1
|
Hablase R, Kyrou I, Randeva H, Karteris E, Chatterjee J. The "Road" to Malignant Transformation from Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancers (EAOCs): An mTOR-Centred Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2160. [PMID: 38893278 PMCID: PMC11172073 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112160] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term covering a number of distinct subtypes. Endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinoma are endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) frequently arising from ectopic endometrium in the ovary. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis and is dysregulated in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, potentially favouring carcinogenesis across a spectrum from benign disease with cancer-like characteristics, through an atypical phase, to frank malignancy. In this review, we focus on mTOR dysregulation in endometriosis and EAOCs, investigating cancer driver gene mutations and their potential interaction with the mTOR pathway. Additionally, we explore the complex pathogenesis of transformation, considering environmental, hormonal, and epigenetic factors. We then discuss postmenopausal endometriosis pathogenesis and propensity for malignant transformation. Finally, we summarize the current advancements in mTOR-targeted therapeutics for endometriosis and EAOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Hablase
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK (H.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK (H.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
| | - Jayanta Chatterjee
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Giaccari C, Antonouli S, Anifandis G, Cecconi S, Di Nisio V. An Update on Physiopathological Roles of Akt in the ReprodAKTive Mammalian Ovary. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:722. [PMID: 38929705 PMCID: PMC11204812 DOI: 10.3390/life14060722] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is a key signaling cascade responsible for the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism in the ovarian microenvironment. The optimal finetuning of this pathway is essential for physiological processes concerning oogenesis, folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. The dysregulation of PI3K/Akt can impair molecular and structural mechanisms that will lead to follicle atresia, or the inability of embryos to reach later stages of development. Due to its pivotal role in the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and survival mechanisms, the dysregulation of this molecular pathway can trigger the onset of pathological conditions. Among these, we will focus on diseases that can harm female fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure, or women's general health, such as ovarian cancer. In this review, we report the functions of the PI3K/Akt pathway in both its physiological and pathological roles, and we address the existing application of inhibitors and activators for the balancing of the molecular cascade in ovarian pathological environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giaccari
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (S.A.); (G.A.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (S.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, Università dell’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liss J, Kuczyńska M, Kunicki M, Zieliński K, Drzyzga D. Serum levels of stem cell factor for predicting embryo quality. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11689. [PMID: 38778076 PMCID: PMC11111753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61419-2] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We evaluated whether serum stem cell factor (s-SCF) levels just prior to ovulation induction could indicate the ability to develop a top-quality (TQ) blastocyst by day 5. We investigated patients with normal ovarian reserve (NOR), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), or mild endometriosis. Our pilot research suggests a correlation between s-SCF levels and the ability to form TQ blastocysts in patients with mild endometriosis. This significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) was noted between mild endometriosis patients for whom a TQ blastocyst was obtained and those for whom it was not possible, as measured on the 8th day of stimulation and the day of oocyte retrieval. The mean SCF levels in the serum of these women on the 8th day were at 28.07 (± 2.67) pg/ml for the TQ subgroup and 53.32 (± 16.02) pg/ml for the non-TQ subgroup (p < 0.05). On oocyte retrieval day it was 33.47 (± 3.93) pg/ml and 52.23 (± 9.72) pg/ml (p < 0.05), respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Liss
- Research and Development Center, INVICTA, Polna 64, 81-740, Sopot, Poland
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Kuczyńska
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Kunicki
- Research and Development Center, INVICTA, Polna 64, 81-740, Sopot, Poland.
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Krystian Zieliński
- Research and Development Center, INVICTA, Polna 64, 81-740, Sopot, Poland
| | - Damian Drzyzga
- Research and Development Center, INVICTA, Polna 64, 81-740, Sopot, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao YQ, Ren YF, Li BB, Wei C, Yu B. The mysterious association between adiponectin and endometriosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396616. [PMID: 38813109 PMCID: PMC11133721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Adiponectin is a pleiotropic cytokine predominantly derived from adipose tissue. In addition to its role in regulating energy metabolism, adiponectin may also be related to estrogen-dependent diseases, and many studies have confirmed its involvement in mediating diverse biological processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis, all of which are related to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Although many researchers have reported low levels of adiponectin in patients with endometriosis and suggested that it may serve as a protective factor against the development of the disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide an up-to-date summary of the roles of adiponectin and its downstream cytokines and signaling pathways in the aforementioned biological processes. Further systematic studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of adiponectin may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of endometriosis as well as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bing-Bing Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reda GK, Ndunguru SF, Csernus B, Gulyás G, Knop R, Szabó C, Czeglédi L, Lendvai ÁZ. Dietary restriction and life-history trade-offs: insights into mTOR pathway regulation and reproductive investment in Japanese quail. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247064. [PMID: 38563310 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Resources are needed for growth, reproduction and survival, and organisms must trade off limited resources among competing processes. Nutritional availability in organisms is sensed and monitored by nutrient-sensing pathways that can trigger physiological changes or alter gene expression. Previous studies have proposed that one such signalling pathway, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), underpins a form of adaptive plasticity when individuals encounter constraints in their energy budget. Despite the fundamental importance of this process in evolutionary biology, how nutritional limitation is regulated through the expression of genes governing this pathway and its consequential effects on fitness remain understudied, particularly in birds. We used dietary restriction to simulate resource depletion and examined its effects on body mass, reproduction and gene expression in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Quails were subjected to feeding at 20%, 30% and 40% restriction levels or ad libitum for 2 weeks. All restricted groups exhibited reduced body mass, whereas reductions in the number and mass of eggs were observed only under more severe restrictions. Additionally, dietary restriction led to decreased expression of mTOR and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), whereas the ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (RPS6K1) and autophagy-related genes (ATG9A and ATG5) were upregulated. The pattern in which mTOR responded to restriction was similar to that for body mass. Regardless of the treatment, proportionally higher reproductive investment was associated with individual variation in mTOR expression. These findings reveal the connection between dietary intake and the expression of mTOR and related genes in this pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gebrehaweria K Reda
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sawadi F Ndunguru
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Csernus
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Gulyás
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renáta Knop
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Czeglédi
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ádám Z Lendvai
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Li H, Zhang X. Focusing on the role of protein kinase mTOR in endometrial physiology and pathology: insights for therapeutic interventions. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:359. [PMID: 38400863 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08937-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase crucial for cellular differentiation, proliferation, and autophagy. It shows a complex role in the endometrium, influencing both normal and pathogenic conditions. mTOR promotes the growth and maturation of endometrial cells, enhancing endometrial receptivity and decidualization. However, it also contributes to the development of endometriosis (EMs) and endometrial cancer (EC), thus emerging as a therapeutic target for these conditions. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on the mTOR signalling pathway in the endometrium. This provides insights into female endometrial structure and function and guides the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou XY, Lai YH, Zhang J, Li Y, Wu XM, Yang YZ, Zhang XF, Ma LZ, Zheng KM, Liu YD, Wang Z, Chen SL. Advanced oxidation protein products attenuate the autophagy-lysosome pathway in ovarian granulosa cells by modulating the ROS-dependent mTOR-TFEB pathway. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:161. [PMID: 38383507 PMCID: PMC10881514 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06540-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress dysfunction has recently been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Previously, we found that advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in plasma were elevated in women with POI and had an adverse effect on granulosa cell proliferation. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of AOPPs on autophagy-lysosome pathway regulation in granulosa cells remains unclear. In this study, the effect of AOPPs on autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis and the underlying mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in KGN and COV434 cell lines. AOPP-treated rat models were employed to determine the negative effect of AOPPs on the autophagy-lysosome systems in vivo. We found that increased AOPP levels activated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and inhibited the autophagic response and lysosomal biogenesis in KGN and COV434 cells. Furthermore, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with N-acetylcysteine and blockade of the mTOR pathway with rapamycin or via starvation alleviated the AOPP-induced inhibitory effects on autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, suggesting that these effects of AOPPs are ROS-mTOR dependent. The protein expression and nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), the key regulator of lysosomal and autophagic function, were also impaired by the AOPP-activated ROS-mTOR pathway. In addition, TFEB overexpression attenuated the AOPP-induced impairment of autophagic flux and lysosomal biogenesis in KGN and COV434 cells. Chronic AOPP stimulation in vivo also impaired autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis in granulosa cells of rat ovaries. The results highlight that AOPPs lead to impairment of autophagic flux and lysosomal biogenesis via ROS-mTOR-TFEB signaling in granulosa cells and participate in the pathogenesis of POI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Yu Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yun-Hui Lai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao-Min Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yi-Zhen Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lin-Zi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ke-Ming Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu-Dong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shi-Ling Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Onyekweli CC, Ben-Azu B, Oyovwi OM, Nwangwa EK, Ovuakporaye IS, Moke GE, Agbonifo-Chijiokwu E, Onome BO, Emojevwe V, Rotu AR. Epigallocatechin-gallate attenuates rapamycin exacerbated high fat diet-induced autophagy, hormonal dysregulation, testicular and brain oxidative stress, and neurochemical changes in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 184:114340. [PMID: 38097001 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114340] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) could counteract the detrimental effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in rats exposed to rapamycin-induced reproductive and neuronal changes. Six rats per treatment group (n = 6) were utilized, in which groups 1 and 2 had dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (0.1%) and EGCG (80 mg/kg) respectively. Group 3 received HFD + 0.1% DMSO daily for 56 days. Group 4 received HFD + rapamycin (1 mg/kg) orally for 56 days. Rats in group 5 received HFD for 56 days and EGCG (80 mg/kg, p.o.) from days 29-56. Group 6 received the combination of HFD + rapamycin (56 days) with EGCG (80 mg/kg) from days 29-56. Cognitive loss was assessed using Y-maze-test (YMT). Afterwards, serum sex hormones, insulin-glucose balance, serotonin concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity, sperm features, antioxidants, and the markers of oxido-nitrergic, autophagy and apoptotic mediators were assessed. EGCG reversed rapamycin exacerbated HFD-induced alterations in spermatogenesis, insulin-glucose balance, reproductive hormones, oxido-nitrergic stress, and altered serotonin, acetylcholinesterase levels, and autophagic and apoptotic activities in rats' testes and brains respectively. EGCG significantly attenuated HFD-induced cognitive loss. The study showed that EGCG attenuated rapamycin-mediated HFD-induced spermatogenesis deficiency and cognitive impairment via normalization of reproductive hormones, testicular and brain oxidative stress, apoptotic, autophagic activities, with serotonin and cholinergic levels in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu Charles Onyekweli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
| | - O Mega Oyovwi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - E Kingsley Nwangwa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
| | - I Simon Ovuakporaye
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Goodies Emuesiri Moke
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Ejime Agbonifo-Chijiokwu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - B Oghenetega Onome
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Victor Emojevwe
- Department of Physiology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - A Rume Rotu
