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Liu A, Liu Z, Shen H, Du W, Jiang Y, Wang L, Zhang R, Jin P, Zhang X. Potential mechanism prediction of indole-3-propionic acid against diminished ovarian reserve via network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:316. [PMID: 39192219 PMCID: PMC11348684 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04611-1] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the major causes of ovarian aging and dysfunction. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is an indole compound derived from tryptophan with free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, and thus may have potential applications in protecting ovarian function, although the exact mechanisms are unknown. This study aims to preliminarily elucidate the potential mechanisms of IPA that benefit ovarian reserve function through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. METHODS The related protein targets of IPA were searched on SwissTargetPrediction, TargetNet, BATMAN-TCM, and PharmMapper databases. The potential targets of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) were identified from OMIM, GeneCards, DrugBank, and DisGeNET databases. The common targets were uploaded directly to the STRING database to construct PPI networks. We then performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis on the targets. Subsequently, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to validate the binding conformation of IPA to candidate targets. Furthermore, we carried out in vitro experiments to validate the prediction results of network pharmacology. RESULTS We identified a total of 61 potential targets for the interaction of IPA with DOR. The PPI network topological parameter analysis yielded 13 hub genes for DOR treatment. The GO biological process enrichment analysis identified 293 entries, mainly enriched in aging, signal transduction, response to hypoxia, negative regulation of apoptotic process, and positive regulation of cell proliferation. The KEGG enrichment analysis mainly included lipid and atherosclerosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, AGE-RAGE, relaxin, estrogen, and other signaling pathways. The molecular docking further revealed the direct binding of IPA with six hub proteins including NOS3, AKT1, EGFR, PPARA, SRC, and TNF. In vitro experiments showed that IPA pretreatment attenuated H2O2-induced cellular oxidative stress damage, while IPA exerted cytoprotective and antioxidant damage effects by regulating the six hub genes and antioxidant proteins. CONCLUSION We systematically illustrated the potential protective effects of IPA against DOR through multiple targets and pathways using network pharmacology, and further verified the cytoprotective effect and antioxidant properties of IPA through in vitro experiments. These findings provide new insights into the targets and molecular mechanisms whereby IPA improves DOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahui Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenjing Du
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanbiao Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Panpan Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, No. 1 Dong Gang Xi Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Veiga ECDA, Samama M, Ikeda F, Cavalcanti GS, Sartor A, Parames SF, Baracat EC, Ueno J, Junior JMS. Melatonin improves fertilization rate in assisted reproduction: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100397. [PMID: 38971124 PMCID: PMC11265587 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and it has antioxidant properties. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin on assisted reproductive technologies through a systematic review and a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Search strategies were used in PubMed and in other databases covering the last 15 years. After screening for eligibility, 17 articles were selected for the systematic review. For the meta-analysis statistics, two groups were formed, the treatment group (with melatonin) and the control group (without melatonin) for various assisted reproduction outcomes. RESULTS The main results were that no statistical differences were found concerning the clinical pregnancy outcome (p = 0.64), but there was a statistical difference with respect to Mature Oocytes (MII) (p = 0.001), antral follicle count (p = 0.0002), and the fertilization rate (p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Melatonin had beneficial effects such as the improvement in the fertilization rate, although the authors did not obtain significance in the clinical pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Carvalho de Arruda Veiga
- GERA Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Medicina Reprodutiva de, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marise Samama
- GERA Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Medicina Reprodutiva de, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Ikeda
- GERA Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Medicina Reprodutiva de, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Santos Cavalcanti
- Lim-58 - Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular da Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Sartor
- GERA Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Medicina Reprodutiva de, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Edmund C Baracat
- Lim-58 - Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular da Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Joji Ueno
- GERA Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Medicina Reprodutiva de, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Maria Soares Junior
- Lim-58 - Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular da Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Ren YL, Liang Q, Lian CY, Zhang W, Wang L. Melatonin alleviates glyphosate-induced testosterone synthesis inhibition via targeting mitochondrial function in roosters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123828. [PMID: 38522604 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Glyphosate (GLY) is a widely used herbicide that has been revealed to inhibit testosterone synthesis in humans and animals. Melatonin (MET) is an endogenous hormone that has been demonstrated to promote mammalian testosterone synthesis via protecting mitochondrial function. However, it remains unclear whether MET targets mitochondria to alleviate GLY-inhibited testosterone synthesis in avian. In this study, an avian model using 7-day-old rooster upon chronic exposure to GLY with the treatment of MET was designed to clarify this issue. Data first showed that GLY-induced testicular Leydig cell damage, structural damage of the seminiferous tubule, and sperm quality decrease were mitigated by MET. Transcriptomic analyses of the testicular tissues revealed the potentially critical role of mitophagy and steroid hormone biosynthesis in the process of MET counteracting GLY-induced testicular damage. Also, validation data demonstrated that the inhibition of testosterone synthesis due to GLY-induced mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and concomitant Parkin-dependent mitophagy activation is alleviated by MET. Moreover, GLY-induced oxidative stress in serum and testicular tissue were significantly reversed by MET. In summary, these findings demonstrate that MET effectively ameliorates GLY-inhibited testosterone synthesis by inhibiting mitophagy activation, which provides a promising remedy for the application of MET as a potential therapeutic agent to antagonize reproductive toxicity induced by GLY and similar contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, 271018, China.
