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Tanaka Y, Amano T, Nakamura A, Yoshino F, Takebayashi A, Takahashi A, Yamanaka H, Inatomi A, Hanada T, Yoneoka Y, Tsuji S, Murakami T. Rapamycin prevents cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian follicular loss and potentially inhibits tumour proliferation in a breast cancer xenograft mouse model. Hum Reprod 2024:deae085. [PMID: 38734930 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION To what extent and via what mechanism does the concomitant administration of rapamycin (a follicle activation pathway inhibitor and antitumour agent) and cyclophosphamide (a highly toxic ovarian anticancer agent) prevent cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian reserve loss and inhibit tumour proliferation in a breast cancer xenograft mouse model? SUMMARY ANSWER Daily concomitant administration of rapamycin and a cyclic regimen of cyclophosphamide, which has sufficient antitumour effects as a single agent, suppressed cyclophosphamide-induced primordial follicle loss by inhibiting primordial follicle activation in a breast cancer xenograft mouse model, suggesting the potential of an additive inhibitory effect against tumour proliferation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cyclophosphamide stimulates primordial follicles by activating the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, resulting in the accumulation of primary follicles, most of which undergo apoptosis. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, regulates primordial follicle activation and exhibits potential inhibitory effects against breast cancer cell proliferation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To assess ovarian follicular apoptosis, 3 weeks after administering breast cancer cells, 8-week-old mice were randomized into three treatment groups: control, cyclophosphamide, and cyclophosphamide + rapamycin (Cy + Rap) (n = 5 or 6 mice/group). Mice were treated with rapamycin or vehicle control for 1 week, followed by a single dose of cyclophosphamide or vehicle control. Subsequently, the ovaries were resected 24 h after cyclophosphamide administration (short-term treatment groups). To evaluate follicle abundance and the mTOR pathway in ovaries, as well as the antitumour effects and impact on the mTOR pathway in tumours, 8-week-old xenograft breast cancer transplanted mice were randomized into three treatment groups: vehicle control, Cy, and Cy + Rap (n = 6 or 7 mice/group). Rapamycin (5 mg/kg) or the vehicle was administered daily for 29 days. Cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) or the vehicle was administered thrice weekly (long-term treatment groups). The tumour diameter was measured weekly. Seven days after the last cyclophosphamide treatment, the ovaries were harvested, fixed, and sectioned (for follicle counting) or frozen (for further analysis). Similarly, the tumours were resected and fixed or frozen. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) was performed to examine ovarian follicular apoptosis in the short-term treatment groups. All subsequent experiments were conducted in the long-term treatment groups. Tumour growth was evaluated using the tumour volume index. The tumour volume index indicates the relative volume, compared to the volume 3 weeks after tumour cell injection (at treatment initiation) set to 100%. Tumour cell proliferation was evaluated by Ki-67 immunostaining. Activation of the mTOR pathway in tumours was assessed using the protein extracts from tumours and analysed by western blotting. Haematoxylin and eosin staining of ovaries was used to perform differential follicle counts for primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and atretic follicles. Activation of the mTOR pathway in ovaries was assessed using protein extracts from whole ovaries and analysed by western blotting. Localization of mTOR pathway activation within ovaries was assessed by performing anti-phospho-S6 kinase (downstream of mTOR pathway) immunohistochemistry. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Ovaries of the short-term treatment groups were resected 24 h after cyclophosphamide administration and subjected to TUNEL staining of apoptotic cells. No TUNEL-positive primordial follicles were detected in the control, Cy, and Cy + Rap groups. Conversely, many granulosa cells of growing follicles were TUNEL positive in the Cy group but negative in the control and Cy + Rap groups. All subsequent experimental results were obtained from the long-term treatment groups. The tumour volume index stabilized at a mean of 160-200% in the Cy group and 130% in the Cy + Rap group throughout the treatment period. In contrast, tumours in the vehicle control group grew continuously with a mean tumour volume index of 600%, significantly greater than that of the two treatment groups. Based on the western blot analysis of tumours, the mTOR pathway was activated in the vehicle control group and downregulated in the Cy + Rap group when compared with the control and Cy groups. Ki-67 immunostaining of tumours showed significant inhibition of cell proliferation in the Cy + Rap group when compared with that in the control and Cy groups. The ovarian follicle count revealed that the Cy group had significantly fewer primordial follicles (P < 0.001) than the control group, whereas the Cy + Rap group had significantly higher number of primordial follicles (P < 0.001, 2.5 times) than the Cy group. The ratio of primary to primordial follicles was twice as high in the Cy group than in the control group; however, no significant difference was observed between the control group and the Cy + Rap group. Western blot analysis of ovaries revealed that the mTOR pathway was activated by cyclophosphamide and inhibited by rapamycin. The phospho-S6 kinase (pS6K)-positive primordial follicle rate was 2.7 times higher in the Cy group than in the control group. However, this effect was suppressed to a level similar to the control group in the Cy + Rap group. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The combinatorial treatment of breast cancer tumours with rapamycin and cyclophosphamide elicited inhibitory effects on cell proliferative potential compared to cyclophosphamide monotherapy. However, no statistically significant additive effect was observed on tumour volume. Thus, the beneficial antitumour effect afforded by rapamycin administration on breast cancer could not be definitively proven. Although rapamycin has ovarian-protective effects, it does not fully counteract the ovarian toxicity of cyclophosphamide. Nevertheless, rapamycin is advantageous as an ovarian protective agent as it can be used in combination with other ovarian protective agents, such as hormonal therapy. Hence, in combination with other agents, mTOR inhibitors may be sufficiently ovario-protective against high-dose and cyclic cyclophosphamide regimens. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Compared with a cyclic cyclophosphamide regimen that replicates human clinical practice under breast cancer-bearing conditions, the combination with rapamycin mitigates the ovarian follicle loss of cyclophosphamide without interfering with the anticipated antitumour effects. Hence, rapamycin may represent a new non-invasive treatment option for cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian dysfunction in breast cancer patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was not financially supported. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Tsukuru Amano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Fumi Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akie Takebayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akimasa Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Ayako Inatomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Hanada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yoneoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Tsuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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Rosario R, Stewart HL, Spears N, Telfer EE, Anderson RA. Anti-Mullerian hormone attenuates both cyclophosphamide-induced damage and PI3K signalling activation, while rapamycin attenuates only PI3K signalling activation, in human ovarian cortex in vitro. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:382-392. [PMID: 38070496 PMCID: PMC10833070 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead255] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of cyclophosphamide exposure on the human ovary and can anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and rapamycin protect against these? SUMMARY ANSWER Exposure to cyclophosphamide compromises the health of primordial and transitional follicles in the human ovarian cortex and upregulates PI3K signalling, indicating both direct damage and increased follicular activation; AMH attenuates both of these chemotherapy-induced effects, while rapamycin attenuates only PI3K signalling upregulation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies primarily in rodents demonstrate that cyclophosphamide causes direct damage to primordial follicles or that the primordial follicle pool is depleted primarily through excessive initiation of follicle growth. This increased follicular activation is mediated via upregulated PI3K signalling and/or reduced local levels of AMH production due to lost growing follicles. Furthermore, while rodent data show promise regarding the potential benefits of inhibitors/protectants alongside chemotherapy treatment to preserve female fertility, there is no information about the potential for this in humans. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fresh ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from 17 healthy women aged 21-41 years (mean ± SD: 31.8 ± 4.9 years) at elective caesarean section. Biopsies were cut into small fragments and cultured for 24 h with either vehicle alone (DMSO), the active cyclophosphamide metabolite 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC) alone, 4-HC + rapamycin or 4-HC+AMH. Two doses of 4-HC were investigated, 0.2 and 2 μM in separate experiments, using biopsies from seven women (aged 27-41) and six women (aged 21-34), respectively. Biopsies from four women (aged 28-38) were used to investigate the effect of rapamycin or AMH only. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Histological analysis of ovarian tissue was undertaken for follicle staging and health assessment. Western blotting and immunostaining were used to assess activation of PI3K signalling by measuring phosphorylation of AKT and phosphorylated FOXO3A staining intensity, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Exposure to either dose of 4-HC caused an increase in the proportion of unhealthy primordial (P < 0.0001, both doses) and transitional follicles (P < 0.01 for low dose and P < 0.01 for high dose) compared to vehicle. AMH significantly reduced follicle damage by approximately half in both of the investigated doses of 4-HC (P < 0.0001), while rapamycin had no protective effect on the health of the follicles. Culture with AMH or rapamycin alone had no effect on follicle health. Activation of PI3K signalling following 4-HC exposure was demonstrated by both Western blotting data showing that 4-HC increased in AKT phosphorylation and immunostaining showing increased phosphorylated FOXO3A staining of non-growing oocytes. Treatment with rapamycin reduced the activation of PI3K signalling in experiments with low doses of 4-HC while culture with AMH reduced PI3K activation (both AKT phosphorylation and phosphorylated FOXO3A staining intensity) across both doses investigated. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These in vitro studies may not replicate in vivo exposures. Furthermore, longer experiment durations are needed to determine whether the effects observed translate into irreparable deficits of ovarian follicles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data provide a solid foundation on which to explore the efficacy of AMH in protecting non-growing ovarian follicles from gonadotoxic chemotherapies. Future work will require consideration of the sustained effects of chemotherapy treatment and potential protectants to ensure these agents do not impair the developmental competence of oocytes or lead to the survival of oocytes with accumulated DNA damage, which could have adverse consequences for potential offspring. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from TENOVUS Scotland, the Academy of Medical Sciences (to R.R.), the Medical Research Council (G1100357 to R.A.A., MR/N022556/1 to the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health), and Merck Serono UK (to R.A.A.). R.R., H.L.S., N.S., and E.E.T. declare no conflicts of interest. R.A.A. reports grants and personal fees from Roche Diagnostics and Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and personal fees from IBSA and Merck outside the submitted work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseanne Rosario
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hazel L Stewart
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Norah Spears