- Department of Physiology, University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Athar F, Karmani M, Templeman N. Metabolic hormones are integral regulators of female reproductive health and function. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231916. [PMID: 38131197 PMCID: PMC10830447 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system is strongly influenced by nutrition and energy balance. It is well known that food restriction or energy depletion can induce suppression of reproductive processes, while overnutrition is associated with reproductive dysfunction. However, the intricate mechanisms through which nutritional inputs and metabolic health are integrated into the coordination of reproduction are still being defined. In this review, we describe evidence for essential contributions by hormones that are responsive to food intake or fuel stores. Key metabolic hormones-including insulin, the incretins (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1), growth hormone, ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin-signal throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to support or suppress reproduction. We synthesize current knowledge on how these multifaceted hormones interact with the brain, pituitary, and ovaries to regulate functioning of the female reproductive system, incorporating in vitro and in vivo data from animal models and humans. Metabolic hormones are involved in orchestrating reproductive processes in healthy states, but some also play a significant role in the pathophysiology or treatment strategies of female reproductive disorders. Further understanding of the complex interrelationships between metabolic health and female reproductive function has important implications for improving women's health overall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Muskan Karmani
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen C, Wen Q, Deng F, Li R, Wang Y, Zhen X, Hang J. Endometrial protein expression and phosphorylation landscape decipher aberrant insulin and mTOR signalling in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103585. [PMID: 38016376 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the proteomic and phosphoproteomic differences between the endometrium of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the endometrium of healthy control women during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle? DESIGN In total, 54 endometrial samples were collected during the proliferative and secretory phases from women with RPL (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 26). Comprehensive proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses were conducted using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (n = 44), and verified through Western blotting (n = 10). Three comparison groups were established: total RPL endometrium versus total control endometrium; RPL proliferative endometrium versus control proliferative endometrium; and RPL secretory endometrium versus control secretory endometrium. RESULTS Differentially expressed proteins and differentially phosphorylated proteins were identified in the three comparison groups. Combining pathway enrichment, network analysis and soft clustering analysis, the insulin/cyclic nucleotide signalling pathway and AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway were identified as the major contributors to the aberration of RPL endometrium. Western blotting verified altered expression of four proteins: cAMP-dependent protein kinase type I-β regulatory subunit, adenylate cyclase type 3, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit α-2 and phosphatidate phosphatase LPIN2. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study provides insights into the differentiated protein expression and phosphorylation profiles of the endometrium of women with RPL in both the proliferative and sectretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The results highlight potential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of RPL that may serve as potential indicators for RPL. The findings contribute to the identification of potential targets for RPL treatment as well as its pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Deng
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Zhen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Hang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
ÇATAL A, KOVALAK EE. Evaluation of sestrin 2 and tribbles homolog 3 levels in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1697-1703. [PMID: 38813505 PMCID: PMC10760568 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of two new biomarkers [tribbles homolog 3 (TRB3) and sestrin 2 levels], which were previously associated with obesity, with metabolic parameters in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods This cross-sectional case control study was conducted between September 2017 and August 2019 in the gynecology department of a tertiary referral hospital. The values of the plasma sestrin 2, TRB3, insulin, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared in 90 obese women with PCOS (BMI > 30), 90 women with nonobese PCOS (BMI < 30), and 90 control patients (BMI < 30). Results The mean age of the study group consisting of all PCOS patients (26.11 ± 4.64 years) and the mean age of the control group (26.3 ± 4.4 years) were statistically similar (p = 0.239). The serum sestrin 2 values of the obese PCOS group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control and non-obese PCOS groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001), while the sestrin 2 values of the nonobese PCOS group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.0001). The TRB3 values of the control group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the obese and nonobese PCOS groups (p = 0.0001), while the TRB3 values of the nonobese PCOS group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the obese PCOS group (p = 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between the sestrin 2 level and BMI (r = -0.272 p = 0.0001), insulin (r = -0.261 p = 0.0001), and HOMA-IR levels (r = -0.250 p = 0.0001). A positive correlation was observed between the TRB3 values and TG (r = 0.248 p = 0.0001), and LDL-C values (r = 0.235 p = 0.0001). Conclusion According to the findings in this study, low sestrin 2 and high TRB3 levels may be related to impaired metabolic status in the obese PCOS group. Thus, it may be promising for the development of treatment of PCOS and associated metabolic disorder in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül ÇATAL
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| | - Evrim Ebru KOVALAK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul,
Turkiye
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Wang J, Ma J, Hu S, Yang Y, Yang C, Huo S, Yang Y, Zhaxi Y. Differentially expressed transcripts study during pregnancy and postpartum anestrus of yak ( Bos grunniens). Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4041-4049. [PMID: 37671949 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2252035] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Yak is the main livestock species in the plateau area, and its reproductive performance is low, usually two years or three years. A very few of yaks recover within a certain period of time after delivery and smoothly enter the next estrous cycle, while most of them enter the postpartum anestrus and show no estrus performance. However, the key biological factors and influencing mechanisms that cause postpartum anestrus in yaks are not clear. Objective: To study the expression of differential transcripts in ovaries of yak during pregnancy and postpartum anestrus. Methods: Each three yaks in pregnancy and anestrus under natural grazing conditions in Haiyan County, Qinghai Province were selected and slaughtered, and their ovaries were collected and sent to Biomarker Technologies. Oxford Nanopore Technologies single-molecule real-time electrical signal sequencing technology was used to perform full-length transcriptome sequencing. Astalavista software was used to identify the types of alternative splicing events in yak estrus and pregnancy, and TAPIS pipeline was used to identify alternative polyadenylation. Results: The results showed that there were 1751 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) between pregnancy and anestrus in yak, of which 808 were upregulated and 943 were downregulated. GO analysis showed that the biological processes of DETs were mainly reproductive, reproductive and rhythmic processes. KEGG analysis showed that the DET cell junction-related adhesion junction protein (β-catenin) and amino terminal kinase (JNK) were involved in FAs (local adhesion). Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) is involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Circadian rhythm output cycle failure (Clock) and brain and muscle tissue aromatic hydrocarbon receptor nuclear transporter-like protein 1 (Bmal1) are involved in circadian rhythm signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study found that β-catenin, JNK, PI3K, Clock and Bmal1 were closely related to postpartum anestrus in yak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jine Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junyuan Ma
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Songming Hu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yahua Yang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chongfa Yang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengdong Huo
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingpai Zhaxi
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ma C, Li Q, Yang Y, Ge L, Cai J, Wang J, Zhu M, Xiong Y, Zhang W, Xie J, Cao Y, Zhao H, Wei Q, Huang C, Shi J, Zhang JV, Duan E, Lei X. mTOR hypoactivity leads to trophectoderm cell failure by enhancing lysosomal activation and disrupting the cytoskeleton in preimplantation embryo. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:219. [PMID: 38037142 PMCID: PMC10688112 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01176-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic homeostasis is closely related to early impairment of cell fate determination and embryo development. The protein kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism in the body. Inhibition of mTOR signaling in early embryo causes postimplantation development failure, yet the mechanisms are still poorly understood. METHODS Pregnancy mice and preimplantation mouse embryo were treated with mTOR inhibitor in vivo and in vitro respectively, and subsequently examined the blastocyst formation, implantation, and post-implantation development. We used immunofluorescence staining, RNA-Seq smart2, and genome-wide bisulfite sequencing technologies to investigate the impact of mTOR inhibitors on the quality, cell fate determination, and molecular alterations in developing embryos. RESULTS We showed mTOR suppression during preimplantation decreases the rate of blastocyst formation and the competency of implantation, impairs the post implantation embryonic development. We discovered that blocking mTOR signaling negatively affected the transformation of 8-cell embryos into blastocysts and caused various deficiencies in blastocyst quality. These included problems with compromised trophectoderm cell differentiation, as well as disruptions in cell fate specification. mTOR suppression significantly affected the transcription and DNA methylation of embryos. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors increase lysosomal activation and disrupts the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that mTOR plays a crucial role in 8-cell to blastocyst transition and safeguards embryo quality during early embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiyuan Ma
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qin Li
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiaxuan Cai
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Maoxian Zhu
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yue Xiong
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenya Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingtong Xie
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yujing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Junchao Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaohua Lei
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yuan R, Hascup E, Hascup K, Bartke A. Relationships among Development, Growth, Body Size, Reproduction, Aging, and Longevity - Trade-Offs and Pace-Of-Life. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1692-1703. [PMID: 38105191 PMCID: PMC10792675 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Relationships of growth, metabolism, reproduction, and body size to the biological process of aging and longevity have been studied for decades and various unifying "theories of aging" have been proposed to account for the observed associations. In general, fast development, early sexual maturation leading to early reproductive effort, as well as production of many offspring, have been linked to shorter lifespans. The relationship of adult body size to longevity includes a remarkable contrast between the positive correlation in comparisons between different species and the negative correlation seen in comparisons of individuals within the same species. We now propose that longevity and presumably also the rate of aging are related to the "pace-of-life." A slow pace-of-life including slow growth, late sexual maturation, and a small number of offspring, predicts slow aging and long life. The fast pace of life (rapid growth, early sexual maturation, and major reproductive effort) is associated with faster aging and shorter life, presumably due to underlying trade-offs. The proposed relationships between the pace-of-life and longevity apply to both inter- and intra-species comparisons as well as to dietary, genetic, and pharmacological interventions that extend life and to evidence for early life programming of the trajectory of aging. Although available evidence suggests the causality of at least some of these associations, much further work will be needed to verify this interpretation and to identify mechanisms that are responsible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yuan
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
| | - Erin Hascup
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Medical, Microbial, Cellular Immunology and Biology, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
| | - Kevin Hascup
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Medical, Microbial, Cellular Immunology and Biology, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cheng D, Zheng B, Sheng Y, Zeng Z, Mo Z. The Roles of Autophagy in the Genesis and Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2920-2931. [PMID: 37204635 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and frequent disease and always leads endocrine and metabolic disorder among women in reproductive age. Ovary is the main organ involved in polycystic ovary syndrome, and its function impairment will lead to reproductive dysfunction. Some recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and there are many different mechanisms that affect autophagy and the occurrence of PCOS, and they provide a new direction for us to predict the mechanism of PCOS. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy in different ovarian cells: granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca cells, and introduce the important role that they play in the progress of PCOS. The main purpose of this review is to provide the research background and some relevant suggestions for our future work in autophagy and help us better explore the pathogenesis and autophagy mechanisms of PCOS. Furthermore, it will help us gain a new insight of the pathophysiology and treatment of PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Cheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China
| | - Biao Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China
| | - Ying Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoming Zeng
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China.
