1
|
Deluao JC, Winstanley Y, Robker RL, Pacella-Ince L, Gonzalez MB, McPherson NO. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Reactive oxygen species in the mammalian pre-implantation embryo. Reproduction 2022; 164:F95-F108. [PMID: 36111646 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Reactive oxygen species are generated throughout the pre-implantation period and are necessary for normal embryo formation. However, at pathological levels, they result in reduced embryo viability which can be mediated through factors delivered by sperm and eggs at conception or from the external environment. Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) occur naturally in pre-implantation embryos as a by-product of ATP generation through oxidative phosphorylation and enzymes such as NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase. Biological concentrations of ROS are required for crucial embryonic events such as pronuclear formation, first cleavage and cell proliferation. However, high concentrations of ROS are detrimental to embryo development, resulting in embryo arrest, increased DNA damage and modification of gene expression leading to aberrant fetal growth and health. In vivo embryos are protected against oxidative stress by oxygen scavengers present in follicular and oviductal fluids, while in vitro, embryos rely on their own antioxidant defence mechanisms to protect against oxidative damage, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and glutamylcysteine synthestase. Pre-implantation embryonic ROS originate from eggs, sperm and embryos themselves or from the external environment (i.e. in vitro culture system, obesity and ageing). This review examines the biological and pathological roles of ROS in the pre-implantation embryo, maternal and paternal origins of embryonic ROS, and from a clinical perspective, we comment on the growing interest in combating increased oxidative damage in the pre-implantation embryo through the addition of antioxidants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Deluao
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yasmyn Winstanley
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leanne Pacella-Ince
- Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, Australia
| | - Macarena B Gonzalez
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nicole O McPherson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Health and Medical School, School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Repromed, Dulwich, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aslanian-Kalkhoran L, Esparvarinha M, Nickho H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Heris JA, Danaii S, Yousefi M. Understanding main pregnancy complications through animal models. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 153:103676. [PMID: 35914401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Since human pregnancy is an inefficient process, achieving desired and pleasant outcome of pregnancy - the birth of a healthy and fit baby - is the main goal in any pregnancy. Spontaneous pregnancy failure is actually the most common complication of pregnancy and Most of these pregnancy losses are not known. Animal models have been utilized widely to investigate the system of natural biological adaptation to pregnancy along with increasing our comprehension of the most important hereditary and non-hereditary factors that contribute to pregnancy disorders. We use model organisms because their complexity better reproduces the human condition. A useful animal model for the disease should be pathologically similar to the disease conditions in humans. Animal models deserve a place in research because of the ethical limitations that apply to pregnant women's experiments. The present review provides insights into the overall risk factors involved in recurrent miscarriage, recurrent implant failure and preeclampsia and animal models developed to help researchers identify the source of miscarriage and the best research and treatment strategy for women with Repeated miscarriage and implant failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lida Aslanian-Kalkhoran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mojgan Esparvarinha
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Department of Immuunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shahla Danaii
- Gynecology Department, Eastern Azerbaijan ACECR ART Centre, Eastern Azerbaijan Branch of ACECR, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Improving Sperm Oxidative Stress and Embryo Quality in Advanced Paternal Age Using Idebenone In Vitro-A Proof-of-Concept Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071079. [PMID: 34356315 PMCID: PMC8301200 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced paternal age is associated with increased sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased fertilization and pregnancy rates. Sperm washing during infertility treatment provides an opportunity to reduce high sperm ROS concentrations associated with advanced paternal age through the addition of idebenone. Sperm from men aged >40 years and older CBAF1 mice (12–18 months), were treated with 5 µM and 50 µM of idebenone and intracellular and superoxide ROS concentrations assessed. Following in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo development, blastocyst differentiation, DNA damage and cryosurvival, pregnancy and implantation rates and fetal and placental weights were assessed. Five µM of idebenone given to aged human and mouse sperm reduced superoxide concentrations ~20% (p < 0.05), while both 5 and 50 µM reduced sperm intracellular ROS concentrations in mice ~30% (p < 0.05). Following IVF, 5 µM of idebenone to aged sperm increased fertilization rates (65% vs. 60%, p < 0.05), blastocyst total, trophectoderm and inner cell mass cell numbers (73 vs. 66, 53 vs. 47 and 27 vs. 24, respectively, p < 0.01). Treatment with idebenone also increased blastocyst cryosurvival rates (96% vs. 78%, p < 0.01) and implantation rates following embryo transfer (35% vs. 18%, p < 0.01). Placental weights were smaller (107 mg vs. 138 mg, p < 0.05), resulting in a larger fetal to placental weight ratio (8.3 vs. 6.3, p = 0.07) after sperm idebenone treatment. Increased sperm ROS concentrations associated with advanced paternal age are reduced with the addition of idebenone in vitro, and are associated with improved fertilization rates, embryo quality and implantation rates after IVF.
