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Lombardi LA, Mattos LS, Espindula AP, Simões RS, Sasso GRDS, Simões MDJ, Soares-Jr JM, Florencio-Silva R. Effects of melatonin and metformin on the ovaries of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:204-211. [PMID: 38484797 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the combined and isolated effects of melatonin and metformin in the ovarian tissue of rats with PCOS. DESIGN Experimental study using a rat model of PCOS induced by continuous light exposure. INTERVENTION(S) Forty adult female rats were divided into 5 groups: physiological estrus phase (Sham); permanente estrus with PCOS induced by continuous lighting exposure for 60 consecutive days (control); with PCOS treated with melatonin; with PCOS treated with metformin; with PCOS treated with melatonin + metformin. After 60 days of treatments, all rats were killed, and ovaries were collected and processed for paraffin-embedding. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or subjected to immunohistochemistry for proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) detection markers. SETTING Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. ANIMALS Forty adult female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Number of corpus luteum and ovarian cysts, number of ovarian follicles (primary and antral follicles), number of interstitial cells, percentage of ovarian follicles (primary and antral follicles), and of interstitial cells immunostained to cleaved caspase-3 and Ki-67. RESULTS Absence of corpus luteum, a higher number of cysts, and increased nuclear volume and area of interstitial cells, along with a decrease in primary and antral follicle numbers, were noticed in the control group compared with the Sham group. Melatonin and metformin treatments attenuated these effects, although the combined treatment did not mitigate the increased number of cysts and ovaries induced by PCOS. An increase in theca interna cell apoptosis was observed in the control group, whereas melatonina and metformin treatments reduced it significantly. A higher percentage of caspase-3-immunostained granulosa cells was noted in the Sham and all treated groups compared with the control group; no aditive effects on ovarian cell apoptosis were observed in the combined treatment. The percentage of Ki-67- immunostained granulosa cells was significantly higher in the control group compared with the Sham group. However, the combined treatment, not melatonin and metformin alone, mitigated this effect. A higher percentage of Ki-67-immunostained interstitial cells was observed in all treated groups compared with the Sham and control groups, whereas no additive effects in that immunoreactivity were observed in the combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS Melatonin and metformin may improve ovarian function in rats with PCOS. The combined melatonin and metformin treatment is more effective in attenuating excessive granulosa cell proliferation, but it is not more effective in improving ovarian function than these drugs applied alone in rats with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Augusto Lombardi
- Disciplina de Anatomia Humana, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Paula Espindula
- Disciplina de Anatomia Humana, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Ricardo Santos Simões
- Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gisela Rodrigues da Silva Sasso
- Disciplina de Histologia e Biologia Estrutural, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina - UNIFESP/EPM, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Manuel de Jesus Simões
- Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Disciplina de Histologia e Biologia Estrutural, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina - UNIFESP/EPM, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - José Maria Soares-Jr
- Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Rinaldo Florencio-Silva
- Disciplina de Histologia e Biologia Estrutural, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina - UNIFESP/EPM, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Makav M, Kuru M, Aras ŞY, Sarı EK, Bulut M, Alwazeer D. The effect of hydrogen-rich water on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103332. [PMID: 37797471 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103332] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the effect of hydrogen-rich water on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? DESIGN Female rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of eight animals. The control group received a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution, the molecular hydrogen (H2) group was given hydrogen-rich water and a CMC solution, the PCOS group was administered letrozole dissolved in a CMC solution and the PCOS + H2 group was given hydrogen-rich water and letrozole dissolved in a CMC solution. Blood and tissue samples were then collected, and biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted on the samples. RESULTS The histopathological analysis showed a reduction in the number of cysts in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the malondialdehyde, cortisol and testosterone data revealed a significant decrease in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P = 0.0458, P = 0.0003, P = 0.0041, respectively). The glutathione also showed a statistically significant increase in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P = 0.0012). CONCLUSION The study findings demonstrate that hydrogen-rich water reduces the number of cysts and oxidative damage in rats with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Makav
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiology, Kars, Turkey..