| | - Zhongcheng Mo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China.
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Moustaki M, Kontogeorgi A, Tsangkalova G, Tzoupis H, Makrigiannakis A, Vryonidou A, Kalantaridou SN. Biological therapies for premature ovarian insufficiency: what is the evidence? FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1194575. [PMID: 37744287 PMCID: PMC10512839 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1194575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a multi-factorial disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The condition is characterized by the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years and several factors have been identified to be implicated in its pathogenesis. Remarkably though, at least 50% of women have remaining follicles in their ovaries after the development of ovarian insufficiency. Population data show that approximately up to 3.7% of women worldwide suffer from POI and subsequent infertility. Currently, the treatment of POI-related infertility involves oocyte donation. However, many women with POI desire to conceive with their own ova. Therefore, experimental biological therapies, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Exosomes (exos) therapy, In vitro Activation (IVA), Stem Cell therapy, MicroRNAs and Mitochondrial Targeting Therapies are experimental treatment strategies that focus on activating oogenesis and folliculogenesis, by upregulating natural biochemical pathways (neo-folliculogenesis) and improving ovarian microenvironment. This mini-review aims at identifying the main advantages of these approaches and exploring whether they can underpin existing assisted reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melpomeni Moustaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andromachi Vryonidou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia N. Kalantaridou
- Serum IVF Fertility Center, Athens, Greece
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Driva TS, Schatz C, Haybaeck J. Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Carcinomas: How PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Affects Their Pathogenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1253. [PMID: 37627318 PMCID: PMC10452661 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell (OCCC) and endometrioid (EnOC) carcinomas are often subsumed under the umbrella term "endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer" (EAOC), since they frequently arise from ectopic endometrium settled in the ovaries. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is known to be aberrantly activated both in endometriosis and EAOC; however, its role in the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer remains unclear. In fact, cancer-associated alterations in the mTOR pathway may be found in normal uterine epithelium, likely acting as a first step towards ovarian cancer, through the intermediary stage of endometriosis. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding mTOR signaling dysregulation in the uterine endometrium, endometriosis, and EAOC while focusing on the interconnections between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and other signaling molecules that give rise to synergistic molecular mechanisms triggering ovarian cancer development in the presence of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S. Driva
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christoph Schatz
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cavalcante MB, Sampaio OGM, Câmara FEA, Schneider A, de Ávila BM, Prosczek J, Masternak MM, Campos AR. Ovarian aging in humans: potential strategies for extending reproductive lifespan. GeroScience 2023; 45:2121-2133. [PMID: 36913129 PMCID: PMC10651588 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian reserve is a term used to estimate the total number of immature follicles present in the ovaries. Between birth and menopause, there is a progressive decrease in the number of ovarian follicles. Ovarian aging is a continuous physiological phenomenon, with menopause being the clinical mark of the end of ovarian function. Genetics, measured as family history for age at the onset of menopause, is the main determinant. However, physical activity, diet, and lifestyle are important factors that can influence the age of menopause. The low estrogen levels after natural or premature menopause increased the risk for several diseases, resulting in increased mortality risk. Besides that, the decreasing ovarian reserve is associated to reduced fertility. In women with infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization, reduced markers of ovarian reserve, including antral follicular count and anti-Mullerian hormone, are the main indicators of reduced chances of becoming pregnant. Therefore, it becomes clear that the ovarian reserve has a central role in women's life, affecting fertility early in life and overall health later in life. Based on this, the ideal strategy for delaying ovarian aging should have the following characteristics: (1) be initiated in the presence of good ovarian reserve; (2) maintained for a long period; (3) have an action on the dynamics of primordial follicles, controlling the rate of activation and atresia; and (4) safe use in pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation. In this review, we therefore discuss some of these strategies and its feasibility for preventing a decline in the ovarian reserve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Borges Cavalcante
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, 60.811-905, Brazil.