Collapse
|
4
|
Paternal low protein diet programs preimplantation embryo gene expression, fetal growth and skeletal development in mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:1371-1381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
5
|
Romero ST, Sharshiner R, Stoddard GJ, Ware Branch D, Silver RM. Correlation of serum fructosamine and recurrent pregnancy loss: Case-control study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:763-8. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie T. Romero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Intermountain Medical Center; Murray Utah USA
| | - Rita Sharshiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Intermountain Medical Center; Murray Utah USA
| | - Gregory J. Stoddard
- Department of Internal Medicine; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - D. Ware Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Intermountain Medical Center; Murray Utah USA
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Intermountain Medical Center; Murray Utah USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McPherson NO, Bell VG, Zander-Fox DL, Fullston T, Wu LL, Robker RL, Lane M. When two obese parents are worse than one! Impacts on embryo and fetal development. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015. [PMID: 26199280 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00230.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in reproductive-age adults is increasing worldwide. While the effects of either paternal or maternal obesity on gamete health and subsequent fertility and pregnancy have been reported independently, the combination of having both parents overweight/obese on fecundity and offspring health has received minimal attention. Using a 2 × 2 study design in rodents we established the relative contributions of paternal and maternal obesity on fetal and embryo development and whether combined paternal and maternal obesity had an additive effect. Here, we show that parental obesity reduces fetal and placental weights without altering pregnancy establishment and is not dependent on an in utero exposure to a high-fat diet. Interestingly combined parental obesity seemed to accumulate both the negative influences of paternal and maternal obesity had alone on embryo and fetal health rather than an amplification, manifested as reduced embryo developmental competency, reduced blastocyst cell numbers, impaired mitochondrial function, and alterations to active and repressive embryonic chromatin marks, resulting in aberrant placental gene expression and reduced fetal liver mtDNA copy numbers. Further understanding both the maternal cytoplasmic and paternal genetic interactions during this early developmental time frame will be vital for understanding how developmental programming is regulated and for the proposition of interventions to mitigate their effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N O McPherson
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Freemasons Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia; and
| | - V G Bell
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Freemasons Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia; and
| | - D L Zander-Fox
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia; and
| | - T Fullston
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - L L Wu
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - R L Robker
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Lane
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Monash In Vitro Fertilisation Group, Richmond, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Master JS, Thouas GA, Harvey AJ, Sheedy JR, Hannan NJ, Gardner DK, Wlodek ME. Fathers that are born small program alterations in the next-generation preimplantation rat embryos. J Nutr 2015; 145:876-83. [PMID: 25809684 DOI: 10.3945/jn.114.205724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birth weight is associated with increased risk of adult cardiovascular and metabolic disease development, with recent studies highlighting transmission to subsequent generations via both maternal and paternal lines. However, the timing of parent-specific programming of disease risk to the next generation remains to be characterized. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine how paternal low birth weight affects the cellular and molecular physiology of the next-generation [second-generation (F2)] blastocysts, before uterine implantation. METHODS Uteroplacental insufficiency was surgically induced in Wistar Kyoto pregnant rats in late gestation, giving rise to first-generation restricted (born small) and sham-operated control (normal birth weight) male offspring, respectively. First-generation restricted and control male rats were naturally mated with normal females. RESULTS Resultant F2 blastocysts derived from restricted males displayed reduced expression of growth regulatory genes of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway compared with F2 control blastocysts (9-74%; P < 0.05). No differences were found in F2 restricted blastocyst structural characteristics, cell number, or carbohydrate utilization at the time of blastocyst retrieval or after 24 h of in vitro culture. However, histidine, methionine, pyruvate, serine, and tryosine consumption and aspartate and leucine production were greater in F2 restricted outgrowth than in controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study clearly indicate that male rat offspring born small, arising from uteroplacental insufficiency, have physiologic alterations that manifest as modifications in gene expression levels and nutrient metabolism of F2 blastocysts, even in the absence of overt cellular growth differences. These data demonstrate that growth restriction and associated disease risk have the capacity to be transmitted to the next generation of offspring via the male germ line and is manifest as early as the blastocyst stage of development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George A Thouas
- Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; and
| | | | - John R Sheedy
- Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; and
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; and
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Master JS, Thouas GA, Harvey AJ, Sheedy JR, Hannan NJ, Gardner DK, Wlodek ME. Low female birth weight and advanced maternal age programme alterations in next-generation blastocyst development. Reproduction 2015; 149:497-510. [PMID: 25667431 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk for adult disease development with recent studies highlighting transmission to subsequent generations. However, the mechanisms and timing of programming of disease transmission to the next generation remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low birth weight and advanced maternal age on second-generation preimplantation blastocysts. Uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery was performed in late-gestation WKY pregnant rats, giving rise to first-generation (F1) restricted (born small) and control offspring respectively. F1 control and restricted females, at 4 or 12 months of age, were naturally mated with normal males. Second-generation (F2) blastocysts from restricted females displayed reduced expression of genes related to growth compared with F2 control (P<0.05). Following 24 h culture, F2 restricted blastocysts had accelerated development, with increased total cell number, a result of increased trophectoderm cells compared with control (P<0.05). There were alterations in carbohydrate and serine utilisation in F2 restricted blastocysts and F2 restricted outgrowths from 4-month-old females respectively (P<0.05). F2 blastocysts from aged restricted females were developmentally delayed at retrieval, with reduced total cell number attributable to reduced trophectoderm number with changes in carbohydrate utilisation (P<0.05). Advanced maternal age resulted in alterations in a number of amino acids in media obtained from F2 blastocyst outgrowths (P<0.05). These findings demonstrate that growth restriction and advanced maternal age can alter F2 preimplantation embryo physiology and the subsequent offspring growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna S Master
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - George A Thouas
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - John R Sheedy
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of PhysiologySchool of BioSciencesThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMercy Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gu L, Liu H, Gu X, Boots C, Moley KH, Wang Q. Metabolic control of oocyte development: linking maternal nutrition and reproductive outcomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:251-71. [PMID: 25280482 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders are major health issues worldwide. As the epidemic of metabolic disorders continues, the associated medical co-morbidities, including the detrimental impact on reproduction, increase as well. Emerging evidence suggests that the effects of maternal nutrition on reproductive outcomes are likely to be mediated, at least in part, by oocyte metabolism. Well-balanced and timed energy metabolism is critical for optimal development of oocytes. To date, much of our understanding of oocyte metabolism comes from the effects of extrinsic nutrients on oocyte maturation. In contrast, intrinsic regulation of oocyte development by metabolic enzymes, intracellular mediators, and transport systems is less characterized. Specifically, decreased acid transport proteins levels, increased glucose/lipid content and elevated reactive oxygen species in oocytes have been implicated in meiotic defects, organelle dysfunction and epigenetic alteration. Therefore, metabolic disturbances in oocytes may contribute to the diminished reproductive potential experienced by women with metabolic disorders. In-depth research is needed to further explore the underlying mechanisms. This review also discusses several approaches for metabolic analysis. Metabolomic profiling of oocytes, the surrounding granulosa cells, and follicular fluid will uncover the metabolic networks regulating oocyte development, potentially leading to the identification of oocyte quality markers and prevention of reproductive disease and poor outcomes in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Reduced oocyte and embryo quality in response to elevated non-esterified fatty acid concentrations: A possible pathway to subfertility? Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:19-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
