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Paiva RVN, Mondes PHDL, Brandão BDJ, Sant’Anna JN, Freire dos Santos ME, Fighera YM, Santos LC, Markus RP, Fernandes PACM, Silva JF, Tamura EK. Effects of acute hypothyroidism on plasma melatonin and Aanat and Asmt expression in the pineal gland and gonads of rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1322867. [PMID: 39149125 PMCID: PMC11324505 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1322867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The reproductive system is tightly regulated by environmental and physiological signals. Melatonin, known as the hormone of darkness, plays a crucial role in regulating both the circadian and reproductive systems in mammals. Hypothyroidism is a key endocrine disorder that harms the reproductive system. Despite many studies on melatonin's effects on the reproductive system, there is conflicting information regarding melatonin synthesis modulation in hypothyroidism. The objective of this study was to investigate the modulation of plasma melatonin levels and gene expression of Aanat and Asmt in the pineal gland and gonads of rats with hypothyroidism at different times of the day. Methods Female and male Wistar rats were divided into control and hypothyroid groups. Hypothyroidism was induced using propylthiouracil (PTU) for 15 days, rats were euthanized six hours after lights on (ZT6), before lights off (ZT11.5), and six hours after lights off (ZT18). Free thyroxine (FT4) and melatonin were quantified in plasma, and gene expressions of melatonin synthesizing enzymes (Aanat and Asmt) were measured in pineal and sexual organs (testis and ovary). Also, morphological analysis was performed in sexual organs. Results The results reveal some disparities between the sexes. Hypothyroidism reduced antral and primary follicles in the ovary, and reduced the weight of testis, epididymis, and prostate. In relation to gene expression, we observed a reduction in Aanat expression in the pineal gland during the light phase (ZT6), and in males, this reduction occurred during the dark phase (ZT18). Regarding Asmt expression, there was a decrease in females also during the dark phase (ZT18). In the gonads, there was an increase in expression in both sexes at ZT11.5. Additionally, it was interesting to observe the association between FT4 levels and Asmt expression in the gonads. Conclusions This study showed that acute hypothyroidism can affect components of the melatonergic system in gonads, particularly gene expression of melatonin synthesis enzymes (Aanat and Asmt) contributing to changes in reproduction organs during disease progression. These findings enhance our understanding of melatonin synthesis in the reproductive system during hypothyroidism, showing distinct responses in male and female rats, and suggest that hypothyroidism affects the circadian rhythmicity of melatonin synthesis in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaella Valete Nunes Paiva
- Chronobiology Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
- Reproduction and Endocrinology Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Beatriz de Jesus Brandão
- Chronobiology Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Julia Nascimento Sant’Anna
- Chronobiology Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Yasmin Muniz Fighera
- Chronobiology Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Luciano Cardoso Santos
- Reproduction and Endocrinology Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Regina P. Markus
- Chronopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- Reproduction and Endocrinology Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Koji Tamura
- Chronobiology Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
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Sampaio OGM, Santos SAAR, Damasceno MDBMV, Joventino LB, Schneider A, Masternak MM, Campos AR, Cavalcante MB. Impact of repeated ovarian hyperstimulation on the reproductive function. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104277. [PMID: 38889661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104277] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
One of six couples (17.5 % of the adult population) worldwide is affected by infertility during their lifetime. This number represents a substantial increase in the prevalence of this gynecological condition over the last decade. Ovulatory dysfunction and anovulation are the main causes of female infertility. Timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination, and assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are the most common interventions for infertile couples. Ovulation induction protocols for IVF/ICSI routinely use supraphysiological doses of gonadotropins to stimulate many preovulatory follicles. Animal and human studies suggested that ovarian hyperstimulation, alone or repeatedly, for ART cycles can induce changes in the immune response and increase the oxidative stress (OS) in the ovarian microenvironment. The consequences of repeated ovarian hyperstimulation on the human ovary remain poorly understood, particularly in relation to the effects of ovarian stimulation on the immune system and the potential for ovarian stimulation to cause OS. Animal studies have observed that repeated cycles of ovarian hyperstimulation can accelerate ovarian aging. Changes in ovarian hormone levels, accelerated loss of ovarian reserve, disorders in ovarian ultrastructure, ovarian senescence, and decreased reproductive performance represent possible long-term effects of repeated ovarian hyperstimulation. The short and long-term impact of the combination of antioxidant agents in ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in women undergoing ART must urgently be better understood. The recent increase in the number of ART and fertility preservation cycles may accelerate ovarian aging in these women, promoting consequences beyond the reproductive function and including health deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Augusto Schneider
- 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
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE 60.811-905, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Borges Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE 60.811-905, Brazil; Medical School, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE 60.811-905, Brazil; CONCEPTUS - Reproductive Medicine, Fortaleza, CE 60.170-240, Brazil.