| | - Olga Goiana Martins Sampaio
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, 60.811-905, Brazil
| | | | - Augusto Schneider
- Nutrition College, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, 96010-610, Brazil
| | | | - Juliane Prosczek
- Nutrition College, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, 96010-610, Brazil
| | - Michal M Masternak
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando FL, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Adriana Rolim Campos
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wiltshire A, Schaal R, Wang F, Tsou T, McKerrow W, Keefe D. Vitrification with Dimethyl Sulfoxide Induces Transcriptomic Alteration of Gene and Transposable Element Expression in Immature Human Oocytes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1232. [PMID: 37372413 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial advancements in the field of cryobiology, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation still compromise developmental competence. Furthermore, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), one of the most commonly used cryoprotectants, has been found to exert potent effects on the epigenetic landscape of cultured human cells, as well as mouse oocytes and embryos. Little is known about its impact on human oocytes. Additionally, few studies investigate the effects of DMSO on transposable elements (TE), the control of which is essential for the maintenance of genomic instability. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitrification with DMSO-containing cryoprotectant on the transcriptome, including on TEs, of human oocytes. Twenty-four oocytes at the GV stage were donated by four healthy women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation. Oocytes were paired such that half from each patient were vitrified with DMSO-containing cryoprotectant (Vitrified Cohort), while the other half were snap frozen in phosphate buffer, unexposed to DMSO (Non-Vitrified Cohort). All oocytes underwent RNA sequencing via a method with high fidelity for single cell analysis, and which allows for the analysis of TE expression through Switching Mechanism at the 5'-end of the RNA Transcript sequencing 2 (SMARTseq2), followed by functional enrichment analysis. Of the 27,837 genes identified by SMARTseq2, 7331 (26.3%) were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). There was a significant dysregulation of genes involved in chromatin and histone modification. Mitochondrial function, as well as the Wnt, insulin, mTOR, HIPPO, and MAPK signaling pathways were also altered. The expression of TEs was positively correlated with the expression of PIWIL2, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, and negatively correlated with age. These findings suggest that the current standard process of oocyte vitrification, involving DMSO-containing cryoprotectant, induces significant transcriptome changes, including those involving TEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wiltshire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Renata Schaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tiffany Tsou
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Wilson McKerrow
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, 660 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li T, Vazakidou P, Leonards PEG, Damdimopoulos A, Panagiotou EM, Arnelo C, Jansson K, Pettersson K, Papaikonomou K, van Duursen M, Damdimopoulou P. Identification of biomarkers and outcomes of endocrine disruption in human ovarian cortex using In Vitro Models. Toxicology 2023; 485:153425. [PMID: 36621641 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are raising concerns about adverse effects on fertility in women. However, there is a lack of information regarding mechanisms and effects in humans. Our study aims to identify mechanisms of endocrine disruption using two EDCs, diethylstilbestrol (DES) and ketoconazole (KTZ)1. Human ovarian cortical tissue obtained from Caesarean section patients was exposed to 10-9 M - 10-5 M KTZ and 10-10 M - 10-6 M DES in vitro for 6 days. Follicle survival and growth were studied via histology analysis and liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry-based steroid quantification. RNA-sequencing was performed on COV434, KGN, and primary ovarian cells that were exposed for 24 h. Significantly lower unilaminar follicle densities were observed in DES 10-10 M group, whereas low KTZ exposure reduced secondary follicle density. KTZ 10-5 M reduced levels of pregnenolone and progesterone. RNA-sequencing revealed that 445 and 233 differentially expressed genes (false discovery rate < 0.1) altogether in DES and KTZ exposed groups. Gene set variation analysis showed that both chemicals modulated pathways that are important for folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. We selected stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) for further validation. Up-regulation of both genes in response to KTZ was confirmed by qPCR and in situ RNA hybridization. Further validation with immunofluorescence focused on the expression of SCD in growing follicles in exposed ovarian tissue. In conclusion, SCD may serve as a potential novel human-relevant biomarker of EDC exposure and effects on ovaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Li
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Paraskevi Vazakidou
- Department Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Department Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Anastasios Damdimopoulos
- Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis Core Facility, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Eleftheria Maria Panagiotou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Catarina Arnelo
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kerstin Jansson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kiriaki Papaikonomou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Majorie van Duursen
- Department Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Untargeted Metabolomics Revealed Potential Biomarkers of Small Yellow Follicles of Chickens during Sexual Maturation. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020176. [PMID: 36837802 PMCID: PMC9964950 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual maturation provides economically important traits in poultry production. Research on the initiation mechanism of sexual maturity is of great significance for breeding high-yield laying hens. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully clear. Here, one hundred and fifty Chahua No. 2 laying hens (the CH2 group, which has precocious puberty) and one hundred and fifty Wu Liang Shan black-bone laying hens (the WLS group, a late-maturing chicken breed) with similar weights and ages were randomly selected. ELISA was used to determine the secretion levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) in 150-day-old serum and small yellow follicle (SYF) tissues. A histology examination, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to explore the molecular mechanism of how some genes related to oxidative stress affect sexual maturation. The results showed that the secretion levels of LH, E2, and P4 in the CH2 group serum and SYF were higher than those in the WLS group. The results of the real-time PCR of all genes showed that the expression levels of cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 in the CH2 group were significantly higher than those in the WLS groups (p < 0.001). Untargeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify biomarkers of SYF tissues in the CH2 and WLS groups. A trajectory analysis of the principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that the samples within the group were clustered and that the samples were dispersed between the CH2 and the WLS groups, indicating that the results of the measured data were reliable and could be used for further research. Further analysis showed that a total of 319 metabolites in small yellow follicles of the CH2 and WLS groups were identified, among which 54 downregulated differential metabolites were identified. These 54 metabolites were found as potential CH2 biomarkers compared with WLS at 150 days, and the different expressions of L-arginine, L-prolinamide, (R)-4-hydroxymandelate, glutathione, and homovanillic acid were more significant. Twenty metabolic pathways were found when significantly differential metabolites were queried in the KEGG database. According to the impact values of the metabolic pathways, eighteen differential metabolites belonged to the mTOR signaling pathway, glutathione metabolism, ABC transporters, the cell ferroptosis pathway, and D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism. Interestingly, we identified that the cell ferroptosis pathway played an important role in chicken follicle selection for the first time. The histology and immunohistochemistry of SYF showed that the number of granulosa cells increased in the CH2 groups and the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4, tumor protein p53, ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 in the granulosa cell layer were upregulated in the CH2 group at the time of sexual maturation. Furthermore, we also speculated that the antioxidant system may play an indispensable role in regulating sexual maturity in chickens. Overall, our findings suggest differentially expressed metabolites and metabolic pathways between CH2 and WLS chickens, providing new insights into the initiation mechanism of sexual maturation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Chromatin modifiers: A new class of pollutants with potential epigenetic effects revealed by in vitro assays and transcriptomic analyses. Toxicology 2023; 484:153413. [PMID: 36581016 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A great variety of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been used extensively and become widespread in the environment nowadays. Limited mammalian studies have shown that certain EDCs may target chromosome and epigenome of the germline, leading to adverse effects in subsequent generations, despite these progenies having never been exposed to the EDC before. However, the underlying mechanisms of chromosomal changes induced by these pollutants remain poorly known. Using the human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line COV434 as a model, we investigated and compared the transcriptomic changes induced by nine EDCs with diverse chemical structures (i.e. BDE-47, BPA, BP-3, DEHP, DHP, EE2, TCS, TDCPP and NP), to inquire if there is any common epigenetic modification associated with reproductive functions induced by these EDCs. Our results showed that COV434 cells were more responsive to BP-3, NP, DEHP and EE2, and more importantly, these four EDCs altered the expression of gene clusters related to DNA damage response, cell cycle, proliferation, and chromatin remodeling, which can potentially lead to epigenetic modifications and transgenerational inheritance. Furthermore, dysregulation of similar gene clusters was common in DEHP and NP treatments. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed that BP-3 disturbed signaling pathways associated with reproductive functions, whereas alterations in telomere-related pathways were highlighted upon EE2 exposure. Overall, this study highlighted chromatin modifications caused by a class of chemicals which that may potentially lead to epigenetic changes and transgenerational reproductive impairments.
Collapse
|
23
|
Dong L, Teh DBL, Kennedy BK, Huang Z. Unraveling female reproductive senescence to enhance healthy longevity. Cell Res 2023; 33:11-29. [PMID: 36588114 PMCID: PMC9810745 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In a society where women often want successful careers and equal opportunities to men, the early nature of ovarian aging often forces women to make difficult life choices between career and family development. Fertility in women begins to decline after the age of 37 years and it is rare for pregnancies to occur after 45. This reproductive decline in women is inevitable and culminates in menopause, which is a major driver of age-related diseases. In a world where biomedical advances are leading to modifiable biological outcomes, it is time to focus on mitigating female reproductive senescence to maintain fertility and preserve age-related hormonal functions, with the goal of providing increased life choices and enhancing healthspan. To date, reproductive longevity research remains an understudied field. More needs to be done to unravel the biology of the ovarian follicles, which are the functional units of reproductive lifespan and are comprised of cell types including the oocyte (female gamete) and a group of specialized supporting somatic cells. Biological attempts to maintain the quality and quantity of follicles in animal models through manipulating pathways involved in aging can potentially prolong female reproductive lifespan and healthspan. Here, we summarize the molecular events driving ovarian aging and menopause and the interventional strategies to offset these events. Developing solutions to female reproductive senescence will open doors to discover ways to enhance true healthy longevity for both men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Dong
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Boon Loong Teh
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Bia Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brian Keith Kennedy
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Bia Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Zhongwei Huang
- NUS Bia Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tong A, Di X, Zhao X, Liang X. Review the progression of ovarian clear cell carcinoma from the perspective of genomics and epigenomics. Front Genet 2023; 14:952379. [PMID: 36873929 PMCID: PMC9978161 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.952379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer with unique molecular characteristics, specific biological and clinical behavior, poor prognosis and high resistance to chemotherapy. Pushed by the development of genome-wide technologies, our knowledge about the molecular features of OCCC has been considerably advanced. Numerous studies are emerging as groundbreaking, and many of them are promising treatment strategies. In this article, we reviewed studies about the genomics and epigenetics of OCCC, including gene mutation, copy number variations, DNA methylation and histone modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Tong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangjie Di
