Therapeutic potential of exosomes/miRNAs in polycystic ovary syndrome induced by the alteration of circadian rhythms

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes Improved The Aged Mouse IVM Oocytes Quality

During assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, the aged women, especially those over 35 years old, have fewer mature oocytes and poorer quality of the oocytes comparing with the young women. In vitro maturation (IVM) technology facilitates the usage of immature oocytes, which is clinically important for the aged women. However, the maturation rate is low for the oocytes from the aged women. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes (HUCMSCs-exosomes), as important mediators of intercellular communication, have been widely used to restore ovarian function and improve female fertility. In this study, we isolated HUCMSCs-exosomes and collected the immature germinal vesicle oocytes from the naturally aged mouse model. And we added these HUCMSCs-exosomes to the conventional IVM culture system. The effects of HUCMSCs-exosomes on IVM oocytes were observed and analyzed from multiple aspects including maturation rate, spindle morphology, mitochondria function, and development potential. We found the quality of oocytes was improved by HUCMSCs-exosomes. Based on the results, we propose that HUCMSCs-exosomes may provide a novel and cell free strategy in the improvement of the IVM in elderly infertile women in the future.

CAR-based immunotherapy for breast cancer: peculiarities, ongoing investigations, and future strategies

Surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy have improved the overall survival and postoperative recurrence rates of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-positive breast cancers but treatment modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor prognosis remain limited. The effective application of the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological tumors provides new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. Choosing suitable and specific targets is crucial for applying CAR-T therapy for breast cancer treatment. In this paper, we summarize CAR-T therapy's effective targets and potential targets in different subtypes based on the existing research progress, especially for TNBC. CAR-based immunotherapy has resulted in advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective and safer for treating solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast tumors and the side effects of CAR-T therapy pose challenges to CAR-based immunotherapy. CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells-derived exosomes are advantageous in tumor therapy. Exosomes carrying CAR for breast cancer immunotherapy are of immense research value and may provide a treatment modality with good treatment effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and challenges of CAR-based immunotherapy in treating different subtypes of breast cancer and discuss the progress of CAR-expressing exosomes for breast cancer treatment. We elaborate on the development of CAR-T cells in TNBC therapy and the prospects of using CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-MSCs for treating breast cancer.

Bushenhuoluo Decoction improves polycystic ovary syndrome by regulating exosomal miR-30a-5p/ SOCS3/mTOR/NLRP3 signaling-mediated autophagy and pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent and complicated endocrine disease that remains a major reason for infertility. Bushenhuoluo Decotion (BSHLD) has been validated to exhibit curative effects on PCOS. This study was aimed to explore the potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of BSHLD.

METHODS

PCOS rat model was induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Serum hormone and cytokines levels and ovarian pathological alterations were measured to assess ovarian function. Exosomes (Exos) were identified by Transmission electron microscopy and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect molecule expressions. Proliferation and pyroptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The binding relationship between miR-30a-5p and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was verified by dual luciferase reporter and RIP assays.

RESULTS

BSHLD treatment improved serum hormone abnormality, insulin sensitivity, and ovarian morphologic changes of PCOS rats. Moreover, BSHLD treatment restrained the excessive autophagy and pyroptosis in ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. Moreover, BSHLD reduced the expression of miR-30a-5p in serum, serum-derived Exos, and ovarian tissues, thus inhibiting autophagy and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in GCs. Mechanistically, SOCS3 was proved as a target of miR-30a-5p and could activate mTOR/P70S6K pathway to repress autophagy. The inhibitory effect of miR-30a-5p deficiency on autophagy and pyroptosis of GCs was attenuated by rapamycin.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, BSHLD suppressed autophagy and pyroptosis to improve POCS by regulating exosomal miR-30a-5p/SOCS3/mTOR signaling.

The Role of MicroRNA, Long Non-Coding RNA and Circular RNA in the Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disease in females of reproductive age, affecting 4-20% of pre-menopausal women worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded, non-coding, regulatory ribonucleic acid molecules found in eukaryotic cells. Abnormal miRNA expression has been associated with several diseases and could possibly explain their underlying pathophysiology. MiRNAs have been extensively studied for their potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic uses in many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, PCOS, and endometriosis. In women with PCOS, miRNAs were found to be abnormally expressed in theca cells, follicular fluid, granulosa cells, peripheral blood leukocytes, serum, and adipose tissue when compared to those without PCOS, making miRNAs a useful potential biomarker for the disease. Key pathways involved in PCOS, such as folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and cellular adhesion, are regulated by miRNA. This also highlights their importance as potential prognostic markers. In addition, recent evidence suggests a role for miRNAs in regulating the circadian rhythm (CR). CR is crucial for regulating reproduction through the various functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the ovaries. A disordered CR affects reproductive outcomes by inducing insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Moreover, miRNAs were demonstrated to interact with lncRNA and circRNAs, which are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. This review discusses what is currently understood about miRNAs in PCOS, the cellular pathways involved, and their potential role as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