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Ullah A, Chen Y, Singla RK, Cao D, Shen B. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and CXC chemokines as game-changer in age-associated prostate cancer and ovarian cancer: Insights from preclinical and clinical studies' outcomes. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107213. [PMID: 38750677 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107213] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) and Ovarian cancer (OC) are two of the most common types of cancer that affect the reproductive systems of older men and women. These cancers are associated with a poor quality of life among the aged population. Therefore, finding new and innovative ways to detect, treat, and prevent these cancers in older patients is essential. Finding biomarkers for these malignancies will increase the chance of early detection and effective treatment, subsequently improving the survival rate. Studies have shown that the prevalence and health of some illnesses are linked to an impaired immune system. However, the age-associated changes in the immune system during malignancies such as PC and OC are poorly understood. Recent research has suggested that the excessive production of inflammatory immune mediators, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), transforming growth factor (TGF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CXC motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXC motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and CXC motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), etc., significantly impact the development of PC and OC in elderly patients. Our review focuses on the latest functional studies of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins) and CXC chemokines, which serve as biomarkers in elderly patients with PC and OC. Thus, we aim to shed light on how these biomarkers affect the development of PC and OC in elderly patients. We also examine the current status and future perspective of cytokines (interleukins) and CXC chemokines-based therapeutic targets in OC and PC treatment for elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ullah
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center of West China Hospital and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongxiu Chen
- Gynecology Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521, Xingnan Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511442, China
| | - Rajeev K Singla
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center of West China Hospital and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Dan Cao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center of West China Hospital and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center of West China Hospital and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Bao S, Yin T, Liu S. Ovarian aging: energy metabolism of oocytes. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:118. [PMID: 38822408 PMCID: PMC11141068 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01427-y] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In women who are getting older, the quantity and quality of their follicles or oocytes and decline. This is characterized by decreased ovarian reserve function (DOR), fewer remaining oocytes, and lower quality oocytes. As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. The decline in oocyte quality is a key indicator of ovarian aging. Many studies suggest that age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism may impact oocyte quality. Changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, but how related products and proteins influence oocyte quality remains largely unknown. This review focuses on oocyte metabolism in age-related ovarian aging and its potential impact on oocyte quality, as well as therapeutic strategies that may partially influence oocyte metabolism. This research aims to enhance our understanding of age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism, and the identification of biomarkers and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Bao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, , Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (Formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China.