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Nguyen TTA, Demeestere I. A Journey to Reach the Ovary Using Next-Generation Technologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16593. [PMID: 38068916 PMCID: PMC10705884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although effective in terms of the chances of future live birth, the current methods for fertility preservation, such as oocyte, embryo, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation, cannot be offered to all cancer patients in all clinical contexts. Expanding options for fertility preservation is crucial to addressing the need to encompass all situations. One emerging strategy is pharmacoprotection, a non-invasive approach that has the potential to fill existing gaps in fertility preservation. In addition to the identification of the most effective therapeutic agents, the potential for off-target effects remains one of the main limitations of this strategy for clinical application, particularly when healthy ovarian tissue is targeted. This review focuses on the advances in pharmacoprotective approaches and the challenge of targeting the ovaries to deliver these agents. The unique properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) make them an attractive candidate for this purpose. We discuss how AuNPs meet many of the requirements for an ideal drug delivery system, as well as the existing limitations that have hindered the progression of AuNP research into more clinical trials. Additionally, the review highlights microRNA (miRNA) therapy as a next-generation approach to address the issues of fertility preservation and discusses the obstacles that currently impede its clinical availability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
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Kashi O, Meirow D. Overactivation or Apoptosis: Which Mechanisms Affect Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Reserve Depletion? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16291. [PMID: 38003481 PMCID: PMC10671775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dormant primordial follicles (PMF), which constitute the ovarian reserve, are recruited continuously into the cohort of growing follicles in the ovary throughout female reproductive life. Gonadotoxic chemotherapy was shown to diminish the ovarian reserve pool, to destroy growing follicle population, and to cause premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Three primary mechanisms have been proposed to account for this chemotherapy-induced PMF depletion: either indirectly via over-recruitment of PMF, by stromal damage, or through direct toxicity effects on PMF. Preventative pharmacological agents intervening in these ovotoxic mechanisms may be ideal candidates for fertility preservation (FP). This manuscript reviews the mechanisms that disrupt follicle dormancy causing depletion of the ovarian reserve. It describes the most widely studied experimental inhibitors that have been deployed in attempts to counteract these affects and prevent follicle depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Kashi
- The Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel;
| | - Dror Meirow
- The Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel;
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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5
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Zhao P, Guo C, Du H, Xiao Y, Su J, Wang X, Yeung WSB, Li G, Wang T. Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and protective strategies. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:887-900. [PMID: 38054300 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2275764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 9.2 million women worldwide suffer from cancer, and about 5% of them are at reproductive age. Chemotherapy-induced impairment of fertility affects the quality of life of these women. Several chemotherapeutic agents have been proven to cause apoptosis and autophagy by inducing DNA damage and cellular stress. Injuries to the ovarian stroma and micro-vessel network are also considered as pivotal factors resulting in ovarian dysfunction induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Primordial follicle pool over-activation may also be the mechanism inducing damage to the ovarian reserve. Although many studies have explored the mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity, the exact molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. It is essential to understand the mechanisms involved in ovarian damage, in order to develop potential protective treatments to preserve fertility. In this article, we reviewed the current knowledge on the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and possible protective strategies that prevent the ovary from such damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peikun Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Chenxi Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Huijia Du
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Yuan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jiaping Su
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Willian S B Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Guangxin Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Tianren Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
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Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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7
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Reynolds AC, McKenzie LJ. Cancer Treatment-Related Ovarian Dysfunction in Women of Childbearing Potential: Management and Fertility Preservation Options. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:2281-2292. [PMID: 36888938 PMCID: PMC10115556 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the complex concerns of oncofertility created through increased cancer survivorship and the long-term effects of cancer treatment in young adults. DESIGN Review chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction, outline how fertility may be addressed before treatment initiation, and discuss barriers to oncofertility treatment and guidelines for oncologists to provide this care to their patients. CONCLUSION In women of childbearing potential, ovarian dysfunction resulting from cancer therapy has profound short- and long-term implications. Ovarian dysfunction can manifest as menstrual abnormalities, hot flashes, night sweats, impaired fertility, and in the long term, increased cardiovascular risk, bone mineral density loss, and cognitive deficits. The risk of ovarian dysfunction varies between drug classes, number of received lines of therapy, chemotherapy dosage, patient age, and baseline fertility status. Currently, there is no standard clinical practice to evaluate patients for their risk of developing ovarian dysfunction with systemic therapy or means to address hormonal fluctuations during treatment. This review provides a clinical guide to obtain a baseline fertility assessment and facilitate fertility preservation discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurie J. McKenzie
- Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Houston, TX
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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8