- Clinical Trial Center, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drugs, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lin N, Lin JZ. Identification of long non-coding RNA biomarkers and signature scoring, with competing endogenous RNA networks- targeted drug candidates for recurrent implantation failure. HUM FERTIL 2022; 25:983-992. [PMID: 34308739 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1956693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remains a source of frustration and presents challenges to clinicians in the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognised as potential biomarkers in various diseases. In this study, eight differentially expressed lncRNAs (LINC00645, LINC00844, LINC02349, AC010975.1, AC022034.1, AC096719.1, AC104072.1 and DLGAP1-AS3) to distinguish RIF from fertile women were identified by RobustRankAggreg (RRA). A two-lncRNA signature for predicting RIF was established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, with accuracy confirmed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. After lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were established by Cytoscape 3.7.2, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, suggesting that the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were associated with biological processes involved in endometrial receptivity. Finally, three putative drugs (miconazole, terfenadine and STOCK1N-35215) for RIF were predicted by a Connectivity Map. In conclusion, we identified eight lncRNA biomarkers and a two-lncRNA signature for predicting RIF, as well as proposing three candidate drugs against RIF by targeting the ceRNA networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Lin
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jia-Zhe Lin
- Neurosurgical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tetrabromobisphenol Exposure Impairs Bovine Oocyte Maturation by Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27228111. [PMID: 36432212 PMCID: PMC9696588 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) is the most widely used brominated flame retardant in the world and displays toxicity to humans and animals. However, few studies have focused on its impact on oocyte maturation. Here, TBBPA was added to the culture medium of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to examine its effect on oocytes. We found that TBBPA exposure displayed an adverse influence on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. The results of this study showed that TBBPA exposure induced oocyte meiotic failure by disturbing the polar-body extrusion of oocytes and the expansion of cumulus cells. We further found that TBBPA exposure led to defective spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. Meanwhile, TBBPA induced oxidative stress and early apoptosis by mediating the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). TBBPA exposure also caused mitochondrial dysfunction, displaying a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial content, mtDNA copy number, and ATP levels, which are regulated by the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3). In addition, the developmental competence of oocytes and the quality of blastocysts were also reduced after TBBPA treatment. These results demonstrated that TBBPA exposure impaired oocyte maturation and developmental competence by disrupting both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of the oocyte, which might have been caused by oxidative stress induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
|
27
|
Wan S, Sun Y, Fu J, Song H, Xiao Z, Yang Q, Wang S, Yu G, Feng P, Lv W, Luo L, Guan Z, Liu F, Zhou Q, Yin Z, Yang M. mTORC1 signaling pathway integrates estrogen and growth factor to coordinate vaginal epithelial cells proliferation and differentiation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:862. [PMID: 36220823 PMCID: PMC9553898 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05293-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mouse vaginal epithelium cyclically exhibits cell proliferation and differentiation in response to estrogen. Estrogen acts as an activator of mTOR signaling but its role in vaginal epithelial homeostasis is unknown. We analyzed reproductive tract-specific Rptor or Rictor conditional knockout mice to reveal the role of mTOR signaling in estrogen-dependent vaginal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Loss of Rptor but not Rictor in the vagina resulted in an aberrant proliferation of epithelial cells and failure of keratinized differentiation. As gene expression analysis indicated, several estrogen-mediated genes, including Pgr and Ereg (EGF-like growth factor) were not induced by estrogen in Rptor cKO mouse vagina. Moreover, supplementation of EREG could activate the proliferation and survival of vaginal epithelial cells through YAP1 in the absence of Rptor. Thus, mTORC1 signaling integrates estrogen and growth factor signaling to mediate vaginal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, providing new insights into vaginal atrophy treatment for post-menopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632 China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Yadong Sun
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Jiamin Fu
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Hongrui Song
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiao
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Quanli Yang
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Sanfeng Wang
- grid.459579.30000 0004 0625 057XGuangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510010 China
| | - Gongwang Yu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Genetics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Peiran Feng
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Wenkai Lv
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Liang Luo
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Zerong Guan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Feng Liu
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632 China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| | - Meixiang Yang
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632 China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China ,grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 Guangdong China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Qu J, Wang Q, Sun X, Li Y. The environment and female reproduction: Potential mechanism of cadmium poisoning to the growth and development of ovarian follicle. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114029. [PMID: 36055045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is ubiquitous in our environment and can easily bioaccumulate into the organism after passage through the respiratory and digestive tracts. Long-term exposure to Cd can result in the significant bioaccumulation in organism because of its long biological high-life (10-30 years), which exerts irreversible damages on the health of animals and humans. Although there are increased evidence of impeding the normal function of female reproduction resulted from Cd exposure, the mechanism of the negative action of Cd on the growth and development of ovarian follicle remains enigmatic. Thus, the purpose of the presented study is to summarize available literature which describing Cd-related toxicity involved in the adverse effects on the growth and development of the ovarian follicle. In conclusion, it is suggested that Cd causes damage to the folliculogenesis of mammalians, which results in the decline in the number and quality of ovulated oocytes and the failure in the fertilization. The mechanism behinds that may be linked to the interference to the production of reproductive hormones and the augment of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the enhanced ROS, in turn, impairs various molecules including proteins, lipids and DNA, as well as the balance of the antioxidant defense system, mitochondrial homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum, autophagy and epigenetic modification. This review is expected to elaborate the toxic mechanism of Cd exposure to the growth and development of ovarian follicles and provide essential remediation strategies to alleviate the damage of Cd to female reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Yongjun Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics & Molecular Breeding of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yao Q, Zou X, Liu S, Wu H, Shen Q, Kang J. Oxidative Stress as a Contributor to Insulin Resistance in the Skeletal Muscles of Mice with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911384. [PMID: 36232686 PMCID: PMC9569700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorder. Circulating markers of oxidative stress are abnormal in women with PCOS. There is a close relationship between oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR). However, little information is available about oxidative stress in the skeletal muscles of those affected by PCOS. In this study, PCOS was induced in prepubertal C57BL/6J mice by injection with dehydroepiandrosterone. Oxidative stress biomarkers were then measured in both serum and skeletal muscles. The underlying mechanisms were investigated in C2C12 myotubes treated with testosterone (T). We discovered increased oxidative biomarkers, increased ROS production, and damaged insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscles of mice with PCOS. High levels of T caused mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS levels through the androgen receptor (AR)-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway in C2C12 cells. Treatment of C2C12 cells with an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) decreased T-induced ROS production, improved mitochondrial function, and reversed IR. Administration of NAC to mice with PCOS improved insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscles of the animals. Hyperandrogenism caused mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance in the skeletal muscles of mice with PCOS. We discovered that oxidative stress contributed to skeletal muscle IR in PCOS. Reducing ROS levels may improve the insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscles in patients with PCOS.
Collapse
|
30
|
Russ JE, Haywood ME, Lane SL, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Spatially resolved transcriptomic profiling of ovarian aging in mice. iScience 2022; 25:104819. [PMID: 35996587 PMCID: PMC9391589 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian aging precedes that of any other mammalian organ and is the primary cause of female age-related infertility. The biological mechanisms responsible for ovarian aging remain unclear. Previous studies have been limited by their use of bulk RNA-sequencing, which masks the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of the ovary. In this study, we spatially resolved the transcriptomic landscape of ovaries from young and aged outbred mice. In total, we defined eight main ovarian cell populations, all of which were characterized by significant transcriptomic changes between young and aged samples. Further sub-cluster analysis revealed separate transcriptomes for distinct granulosa cell populations found in young versus aged mice, in addition to an oocyte sub-cluster population completely absent from aged mouse ovaries. This study provides a new perspective on mammalian ovarian aging using spatial transcriptomics to achieve deeper understanding of the localization and cell-population-specific mechanisms underlying age-related fertility decline. Spatial transcriptomic analysis of murine ovarian aging characterizes cell populations Distinct granulosa cell populations exist in aged mice compared to young These are associated with the disruption of inhibins, activins, and gap junction activity Oocyte transcriptomes captured in vivo and within follicles of varying maturity
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Russ
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Mary E. Haywood
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Sydney L. Lane
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | | | - Mandy G. Katz-Jaffe
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ataman LM, Laronda MM, Gowett M, Trotter K, Anvari H, Fei F, Ingram A, Minette M, Suebthawinkul C, Taghvaei Z, Torres-Vélez M, Velez K, Adiga SK, Anazodo A, Appiah L, Bourlon MT, Daniels N, Dolmans MM, Finlayson C, Gilchrist RB, Gomez-Lobo V, Greenblatt E, Halpern JA, Hutt K, Johnson EK, Kawamura K, Khrouf M, Kimelman D, Kristensen S, Mitchell RT, Moravek MB, Nahata L, Orwig KE, Pavone ME, Pépin D, Pesce R, Quinn GP, Rosen MP, Rowell E, Smith K, Venter C, Whiteside S, Xiao S, Zelinski M, Goldman KN, Woodruff TK, Duncan FE. A synopsis of global frontiers in fertility preservation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1693-1712. [PMID: 35870095 PMCID: PMC9307970 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2007, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference has brought together a diverse network of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and professional levels to disseminate emerging basic and clinical research findings in fertility preservation. This network also developed enduring educational materials to accelerate the pace and quality of field-wide scientific communication. Between 2007 and 2019, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference was held as an in-person event in Chicago, IL. The conference attracted approximately 250 attendees each year representing 20 countries around the world. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this paradigm and precluded an in-person meeting. Nevertheless, there remained an undeniable demand for the oncofertility community to convene. To maintain the momentum of the field, the Oncofertility Consortium hosted a day-long virtual meeting on March 5, 2021, with the theme of "Oncofertility Around the Globe" to highlight the diversity of clinical care and translational research that is ongoing around the world in this discipline. This virtual meeting was hosted using the vFairs ® conference platform and allowed over 700 people to participate, many of whom were first-time conference attendees. The agenda featured concurrent sessions from presenters in six continents which provided attendees a complete overview of the field and furthered our mission to create a global community of oncofertility practice. This paper provides a synopsis of talks delivered at this event and highlights the new advances and frontiers in the fields of oncofertility and fertility preservation around the globe from clinical practice and patient-centered efforts to translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Ataman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M M Laronda