11
|
Lane M, McPherson NO, Fullston T, Spillane M, Sandeman L, Kang WX, Zander-Fox DL. Oxidative stress in mouse sperm impairs embryo development, fetal growth and alters adiposity and glucose regulation in female offspring. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100832. [PMID: 25006800 PMCID: PMC4089912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal health cues are able to program the health of the next generation however the mechanism for this transmission is unknown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased in many paternal pathologies, some of which program offspring health, and are known to induce DNA damage and alter the methylation pattern of chromatin. We therefore investigated whether a chemically induced increase of ROS in sperm impairs embryo, pregnancy and offspring health. Mouse sperm was exposed to 1500 µM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which induced oxidative damage, however did not affect sperm motility or the ability to bind and fertilize an oocyte. Sperm treated with H2O2 delayed on-time development of subsequent embryos, decreased the ratio of inner cell mass cells (ICM) in the resulting blastocyst and reduced implantation rates. Crown-rump length at day 18 of gestation was also reduced in offspring produced by H2O2 treated sperm. Female offspring from H2O2 treated sperm were smaller, became glucose intolerant and accumulated increased levels of adipose tissue compared to control female offspring. Interestingly male offspring phenotype was less severe with increases in fat depots only seen at 4 weeks of age, which was restored to that of control offspring later in life, demonstrating sex-specific impacts on offspring. This study implicates elevated sperm ROS concentrations, which are common to many paternal health pathologies, as a mediator of programming offspring for metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lane
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicole O. McPherson
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tod Fullston
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marni Spillane
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren Sandeman
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Wan Xian Kang
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deirdre L. Zander-Fox
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health and Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Frank LA, Sutton-McDowall ML, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG. The effect of peri-conception hyperglycaemia and the involvement of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway in mediating oocyte and embryo developmental competence. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:391-408. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Frank
- The Robinson Institute, The Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Melanie L. Sutton-McDowall
- The Robinson Institute, The Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Robert B. Gilchrist
- The Robinson Institute, The Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Jeremy G. Thompson
- The Robinson Institute, The Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ge ZJ, Liang QX, Luo SM, Wei YC, Han ZM, Schatten H, Sun QY, Zhang CL. Diabetic uterus environment may play a key role in alterations of DNA methylation of several imprinted genes at mid-gestation in mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:119. [PMID: 24378208 PMCID: PMC3896855 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal diabetes mellitus not only has severe deleterious effects on fetal development, but also it affects transmission to the next generation. However, the underlying mechanisms for these effects are still not clear. METHODS We investigated the methylation patterns and expressions of the imprinted genes Peg3, Snrpn, and H19 in mid-gestational placental tissues and on the whole fetus utilizing the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic mouse model for quantitative analysis of methylation by PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. The protein expression of Peg3 was evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS We found that the expression of H19 was significantly increased, while the expression of Peg3 was significantly decreased in dpc10.5 placentas of diabetic mice. We further found that the methylation level of Peg3 was increased and that of H19 was reduced in dpc10.5 placentas of diabetic mice. When pronuclear embryos of normal females were transferred to normal/diabetic (NN/ND) pseudopregnant females, the methylation and expression of Peg3 in placentas was also clearly altered in the ND group compared to the NN group. However, when the pronuclear embryos of diabetic female were transferred to normal pesudopregnant female mice (DN), the methylation and expression of Peg3 and H19 in dpc10.5 placentas was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the effects of maternal diabetes on imprinted genes may primarily be caused by the adverse uterus environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Jia Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, P. R. China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Qiu-Xia Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Ming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Chang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Ming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Cui-Lian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McPherson NO, Bakos HW, Owens JA, Setchell BP, Lane M. Improving metabolic health in obese male mice via diet and exercise restores embryo development and fetal growth. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71459. [PMID: 23977045 PMCID: PMC3747240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal obesity is now clearly associated with or causal of impaired embryo and fetal development and reduced pregnancy rates in humans and rodents. This appears to be a result of reduced blastocyst potential. Whether these adverse embryo and fetal outcomes can be ameliorated by interventions to reduce paternal obesity has not been established. Here, male mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity were used, to determine if early embryo and fetal development is improved by interventions of diet (CD) and/or exercise to reduce adiposity and improve metabolism. Exercise and to a lesser extent CD in obese males improved embryo development rates, with increased cell to cell contacts in the compacting embryo measured by E-cadherin in exercise interventions and subsequently, increased blastocyst trophectoderm (TE), inner cell mass (ICM) and epiblast cell numbers. Implantation rates and fetal development from resulting blastocysts were also improved by exercise in obese males. Additionally, all interventions to obese males increased fetal weight, with CD alone and exercise alone, also increasing fetal crown-rump length. Measures of embryo and fetal development correlated with paternal measures of glycaemia, insulin action and serum lipids regardless of paternal adiposity or intervention, suggesting a link between paternal metabolic health and subsequent embryo and fetal development. This is the first study to show that improvements to metabolic health of obese males through diet and exercise can improve embryo and fetal development, suggesting such interventions are likely to improve offspring health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole O. McPherson
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Hassan W. Bakos
- School of Medicine, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julie A. Owens
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Brian P. Setchell
- School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Anatomy, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle Lane
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Frank LA, Sutton-McDowall ML, Russell DL, Wang X, Feil DK, Gilchrist RB, Thompson JG. Effect of varying glucose and glucosamine concentration in vitro on mouse oocyte maturation and developmental competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:1095-104. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of hyper- and hypo-glycaemic conditions during the in vitro maturation of mouse cumulus–oocyte complexes on developmental competence were examined, with an emphasis on the role of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. A low (1 mM) glucose concentration achieved optimal oocyte competence (3-fold higher blastocyst development rate compared with high (30 mM) glucose, P < 0.05). In addition, glucose supplementation during only the first hour after release from the follicle was necessary and sufficient to support oocyte maturation and embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Glucosamine (a known hyperglycaemic mimetic and specific activator of the hexosamine pathway) was able to substitute for glucose during this first hour, indicating that flux through the hexosamine pathway is essential for oocyte competence. In the absence of glucose throughout the maturation period, glucosamine was not able to increase developmental competence, and at higher concentrations (2.5 and 5 mM) had a detrimental effect on MII and blastocyst development rates, compared with controls (P < 0.05). These experiments underscore the importance of glucose metabolic pathways during in vitro maturation and support the concept that excess flux through the hexosamine pathway has detrimental consequences.