| | - Mushap Kuru
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kars, Turkey
| | - Şükran Yediel Aras
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Kars, Turkey
| | - Ebru Karadağ Sarı
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Histology-Embryology, Kars, Turkey
| | - Menekşe Bulut
- Iğdır University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Food Engineering, Iğdır, Turkey
| | - Duried Alwazeer
- Iğdır University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Iğdır, Turkey
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Zhang T, Zhang L, Huang G, Hao X, Liu Z, Huo S. MEL regulates miR-21 and let-7b through the STAT3 cascade in the follicular granulosa cells of Tibetan sheep. Theriogenology 2023; 205:114-129. [PMID: 37120893 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.008] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Under physiological and pathological conditions, melatonin (MEL) can regulate microRNA (miRNA) expression. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of MEL on miRNAs in ovaries are not understood. Firstly, by using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, we found that in ovaries and follicular granulosa cells (FGCs), MT1 co-located with miR-21 and let-7b. Additionally, immunofluorescence revealed that MT1, STAT3, c-MYC and LIN28 proteins co-located. The mRNA and protein levels of STAT3, c-MYC and LIN28 increased under treatment with 10-7 M MEL. MEL induced an increase in miR-21 and a decrease in let-7b. The LIN28/let-7b and STAT3/miR-21 axes are related to cell differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation. We explored whether the STAT3/c-MYC/LIN28 pathway was involved in miRNA regulation by MEL to explore the putative mechanism of the above relationship. AG490, an inhibitor of the STAT3 pathway, was added before MEL treatment. AG490 inhibited the MEL-induced increases in STAT3, c-MYC, LIN28 and MT1 and changes in miRNA. Through live-cell detection, we discovered that MEL enhanced the proliferation of FGCs. However, the ki67 protein levels decreased when AG490 was added in advance. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that STAT3, LIN28 and MT1 were target genes of let-7b. Furthermore, STAT3 and SMAD7 were target genes of miR-21. In addition, the protein levels of the STAT3, c-MYC, LIN28 and MEL receptors decreased when let-7b was overexpressed in FGCs. Overall, MEL might regulate miRNA expression through the STAT3 pathway. In addition, a negative feedback loop between the STAT3 and miR-21 formed; MEL and let-7b antagonized each other in FGCs. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for improving the reproductive performance of Tibetan sheep through MEL and miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taojie Zhang
- Northwest Minzu University, Life Science and Engineering College, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Northwest Minzu University, Life Science and Engineering College, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Guoliang Huang
- Northwest Minzu University, Life Science and Engineering College, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaomeng Hao
- Northwest Minzu University, Life Science and Engineering College, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zezheng Liu
- Northwest Minzu University, Life Science and Engineering College, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shengdong Huo
- Northwest Minzu University, Life Science and Engineering College, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FG, Soares JM, Gallo CC, Furtado A, Cavaco JE, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The Crosstalk between Melatonin and Sex Steroid Hormones. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:115-129. [PMID: 33774638 DOI: 10.1159/000516148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, an indolamine mainly released from the pineal gland, is associated with many biological functions, namely, the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep inducer, regulator of energy metabolism, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. Although several pieces of evidence also recognize the influence of melatonin in the reproductive physiology, the crosstalk between melatonin and sex hormones is not clear. Here, we review the effects of sex differences in the circulating levels of melatonin and update the current knowledge on the link between sex hormones and melatonin. Furthermore, we explore the effects of melatonin on gonadal steroidogenesis and hormonal control in females. The literature review shows that despite the strong evidence that sex differences impact on the circadian profiles of melatonin, reports are still considerably ambiguous, and these differences may arise from several factors, like the use of contraceptive pills, hormonal status, and sleep deprivation. Furthermore, there has been an inconclusive debate about the characteristics of the reciprocal relationship between melatonin and reproductive hormones. In this regard, there is evidence for the role of melatonin in gonadal steroidogenesis brought about by research that shows that melatonin affects multiple transduction pathways that modulate Sertoli cell physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, and also estrogen and progesterone production. From the outcome of our research, it is possible to conclude that understanding the correlation between melatonin and reproductive hormones is crucial for the correction of several complications occurring during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, and for the control of climacteric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Maria Soares
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - André Furtado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Cavaco
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Corrie L, Gulati M, Singh SK, Kapoor B, Khursheed R, Awasthi A, Vishwas S, Chellappan DK, Gupta G, Jha NK, Anand K, Dua K. Recent updates on animal models for understanding the etiopathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Life Sci 2021; 280:119753. [PMID: 34171379 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of female infertility affecting several women worldwide. Changes in hormonal functions such as hyperandrogenism are considered a significant factor in developing PCOS in women. In addition, many molecular pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS in women. To have better insights about PCOS, it is data from clinical studies carried on women suffering from PCOS should be collected. However, this approach has several implications, including ethical considerations, cost involved and availability of subject. Moreover, during the early drug development process, it is always advisable to use non-human models mimicking human physiology as they are less expensive, readily available, have a shorter gestation period and less risk involved. Many animal models have been reported that resemble the PCOS pathways in human subjects. However, the models developed on rats and mice are more preferred over other rodent/non-rodent models due to their closer resemblance with human PCOS development mechanism. The most extensively reported PCOS models for rats and mice include those induced by using testosterone, letrozole and estradiol valerate. As the pathophysiology of PCOS is complex, none of the explored models completely surrogates the PCOS related conditions occurring in women. Hence, there is a need to develop an animal model that can resemble the pathophysiology of PCOS in women. The review focuses on various animal models explored to understand the pathophysiology of PCOS. The article also highlights some environmental and food-related models that have been used to induce PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leander Corrie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India.