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Alesi LR, Nguyen QN, Stringer JM, Winship AL, Hutt KJ. The future of fertility preservation for women treated with chemotherapy. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2023; 4:RAF-22-0123. [PMID: 37068157 PMCID: PMC10235927 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapies have been a mainstay of cancer treatment, but are associated with numerous systemic adverse effects, including impacts to fertility and endocrine health. Irreversible ovarian damage and follicle depletion are side-effects of chemotherapy that can lead to infertility and premature menopause, both being major concerns of young cancer patients. Notably, many women will proceed with fertility preservation, but unfortunately existing strategies don't entirely solve the problem. Most significantly, oocyte and embryo freezing do not prevent cancer treatment-induced ovarian damage from occurring, which may result in the impairment of long-term hormone production. Unfortunately, loss of endogenous endocrine function is not fully restored by hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, while GnRH agonists are standard care for patients receiving alkylating chemotherapy to lessen the risk of premature menopause, their efficacy is incomplete. The lack of more broadly effective options stems, in part, from our poor understanding of how different treatments damage the ovary. Here, we summarise the impacts of two commonly utilised chemotherapies - cyclophosphamide and cisplatin - on ovarian function and fertility, and discuss the mechanisms underpinning this damage. Additionally, we critically analyse current research avenues in the development of novel fertility preservation strategies, with a focus on fertoprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Alesi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Quynh-Nhu Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica M Stringer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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9
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Sellami I, Beau I, Sonigo C. Chemotherapy and female fertility. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:382-387. [PMID: 36967045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy to treat cancer is usually responsible for early ovarian follicle depletion. Ovarian damage induced by cancer treatments frequently results in infertility in surviving patients of childbearing age. Several fertility preservation techniques have been developed. Nowadays, oocyte or embryo cryopreservation with or without ovarian stimulation and cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex are the most commonly used. However, these methods may be difficult to implement in some situations, and subsequent use of the cryopreserved germ cells remains uncertain, with no guarantee of pregnancy. Improved knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage is therefore necessary, to develop new strategies for fertility preservation. The effects of various chemotherapies have been studied in animal models or in vitro on ovarian cultures, suggesting various mechanisms of gonadotoxicity. Today the challenge is to develop molecules and techniques to limit the negative impact of chemotherapy on the ovaries, using experimental models, especially in animals. In this review, the various theories concerning ovarian damage induced by chemotherapy will be reviewed and emerging approaches for ovarian protection will be explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sellami
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Antoine Beclere Hospital, 92140, Clamart, France; Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, physiologie et physiopathologie endocrinienne, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Isabelle Beau
- Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, physiologie et physiopathologie endocrinienne, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Charlotte Sonigo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Antoine Beclere Hospital, 92140, Clamart, France; Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, physiologie et physiopathologie endocrinienne, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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10
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Chi YN, Yang JM, Liu N, Cui YH, Ma L, Lan XB, Ma WQ, Liu YJ, Yu JQ, Du J. Development of protective agents against ovarian injury caused by chemotherapeutic drugs. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113731. [PMID: 36179491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy is one of the causes of ovarian injury and infertility. Although assisted reproductive technology helps young female patients with cancer become pregnant, preventing chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury will often possess even more significant benefits. OBJECTIVE We aimed at demonstrating the hazardous effects and mechanisms of ovarian injury by chemotherapeutic agents, as well as demonstrating agents that protect the ovary from chemotherapy-induced injury. RESULTS Chemotherapeutic agents cause death or accelerate activation of follicles and damage to the blood vessels in the ovary, resulting in inflammation. These often require drug development to protect the ovaries from injury. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a basis for the development of drugs to protect the ovaries from injury. Although there are many preclinical studies on potential protective drugs, there is still an urgent need for a large number of clinical experiments to verify their potential use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Nan Chi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jia-Mei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, the Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yan-Hong Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Wen-Qian Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yan-Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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11
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Ataman LM, Laronda MM, Gowett M, Trotter K, Anvari H, Fei F, Ingram A, Minette M, Suebthawinkul C, Taghvaei Z, Torres-Vélez M, Velez K, Adiga SK, Anazodo A, Appiah L, Bourlon MT, Daniels N, Dolmans MM, Finlayson C, Gilchrist RB, Gomez-Lobo V, Greenblatt E, Halpern JA, Hutt K, Johnson EK, Kawamura K, Khrouf M, Kimelman D, Kristensen S, Mitchell RT, Moravek MB, Nahata L, Orwig KE, Pavone ME, Pépin D, Pesce R, Quinn GP, Rosen MP, Rowell E, Smith K, Venter C, Whiteside S, Xiao S, Zelinski M, Goldman KN, Woodruff TK, Duncan FE. A synopsis of global frontiers in fertility preservation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1693-1712. [PMID: 35870095 PMCID: PMC9307970 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2007, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference has brought together a diverse network of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and professional levels to disseminate emerging basic and clinical research findings in fertility preservation. This network also developed enduring educational materials to accelerate the pace and quality of field-wide scientific communication. Between 2007 and 2019, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference was held as an in-person event in Chicago, IL. The conference attracted approximately 250 attendees each year representing 20 countries around the world. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this paradigm and precluded an in-person meeting. Nevertheless, there remained an undeniable demand for the oncofertility community to convene. To maintain the momentum of the field, the Oncofertility Consortium hosted a day-long virtual meeting on March 5, 2021, with the theme of "Oncofertility Around the Globe" to highlight the diversity of clinical care and translational research that is ongoing around the world in this discipline. This virtual meeting was hosted using the vFairs ® conference platform and allowed over 700 people to participate, many of whom were first-time conference attendees. The agenda featured concurrent sessions from presenters in six continents which provided attendees a complete overview of the field and furthered our mission to create a global community of oncofertility practice. This paper provides a synopsis of talks delivered at this event and highlights the new advances and frontiers in the fields of oncofertility and fertility preservation around the globe from clinical practice and patient-centered efforts to translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Ataman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M M Laronda
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Gowett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - K Trotter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - H Anvari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - F Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - A Ingram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M Minette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - C Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Z Taghvaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M Torres-Vélez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - K Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - S K Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - A Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - L Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M T Bourlon
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas Y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - N Daniels
- The Oncology and Fertility Centres of Ekocorp, Eko Hospitals, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - M M Dolmans
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Mounier 52, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Av. Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Finlayson
- Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - R B Gilchrist
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - V Gomez-Lobo
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - J A Halpern
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Hutt
- Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - E K Johnson
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Khrouf
- FERTILLIA, Clinique la Rose, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - D Kimelman
- Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - S Kristensen
- Department of Fertility, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R T Mitchell
- Department of Developmental Endocrinology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - L Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Endocrinology and Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - K E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M E Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D Pépin
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Pesce
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G P Quinn
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Medical Ethics, Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - M P Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E Rowell
- Department of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C Venter
- Vitalab, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Whiteside
- Fertility & Reproductive Health Program, Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - S Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - M Zelinski
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - K N Goldman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - T K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - F E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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12
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Zamponi V, La Salvia A, Tarsitano MG, Mikovic N, Rinzivillo M, Panzuto F, Giannetta E, Faggiano A, Mazzilli R. Effect of Neuroendocrine Neoplasm Treatment on Human Reproductive Health and Sexual Function. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11143983. [PMID: 35887747 PMCID: PMC9324753 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11143983] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are characterized by a wide clinical heterogeneity and biological variability, with slow progression and long survival in most cases. Although these tumors can affect young adults, there are few studies that focus on the sexual and reproductive system. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of NEN treatment, including somatostatin analogues (SSA), targeted therapy (Everolimus and Sunitinib), radiolabeled-SSA and chemotherapy, on male and female reproductive systems and sexual function. This narrative review was performed for all available prospective and retrospective studies, case reports and review articles published up to March 2022 in PubMed. To date, few data are available on the impact of SSA on human fertility and most of studies come from acromegalic patients. However, SSAs seem to cross the blood–placental barrier; therefore, pregnancy planning is strongly recommended. Furthermore, the effect of targeted therapy on reproductive function is still undefined. Conversely, chemotherapy has a well-known negative impact on male and female fertility. The effect of temozolomide on reproductive function is still undefined, even if changes in semen parameters after the treatment have been described. Finally, very few data are available on the sexual function of NEN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Zamponi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.Z.); (N.M.); (A.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Anna La Salvia
- Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0652665698
| | - Maria Grazia Tarsitano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nevena Mikovic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.Z.); (N.M.); (A.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Maria Rinzivillo
- Digestive Disease Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesco Panzuto
- Digestive Disease Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (F.P.)