Collapse
|
16
|
Duranthon V, Beaujean N, Brunner M, Odening KE, Santos AN, Kacskovics I, Hiripi L, Weinstein EJ, Bosze Z. On the emerging role of rabbit as human disease model and the instrumental role of novel transgenic tools. Transgenic Res 2012; 21:699-713. [PMID: 22382461 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-012-9599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is widely used as a model for human diseases, because of its size, which permits non-lethal monitoring of physiological changes and similar disease characteristics. Novel transgenic tools such as, the zinc finger nuclease method and the sleeping beauty transposon mediated or BAC transgenesis were recently adapted to the laboratory rabbit and opened new opportunities in precise tissue and developmental stage specific gene expression/silencing, coupled with increased transgenic efficiencies. Many facets of human development and diseases cannot be investigated in rodents. This is especially true for early prenatal development, its long-lasting effects on health and complex disorders, and some economically important diseases such as atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases. The first transgenic rabbits models of arrhythmogenesis mimic human cardiac diseases much better than transgenic mice and hereby underline the importance of non-mouse models. Another emerging field is epigenetic reprogramming and pathogenic mechanisms in diabetic pregnancy, where rabbit models are indispensable. Beyond that rabbit is used for decades as major source of polyclonal antibodies and recently in monoclonal antibody production. Alteration of its genome to increase the efficiency and value of the antibodies by humanization of the immunoglobulin genes, or by increasing the expression of a special receptor (Fc receptor) that augments humoral immune response is a current demand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Duranthon
- INRA, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Early-life origins of type 2 diabetes: fetal programming of the beta-cell mass. EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES RESEARCH 2011; 2011:105076. [PMID: 22110471 PMCID: PMC3202114 DOI: 10.1155/2011/105076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A substantial body of evidence suggests that an abnormal intrauterine milieu elicited by maternal metabolic disturbances as diverse as undernutrition, placental insufficiency, diabetes or obesity, may program susceptibility in the fetus to later develop chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This paper examines the developmental programming of glucose intolerance/diabetes by disturbed intrauterine metabolic condition experimentally obtained in various rodent models of maternal protein restriction, caloric restriction, overnutrition or diabetes, with a focus on the alteration of the developing beta-cell mass. In most of the cases, whatever the type of initial maternal metabolic stress, the beta-cell adaptive growth which normally occurs during gestation, does not take place in the pregnant offspring and this results in the development of gestational diabetes. Therefore gestational diabetes turns to be the ultimate insult targeting the offspring beta-cell mass and propagates diabetes risk to the next generation again. The aetiology and the transmission of spontaneous diabetes as encountered in the GK/Par rat model of type 2 diabetes, are discussed in such a perspective. This review also discusses the non-genomic mechanisms involved in the installation of the programmed effect as well as in its intergenerational transmission.
Collapse
|
18
|
Adastra KL, Chi MM, Riley JK, Moley KH. A differential autophagic response to hyperglycemia in the developing murine embryo. Reproduction 2011; 141:607-15. [PMID: 21367963 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is critical to the process of development because mouse models have shown that lack of autophagy leads to developmental arrest during the pre-implantation stage of embryogenesis. The process of autophagy is regulated through signaling pathways, which respond to the cellular environment. Therefore, any alteration in the environment may lead to the dysregulation of the autophagic process potentially resulting in cell death. Using both in vitro and in vivo models to study autophagy in the pre-implantation murine embryo, we observed that the cells respond to environmental stressors (i.e. hyperglycemic environment) by increasing activation of autophagy in a differential pattern within the embryo. This upregulation is accompanied by an increase in apoptosis, which appears to plateau at high concentrations of glucose. The activation of the autophagic pathway was further confirmed by an increase in GAPDH activity in both in vivo and in vitro hyperglycemic models, which has been linked to autophagy through the activation of the Atg12 gene. Furthermore, this increase in autophagy in response to a hyperglycemic environment was observed as early as the oocyte stage. In conclusion, in this study, we provided evidence for a differential response of elevated activation of autophagy in embryos and oocytes exposed to a hyperglycemic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Adastra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8064, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cardozo E, Pavone ME, Hirshfeld-Cytron JE. Metabolic syndrome and oocyte quality. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2011; 22:103-9. [PMID: 21277789 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome affects one in four women in the USA, and the incidence is rising every year. Metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with development of coronary artery disease and diabetes. Women of reproductive age are not spared from the complications of metabolic syndrome, which overlaps with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which are linked to infertility and poor reproductive outcome. Therefore, the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and reproductive dysfunction is an active area of study. In this review, we discuss the animal and human data available to determine if the abnormality is at the level of the ovary and/or endometrium, and discuss the underlying mechanisms causing the associated poor reproductive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eden Cardozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N St Clair Street Suite 1845 Chicago, IL 60611, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cheng PP, Xia JJ, Wang HL, Chen JB, Wang FY, Zhang Y, Huang X, Zhang QJ, Qi ZQ. Islet transplantation reverses the effects of maternal diabetes on mouse oocytes. Reproduction 2011; 141:417-24. [PMID: 21273367 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal diabetes adversely affects preimplantation embryo development and oocyte maturation. Thus, it is important to identify ways to eliminate the effects of maternal diabetes on preimplantation embryos and oocytes. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether islet transplantation could reverse the effects of diabetes on oocytes. Our results revealed that maternal diabetes induced decreased ovulation; increased the frequency of meiotic spindle defects, chromosome misalignment, and aneuploidy; increased the relative expression levels of Mad2 and Bub1; and enhanced the sensitivity of oocytes to parthenogenetic activation. Islet transplantation prevented these detrimental effects. Therefore, we concluded that islet transplantation could reverse the effects of diabetes on oocytes, and that this technique may be useful to treat the fundamental reproductive problems of women with diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Pan Cheng