| | - Qing Liang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, 271018, China.
| | - Cai-Yu Lian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, 271018, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yan'tai City 265500, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, 271018, China.
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Widyastuti R, Prastowo S, Jaswandi J, Lubis A, Setiawan R, Ridlo MR, Boediono A. Effect of melatonin supplementation on sperm quality parameters and expression of antioxidant genes during cold storage of buck semen extenders. Vet World 2024; 17:863-870. [PMID: 38798287 PMCID: PMC11111719 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.863-870] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Semen storage is an important reproductive method used in artificial livestock breeding. However, oxidative stress during storage reduces the quality of sperm. Melatonin supplementation in semen storage medium has not been well studied, but it has been shown to protect cells from oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of melatonin supplementation on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant gene expression levels in semen extenders during cold storage. Materials and Methods Semen extenders with melatonin concentrations of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mM were added as treatment. The treated semen was then stored at 5°C for 72 h using a cold storage method, and quality parameters, including percentage of progressive motility, membrane integrity, intact acrosome, and DNA integrity, were measured every 24 h. In addition, messenger ribonucleic acid abundance levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes were sampled after 0 and 72 h of cold storage. Results All observed sperm quality parameters decreased with increasing cold storage time; however, 0.2 mM melatonin demonstrated superior protection of sperm quality during cold storage. Gene expression analysis showed that GPx levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 72 h in semen without melatonin but not in the melatonin-treated groups. A similar trend was also observed in SOD, indicating that exogenous antioxidants effectively protected the sperms. Conclusion Melatonin supplementation at 0.2 mM in semen extenders during cold storage maintains sperm quality parameters for up to 72 h because melatonin protects sperm from oxidative stress. These findings can be used to improve the semen storage protocol by combining semen extender and antioxidant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rini Widyastuti
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl Raya Bandung-Sumedang KM 21, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Sigit Prastowo
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta. Indonesia
| | - Jaswandi Jaswandi
- Department of Reproduction Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas. Limau Manis, Pauh, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
| | - Alkaustariyah Lubis
- Working Group of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Jl Raya Bandung-Sumedang KM 21, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Rangga Setiawan
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl Raya Bandung-Sumedang KM 21, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Rosyid Ridlo
- Department of Bioresources Technology and Veterinary, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arief Boediono
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
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Basini G, Grasselli F. Role of Melatonin in Ovarian Function. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:644. [PMID: 38396612 PMCID: PMC10885985 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040644] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland in the absence of light stimuli. The light, in fact, hits the retina, which sends a signal to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which inhibits the synthesis of the hormone by the epiphysis. Mostly by interacting with MT1/MT2 membrane receptors, melatonin performs various physiological actions, among which are its regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and its control of the immune system. One of its best known functions is its non-enzymatic antioxidant action, which is independent from binding with receptors and occurs by electron donation. The hormone is also an indicator of the photoperiod in seasonally reproducing mammals, which are divided into long-day and short-day breeders according to the time of year in which they are sexually active and fertile. It is known that melatonin acts at the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis level in many species. In particular, it inhibits the hypothalamic release of GnRH, with a consequent alteration of FSH and LH levels. The present paper mainly aims to review the ovarian effect of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Basini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
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Silva BR, Costa FC, De Lima Neto MF, Caetano Filho FF, de Assis EIT, Aguiar FLN, Silva AWB, Martins SD, Araújo VR, Matos MHT, Costa JJN, Silva JRV. Melatonin acts through different mechanisms to control oxidative stress and primordial follicle activation and survival during in vitro culture of bovine ovarian tissue. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 86:106824. [PMID: 37976887 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2023.106824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of melatonin and its mechanisms of action on preantral follicle activation and survival, stromal cell density and collagen distribution in extracellular matrix (ECM). The involvement of melatonin receptors and mTORC1 pathway in these procedures were also investigated. To this end, ovarian fragments were cultured for six days in α-MEM+ alone or supplemented with 1000 pM melatonin, 1000 pM melatonin with 1000 pM luzindole (inhibitor of melatonin receptors), or 1000 pM melatonin with 0.16 µg/ml rapamycin (mTORC1 inhibitor). At the end of culture period, tissues were processed for classical histology, and the follicles were classified as normal or degenerated, as well as in primordial or growing follicles. The ovarian stromal cell density and ECM collagen distribution were also