights the beneficial role exerted by MLT in preventing Cd-induced toxicity in the rat ovary, encouraging further studies to confirm its action on human ovarian health with the aim to use this indolamine to ameliorate oocyte quality in women with fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Kechiche
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Latifa Knani
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Karolina Jabłońska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy.
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30
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Rodrigues P, Marques M, Pimentel S, Rato M, Carvalho P, Correia SC, Mendes N, Amaral H, Fernandes JP, Carvalho MJ, Plancha CE. Oncofertility case report: live birth 10 years after oocyte in vitro maturation and zygote cryopreservation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:3089-3094. [PMID: 33113072 PMCID: PMC7714812 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01984-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to report a case of urgent fertility preservation in an oncological patient with collection of immature oocytes in the absence of ovarian stimulation that, through in vitro maturation (IVM), followed by ICSI and cryopreservation of zygotes resulted, 10 years later, in the live birth of a healthy baby. METHODS In September 2008, our clinic performed IVM in a 32-year-old woman diagnosed with a ductal invasive carcinoma with positive estradiol receptors, negative progesterone receptors and positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The retrieval of immature oocytes was performed in the absence of ovarian stimulation after a simple mastectomy and prior to any chemotherapy treatment. The compact cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected were placed in Lag medium for 2 h, followed by incubation in IVM medium, supplemented with heat inactivated patient serum, recombinant FSH, and recombinant LH. After 30 h in culture, cumulus cells were removed, the metaphase II oocytes were microinjected, and the zygotes obtained were cryopreserved. In 2017, the zygotes were thawed and cultured until day 3. One embryo was transferred and the other cryopreserved. RESULTS Four compact COCs were collected and subjected to IVM. Two oocytes reached metaphase II and were microinjected. Two zygotes were obtained and were cryopreserved at the two pronuclear stage. Approximately 9 years later, the two zygotes were thawed and cultured until day 3. An embryo with 10 cells was transferred and implanted, resulting in the birth of a healthy baby. CONCLUSIONS In cases where urgency to start adjuvant therapy requires immediate oocyte collection, IVM may be the only option to obtain fully competent mature oocytes allowing for effective preservation of the reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rodrigues
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidade e Tecnologia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Marques
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Pimentel
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Rato
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidade e Tecnologia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P Carvalho
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S C Correia
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - N Mendes
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - H Amaral
- Hospital CUF Descobertas Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - M J Carvalho
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C E Plancha
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Inst. Histologia e Biol. Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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31
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Sequeira RC, Criswell T, Atala A, Yoo JJ. Microfluidic Systems for Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Advantages and Potential Applications. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:787-800. [PMID: 33237567 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have emerged as a powerful tool that can closely replicate the in-vivo physiological conditions of organ systems. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), while being able to achieve successful outcomes, still faces challenges related to technical error, efficiency, cost, and monitoring/assessment. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the uses of microfluidic devices in the culture, maintenance and study of ovarian follicle development for experimental and therapeutic applications. We discuss existing microfluidic platforms for oocyte and sperm selection and maintenance, facilitation of fertilization by in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplastimc sperm injection, and monitoring, selection and maintenance of resulting embryos. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of future integration of these technologies onto a single platform and the limitations facing the development of these systems. In spite of these challenges, we envision that microfluidic systems will likely evolve and inevitably revolutionize both fundamental, reproductive physiology/toxicology research as well as clinically applicable ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel C Sequeira
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Tracy Criswell
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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32