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province 361005, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The worldwide increase in the incidence of diabetes, the increase in type 2 diabetes in women at reproductive ages, and the cross-generation of the intrauterine programming of type 2 diabetes are the bases for the growing interest in the use of experimental diabetic models in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of induction of developmental alterations in maternal diabetes. In this scenario, experimental models that present the most common features of diabetes in pregnancy are highly required. Several important aspects of human diabetic pregnancies such as the increased rates of spontaneous abortions, malformations, fetoplacental impairments, and offspring diseases in later life can be approached by using the appropriate animal models. The purpose of this review is to give a practical and critical guide into the most frequently used experimental models in diabetes and pregnancy, discuss their advantages and limitations, and describe the aspects of diabetes and pregnancy for which these models are thought to be adequate. This review provides a comprehensive view and an extensive analysis of the different models and phenotypes addressed in diabetic animals throughout pregnancy. The review includes an analysis of the surgical, chemical-induced, and genetic experimental models of diabetes and an evaluation of their use to analyze early pregnancy defects, induction of congenital malformations, placental and fetal alterations, and the intrauterine programming of metabolic diseases in the offspring's later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Jawerbaum
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Metabolism, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang Q, Moley KH. Maternal diabetes and oocyte quality. Mitochondrion 2010; 10:403-10. [PMID: 20226883 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Maternal diabetes has been demonstrated to adversely affect preimplantation embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. Emerging evidence has implicated that these effects are associated with compromised oocyte competence. Several developmental defects during oocyte maturation in diabetic mice have been reported over past decades. Most recently, we further identified the structural, spatial and metabolic dysfunction of mitochondria in oocytes from diabetic mice, suggesting the impaired oocyte quality. These defects in the oocyte may be maternally transmitted to the embryo and then manifested later as developmental abnormalities in preimplantation embryo, congenital malformations, and even metabolic disease in the offspring. In this paper, we briefly review the effects of maternal diabetes on oocyte quality, with a particular emphasis on the mitochondrial dysfunction. The possible connection between dysfunctional oocyte mitochondria and reproductive failure of diabetic females, and the mechanism(s) by which maternal diabetes exerts its effects on the oocyte are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Birth defects resulting from diabetic pregnancy are associated with apoptosis of a critical mass of progenitor cells early during the formation of the affected organ(s). Insufficient expression of genes that regulate viability of the progenitor cells is responsible for the apoptosis. In particular, maternal diabetes inhibits expression of a gene, Pax3, that encodes a transcription factor which is expressed in neural crest and neuroepithelial cells. As a result of insufficient Pax3, cardiac neural crest and neuroepithelial cells undergo apoptosis by a process dependent on the p53 tumor suppressor protein. This, then provides a cellular explanation for the cardiac outflow tract and neural tube and defects induced by diabetic pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James H. Chappell
- Section on Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xiao Dan Wang
- Section on Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mary R. Loeken
- Section on Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It has been known for decades that diabetic women have somewhat decreased fertility and that their offspring have an increased risk of being born with developmental abnormalities. We review results from studies examining the impact of maternal hyperglycemia and diabetes on oocyte and early embryo development. We focus on the effects of the maternal milieu on metabolism, cell signaling and the regulation of glucose-transporter expression in the developing oocyte and embryo. RECENT FINDINGS Offspring of diabetic mothers have metabolic disease at higher rates than can be explained by genetic inheritance alone. Oocytes from hyperglycemic animals display several abnormalities and are of lower quality than oocytes from control animals. There appears to be a decrease in glucose transport in embryos exposed to a hyperglycemic environment, which may lead to programmed cell death. SUMMARY Maternal hyperglycemia and diabetes have detrimental effects on the developing embryo at several stages of development. Although the exact pathophysiology of the developmental defects seen in infants born to diabetic mothers remains unclear, the role of glucose transport and regulation seems to play a critical role in early growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Doblado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Portha B. Programmed disorders of beta-cell development and function as one cause for type 2 diabetes? The GK rat paradigm. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2005; 21:495-504. [PMID: 15926190 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Now that the reduction in beta-mass has been clearly established in humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 1-4, the debate focuses on the possible mechanisms responsible for decreased beta-cell number and impaired beta-cell function and their multifactorial etiology. Appropriate inbred rodent models are essential tools for identification of genes and environmental factors that increase the risk of abnormal beta-cell function and of T2DM. The information available in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, one of the best characterized animal models of spontaneous T2DM, are reviewed in such a perspective. We propose that the defective beta-cell mass and function in the GK model reflect the complex interactions of three pathogenic players: (1) several independent loci containing genes causing impaired insulin secretion; (2) gestational metabolic impairment inducing a programming of endocrine pancreas (decreased beta-cell neogenesis) which is transmitted to the next generation; and (3) secondary (acquired) loss of beta-cell differentiation due to chronic exposure to hyperglycemia (glucotoxicity). An important message is that the 'heritable' determinants of T2DM are not simply dependant on genetic factors, but probably involve transgenerational epigenetic responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Portha