evaluated. Samples of ovarian tissues were also destined to measure the levels of thiol and mRNA for CAT, SOD, GPX1 and PRDX1, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, and GPX1. The results demonstrated that ovarian tissues cultured with melatonin, melatonin with luzindole or melatonin with rapamycin had significantly higher percentage of morphologically normal follicles than those cultured in control medium (α-MEM+). However, the presence of either luzindole or rapamycin, did not block the positive effects of melatonin on follicle survival (P > 0.05). Although the presence of melatonin in culture medium reduced the percentage of primordial follicles and increased the percentage of development follicles, these positive effects of melatonin were blocked by either luzindole or rapamycin (P < 0.05). Melatonin, melatonin with luzindole or melatonin with rapamycin did not influence the number of ovarian stromal cells. In contrast, melatonin significantly increased the percentages of collagen in ovarian tissues, but the positive effects of melatonin were blocked by either luzindole or rapamycin. Tissues cultured with melatonin and rapamycin had higher levels of mRNA for CAT and lower GPx activity when compared to those cultured in control medium. In conclusion, melatonin promotes primordial follicle activation, increases collagen fiber in ECM of in vitro cultured bovine ovarian tissue through its membrane-coupled receptors and mTORC1. Oppositely, melatonin increase follicles survival by acting through other pathways, since it can pass through cell membranes and directly regulate oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca R Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco C Costa
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Miguel F De Lima Neto
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco F Caetano Filho
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Ernando I T de Assis
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco L N Aguiar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sousa Campus, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba, Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Anderson W B Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Solano D Martins
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression, Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Valdevane R Araújo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Gene Expression, Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Maria H T Matos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cytology and Histology, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - José J N Costa
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - José R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceara, Av. Maurocélio Rocha Ponte 100, postal code 62041-040, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
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Shao R, Wang Y, He C, Chen L. Melatonin and its Emerging Physiological Role in Reproduction: A Review and Update. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:449-456. [PMID: 37070447 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230417103201] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone secreted by the pineal gland. The secretion of melatonin follows a circadian rhythm controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and its secretion is synchronized with the changes in light and dark periods in nature, with the highest secretion level at night. Melatonin is a critical hormone that coordinates external light stimulation and cellular responses of the body. It transmits information about the environmental light cycle, including the circadian and seasonal rhythms, to the relevant tissues and organs in the body, which, along with changes in its secretion level, ensures that its regulated functional activities are adapted in response to changes in the outside environment. Melatonin takes beneficial actions mainly through the interaction with specific membrane-bound receptors, termed MT1 and MT2. Melatonin also acts as a scavenger of free radicals via non-receptor-mediated mechanism. For more than half of acentury melatonin has been associated with vertebrate reproduction, especially in the context of seasonal breeding. Though modern humans show little remaining reproductive seasonality, the relationships between melatonin and human reproduction continue to attract extensive attention. Melatonin plays important roles in improving mitochondrial function, reducing the damage of free radicals, inducing oocyte maturation, increasing fertilization rate and promoting embryonic development, which improves the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The present article reviews the progress that has been made in our evolving understanding of the physiological role of melatonin in reproduction and its potential clinical applications in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Shao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingzhou Hospital affiliated to Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou 434020, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingzhou Hospital affiliated to Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou 434020, Hubei, China
| | - Chihua He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingzhou Hospital affiliated to Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou 434020, Hubei, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, No.55 Jianghan North Road, Jingzhou 434021, Hubei, China