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Gowett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - K Trotter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - H Anvari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - F Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - A Ingram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M Minette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - C Suebthawinkul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Z Taghvaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M Torres-Vélez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - K Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - S K Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - A Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - L Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M T Bourlon
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas Y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - N Daniels
- The Oncology and Fertility Centres of Ekocorp, Eko Hospitals, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - M M Dolmans
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Mounier 52, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Av. Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Finlayson
- Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - R B Gilchrist
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - V Gomez-Lobo
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - J A Halpern
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Hutt
- Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - E K Johnson
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Khrouf
- FERTILLIA, Clinique la Rose, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - D Kimelman
- Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - S Kristensen
- Department of Fertility, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R T Mitchell
- Department of Developmental Endocrinology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - L Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Endocrinology and Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - K E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M E Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D Pépin
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Pesce
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G P Quinn
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Medical Ethics, Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - M P Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E Rowell
- Department of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - C Venter
- Vitalab, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Whiteside
- Fertility & Reproductive Health Program, Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - S Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - M Zelinski
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - K N Goldman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - T K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - F E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 7-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Qi Y, Wang X, Hou S, Wu Z, Xu X, Pang C. Intracavitary physiotherapy combined with acupuncture mediated AMPK/mTOR signalling to improve endometrial receptivity in patients with thin endometrium. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 277:32-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
33
|
Assaf L, Eid AA, Nassif J. Role of AMPK/mTOR, mitochondria, and ROS in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Life Sci 2022; 306:120805. [PMID: 35850246 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity usually in the ovaries, fallopian tube, and pelvic cavity. It's a chronic enigmatic gynecological condition associated with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and infertility. Endometriosis lesions exist in a unique microenvironment characterized by increased concentrations of hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This environment promotes cell survival through the binding of membrane receptors and subsequent cascading activation of intracellular kinases that stimulate a cellular response. In endometriosis, well-established signaling pathways, mTOR and AMPK, are altered via steroid hormones and other factors to promote cell growth, migration, and proliferation. This is accompanied by dysfunction in the mitochondria that increase energy production to sustain proliferation demands consequently leading to reactive oxygen species overproduction. This review aims to summarize the role of altered mTOR/AMPK signaling pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species overproduction along with providing therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Highlighting these factors would provide a better understanding to reach a coherent theory for the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lama Assaf
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; AUB Diabetes, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Assaad A Eid
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; AUB Diabetes, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Joseph Nassif
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhao M, Zhang M, Yu Q, Fei W, Li T, Zhu L, Yao Y, Zheng C, Zhang X. Hyaluronic Acid-Modified Nanoplatforms as a Vector for Targeted Delivery of Autophagy-Related Gene to the Endometriotic Lesions in Mice. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:918368. [PMID: 35845410 PMCID: PMC9283728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.918368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation probed endometriosis treatment using targeted nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate autophagic activity. To that end, a novel form of polymer-based NP gene delivery platform consisting of polyethyleneimine (PEI) conjugated to stearic acid (SA) and nucleotides (DNA/siRNAs) and enclosed by hyaluronic acid (HA) was prepared. CD44 is highly upregulated in cystic lesions, and HA–CD44 binding in this specific nanoplatform was used to achieve targeted drug delivery to CD44-expression endometriotic tissues. The expression of autophagy-related genes was modulated to explore the importance of this process in the development of endometriosis. By inducing autophagic activity, we were able to reduce the size of endometriotic cysts and suppress the development of ectopic endometrium. To further confirm the relationship between autophagic activity and this disease in humans and animals, numbers of autophagic vesicles and autophagic protein expression were assessed in lesion tissue samples from patients, revealing there may be consistency between animal and human data. Overall, these data revealed the ability of this (PEI–SA/DNA) HA gene delivery system to regulate autophagic activity and, thereby, aid in the treatment of endometriosis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Gao J, Liu J, Yao M, Zhang W, Yang B, Wang G. Panax notoginseng Saponins Stimulates Neurogenesis and Neurological Restoration After Microsphere-Induced Cerebral Embolism in Rats Partially Via mTOR Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:889404. [PMID: 35770087 PMCID: PMC9236302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.889404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
P. Notoginseng Saponins (PNS), the main active component of herbal medicine Panax notoginseng, has been widely used to treat cerebrovascular diseases. It has been acknowledged that PNS exerted protection on nerve injuries induced by ischemic stroke, however, the long-term impacts of PNS on the restoration of neurological defects and neuroregeneration after stroke have not been thoroughly studied and the underlying molecular mechanism of stimulating neurogenesis is difficult to precisely clarify, much more in-depth researches are badly needed. In the present study, cerebral ischemia injury was induced by microsphere embolism (ME) in rats. After 14 days, PNS administration relieved cerebral ischemia injury as evidenced by alleviating neurological deficits and reducing hippocampal pathological damage. What’s more, PNS stimulated hippocampal neurogenesis by promoting cell proliferation, migration and differentiation activity and modulated synaptic plasticity. Increased number of BrdU/Nestin, BrdU/DCX and NeuroD1-positive cells and upregulated synapse-related GAP43, SYP, and PSD95 expression were observed in the hippocampus. We hypothesized that upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and activation of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling after ME could partially underlie the neuroprotective effects of PNS against cerebral ischemia injury. Our findings offer some new viewpoints into the beneficial roles of PNS against ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jianxun Liu,
| | - Mingjiang Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Pathology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangrui Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Farhat SA, Jabbari F, Jabbari P, Rezaei N. Targeting signaling pathways involved in primordial follicle growth or dormancy: potential application in prevention of follicular loss and infertility. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:871-881. [PMID: 35658707 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2086042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Premature ovarian failure (POF) is one of the important causes of infertility in females. To date, no efficient preventive pharmacological treatment has been offered to prevent POF. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on strategies that provide a normal reproductive lifespan to females at risk of developing POF. AREAS COVERED Recently, attention has been drawn to discovering pathways involved in primordial follicle activation, as the inhibition of this process might maintain the stock of primordial follicles and therefore, prevent POF. In vitro and animal studies have resulted in the discovery of several of these pathways that can be used to develop new treatments for POF. These studies show crosstalk of these pathways at different levels. One of the important crossing points of many of these pathways involves anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Herein, we discuss different aspects of this topic by reviewing related published articles indexed in PubMed and Web of Science as of December 2021. EXPERT OPINION Although the findings seem promising, most of the studies were conducted on animals, and the interaction between these factors and the possible outcomes of their administration in the long term are still unknown. Therefore, further investigation is necessary to assess these aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ali Farhat
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forouq Jabbari
- Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnian Jabbari
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ticagrelor Protects against Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through an Adenosine Receptor-Dependent Pathway. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:505-512. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
38
|
Su YQ, Yin Y, Guo J, Gong X, Tian Y, Shi L. MTOR-mediated interaction between the oocyte and granulosa cells regulates the development and function of both compartments in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:76-84. [PMID: 35552649 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac099] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated development of the germline and the somatic compartments within a follicle is an essential prerequisite for creating a functionally normal oocyte. Bi-directional communication between the oocyte and the granulosa cells enables the frequent interchange of metabolites and signals that support the development and functions of both compartments. Mechanistic target of Rapamycin (MTOR), a conserved serine/threonine kinase and a widely recognized integrator of signals and pathways key for cellular metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation, is emerging as a major player that regulates many factes of oocyte and follicle development. Here, we summarized our recent observations on the role of oocyte- and granulosa cell-expressed MTOR in the control of the oocyte's and granulosa cell's own development, as well as the development of one another, and provided new data that further strengthen the role of cumulus cell-expressed MTOR in synchronizing oocyte and follicle development. Inhibition of MTOR induced oocyte meiotic resumption in cultured large antral follicles, as well as cumulus expansion and the expression of cumulus expansion-related transcripts in cumulus-oocyte complexes in vitro. In vivo, the activity of MTOR in cumulus cells was diminished remarkablely by 4 h after hCG administration. These results thus suggest that activation of MTOR in cumulus cells contributes to the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest before the LH surge. Based on the observations made by us here and previously, we propose that MTOR is an essential mediator of the bi-directional communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells that regulates the development and function of both compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You-Qiang Su
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yaoxue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xuhong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yufeng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Lanying Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Athar F, Templeman NM. C. elegans as a model organism to study female reproductive health. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 266:111152. [PMID: 35032657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has been historically understudied and underfunded. Here, we present the advantages of using a free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as an animal system to study fundamental aspects of female reproductive health. C. elegans is a powerful high-throughput model organism that shares key genetic and physiological similarities with humans. In this review, we highlight areas of pressing medical and biological importance in the 21st century within the context of female reproductive health. These include the decline in female reproductive capacity with increasing chronological age, reproductive dysfunction arising from toxic environmental insults, and cancers of the reproductive system. C. elegans has been instrumental in uncovering mechanistic insights underlying these processes, and has been valuable for developing and testing therapeutics to combat them. Adopting a convenient model organism such as C. elegans for studying reproductive health will encourage further research into this field, and broaden opportunities for making advancements into evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faria Athar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nicole M Templeman