- Lab. Physiopathologie de la Nutrition, Université Paris 7/D. Diderot, Paris Cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fleming TP, Kwong WY, Porter R, Ursell E, Fesenko I, Wilkins A, Miller DJ, Watkins AJ, Eckert JJ. The Embryo and Its Future1. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:1046-54. [PMID: 15215194 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.030957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation mammalian embryo from different species appears sensitive to the environment in which it develops, either in vitro or in vivo, for example, in response to culture conditions or maternal diet. This sensitivity may lead to long-term alterations in the characteristics of fetal and/or postnatal growth and phenotype, which have implications for clinical health and biotechnological applications. We review the breadth of environmental influences that may affect early embryos and their responses to such conditions along epigenetic, metabolic, cellular, and physiological directions. In addition, we evaluate how embryo environmental responses may influence developmental potential and phenotype during later gestation. We conclude that a complex of different mechanisms may operate to associate early embryo environment with future health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom P Fleming
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7PX, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Affiliation(s)
- Eytan R Barnea
- UMDNJ/RWJMS, Society for the Investigation of Early Pregnancy, Camden, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fleming TP, Wilkins A, Mears A, Miller DJ, Thomas F, Ghassemifar MR, Fesenko I, Sheth B, Kwong WY, Eckert JJ. Society for Reproductive Biology Founders' Lecture 2003.The making of an embryo: short-term goals and long-term implications. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1071/rd03070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During early development, the eutherian mammalian embryo forms a blastocyst comprising an outer trophectoderm epithelium and enclosed inner cell mass (ICM). The short-term goal of blastocyst morphogenesis, including epithelial differentiation and segregation of the ICM, is mainly regulated autonomously and comprises a combination of temporally controlled gene expression, cell polarisation, differentiative cell divisions and cell–cell interactions. This aspect of blastocyst biogenesis is reviewed, focusing, in particular, on the maturation and role of cell adhesion systems. Early embryos are also sensitive to their environment, which can affect their developmental potential in diverse ways and may lead to long-term consequences relating to fetal or postnatal growth and physiology. Some current concepts of embryo–environment interactions, which may impact on future health, are also reviewed.
Collapse
|
30
|
Eriksson UJ, Cederberg J, Wentzel P. Congenital malformations in offspring of diabetic mothers--animal and human studies. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2003; 4:79-93. [PMID: 12618562 DOI: 10.1023/a:1021879504372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulf J Eriksson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
In the present study, we have utilized a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model to examine how the diabetic condition and different glucose concentrations affect several parameters of reproductive physiology. We report that oocyte maturation is altered under all experimental conditions examined. In cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes (CEO) from diabetic mice, spontaneous maturation was accelerated but the FSH-mediated delay of spontaneous maturation was suppressed. Higher glucose levels in the culture medium suppressed spontaneous maturation but did not influence the transient arrest mediated by FSH. Meiotic arrest in CEO by hypoxanthine and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) was less effective at higher glucose concentrations. In addition, both FSH-induced maturation in vitro and hCG-induced maturation in vivo were reduced by the diabetic condition. The ovulation rate was lowered by about 50% in diabetic mice and fewer ovulated ova had reached metaphase II. Despite the decreased number of ova at metaphase II, in vitro cultures showed the oocytes were capable of completing meiotic maturation at control levels. Insulin treatment reversed the detrimental effects of diabetes on meiotic induction, ovulation, and completion of meiotic maturation. Cultures of pronuclear-staged embryos confirmed a negative effect of diabetes and hyperglycemia on development to the blastocyst stage. These data suggest that defects in meiotic regulation brought about by the diabetic condition are due to decreased communication between the somatic and germ cell compartments, and it is concluded that such conditions may contribute to postfertilization developmental abnormalities.
Collapse
|
32
|
Leunda-Casi A, de Hertogh R, Pampfer S. Control of trophectoderm differentiation by inner cell mass-derived fibroblast growth factor-4 in mouse blastocysts and corrective effect of FGF-4 on high glucose-induced trophoblast disruption. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:38-46. [PMID: 11550266 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) may be a paracrine signal used by inner cell mass (ICM) cells to maintain adjacent trophectoderm (TE) cells in an undifferentiated state. In the present work, immunocytochemical analysis of mouse blastocysts confirmed that FGF-4 was predominantly detected in the ICM before and after spreading over a fibronectin-coated culture substrate. Addition of human recombinant FGF-4 did not influence morphological progression, cell allocation and proliferation in ICM and TE lineages or mitosis and karyorhexis frequencies during blastocyst expansion. Addition of FGF-4 to outgrowing blastocysts, in contrast, induced a significant decrease in the surface of the trophoblast outgrowths formed by the TE cells and in the proportion of giant trophoblasts per outgrowth. The fact that blastocysts display excessive trophoblast expansion and spreading over their culture substrate upon pre-exposure to high concentrations of glucose in vitro was used to further assess the regulatory effect of FGF-4. Addition of FGF-4 was indeed found to fully neutralize the disruptive impact of high glucose on trophoblast outgrowths. Altogether, our data indicate that ICM-derived FGF-4 participates actively in the regulation of trophoblast development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Leunda-Casi
- OBST 5330 Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain School of Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Human reproduction is extraordinarily wasteful. The reasons for this have taxed all of the contributors to this book. As we move into the 21st century it is sobering to reflect on the fact that we have failed to harness the power of the evolving revolution in molecular medical biology to answer the fundamental question: why is the fate of a fertilized egg so hazardous and so unsuccessful? The following account summarizes our limited knowledge of the epidemiology of miscarriage and then moves on to consider some of the medical causes of miscarriage. The contribution of genetic abnormalities to the problem of pregnancy wastage is discussed elsewhere in this volume.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Regan
- Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, Mint Wing, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kwong WY, Wild AE, Roberts P, Willis AC, Fleming TP. Maternal undernutrition during the preimplantation period of rat development causes blastocyst abnormalities and programming of postnatal hypertension. Development 2000; 127:4195-202. [PMID: 10976051 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127.19.4195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 578] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have indicated that susceptibility of human adults to hypertension and cardiovascular disease may result from intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight induced by maternal undernutrition. Although the ‘foetal origins of adult disease’ hypothesis has significant relevance to preventative healthcare, the origin and biological mechanisms of foetal programming are largely unknown. Here, we investigate the origin, embryonic phenotype and potential maternal mechanisms of programming within an established rat model. Maternal low protein diet (LPD) fed during only the preimplantation period of development (0-4.25 days after mating), before return to control diet for the remainder of gestation, induced programming of altered birthweight, postnatal growth rate, hypertension and organ/body-weight ratios in either male or female offspring at up to 12 weeks of age. Preimplantation embryos collected from dams after 0–4.25 days of maternal LPD displayed significantly reduced cell numbers, first within the inner cell mass (ICM; early blastocyst), and later within both ICM and trophectoderm lineages (mid/late blastocyst), apparently induced by a slower rate of cellular proliferation rather than by increased apoptosis. The LPD regimen significantly reduced insulin and essential amino acid levels, and increased glucose levels within maternal serum by day 4 of development. Our data indicate that long-term programming of postnatal growth and physiology can be induced irreversibly during the preimplantation period of development by maternal protein undernutrition. Further, we propose that the mildly hyperglycaemic and amino acid-depleted maternal environment generated by undernutrition may act as an early mechanism of programming and initiate conditions of ‘metabolic stress’, restricting early embryonic proliferation and the generation of appropriately sized stem-cell lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Y Kwong
- Division of Cell Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pampfer S. Apoptosis in rodent peri-implantation embryos: differential susceptibility of inner cell mass and trophectoderm cell lineages--a review. Placenta 2000; 21 Suppl A:S3-10. [PMID: 10831115 DOI: 10.1053/plac.1999.0519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm cell lineages diverge early in cleavage in response to a complex combination of cellular and molecular determinative events. The resulting differences in metabolic requirements, cell positioning and micro-environments are considered as some of the major causes underlying the differential sensitivity of ICM and trophectoderm cell lines to embryotoxic agents. In most instances, ICM cells appear less resistant to disruption than trophectoderm cells, and past observations suggest that over-stimulation of apoptosis is probably one of the mechanisms leading to selective ICM depletion at the blastocyst stage. Disproportionate deficiency in this lineage below a certain threshold level may then prevent the ICM core from providing sufficient prefetal stem cells during gastrulation and from sending regulatory signals to the trophectoderm, leading to compromised post-implantation development. The aim of this review article is to discuss the above observations and to show the value of the impact of hyperglycaemia on blastocyst metabolism and development as an exciting model for further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pampfer
- Université Catholique de Louvain Medical School, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Eriksson UJ, Borg LA, Cederberg J, Nordstrand H, Simán CM, Wentzel C, Wentzel P. Pathogenesis of diabetes-induced congenital malformations. Ups J Med Sci 2000; 105:53-84. [PMID: 11095105 DOI: 10.1517/03009734000000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased rate of fetal malformation in diabetic pregnancy represents both a clinical problem and a research challenge. In recent years, experimental and clinical studies have given insight into the teratological mechanisms and generated suggestions for improved future treatment regimens. The teratological role of disturbances in the metabolism of inositol, prostaglandins, and reactive oxygen species has been particularly highlighted, and the beneficial effect of dietary addition of inositol, arachidonic acid and antioxidants has been elucidated in experimental work. Changes in gene expression and induction of apoptosis in embryos exposed to a diabetic environment have been investigated and assigned roles in the teratogenic processes. The diabetic environment appears to simultaneously induce alterations in several interrelated teratological pathways. The complex pathogenesis of diabetic embryopathy has started to unravel, and future research efforts will utilize both clinical intervention studies and experimental work that aim to characterize the human applicability and the cell biological components of the discovered teratological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U J Eriksson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Moley KH, Chi MM, Knudson CM, Korsmeyer SJ, Mueckler MM. Hyperglycemia induces apoptosis in pre-implantation embryos through cell death effector pathways. Nat Med 1998; 4:1421-4. [PMID: 9846581 DOI: 10.1038/4013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although perinatal mortality rates have improved for pregnant diabetic women because of insulin therapy and tight metabolic control, infants of diabetics still experience significantly higher rates of congenital malformations and spontaneous miscarriages compared with those of non-diabetic women. Our results here indicate that hyperglycemic conditions, either in vivo or in vitro, modulate the expression of an apoptosis regulatory gene as early as the pre-implantation blastocyst stage in the mouse. Apoptosis in the mammalian pre-implantation blastocyst is a normal process, thought to protect the early embryo by eliminating abnormal cells. Here we demonstrate that expression of Bax, a Bcl-2-like protein, is increased at the blastocyst stage in the presence of high concentrations of glucose, and that these changes correlate morphologically with increased DNA fragmentation. Expression of Bax and caspase are necessary for this in vitro glucose-induced apoptotic event, and ceramide is involved in mediating this embryotoxic effect of glucose. We also show that these apoptotic cellular changes can be prevented in vivo by treating hyperglycemic mice with insulin before and immediately after conception. These