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Lin LT, Li CJ, Chern CU, Lin PH, Lin PW, Chen YC, Tsai HW, Tsui KH. Intravascular Laser Blood Irradiation (ILIB) Enhances Antioxidant Activity and Energy Metabolism in Aging Ovaries. J Pers Med 2024; 14:551. [PMID: 38929772 PMCID: PMC11205042 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060551] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian aging is characterized by the accumulation of free radicals, leading to tissue damage and affecting reproductive health. Intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB, using a low-energy He-Ne laser) is known for its efficacy in treating vascular-related diseases by reducing free radicals and inflammation. However, its impact on ovarian aging remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ILIB on oxidative stress and energy metabolism in aging ovaries. METHODS Genetic analysis was conducted on 75 infertile patients with aging ovaries, divided into ILIB-treated and control (CTRL) groups. Patients underwent two courses of laser treatment, and clinical parameters were evaluated. Cumulus cells were collected for the genetic analysis of oxeiptosis, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. RESULTS The analysis of gene expression patterns revealed intriguing findings in ILIB-treated patients compared to the untreated group. Notably, ILIB treatment resulted in significant upregulation of oxeiptosis-related genes AIFM1 and NRF2, suggesting a potential protective effect against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Furthermore, ILIB treatment led to a downregulation of glycolysis-associated gene hexokinase 2 (HK2), indicating a shift away from anaerobic metabolism, along with an increase in PDHA levels, indicative of enhanced mitochondrial function. Consistent with these changes, ILIB-treated patients exhibited elevated expression of the key TCA cycle genes citrate synthase (CS), succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA), and fumarate hydratase (FH), signifying improved energy metabolism. CONCLUSION The findings from this study underscore the potential of ILIB as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating ovarian aging. By targeting oxidative stress and enhancing energy metabolism, ILIB holds promise for preserving ovarian function and reproductive health in aging individuals. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of ILIB in clinical settings, with the ultimate goal of improving fertility outcomes in women experiencing age-related ovarian decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Uei Chern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Wen Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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Zhang G, Lin W, Gao N, Lan C, Ren M, Yan L, Pan B, Xu J, Han B, Hu L, Chen Y, Wu T, Zhuang L, Lu Q, Wang B, Fang M. Using Machine Learning to Construct the Blood-Follicle Distribution Models of Various Trace Elements and Explore the Transport-Related Pathways with Multiomics Data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7743-7757. [PMID: 38652822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Permeabilities of various trace elements (TEs) through the blood-follicle barrier (BFB) play an important role in oocyte development. However, it has not been comprehensively described as well as its involved biological pathways. Our study aimed to construct a blood-follicle distribution model of the concerned TEs and explore their related biological pathways. We finally included a total of 168 women from a cohort of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer conducted in two reproductive centers in Beijing City and Shandong Province, China. The concentrations of 35 TEs in both serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples from the 168 women were measured, as well as the multiomics features of the metabolome, lipidome, and proteome in both plasma and FF samples. Multiomics features associated with the transfer efficiencies of TEs through the BFB were selected by using an elastic net model and further utilized for pathway analysis. Various machine learning (ML) models were built to predict the concentrations of TEs in FF. Overall, there are 21 TEs that exhibited three types of consistent BFB distribution characteristics between Beijing and Shandong centers. Among them, the concentrations of arsenic, manganese, nickel, tin, and bismuth in FF were higher than those in the serum with transfer efficiencies of 1.19-4.38, while a reverse trend was observed for the 15 TEs with transfer efficiencies of 0.076-0.905, e.g., mercury, germanium, selenium, antimony, and titanium. Lastly, cadmium was evenly distributed in the two compartments with transfer efficiencies of 0.998-1.056. Multiomics analysis showed that the enrichment of TEs was associated with the synthesis and action of steroid hormones and the glucose metabolism. Random forest model can provide the most accurate predictions of the concentrations of TEs in FF among the concerned ML models. In conclusion, the selective permeability through the BFB for various TEs may be significantly regulated by the steroid hormones and the glucose metabolism. Also, the concentrations of some TEs in FF can be well predicted by their serum levels with a random forest model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohuan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Weinan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Changxin Lan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Mengyuan Ren
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Lailai Yan
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Bo Pan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - Jia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Yuanchen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, P. R. China
| | - Tianxiang Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Lili Zhuang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Yuhuangding Hospital of Yantai, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, P. R. China
| | - Qun Lu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, P.R China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