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Lv T, Cao B, Qin J, Wei Y, Pan B, Ye J, Zhou G. Melatonin promotes parthenogenetic development of vitrified-warmed mouse MII oocytes, potentially by reducing oxidative stress through SIRT1. Theriogenology 2023; 208:132-141. [PMID: 37327742 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.012] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin could ameliorate oxidative stress during the cryopreservation of mouse MII oocytes and their in vitro culture after parthenogenetic activation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remained poorly understood. This study was conducted to investigate whether melatonin could modulate the oxidative stress in the parthenogenetic 2-cell embryos derived from vitrified-warmed oocytes through SIRT1. The results showed that the reactive oxygen species levels increased, the glutathione levels and SIRT1 expression decreased significantly in parthenogenetic 2-cell embryos derived from cryopreserved oocyte, and the parthenogenetic blastocyst formation rates significantly decreased when compared to those derived from control oocytes. These unfavorable phenomena were prevented by the addition of either 10-9 mol/L melatonin or 10-6 mol/L SRT-1720 (SIRT1 agonist), and it was restored by the supplementation of 10-9 mol/L melatonin in combination with 2 × 10-5 mol/L EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). Therefore, the findings from the present study concluded that melatonin may reduce oxidative stress via regulating SIRT1, and potentially promote the parthenogenetic development of vitrified-warmed mouse MII oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Lv
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Beijia Cao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jianpeng Qin
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Yaozong Wei
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Bo Pan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Lee K, Back K. Escherichia coli RimI Encodes Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase Activity and Its Overexpression Leads to Enhanced Growth and Melatonin Biosynthesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:908. [PMID: 37371488 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) functions as the penultimate or final enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, depending on the substrate. The Escherichia coli orthologue of archaeal SNAT from Thermoplasma volcanium was identified as RimI (EcRimI), with 42% amino acid similarity to archaeal SNAT. EcRimI has been reported to be an N-acetyltransferase enzyme. Here, we investigated whether EcRimI also exhibits SNAT enzyme activity. To achieve this goal, we purified recombinant EcRimI and examined its SNAT enzyme kinetics. As expected, EcRimI showed SNAT activity toward various amine substrates including serotonin and 5-methoxytryptamine, with Km and Vmax values of 531 μM and 528 pmol/min/mg protein toward serotonin and 201 μM and 587 pmol/min/mg protein toward 5-methoxytryptamine, respectively. In contrast to the rimI mutant E. coli strain that showed no growth defect, the EcRimI overexpression strain exhibited a 2-fold higher growth rate than the control strain after 24 h incubation in nutrient-rich medium. The EcRimI overexpression strain produced more melatonin than the control strain in the presence of 5-methoxytryptamine. The enhanced growth effect of EcRimI overexpression was also observed under cadmium stress. The higher growth rate associated with EcRimI expression was attributed to increased protein N-acetyltransferase activity, increased synthesis of melatonin, or the combined effects of both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjin Lee
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungwhan Back
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Kravtsova EI, Kolesnikova NV, Lukoshkina IN, Uryupina KV, Avakimyan VA. Immunological and immunohistochemical features of endometrial implantation factor in healthy patients of late reproductive age. RUDN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.22363/2313-0245-2023-27-1-46-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Аbstract. Relevance. The number of women of older reproductive age is steadily increasing, and repeated failures of Assisted Reproductive Technologies programs during the transfer of high-quality embryos indicate the possibility of disruption of embryo implantation processes associated with impaired receptivity and functionality of the endometrium. Morphological, immunological and immunohistochemical changes in the endometrium associated with age factor may be decisive for the formation of the «implantation window» and correction of these changes and may improve the outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for a cohort of patients of older reproductive age. The aim of the study - to expand the pathogenetic understanding of the violation of the implantation ability of the endometrium in healthy patients of older reproductive age. Materials and Methods. A prospective sample study of 46 patients (group 1), aged 38 to 45 years with an officially registered diagnosis of infertility lasting no more than 4 years, with a successful gynecological and obstetric history, who were about to have their first IVF attempt, was conducted. The patients were examined according to Order № 803n of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Additionally, the level of peripheral blood melatonin, the determination of progesterone, estrogen, HLA-DR (MHC II), CD56 (NK cells), CD138, leukemia inhibiting factor receptors in the endometrium were studied. Concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, TGFß, and VGEF were determined in the cervical secretion, with the calculation of the pro-inflammatory index, as the ratio of IL-6/IL-10 cu and the ratio of TGFß1/VEGF. Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 10.0 application software package (StatSoft, Inc., USA). Results and Discussion. In the group of healthy patients of older reproductive age, there is an imbalance of steroid receptors and secretory transformation of the endometrium against the background of relative hyperestrogenism, with a decrease in the reception of own hormones in the endometrium. A decrease in melatonin signals a disorder of pineal and pituitary control over ovarian cycling. There is a decrease in the expression of leukemia inhibiting factor. Signs of inactive chronic endometritis with an autoimmune component are monitored, confirmed by a pro-inflammatory cytokine balance. The predominance of fibrosis processes over angiogenesis processes is confirmed by an increase in the ratio of TGFß1/VEGF and highly resistant blood flow in the uterine arteries. Conclusion. Standard pre-gravidar preparation cannot compensate for all factors that violate the implantation potential of the endometrium in this cohort of patients and requires the development of new complex techniques that directly affect the diversity of all factors that ensure the natural extinction of reproductive potential in order to increase the effectiveness of Assisted Reproductive Technologies programs.