A glance into the roles of microRNAs (exosomal and non-exosomal) in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The clinical symptoms include hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and multiple ovarian cysts. PCOS is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of short non-coding RNAs that play a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and translational inhibition. They play a vital role in the regulation of multiple metabolic and hormonal processes as well as in oocyte maturation and folliculogenesis in the female reproductive system. miRNAs can be used as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets because of their stability. The encapsulation of miRNAs in extracellular vesicles or exosomes contributes to their stability. Exosomes are constantly secreted by many cells and size of about 30 to 150 nm. Enveloping miRNAs exosomes can release them for cellular communication. The induced transfer of miRNAs by exosomes is a novel process of genetic exchange between cells. Many studies have shown that along with non-exosomal miRNAs, different types of exosomal miRNAs derived from the serum and follicular fluid can play an essential role in PCOS pathogenesis. These miRNAs are involved in follicular development and various functions in granulosa cells, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and follicular atresia. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the evidence on miRNAs and their affected pathways under both non-exosomal and exosomal circumstances, primarily focusing on the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Androgen excess: a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic, reproductive, and psychological disorder affecting 6-20% of reproductive women worldwide. However, there is still no cure for PCOS, and current treatments primarily alleviate its symptoms due to a poor understanding of its etiology. Compelling evidence suggests that hyperandrogenism is not just a primary feature of PCOS. Instead, it may be a causative factor for this condition. Thus, figuring out the mechanisms of androgen synthesis, conversion, and metabolism is relatively important. Traditionally, studies of androgen excess have largely focused on classical androgen, but in recent years, adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen has also garnered interest. Herein, this Review aims to investigate the origins of androgen excess, androgen synthesis, how androgen receptor (AR) signaling mediates adverse PCOS traits, and the role of 11-oxygenated androgen in the pathophysiology of PCOS. In addition, it provides therapeutic strategies targeting hyperandrogenism in PCOS.

Pharmacological investigation of vitamin E with combined oral contraceptives on INHBA gene against PCOS that intricate through melatonin PKC pathway

The most prevalent endocrine and metabolic condition in women of reproductive age are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with significant risk factors such as circadian rhythm and melatonin disruption. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of vitamin E in combination with a combined oral contraceptive (COC) on continuous light-induced PCOS using hormonal measures, oxidative stress (OS) indicators, and the inhibin beta-A (INHBA) gene, which targets the melatonin protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. An in silico technique anticipated INHBA's binding affinity for vitamin E and COC. For the in vivo investigation (IAEC/240/2021), female SD rats were divided into six groups and subjected to a 16-week induction period, followed by a 2-month test drug treatment with drospirenone (DRSP) as a standard. Serum testosterone, FSH, melatonin, and OS were calculated as hormonal markers. The expression of the INHBA gene was studied to see if it could be linked to the circadian rhythm and OS via the melatonin PKC pathway. According to the in silico study, vitamin E and DRSP had higher binding energy for the INHBA (-8.6 kcal/mol and -8.4 kcal/mol, respectively). When compared to the control group, in vivo results showed a substantial decrease in testosterone levels (p = .05), as well as changes in FSH (p = .78) and melatonin (p = .13). IHNBA gene expression has also dramatically increased, stimulating FSH production in the pituitary gland. Vitamin E and COC concomitantly are beneficial against PCOS because it modulates OS, which in turn influences circadian rhythm and the melatonin PKC pathway.

Effects of treatment with stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in preclinical rodent models of intrauterine adhesion: A meta-analysis

Background

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) results from serious complications of intrauterine surgery or infection and mostly remains incurable. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a potential new approach for the treatment of IUA; however, their impact is not fully understood. Here, we performed a meta-analysis summarizing the effects of sEVs on IUA in preclinical rodent models.

Methods

This meta-analysis included searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and the Web of Science databases from January 1, 1997, to April 1, 2022, to identify studies reporting the therapeutic effect of sEVs on rodent preclinical animal models of IUA. We compared improvements in endometrial thickness, endometrial gland number, fibrosis area, embryo number, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) levels after treatment.

Results

Our search included 100 citations, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria, representing 231 animals. Compared with that in the control group, the fibrosis area in the sEV-treated group was significantly reduced (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -6.87，95 % confidence interval (CI) = -9.67 to -4.07). The number of glands increased after the intervention (95 % CI, 3.72-7.68; P = 0.000). Endometrial thickness was significantly improved in the sEV-treated group (SMD = 2.57, 95 % CI, 1.62-3.52).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis is highlighting that sEV treatment can improve the area of endometrial fibrosis, as well as VEGF, and LIF level, in a mouse IUA model. This knowledge of these findings will provide new insights into future preclinical research.

Signaling pathways and targeted therapeutic strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Although promising strides have been made in the field of PCOS over the past decades, the distinct etiologies of this syndrome are not fully elucidated. Prenatal factors, genetic variation, epigenetic mechanisms, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental toxins all contribute to the development of this intricate and highly heterogeneous metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and psychological disorder. Moreover, interactions between androgen excess, insulin resistance, disruption to the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis, and obesity only make for a more complex picture. In this review, we investigate and summarize the related molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS pathogenesis from the perspective of the level of signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, TGF-β/Smads, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo/YAP. Additionally, this review provides an overview of prospective therapies, such as exosome therapy, gene therapy, and drugs based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural compounds. By targeting these aberrant pathways, these interventions primarily alleviate inflammation, insulin resistance, androgen excess, and ovarian fibrosis, which are typical symptoms of PCOS. Overall, we hope that this paper will pave the way for better understanding and management of PCOS in the future.