| | - Bhupinder Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Rubiya Khursheed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Ankit Awasthi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Sukriti Vishwas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Krishnan Anand
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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Abdel-Wahab A, Hassanin KMA, Ibrahim SS, El-Kossi DMMH, Abdel-Razik ARH. Developmental Programming: Physiological Impacts of Prenatal Melatonin Administration on Reproductive Capacity and Serum Triiodothyronine of Adult Female Offspring Rat Born to Moms Exposed to Bisphenol A During Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1956-1966. [PMID: 33469879 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00452-8] [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: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gestational bisphenol A (BPA) exposure induced multiple programmed diseases in the adult offsprings. Thus, this study targeted exploring the physiological impacts of melatonin (MEL) as a reprogramming strategy against in utero BPA exposure on reproductive capacity of adult F1 female rat offspring. Forty adult pregnant albino female rats were divided equally into 5 groups (n = 8): group I (control), group II (low-dose BPA; 25 μg BPA/kg B.w.t.), group III (low-dose BPA + 10 mg MEL/kg B.w.t.), group IV (high-dose BPA; 250 μg/kg B.w.t.), and group V (high-dose BPA + MEL). Treatments were given daily by subcutaneous (s/c) injection from the fourth day of pregnancy until full term. After delivery, female offspring were selected, and on postnatal day 60, adult offspring were examined for estrus regularity and then were sacrificed at estrus to collect blood and tissue samples. Findings clarified that in utero BPA exposure (both doses) increased significantly (P < 0.05) the ovarian weights and the serum levels of estrogen but decreased that of triiodothyronine (T3) compared to control groups. Significant increasing of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also detected. Both doses of BPA disturbed remarkably the estrus cycles and caused marked aberrations in ovarian and uterine tissues. Interestingly, prenatal MEL co-treatment with BPA mitigated significantly all of these degenerative changes. Thus, this study first demonstrated that prenatal MEL therapy could be used as a potent reprogramming intervention against BPA-induced reproductive disorders in the adult F1 female rat offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdel-Wahab
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt.
| | - Kamel M A Hassanin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Shawky S Ibrahim
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Dina M M H El-Kossi
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
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Sukhorum W, Umka Welbat J, Krutsri S, Iamsaard Comma S. Protective effect of melatonin against methotrexate-induced testicular damage in the rat model: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:327-338. [PMID: 32637861 PMCID: PMC7306061 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v13i5.7153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methotrexate (MTX) has been shown to affect the testes adversely, especially the seminiferous epithelium. As melatonin, an endocrine hormone, has been shown to normalize testicular function, its ability to prevent MTX-induced testicular damage should be considered. Objective Based on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of melatonin, this study aimed to investigate its protective effect against testicular damage induced by MTX. Materials and Methods Forty adult male rats (200-230 g) were divided into five groups (n = 8/each). The rats in group I were injected with vehicle as a control. In group II, the rats were received intraperitoneal injections of melatonin (8 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. The rats in group III were intravenously injected with MTX (75 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. The remaining two groups received melatonin (8 mg/kgBW) for 15 (group IV) and 30 (group V) consecutive days, intraperitoneally, and then intravenously received MTX (75 mg/kgBW) on days 8 and 15 of the experimental period. Reproductive parameters, including epididymal sperm concentration, testicular tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expression, steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression, and caspase-3 and malondialdehyde levels, were examined. Results The sperm concentrations ( × 10 6 /ml) of groups IV (58.75 ± 1.28) and V (55.93 ± 2.57) were improved significantly (p = 0.032) compared with that of group II (32.92 ± 2.14). The seminiferous epithelium in groups IV and V also increased, while caspase-3 expression decreased. In the melatonin-treated groups, the expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins at 32 kDa was decreased and that of proteins at 47 kDa was increased compared with the MTX group. StAR protein expression was not altered in any of the groups. Conclusion Our results indicate that melatonin improves the epididymal sperm concentration by decreasing the expression of caspase-3 and increasing that of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in MTX-treated testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannisa Sukhorum
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Jariya Umka Welbat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Suchada Krutsri
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen, Thailand
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