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Coelho LA, Silva LA, Reway AP, Buonfiglio DDC, Andrade-Silva J, Gomes PRL, Cipolla-Neto J. Seasonal Variation of Melatonin Concentration and mRNA Expression of Melatonin-Related Genes in Developing Ovarian Follicles of Mares Kept under Natural Photoperiods in the Southern Hemisphere. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061063. [PMID: 36978604 PMCID: PMC10044279 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the seasonal variations in mRNA expression of FSH (Fshr), LH (Lhr) receptors, melatonin (Mt1 and Mt2) receptors, melatonin-synthetizing enzymes (Asmt and Aanat) and melatonin concentration in developing follicles from mares raised in natural photoperiods. For one year, ultrasonographic follicular aspiration procedures were performed monthly, and small (<20 mm), medium (20 to 35 mm) and large (>35 mm) follicles were recovered from five mares. One day before monthly sample collections, an exploratory ultrasonography conducted to record the number and the size of all follicles larger than 15 mm. The total number of large follicles were higher during the spring/summer (8.2 ± 1.9) than during autumn/winter (3.0 ± 0.5). Compared to autumn/winter seasons, there was an increase of Fshr and Aanat mRNA expressions in small, medium and large follicles, an increase of Lhr and Asmt mRNA expressions in medium and large follicles and an increase of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expressions in small and large follicles during spring/summer. The melatonin levels in follicular fluid were also higher during the spring/summer seasons. The present data show that melatonin locally upregulates the mRNA expression of Mt1 and Mt2 receptors and melatonin-forming enzymes in mare developing follicles during reproductive seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Alencar Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luciano Andrade Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Reway
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Daniella Do Carmo Buonfiglio
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Jéssica Andrade-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
| | - Patrícia Rodrigues Lourenço Gomes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
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Lee K, Back K. Human Naa50 Shows Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase Activity, and Its Overexpression Enhances Melatonin Biosynthesis, Resulting in Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Rice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020319. [PMID: 36829878 PMCID: PMC9952165 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020319] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A new clade of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), the penultimate enzyme in the melatonin biosynthetic pathway, has been reported in the archaeon Thermoplasma volcanium. The closest homolog of archaea SNAT in human was an N-alpha-acetyltransferase50 (Naa50). To determine whether human Naa50 (hNaa50) shows SNAT enzyme activity, we chemically synthesized and expressed the hNaa50 gene in Escherichia coli, followed by Ni2+ affinity purification. Purified recombinant hNaa50 showed SNAT activity (Km and Vmax values of 986 μM and 1800 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively). To assess its in vivo function, hNaa50 was overexpressed in rice (hNaa50-OE). The transgenic rice plants produced more melatonin than nontransgenic wild-type rice, indicating that hNaa50 is functionally coupled with melatonin biosynthesis. Due to its overproduction of melatonin, hNaa50-OE had a higher tolerance against osmotic stress than the wild type. Enhanced expression of the chaperone genes BIP1 and CNX in hNaa50-OE plants was responsible for the increased tolerance. It is concluded that hNaa50 harbors serotonin N-acetyltransferase enzyme activity in addition to its initial N-alpha-acetyltransferase, suggesting the bifunctionality of the hNaa50 enzyme toward serotonin and protein substrates. Consequently, ectopic overexpression of hNaa50 in rice enhanced melatonin synthesis, indicating that hNaa50 is in fact involved in melatonin biosynthesis.
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