findings emphasize the importance of tight glycemic control in diabetic women at the earliest stages after conception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Moley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Spicer MT, Stoecker BJ, Chen T, Spicer LJ. Maternal and fetal insulin-like growth factor system and embryonic survival during pregnancy in rats: interaction between dietary chromium and diabetes. J Nutr 1998; 128:2341-7. [PMID: 9868179 DOI: 10.1093/jn/128.12.2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) depletion may exacerbate hyperglycemia and negative outcomes of pregnancy in the streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic pregnant rat model through the regulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. To test this hypothesis, 40 female rats, all fed a low Cr diet (i.e., 70 microgram Cr/kg diet ) from 21 d of age, were randomly assigned one of four treatments, applied on Day 1 of pregnancy, in a 2 x 2 factorial design: 1) very low Cr diet (40 microgram Cr/kg diet) + citrate buffer injection, 2) very low Cr diet + STZ injection (30 mg STZ/kg body wt in citrate buffer), 3) adequate Cr diet (2 mg Cr [from added CrK(SO4)2]/kg diet) + citrate buffer injectionand 4) adequate Cr diet + STZ injection. Blood and tissues were collected on Day 20 of pregnancy. Chromium depletion increased (P < 0.05) urinary hydroxyproline excretion, 22-kDa IGF binding protein (IGFBP) concentration and litter size but decreased (P < 0. 05) placental wt, percentage of protein per fetus, and fetal IGF-I and -II concentrations. Chromium had no effect (P > 0.10) on maternal hormones, 32-kDa IGFBP, glucose, or placental and fetal hydroxyproline concentrations. Diabetes decreased (P < 0.05) maternal wt gain, embryonic survival, litter size, mean pup wt and maternal insulin concentrations, increased (P < 0.05) maternal blood glucose, IGF-I concentrations and maternal hydroxyproline excretion but did not affect fetal concentrations of hormones, IGFBP, glucose or hydroxyproline. Interaction between chromium and diabetes tended (P < 0.10) to affect maternal IGF-II concentrations, but had no effect on other maternal or fetal variables. In conclusion, maternal chromium depletion did not exacerbate hyperglycemia or pregnancy outcome in STZ-induced diabetic rats, but may negatively affect fetal protein content by decreasing fetal IGF-II concentrations. Diabetes may negatively affect fetal growth through its effect on maternal glucose, insulin and IGF-I.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T Spicer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Moley KH, Chi MM, Mueckler MM. Maternal hyperglycemia alters glucose transport and utilization in mouse preimplantation embryos. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 275:E38-47. [PMID: 9688872 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.1998.275.1.e38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucose utilization was studied in preimplantation embryos from normal and diabetic mice. With use of ultramicrofluorometric enzyme assays, intraembryonic free glucose in single embryos recovered from control and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic mice was measured at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after mating. Free glucose concentrations dropped significantly in diabetics at 48 and 96 h, corresponding to the two-cell and blastocyst stages (48 h: diabetic 0.23 +/- 0.09 vs. control 2.30 +/- 0.43 mmol/kg wet wt; P < 0.001; 96 h: diabetic 0.31 +/- 0.29 vs. control 5.12 +/- 0.17 mmol/kg wet wt; P < 0.001). Hexokinase activity was not significantly different in the same groups. Transport was then compared using nonradioactive 2-deoxyglucose uptake and microfluorometric enzyme assays. The 2-deoxyglucose uptake was significantly lower at both 48 and 96 h in embryos from diabetic vs. control mice (48 h diabetic, 0.037 +/- 0. 003; control, 0.091 +/- 0.021 mmol . kg wet wt-1 . 10 min-1, P < 0. 05; 96 h diabetic, 0.249 +/- 0.008; control, 0.389 +/- 0.007 mmol . kg wet wt-1 . 10 min-1, P < 0.02). When competitive quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used, there was 44 and 68% reduction in the GLUT-1 mRNA at 48 h (P < 0.001) and 96 h (P < 0.05), respectively, in diabetic vs. control mice. GLUT-2 and GLUT-3 mRNA values were decreased 63 and 77%, respectively (P < 0.01, P < 0.01) at 96 h. Quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated 49 +/- 6 and 66 +/- 4% less GLUT-1 protein at 48 and 96 h and 90 +/- 5 and 84 +/- 6% less GLUT-2 and -3 protein, respectively, at 96 h in diabetic embryos. These findings suggest that, in response to a maternal diabetic state, preimplantation mouse embryos experience a decrease in glucose utilization directly related to a decrease in glucose transport at both the mRNA and protein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Moley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pampfer S, Vanderheyden I, McCracken JE, Vesela J, De Hertogh R. Increased cell death in rat blastocysts exposed to maternal diabetes in utero and to high glucose or tumor necrosis factor-alpha in vitro. Development 1997; 124:4827-36. [PMID: 9428419 DOI: 10.1242/dev.124.23.4827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The morphogenetic function of the transient phase of cell death that occurs during blastocyst maturation is not known but it is thought that its regulation results from a delicate balance between survival and lethal signals in the uterine milieu. In this paper, we show that blastocysts from diabetic rats have a higher incidence of dead cells than control embryos. Differential lineage staining indicated that increased nuclear fragmentation occurred mainly in the inner cell mass. In addition, terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) demonstrated an increase in the incidence of non-fragmented DNA-damaged nuclei in these blastocysts. Analysis of the expression of clusterin, a gene associated with apoptosis, by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected an increase in the steady-state level of its transcripts in blastocysts from diabetic rats. In situ hybridization revealed that about half the cells identified as expressing clusterin mRNA exhibited signs of nuclear fragmentation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that high D-glucose increased nuclear fragmentation, TUNEL labeling and clusterin transcription. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine whose synthesis is up-regulated in the diabetic uterus, did not induce nuclear fragmentation nor clusterin expression but increased the incidence of TUNEL-positive nuclei. The data suggest that excessive cell death in the blastocyst, most probably resulting from the overstimulation of a basal suicidal program by such inducers as glucose and TNF-alpha, may be a contributing factor of the early embryopathy associated with maternal diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pampfer
- Physiology of Reproduction Research Unit (OBST 5330) University of Louvain Medical School, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kalter H. Reproductive toxicology in animals with induced and spontaneous diabetes. Reprod Toxicol 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0890-6238(97)81994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|