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Molaeeghaleh N, Tork S, Abdi S, Movassaghi S. Evaluating the Effects of Different Concentrations of Human Follicular Fluid on Growth, Development, and PCNA Gene Expression of Mouse Ovarian Follicles. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 209:75-82. [PMID: 32846416 DOI: 10.1159/000509076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle culture in vitro provides a method for investigating stages of folliculogenesis that can lead to preserving fertility through cryopreservation techniques. This study aims to assess the effects of various concentrations of human follicular fluid (hFF) on growth, development, and expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene in mouse ovarian follicles in vitro. Preantral follicles were isolated from 14-day NMRI mouse ovaries. The follicles were cultured in basic media enriched with FBS, FSH, and insulin-transferrin-selenium, and supplemented with different concentrations of hFF (10, 20, and 30%) for 12 days. During the culture period, survival rate and follicular maturation, follicular diameter, levels of estrogen and progesterone secretion, and PCNA gene expression rate were evaluated. Survival rate, maturation, and antrum formation were significantly higher in the 10% hFF group than in the 20 and 30% hFF groups. On day 4, follicle diameter in the 10% hFF group was also higher than in the 20 and the 30% hFF group. In comparison with other groups, significantly higher estrogen and progesterone production levels were measured in the 10% hFF group. PCNA gene expression was also higher with 10 than 20 and 30% hFF concentrations. The present study suggests that addition of 10% hFF to mice ovarian preantral follicle culture media enhances follicle growth and oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Molaeeghaleh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriyar Tork
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Abdi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Shabnam Movassaghi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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33
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The new biocompatible material for mouse ovarian follicle development in three-dimensional in vitro culture systems. Theriogenology 2020; 144:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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34
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Yang Q, Zhu L, Jin L. Human Follicle in vitro Culture Including Activation, Growth, and Maturation: A Review of Research Progress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:548. [PMID: 32849312 PMCID: PMC7431469 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation has received unprecedented attention nowadays. In addition to cryopreservation and re-implantation of embryos, oocytes, and ovarian tissue pieces, in vitro culture system for follicles/oocytes has been considered as an alternative strategy for fertility preservation. Since the metabolic dynamics and required nutrients are not entirely the same in different stages of follicular development, optimization of each culture step is needed. In this paper, literature regarding culture conditions in three steps were analyzed. Known additives in activation stage included 740Y-P, bpV(HOpic), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human serum albumin (HSA), ITS, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), with different degrees of activation promotion and potential detrimental effect on DNA integrity. For isolated follicles growth stage, actin A, FSH, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), estradiol were proved to improve development or proliferation. As for maturation, addition of growth hormone, melatonin, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), GDF9, cilostamide, or forskolin helped to regulate maturation rate or improve oocyte quality. Based on previous sequential culture system for human follicles, optimization is needed to achieve higher maturation rate and better oocyte quality, pursuant to current review, which demonstrated the effects of various additives on different stages.
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35
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Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ivanova E, Romero S, Lolicato F, Sánchez F, Van Ranst H, Krueger F, Segonds-Pichon A, De Vos M, Andrews S, Smitz J, Kelsey G, Anckaert E. DNA methylation and mRNA expression of imprinted genes in blastocysts derived from an improved in vitro maturation method for oocytes from small antral follicles in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:1640-1649. [PMID: 31398248 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does imprinted DNA methylation or imprinted gene expression differ between human blastocysts from conventional ovarian stimulation (COS) and an optimized two-step IVM method (CAPA-IVM) in age-matched polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients? SUMMARY ANSWER No significant differences in imprinted DNA methylation and gene expression were detected between COS and CAPA-IVM blastocysts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Animal models have revealed alterations in DNA methylation maintenance at imprinted germline differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) after use of ARTs. This effect increases as more ART interventions are applied to oocytes or embryos. IVM is a minimal-stimulation ART with reduced hormone-related side effects and risks for patients. CAPA-IVM is an improved IVM system that includes a pre-maturation step (CAPA), followed by an IVM step, both in the presence of physiological compounds that promote oocyte developmental capacity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION For DNA methylation analysis 20 CAPA-IVM blastocysts were compared to 12 COS blastocysts. For RNA-Seq analysis a separate set of 15 CAPA-IVM blastocysts were compared to 5 COS blastocysts. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS COS embryos originated from 12 patients with PCOS (according to Rotterdam criteria) who underwent conventional ovarian stimulation. For CAPA-IVM 23 women were treated for 3-5 days with highly purified hMG (HP-hMG) and no hCG trigger was given before oocyte retrieval. Oocytes were first cultured in pre-maturation medium (CAPA for 24 h containing C-type natriuretic peptide), followed by an IVM step (30 h) in medium containing FSH and Amphiregulin. After ICSI, Day 5 or 6 embryos in both groups were vitrified and used for post-bisulphite adaptor tagging (PBAT) DNA methylation analysis or RNA-seq gene expression analysis of individual embryos. Data from specific genes and gDMRs were extracted from the PABT and RNA-seq datasets. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE CAPA-IVM blastocysts showed similar rates of methylation and gene expression at gDMRs compared to COS embryos. In addition, expression of major epigenetic regulators was similar between the groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The embryos from the COS group were generated in a range of culture media. The CAPA-IVM embryos were all generated using the same sperm donor. The DNA methylation level of gDMRs in purely in vivo-derived human blastocysts is not known. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A follow-up of children born after CAPA-IVM is important as it is for other new ARTs, which are generally introduced into clinical practice without prior epigenetic safety studies on human blastocysts. CAPA-IVM opens new perspectives for patient-friendly ART in PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) IVM research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been supported by grants from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie-IWT, project 110680), the Fund for Research Flanders (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen-FWO-AL 679 project, project G.0343.13), the Belgian Foundation Against Cancer (HOPE project, Dossier C69Ref Nr 2016-119) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (IOF Project 4R-ART Nr 2042). Work in G.K.'s laboratory is supported by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Medical Research Council. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Saenz-de-Juano
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E Ivanova
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - S Romero
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - F Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Fertilab Barcelona, Via Augusta, 237-239, Barcelona 08021, Spain
| | - F Sánchez
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - H Van Ranst
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Krueger
- Bioinformatics Unit, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - M De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - S Andrews
- Bioinformatics Unit, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - E Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Takae S, Suzuki N. Current state and future possibilities of ovarian tissue transplantation. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:217-224. [PMID: 31312099 PMCID: PMC6613018 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a result of recent developments in cancer treatment, cancer survivorship and survivors' quality of life have been emphasized. Although ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an experimental technique, it would be the sole technique for fertility preservation treatment for girls with malignant disease. Indeed, OTC requires ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) for conception. As for OTC, there is room to investigate OTT. The present review focused on the current state and progress of OTT. METHOD The literature regarding OTT, which is currently under development, was reviewed. MAIN FINDINGS To improve the outcome of OTT, both efficacy and safety are important. Good surgical technique and the optimal site are important surgical factors, with orthotopic transplantation increasing. Treatment of growth factors, gonadotropins, antioxidants, apoptosis suppression factors, and cell therapy may improve the efficacy of OTT by inducing neo-angiogenesis and preventing damage. Artificial ovaries, complete in vitro primordial follicle culture technique, and non-invasive ovarian imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography, to select the best ovarian tissue are future possibilities. CONCLUSION Improving neo-angiogenesis and preventing damage with optimization, as well as investigation of future techniques, may bring us to the next stage of a fertility preservation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seido Takae
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySt. Marianna University School of MedicineKawasaki CityJapan
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySt. Marianna University School of MedicineKawasaki CityJapan
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Abstract
Eggs are female germ cells that are required for producing offspring through sexual reproduction. In mammals, eggs are produced in the ovary and ovulated into the oviduct. It is well known that over 99% of eggs are degenerated without ovulation, so that many studies have attempted in vitro folliculogenesis to produce many eggs in different species for a few decades. Although many methods have been developed, a success of in vitro egg production with the resultant live birth of offspring has been limited, especially in livestock animals. More recently, we have succeeded in producing live pups derived from in vitro/ex vivo egg production in mice. This review aims to introduce our recent findings with a brief history of in vitro/ex vivo culture systems for follicles and ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Morohaku
- School of Science and Technology, Institute of Agriculture, Division of Animal Science, Shinshu University, Nagano 399-4598, Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
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38
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Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase of the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related kinase family that regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Extensive research has linked mTOR to several human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. In this review, recent publications regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of mTOR in female reproduction under physiological and pathological conditions are summarized. Moreover, we assess whether strategies to improve or suppress mTOR expression could have therapeutic potential for reproductive diseases like premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis.
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39
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Winston RML. The 40th anniversary of human IVF: time to celebrate and time to reflect. Reproduction 2018; 156:E1-E3. [PMID: 30002220 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R M L Winston
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, London, UK
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