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Li T, Dong G, Kang Y, Zhang M, Sheng X, Wang Z, Liu Y, Kong N, Sun H. Increased homocysteine regulated by androgen activates autophagy by suppressing the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in the granulosa cells of polycystic ovary syndrome mice. Bioengineered 2022; 13:10875-10888. [PMID: 35485387 PMCID: PMC9208444 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2066608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of excess homocysteine in relation to autophagic activity in the ovarian tissue of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with hyperandrogenism.A PCOS model was constructed using ICR mice. ELISA was used to detect the Hcy levels in the serum and ovarian tissues of PCOS model. The expression level of key enzymes (Methionine synthase and Betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase, MTR and BHMT) in homocysteine metabolism and autophagy-related proteins were detected in ovarian tissues and mouse granulosa cells (mGCs) that were treated with homocysteine, androgen, autophagy inhibitors or BHMT-expressing plasmid by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Electron microscope experiments were used to evaluate autophagosomes in Hcy-treated mGCs. The prenatally androgenized (PNA) PCOS mouse model showed hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperandrogenism. Homocysteine levels displayed a significant increase, while its metabolic enzymes levels were significantly decreased in ovarian tissues of PCOS mice and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-stimulated mGCs. The LC3II and Beclin1 expression levels were increased and the P62 and p-mTOR levels were decreased in vivo in ovarian tissue from the PCOS mice. The in vitro data were similarly with the in vivo by stimulation of mGCs with DHT or homocysteine. These effects could be diminished by the autophagy inhibitor (MHY1485), androgen receptor antagonists (ARN509) or BHMT-expressing plasmid. Androgen increases homocysteine concentration by downregulating the key enzymes in homocysteine metabolism. And then Hcy promotes GCs autophagy via the mTOR signal pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yuncheng Central Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Yuncheng, Shanxi, China
| | - Guogang Dong
- Department of Radiology, The General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yani Kang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Bio-ID Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Sheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhilong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The Role of mTOR and eIF Signaling in Benign Endometrial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073416. [PMID: 35408777 PMCID: PMC8998789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometritis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia are common non-cancerous diseases of the endometrium that afflict many women with life-impacting consequences. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway interacts with estrogen signaling and is known to be dysregulated in endometrial cancer. Based on this knowledge, we attempt to investigate the role of mTOR signaling in benign endometrial diseases while focusing on how the interplay between mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) affects their development. In fact, mTOR overactivity is apparent in adenomyosis, endometriosis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia, where it promotes endometrial cell proliferation and invasiveness. Recent data show aberrant expression of various components of the mTOR pathway in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis or endometriosis and in hyperplastic endometrium as well. Moreover, studies on endometritis show that derangement of mTOR signaling is linked to the establishment of endometrial dysfunction caused by chronic inflammation. This review shows that inhibition of the mTOR pathway has a promising therapeutic effect in benign endometrial conditions, concluding that mTOR signaling dysregulation plays a critical part in their pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
42
|
Rehnitz J, Messmer B, Bender U, Nguyen XP, Germeyer A, Hinderhofer K, Strowitzki T, Capp E. Activation of AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in the peripheral blood of women with premature ovarian insufficiency and its correlation with FMR1 expression. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:44. [PMID: 35248053 PMCID: PMC8898473 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway regulates early follicular activation and follicular pool maintenance in female germline cells. Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) regulates folliculogenesis and it is variably expressed in patients with Premature Ovary Insufficiency. FMR1 expression is supposed to be linked to AKT/mTOR signaling in an ovarian response dependent manner as demonstrated in recent in vitro and in vivo studies in the female germline in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We evaluated changes in the expression of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway genes by real time PCR in the peripheral blood of 74 patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and 56 fertile controls and correlated their expression with FMR1 expression. RESULTS Expression of the genes AKT1, TSC2, mTOR, and S6K was significantly more abundant in patients with POI than in the controls. For AKT1, TSC2 and mTOR, gene expression was not affected by FMR1-CGG repeat number in the 5´-untranslated region. FMR1 and S6K expression levels, however, were significantly upregulated in patients with POI and an FMR1 premutation. Independent of a premutation, expression of mTOR, S6K, and TSC2 was significantly correlated with that of FMR1 in all patients. Furthermore, when grouped according to ovarian reserve, this effect remained significant only for mTOR and S6K, with higher significance note in patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS In Premature ovarian insufficiency patients, activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is remarkable and putatively pathognomonic. Additionally, it seems to be triggered by an FMR1/mTOR/S6K linkage mechanism, most relevant in premutation carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rehnitz
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Birgitta Messmer
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bender
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xuan Phuoc Nguyen
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Hinderhofer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Heidelberg, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Strowitzki
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edison Capp
- University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicine School, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mowrey K, Northrup H, Hashmi SS, Rodriguez-Buritica D. Expanding Our Knowledge of Menstrual Irregularities Reported by Females With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:798983. [DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.798983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of our study is to expand the knowledge regarding intrinsic reproductive dysfunction in females with TSC and to explore the impact of mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) on menstrual irregularity in the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) community.MethodsAn electronic survey composed of author-designed questions set out to evaluate reproductive history, presence of menstrual irregularities, mTORi use, as well as maternal reproductive history among females with TSC.ResultsOf the 68 responses from females with TSC regarding age of menarche, the average age was 12.3 years. 56.5% (n = 48) of respondents reported irregular menstrual cycles and noted a total of 102 menstrual irregularities. There was a cohort of 35 women with a reported history of mTORi use. Of these women, 68.6% (n = 24) reported irregular menstrual cycles after taking mTORi. In comparison, among the females with no history of mTORi use (n = 50) only 48% reported irregular menstrual cycles (n = 24).ConclusionsOur data expands the knowledge regarding intrinsic menstrual dysregulation present in women with TSC, demonstrates a rate of menstrual irregularities among females taking mTORi, and identifies a tendency toward early menarche that may be a previously unrecognized feature of TSC.
Collapse
|
44
|
The effect of Myo-Inositol supplement on molecular regulation of folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and assisted reproductive technique outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:875-884. [PMID: 35040006 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06833-9] [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: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The mechanism of Myo-Inositol, as an adjuvant, on key signaling pathways related to oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality as well as ovarian steroidogenesis in cumulus cells of PCOS patients, is still unclear. DESIGN Infertile patients who were candidates for ART cycles were divided into three groups (n = 30 in each group), including group 1: PCOS patients only receiving folic acid, group 2: PCOS patients receiving daily Myo-Inositol combined with folic acid, and a control group (group 3): normal ovulatory women without PCOS receiving only folic acid from 1 month prior to IVF cycle until the day of ovum pick up. During the ART procedure, oocytes maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were assessed. The gene expressions of FSHR, LHR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, 3β-HSD2, and StAR were also analyzed using qRT-PCR. Western blot analysis was performed for the evaluation of AKT, ERK, CREB, and AMPK phosphorylation. RESULT Despite equal number of retrieved oocytes, the percentages of MII oocytes, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were found to be significantly higher in group 2 due to the administration of inofolic. The expressions of all the studied genes were significantly higher in the cumulus cells of group 1 compared to the group 2. Higher phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was found in the groups 2 and 3 compared to the group 1. On the other hand, p-Akt has significantly decreased in the group 2 compared to the group 1. CONCLUSION Our study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the positive effect of Myo-Inositol on intrinsic ovarian defects in PCOS, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality.
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhu Y, Fang Y, Medina D, Bartke A, Yuan R. Metformin treatment of juvenile mice alters aging-related developmental and metabolic phenotypes. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 201:111597. [PMID: 34780856 PMCID: PMC8755607 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the influence on developmental traits might have long-term effects on aging and health later in life. Metformin is a widely used drug for treating type 2 diabetes and is also used for delaying sexual maturation in girls with precocious puberty. The current report focuses on investigating the effects of metformin on development and metabolic traits. Heterogeneous mice (UM-HET3) were treated with i.p. metformin between the ages of 15 and 56 days. Our results show that body weight and food consumption were increased in both sexes, and sexual maturation was delayed in females. Tail length and circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels were significantly increased in both sexes. No significant difference was found in insulin tolerance test, but glucose tolerance was significantly reduced in the males. Circulating adiponectin and insulin levels were altered by metformin treatment in a sex-specific manner. Analysis of quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) suggests that metformin treatment increased insulin sensitivity in female pups, but had opposite effect in male pups. This study revealed that early life metformin treatment alters development and metabolism of mice in both sex-specific and non-specific manners. These effects of metformin may have long-term impacts on aging-related traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- Deparment of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - Yimin Fang