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Li P, Dou Q, Zhang D, Xiang Y, Tan L. Melatonin regulates autophagy in granulosa cells from patients with premature ovarian insufficiency via activating Foxo3a. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:844-856. [PMID: 38206302 PMCID: PMC10817365 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205424] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a diverse form of female infertility characterized by a decline in ovarian function before the age of 40. Melatonin (MT) is a potential clinical treatment for restoring or safeguarding ovarian function in POI. However, the specific therapeutic mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. To address this, we conducted experiments using human granulosa cells (GCs) from both POI and normal patients. We examined the expression levels of autophagy-related genes and proteins in GCs through qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Autophagy flux was monitored in GCs infected with GFP-LC3-adenovirus, and the regulatory function of MT in autophagy was investigated. Additionally, we employed pharmacological intervention of autophagy using 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and RNA interference of Forkhead box O-3A (FOXO3A) to elucidate the mechanism of MT in the autophagy process. Compared to GCs from normal patients, GCs from POI patients exhibited irregular morphology, decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and elevated ROS levels. The expression of autophagy-related genes was downregulated in POI GCs, resulting in reduced autophagic activity. Furthermore, MT levels were decreased in POI GCs, but exogenous MT effectively activated autophagy. Mechanistically, melatonin treatment downregulated FOXO3A expression and induced phosphorylation in POI GCs. Importantly, silencing FOXO3A abolished the protective effect of melatonin on GCs. These findings indicate that autophagy is downregulated in POI GCs, accompanied by a deficiency in MT. Moreover, we demonstrated that supplementing MT can rescue autophagy levels and enhance GC viability through the activation of FOXO3A signaling. Thus, MT-FOXO3A may serve as a potential therapeutic target for POI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfen Li
- Department of Reproductive Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Qian Dou
- Department of Reproductive Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Yungai Xiang
- Department of Reproductive Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Reproductive Center of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, Henan Province, China
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Chen Y, Yang J, Zhang L. The Impact of Follicular Fluid Oxidative Stress Levels on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Therapy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2117. [PMID: 38136236 PMCID: PMC10740420 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122117] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a pivotal determinant of assisted reproductive outcomes. The quality of oocytes is intricately linked to their developmental microenvironment, particularly the levels of oxidative stress within the follicular fluid. Oxidative stress levels in follicular fluid may have a substantial influence on oocyte health, thereby impacting the outcomes of ART procedures. This review meticulously explores the intricate relationship between oxidative stress in follicular fluid and ART outcomes. Furthermore, it delves into strategies aimed at ameliorating the oxidative stress status of follicular fluid, with the overarching goal of enhancing the overall efficacy of ART. This research endeavors to establish a robust foundation and provide valuable guidance for clinical treatment approaches, particularly in the context of infertile women, including those of advanced maternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, China; (Y.C.); (J.Y.)
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Gładysz AK, Stępniak J, Karbownik-Lewińska M. Exogenous Melatonin Protects against Oxidative Damage to Membrane Lipids Caused by Some Sodium/Iodide Symporter Inhibitors in the Thyroid. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1688. [PMID: 37759991 PMCID: PMC10525497 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091688] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The thyroid gland is the primary site of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), an intrinsic plasma membrane protein responsible for the active uptake of iodine, which is indispensable for thyroid hormone synthesis. Since exposure of the thyroid to NIS inhibitors can potentially have harmful effects on the entire organism, it is important to investigate the potential protective effects of known antioxidants, such as melatonin and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), against pro-oxidative action of classic NIS inhibitors. The study aimed to check if and to what extent melatonin and IPA interact with some confirmed NIS inhibitors regarding their effects on oxidative damage to membrane lipids in the thyroid. For comparison with the thyroid gland, in which NIS is typically present, the liver tissue-not possessing NIS-was applied in the present study. Thyroid and liver homogenates were incubated in the presence of tested NIS inhibitors (i.e., NaClO3, NH4SCN, KSeCN, KNO3, NaF, KClO4, and BPA) in different ranges of concentrations with/without melatonin (5 mM) or IPA (5 mM). The malondialdehyde+4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA + 4-HDA) concentration (LPO index) was measured spectrophotometrically. NaClO3 increased LPO in the thyroid and in the liver, but these pro-oxidative effects were not prevented by either melatonin or IPA. Instead, pro-oxidative effects of NH4SCN observed in both tissues were prevented by both indole substances. KSeCN and NaF increased LPO only in the thyroid, and these pro-oxidative effects were prevented by melatonin and IPA. KNO3, KClO4, and BPA did not increase LPO, which can be due to their low concentrations resulting from restricted solubility. In conclusion, as melatonin prevented oxidative damage to membrane lipids in the thyroid caused by some sodium/iodide symporter inhibitors, this indoleamine shoud be considered as a potential protective agent when produced appropriately in living organisms but also as an exogenous substance recommended to individuals overexposed to NIS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra K. Gładysz
- Department of Oncological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowski St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (A.K.G.); (J.S.)
| | - Jan Stępniak
- Department of Oncological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowski St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (A.K.G.); (J.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska
- Department of Oncological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowski St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (A.K.G.); (J.S.)
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska St., 93-338 Lodz, Poland
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