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Giannetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.Z.); (N.M.); (A.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Rossella Mazzilli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.Z.); (N.M.); (A.F.); (R.M.)
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13
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Female Oncofertility: Current Understandings, Therapeutic Approaches, Controversies, and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235690. [PMID: 34884393 PMCID: PMC8658080 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in early detection and oncological therapies have ameliorated the survival rate of young cancer patients. Yet, ovarian impairment induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy is still a challenging issue. This review, based on clinical and lab-based studies, summarizes the evidence of gonadotoxicity of chemoradiotherapy, the recent approaches, ongoing controversies, and future perspectives of fertility preservation (FP) in female patients who have experienced chemo- or radio-therapy. Existing data indicate that chemotherapeutic agents induce DNA alterations and massive follicle activation via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the radiation causes ionizing damage, leading to germ cell loss. In addition to the well-established methods, numerous therapeutic approaches have been suggested, including minimizing the follicle loss in cryopreserved ovarian grafts after transplantation, in vitro activation or in vitro growing of follicles, artificial ovarian development, or fertoprotective adjuvant to prevent ovarian damage from chemotherapy. Some reports have revealed positive outcomes from these therapies, whereas others have demonstrated conflictions. Future perspectives are improving the live birth rate of FP, especially in patients with adverse ovarian reserve, eliminating the risk of malignancy reintroducing, and increasing society’s awareness of FP importance.
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14
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Peek R, Eijkenboom LL, Braat DDM, Beerendonk CCM. Complete Purging of Ewing Sarcoma Metastases from Human Ovarian Cortex Tissue Fragments by Inhibiting the mTORC1 Signaling Pathway. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194362. [PMID: 34640378 PMCID: PMC8509560 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoration of fertility by autologous transplantation of ovarian cortex tissue in former cancer patients may lead to the reintroduction of malignancy via the graft. Pharmacological ex vivo purging of ovarian cortex fragments prior to autotransplantation may reduce the risk of reseeding the cancer. In this study we have investigated the capacity of Everolimus (EVE), an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, to eradicate Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) from ovarian tissue by a short-term ex vivo treatment. Exposure of experimentally induced ES tumor foci in ovarian tissue to EVE for 24 h completely eliminated the malignant cells without detrimental effects on follicle morphology, survival or early folliculogenesis. This indicates that effective purging of ovarian cortex tissue from contaminating ES tumor foci is possible by short-term exposure to EVE.
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15
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Bussies PL, Richards EG, Rotz SJ, Falcone T. Targeted cancer treatment and fertility: effect of immunotherapy and small molecule inhibitors on female reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:81-92. [PMID: 34674940 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapy is rapidly evolving the landscape of personalized health care. Novel approaches to selectively impeding tumour growth carry significant potential to improve survival outcomes, particularly for reproductive-aged patients harbouring treatment refractory disease. Current agents fall within two classes: immunotherapy and small molecule inhibitors. These are collectively divided into the following subclasses: monoclonal antibodies; immunomodulators; adoptive cell therapy; treatment vaccines; kinase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; metalloproteinase and heat shock protein inhibitors; and promoters of apoptosis. The short- and long-term effects of these treatments on the female reproductive system are not well understood. As a result, clinicians are rendered unable to appropriately counsel women on downstream effects to their fertility. Data-driven consensus recommendations are desperately needed. This review aims to characterize the effect of targeted cancer therapy on the female hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, direct ovarian function and conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker L Bussies
- Cleveland Clinic FoundNation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Elliott G Richards
- Cleveland Clinic FoundNation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Seth J Rotz
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Cleveland Clinic FoundNation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland OH, USA.