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - David Medina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| | - Rong Yuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P. O. Box 19628, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9628, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tremblay PG, Fortin C, Sirard MA. Gene cascade analysis in human granulosa tumor cells (KGN) following exposure to high levels of free fatty acids and insulin. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:178. [PMID: 34930403 PMCID: PMC8690403 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00934-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are detrimental factors that compromise fertility and the success rates of medically assisted procreation procedures. During metabolic stress, adipose tissue is more likely to release free fatty acids (FFA) in the serum resulting in an increase of FFA levels not only in blood, but also in follicular fluid (FF). In humans, high concentrations of palmitic acid and stearic acid reduced granulosa cell survival and were associated with poor cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) morphology. Obesity and high levels of circulating FFA were also causatively linked to hampered insulin sensitivity in cells and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. To provide a global picture of the principal upstream signaling pathways and genomic mechanisms involved in this metabolic context, human granulosa-like tumor cells (KGN) were treated with a combination of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid at the higher physiological concentrations found in the follicular fluid of women with a higher body mass index (BMI) (≥ 30.0 kg/m2). We also tested a high concentration of insulin alone and in combination with high concentrations of fatty acids. Transcription analysis by RNA-seq with a cut off for fold change of 1.5 and p-value 0.05 resulted in thousands of differentially expressed genes for each treatment. Using analysis software such as Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), we were able to establish that high concentrations of FFA affected the expression of genes mainly related to glucose and insulin homoeostasis, fatty acid metabolism, as well as steroidogenesis and granulosa cell differentiation processes. The combination of insulin and high concentrations of FFA affected signaling pathways related to apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Taken together, our results provided new information on the mechanisms that might be involved in human granulosa cells exposed to high concentrations of FFA and insulin in the contexts of metabolism disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Chloé Fortin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Secomandi L, Borghesan M, Velarde M, Demaria M. The role of cellular senescence in female reproductive aging and the potential for senotherapeutic interventions. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:172-189. [PMID: 34918084 PMCID: PMC8888999 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced maternal age is associated with decreased oocyte quantity and quality as well as uterine and placental dysfunctions. These changes lead to infertility, pregnancy complications and birth defects in the offspring. As the mean age of giving birth is increasing worldwide, prevention of age-associated infertility and pregnancy complications, along with the more frequent use of ART, become extremely important. Currently, significant research is being conducted to unravel the mechanisms underlying female reproductive aging. Among the potential mechanisms involved, recent evidence has suggested a contributing role for cellular senescence, a cellular state of irreversible growth arrest characterized by a hypersecretory and pro-inflammatory phenotype. Elucidating the role of senescence in female reproductive aging holds the potential for developing novel and less invasive therapeutic measures to prevent or even reverse female reproductive aging and increase offspring wellbeing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The review will summarize the positive and negative implications of cellular senescence in the pathophysiology of the female reproductive organs during aging and critically explore the use of novel senotherapeutics aiming to reverse and/or eliminate their detrimental effects. The focus will be on major senescence mechanisms of the ovaries, the uterus, and the placenta, as well as the potential and risks of using senotherapies that have been discovered in recent years. SEARCH METHODS Data for this review were identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar. References from relevant articles using the search terms ‘Cellular Senescence’, ‘Aging’, ‘Gestational age’, ‘Maternal Age’, ‘Anti-aging’, ‘Uterus’, ‘Pregnancy’, ‘Fertility’, ‘Infertility’, ‘Reproduction’, ‘Implant’, ‘Senolytic’, ‘Senostatic’, ‘Senotherapy’ and ‘Senotherapeutic’ where selected. A total of 182 articles published in English between 2005 and 2020 were included, 27 of which focus on potential senotherapies for reproductive aging. Exclusion criteria were inclusion of the terms ‘male’ and ‘plants’. OUTCOMES Aging is a major determinant of reproductive wellbeing. Cellular senescence is a basic aging mechanism, which can be exploited for therapeutic interventions. Within the last decade, several new strategies for the development and repurposing of drugs targeting senescent cells have emerged, such as modulators of the anti-inflammatory response, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mitochondria and protein dysfunctions. Several studies of female reproductive aging and senotherapies have been discussed that show promising results for future interventions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In most countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the average age at which women give birth is above 30 years. Currently, in countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Finland, Germany and the UK, birth rates among 30- to 34-year-olds are now higher than in any other age groups. This review will provide new knowledge and scientific advancement on the senescence mechanisms during female reproductive aging, and benefit fundamental and clinical scientists and professionals in the areas of reproduction, cancer, immunobiology and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Secomandi
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michela Borghesan
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Velarde
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, PH 1101, Philippines
| | - Marco Demaria
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li L, Xia Y, Yang Y, Zhang W, Yan H, Yin P, Li K, Chen Y, Lu L, Tong G. CDC26 is a key factor in human oocyte aging. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3095-3107. [PMID: 34590680 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab217] [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: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is CDC26 a key factor in human oocyte aging? SUMMARY ANSWER The lack of CDC26 disrupts the oocytes maturation process, leading to oocyte aging, but these defects could be partially rescued by overexpression of the CDC26 protein. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Age-related oocyte aging is the main cause of female fertility decline. In mammalian oocytes, aberrant meiosis can cause chromosomal abnormalities that might lead to infertility and developmental disorders. CDC26 participates in the meiosis process. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Differential gene expression in young and old women oocytes were screened by single-cell RNA-seq technology, and the functions of differentially genes were verified on mouse oocytes. Finally, transfection technology was used to evaluate the effect of a differentially expressed gene in rescuing human oocyte from aging. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Discarded human oocytes were collected for single-cell RNA-seq, q-PCR and immunocytochemical analyses to screen for and identify differential gene expression. Female KM mice oocytes were collected for IVM of oocytes, q-PCR and immunocytochemical analyses to delineate the relationships between oocyte aging and differential gene expression. Additionally, recombinant lentiviral vectors encoding CDC26 were transfected into the germinal vesicle oocytes of older women, to investigate the effects of the CDC26 gene expression on oocyte development. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Many genes were found to be differentially expressed in the oocytes of young versus old patients via RNA-seq technology. CDC26 mRNA and protein levels in aged oocytes were severely decreased, when compared with the levels observed in young oocytes. Moreover, aged oocytes lacking CDC26 were more prone to aneuploidy. These defects in aged oocytes could be partially rescued by overexpression of the CDC26 protein. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study delineated key steps in the oocyte aging process by identifying the key role of CDC26 in the progression of oocyte maturation. Future studies are required to address whether other signaling pathways play a role in regulating oocyte maturation via CDC26 and which genes are the direct molecular targets of CDC26. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results using in vitro systems for both mouse and human oocyte maturation provide a proof of principle that CDC26 may represent a novel therapeutic approach against maternal aging-related spindle and chromosomal abnormalities. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81571442 and 81170571), the outstanding Talent Project of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health (XBR2011067) and Clinical Research and Cultivation Project in Shanghai Municipal Hospitals (SHDC12019X32). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Xia
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wuwen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Tong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bernabò N, Di Berardino C, Capacchietti G, Peserico A, Buoncuore G, Tosi U, Crociati M, Monaci M, Barboni B. In Vitro Folliculogenesis in Mammalian Models: A Computational Biology Study. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:737912. [PMID: 34859047 PMCID: PMC8630647 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.737912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro folliculogenesis (ivF) has been proposed as an emerging technology to support follicle growth and oocyte development. It holds a great deal of attraction from preserving human fertility to improving animal reproductive biotechnology. Despite the mice model, where live offspring have been achieved,in medium-sized mammals, ivF has not been validated yet. Thus, the employment of a network theory approach has been proposed for interpreting the large amount of ivF information collected to date in different mammalian models in order to identify the controllers of the in vitro system. The WoS-derived data generated a scale-free network, easily navigable including 641 nodes and 2089 links. A limited number of controllers (7.2%) are responsible for network robustness by preserving it against random damage. The network nodes were stratified in a coherent biological manner on three layers: the input was composed of systemic hormones and somatic-oocyte paracrine factors; the intermediate one recognized mainly key signaling molecules such as PI3K, KL, JAK-STAT, SMAD4, and cAMP; and the output layer molecules were related to functional ivF endpoints such as the FSH receptor and steroidogenesis. Notably, the phenotypes of knock-out mice previously developed for hub.BN indirectly corroborate their biological relevance in early folliculogenesis. Finally, taking advantage of the STRING analysis approach, further controllers belonging to the metabolic axis backbone were identified, such as mTOR/FOXO, FOXO3/SIRT1, and VEGF, which have been poorly considered in ivF to date. Overall, this in silico study identifies new metabolic sensor molecules controlling ivF serving as a basis for designing innovative diagnostic and treatment methods to preserve female fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bernabò
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessia Peserico
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Buoncuore
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Umberto Tosi
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Monaci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Suarez-Henriques P, de Miranda E Silva Chaves C, Cardoso-Leite R, Gomes-Caldas DG, Morita-Katiki L, Tsai SM, Louvandini H. Ovarian activation delays in peripubertal ewe lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus can be avoided by supplementing protein in their diets. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:344. [PMID: 34732186 PMCID: PMC8565066 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ewe lamb nutritional and physiological state interfere with the ovarian environment and fertility. The lack or excess of circulating nutrients reaching the ovary can change its gene expression. A protein deficiency in the blood caused by an Haemonchus contortus abomasal infection is detrimental to the organism's development during puberty. The peripubertal period is a time of intensive growth that requires a high level of nutrients. An essential feature controlling pubertal arousal and female reproductive potential is ovarian follicle growth activation. Protein supplementation improves the sheep's immune response to helminthic infections. We aimed to determine if supplementing protein in infected ewe lambs' diet would impact the ovarian environment leading to earlier ovarian follicle activation than in infected not supplemented animals. METHODS We fed 18 Santa Ines ewe lambs (Ovis aries) - bred by the same ram - with either 12% protein (Control groups) or 19% protein (Supplemented groups) in their diets. After 35 days of the diet, they were each artificially infected or not with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae. Following 77 days of the diet and 42 days of infection, we surgically collected their left ovaries and examined their genes expression through RNA sequencing. RESULTS We found that protein supplementation in infected animals led to an up-regulation of genes (FDR p-values < 0.05) and biological processes (p-value cut-off = 0.01) linked to meiotic activation in pre-ovulatory follicles and primordial follicle activation, among others. The supplemented not infected animals also up-regulated genes and processes linked to meiosis and others, such as circadian behaviour. The not supplemented animals had these same processes down-regulated while up-regulated processes related to tissue morphogenesis, inflammation and immune response. CONCLUSION Diet's protein supplementation of peripubertal infected animals allowed them to express genes related to a more mature ovarian follicle stage than their half-sisters that were not supplemented. These results could be modelling potential effects of the interaction between environmental factors, nutrition and infection on reproductive health. When ovarian activation is achieved in a timely fashion, the ewe may generate more lambs during its reproductive life, increasing sheep breeders' productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Suarez-Henriques
- Department of Animal Science, ESALQ - University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Ricardo Cardoso-Leite
- Science, Technology and Education Federal Institute of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle G Gomes-Caldas
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, CENA -University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Siu Mui Tsai
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, CENA -University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder Louvandini
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, CENA - University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|