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16
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Grosbois J, Devos M, Demeestere I. Implications of Nonphysiological Ovarian Primordial Follicle Activation for Fertility Preservation. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5882019. [PMID: 32761180 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, ovarian tissue cryopreservation has rapidly developed as a successful method for preserving the fertility of girls and young women with cancer or benign conditions requiring gonadotoxic therapy, and is now becoming widely recognized as an effective alternative to oocyte and embryo freezing when not feasible. Primordial follicles are the most abundant population of follicles in the ovary, and their relatively quiescent metabolism makes them more resistant to cryoinjury. This dormant pool represents a key target for fertility preservation strategies as a resource for generating high-quality oocytes. However, development of mature, competent oocytes derived from primordial follicles is challenging, particularly in larger mammals. One of the main barriers is the substantial knowledge gap regarding the regulation of the balance between dormancy and activation of primordial follicles to initiate their growing phase. In addition, experimental and clinical factors also affect dormant follicle demise, while the mechanisms involved remain largely to be elucidated. Moreover, most of our basic knowledge of these processes comes from rodent studies and should be extrapolated to humans with caution, considering the differences between species in the reproductive field. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to improving both the quantity and the quality of mature oocytes available for further fertilization, and may have valuable biological and clinical applications, especially in fertility preservation procedures. This review provides an update on current knowledge of mammalian primordial follicle activation under both physiological and nonphysiological conditions, and discusses implications for fertility preservation and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Grosbois
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melody Devos
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Altered expression of activator proteins that control follicle reserve after ovarian tissue cryopreservation/transplantation and primordial follicle loss prevention by rapamycin. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2119-2136. [PMID: 32651677 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated whether expression of activator proteins that control follicle reserve and growth change after ovarian tissue vitrification and re-transplantation. Moreover, we assessed whether inhibition of mTOR signaling pathway by rapamycin would protect primordial follicle reserve after ovarian tissue freezing/thawing and re-transplantation. METHODS Fresh control, frozen/thawed, fresh-transplanted, frozen/thawed and transplanted, rapamycin/control, rapamycin fresh-transplanted, and rapamycin frozen-thawed and transplanted groups were established in rats. After freezing and thawing process, two ovaries were transplanted into the back muscle of the same rat. After 2 weeks, grafts were harvested, fixed, and embedded into paraffin block. Normal and atretic primordial/growing follicle count was performed in all groups. Ovarian tissues were evaluated for the dynamic expressions of Gdf-9, Bmp-15, KitL, Lif, Fgf-2, and p-s6K using immunohistochemistry, and H-score analyses were done. RESULTS Primordial follicle reserve reduced almost 50% after ovarian tissue re-transplantation. Expression of Gdf-9 and Lif increased significantly in primordial and growing follicles in frozen-thawed, fresh-transplanted, and frozen/thawed and transplanted groups, whereas expression of Bmp-15, KitL, and Fgf-2 decreased in primordial follicles. Freezing and thawing of ovarian tissue solely significantly increased p-s6K expression in primordial follicles, and on the other hand, suppression of mTORC1 pathway using rapamycin preserved the primordial follicle pool. CONCLUSION Altered expressions of activator proteins that regulate primordial follicle reserve and growth may lead to primordial follicle loss and rapamycin treatment can protect ovarian reserve after ovarian tissue cryopreservation/transplantation.
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18
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Spears N, Lopes F, Stefansdottir A, Rossi V, De Felici M, Anderson RA, Klinger FG. Ovarian damage from chemotherapy and current approaches to its protection. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:673-693. [PMID: 31600388 PMCID: PMC6847836 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-cancer therapy is often a cause of premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility since the ovarian follicle reserve is extremely sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. While oocyte, embryo and ovarian cortex cryopreservation can help some women with cancer-induced infertility achieve pregnancy, the development of effective methods to protect ovarian function during chemotherapy would be a significant advantage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This paper critically discusses the different damaging effects of the most common chemotherapeutic compounds on the ovary, in particular, the ovarian follicles and the molecular pathways that lead to that damage. The mechanisms through which fertility-protective agents might prevent chemotherapy drug-induced follicle loss are then reviewed. SEARCH METHODS Articles published in English were searched on PubMed up to March 2019 using the following terms: ovary, fertility preservation, chemotherapy, follicle death, adjuvant therapy, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, doxorubicin. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the analysis of the protective agents. OUTCOMES Recent studies reveal how chemotherapeutic drugs can affect the different cellular components of the ovary, causing rapid depletion of the ovarian follicular reserve. The three most commonly used drugs, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin and doxorubicin, cause premature ovarian insufficiency by inducing death and/or accelerated activation of primordial follicles and increased atresia of growing follicles. They also cause an increase in damage to blood vessels and the stromal compartment and increment inflammation. In the past 20 years, many compounds have been investigated as potential protective agents to counteract these adverse effects. The interactions of recently described fertility-protective agents with these damage pathways are discussed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Understanding the mechanisms underlying the action of chemotherapy compounds on the various components of the ovary is essential for the development of efficient and targeted pharmacological therapies that could protect and prolong female fertility. While there are increasing preclinical investigations of potential fertility preserving adjuvants, there remains a lack of approaches that are being developed and tested clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Spears
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK
| | - F Lopes
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK
| | | | - V Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - R A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK
| | - F G Klinger
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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19
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Breast cancer: an update on treatment-related infertility. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:647-657. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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20
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The Impact of Chemotherapy on the Ovaries: Molecular Aspects and the Prevention of Ovarian Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215342. [PMID: 31717833 PMCID: PMC6862107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, induces early ovarian follicular depletion and subsequent infertility. In order to protect gametes from the gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy, several fertility preservation techniques—such as oocyte or embryo cryopreservation with or without ovarian stimulation, or cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex—should be considered. However, these methods may be difficult to perform, and the future use of cryopreserved germ cells remains uncertain. Therefore, improving the methods currently available and developing new strategies to preserve fertility represent major challenges in the area of oncofertility. Animal and ovarian culture models have been used to decipher the effects of different cytotoxic agents on ovarian function and several theories regarding chemotherapy gonadotoxicity have been raised. For example, cytotoxic agents might (i) have a direct detrimental effect on the DNA of primordial follicles constituting the ovarian reserve and induce apoptosis; (ii) induce a massive growth of dormant follicles, which are then destroyed; or (ii) induce vascular ovarian damage. Thanks to improvements in the understanding of the mechanisms involved, a large number of studies have been carried out to develop molecules limiting the negative impact of chemotherapy on the ovaries.
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21
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Grosbois J, Vermeersch M, Devos M, Clarke HJ, Demeestere I. Ultrastructure and intercellular contact-mediated communication in cultured human early stage follicles exposed to mTORC1 inhibitor. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:706-716. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The reproductive lifespan of a woman is determined by the gradual recruitment of quiescent follicles into the growing pool. In humans, ovarian tissue removal from its in vivo environment induces spontaneous activation of resting follicles. Similarly, pharmacological activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway leads to accelerated follicle recruitment, but has been associated with follicular damage. Recent findings demonstrate that everolimus (EVE), an mTORC1 inhibitor, limits primordial follicle activation. However, its potential benefit regarding growing follicle integrity remains unexplored. Ovarian cortical fragments were exposed to ± EVE for 24 h and cultured for an additional 5 days. After 0, 1 and 6 days of culture, fragments were either processed for ultrastructural analysis or subjected to follicular isolation for gene expression and immunofluorescence assessments. Data from transmission electron microscopy showed that growing follicles displayed similar ultrastructural features irrespective of the conditions and maintained close contacts between germinal and stromal compartments. Establishment of intra-follicular communication was confirmed by detection of a gap junction component, Cx43, in both groups throughout culture, whereas transzonal projections, which physically link granulosa cells to oocyte, formed later in EVE-treated follicles. Importantly, levels of GJA1 mRNA, encoding for the Cx43 protein, significantly increased from Day 0 to Day 1 in the EVE group, but not in the control group. Given that EVE-treated follicles were smaller than controls, these findings suggest that EVE might facilitate the establishment of appropriate intercellular communications without impairing follicle ultrastructure. Therefore, mTORC1 inhibitors might represent an attractive tool to delay the culture-induced primordial follicle activation while maintaining follicles in a functionally integrated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Grosbois
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Vermeersch
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - M Devos
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biology, and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - I Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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AMPK: A promising molecular target for combating cisplatin toxicities. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:94-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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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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