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Jin R, Chen A, Ye Y, Ren Y, Lu J, Xuan F, Zhou W. Effect of berberine combined with metformin on autophagy in polycystic ovary syndrome by regulating AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23768. [PMID: 39155689 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23768] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The pathologic mechanism of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to increased autophagy of granulosa cells. Both berberine and metformin have been shown to improve PCOS, but whether the combination of berberine and metformin can better improve PCOS by inhibiting autophagy remains unclear. PCOS models were constructed by injecting dehydroepiandrosterone into rats, and berberine, metformin or berberine combined with metformin was administered to rats after modeling. Rats' body weight and ovarian weight were measured before and after modeling. Histopathological examination of ovarian tissue and estrous cycle analysis of rats were performed. Insulin resistance, hormone levels, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism in PCOS rats were assessed. Expression of the AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy-related proteins was analyzed by Western blot assays. Granulosa cells were isolated from rat ovarian tissue and identified by immunofluorescence staining followed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. Berberine combined with metformin reduced the body weight and ovarian weight of PCOS rats, increased the number of primordial and primary follicles, decreased the number of secondary and atretic follicles, normalized the estrous cycle, and improved insulin resistance, androgen biosynthesis, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders, and increased estrogen production. In addition, berberine combined with metformin reduced the number of autophagosomes in granulosa cells, which may be related to AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway activation, decreased Beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I levels, and increased p62 expression. Berberine combined with metformin could inhibit autophagy by activating the AMPK/AKT/mTOR pathway in PCOS, indicating that berberine combined with metformin is a potential treatment strategy for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Jin
- Department of Gynecology, Jiaojiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taizhou City, China
| | - Aixue Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Changxing People's Hospital of Chongming District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongju Ye
- Department of Gynaecology, Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Yuefang Ren
- Department of Gynecology, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Jiali Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Feilan Xuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, China
| | - Weimei Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiaojiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taizhou City, China
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2
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Li MY, Shen HH, Cao XY, Gao XX, Xu FY, Ha SY, Sun JS, Liu SP, Xie F, Li MQ. Targeting a mTOR/autophagy axis: a double-edged sword of rapamycin in spontaneous miscarriage. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116976. [PMID: 38906022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116976] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction is a primary culprit behind spontaneous miscarriage (SM). To address this, immunosuppressive agents have emerged as a novel class of tocolytic drugs, modulating the maternal immune system's tolerance towards the embryo. Rapamycin (PubChem CID:5284616), a dual-purpose compound, functions as an immunosuppressive agent and triggers autophagy by targeting the mTOR pathway. Its efficacy in treating SM has garnered significant research interest in recent times. Autophagy, the cellular process of self-degradation and recycling, plays a pivotal role in numerous health conditions. Research indicates that autophagy is integral to endometrial decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and the proper functioning of decidual immune cells during a healthy pregnancy. Yet, in cases of SM, there is a dysregulation of the mTOR/autophagy axis in decidual stromal cells or immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential benefits of low-dose rapamycin in managing SM. However, given mTOR's critical role in energy metabolism, inhibiting it could potentially harm the pregnancy. Moreover, while low-dose rapamycin has been deemed safe for treating recurrent implant failure, its potential teratogenic effects remain uncertain due to insufficient data. In summary, rapamycin represents a double-edged sword in the treatment of SM, balancing its impact on autophagy and immune regulation. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ying Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Cao
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yuan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510235, China
| | - Jian-Song Sun
- School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Song-Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Immunology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.
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Afzal A, Zhang Y, Afzal H, Saddozai UAK, Zhang L, Ji XY, Khawar MB. Functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384047. [PMID: 38827527 PMCID: PMC11140113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384047] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular recycling process that maintains cellular homeostasis. Despite extensive research in endocrine contexts, the role of autophagy in ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis remains elusive. The significant role of autophagy in testosterone production suggests potential treatments for conditions like oligospermia and azoospermia. Further, influence of autophagy in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteal development emphasizes its importance for improved fertility and reproductive health. Thus, investigating autophagy in gonadal cells is clinically significant. Understanding these processes could transform treatments for endocrine disorders, enhancing reproductive health and longevity. Herein, we provide the functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis to date, highlighting its modulation in testicular steroidogenesis and its impact on hormone synthesis, follicle development, and fertility therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 988 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
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4
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Duan H, Yang S, Xiao L, Yang S, Yan Z, Wang F, Ma X, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Hu J, Zhao X. Melatonin promotes progesterone secretion in sheep luteal cells by regulating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Theriogenology 2024; 214:342-351. [PMID: 37976799 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.010] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The corpus luteum is primarily responsible for the production and secretion of progesterone. Melatonin has been established to regulate autophagy and induce progesterone secretion in luteal cell. However, whether melatonin affects progesterone secretion by interfering with autophagy is yet to be reported. In the present study, the expression levels of melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2), autophagy-related protein Beclin1 (Bec1), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 B (LC3B), progesterone and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) were analyzed in the corpus luteum of sheep at different stages (early, middle, and late); specifically, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting were utilized for this expression analysis. In addition, to determine whether melatonin regulated progesterone secretion via the regulation of autophagy, luteal cells were cultured before being exposed to different concentrations of melatonin (0.01-100 nM) and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (50 μM). Next, luteal cells were treated with the melatonin receptor inhibitors 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (1 μM) and luzindole (1 μM) before detecting Bec1, LC3B2, AMPK/mTOR, and progesterone secretion levels to ascertain whether the effect of melatonin on autophagy and progesterone secretion is mediated by its corresponding receptors in luteal cells. Finally, to determine the significance of the AMPK/mTOR pathway in this process, an AMPK inhibitor, Compound C (10 μM), was added to luteal cells. Overall, the highest expression of melatonin receptors, autophagy and progesterone secretion was observed in the middle-phase corpus luteum; additionally, melatonin promoted autophagy, at least partially, through its receptor-mediated AMPK/mTOR pathway, which thereby promoting progesterone secretion in luteal cells in vitro. Ultimately, this study is the first to clarify the important role of autophagy in the melatonin-mediated regulation of progesterone secretion in the corpus luteum of sheep; it also lays a foundation for further exploration into the role of melatonin in regulating sheep's ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Zhenxing Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaofei Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
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5
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Gao Q, Zhang D, Zhang JL, Wang BJ, Lu CY, Cui S. PGF2alpha Inhibits 20alpha-HSD Expression by Suppressing CK1alpha-induced ERK and SP1 Activation in the Corpus Luteum of Pregnant Mice. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:248-259. [PMID: 37644378 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01322-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a luteolytic hormone that promotes parturition in mammals at the end of pregnancy by reducing progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum (CL). In rodents and primates, PGF2α rapidly converts progesterone to 20α-hydroxyprogesterone (20α-OHP) by promoting 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) expression. However, the specific mechanism of 20α-HSD regulation by PGF2α remains unclear. Casein Kinase 1α (CK1α) is a CK1 family member that regulates a variety of physiological functions, including reproductive development. Here, we investigated the effects of CK1α on pregnancy in female mice. Our experiments showed that CK1α is expressed in mouse CL, and its inhibition enhanced progesterone metabolism, decreased progesterone levels, and affected mouse embryo implantation. Further, CK1α mediated the effect of PGF2α on 20α-HSD in mouse luteal cells in vitro. Our results are the first to show that CK1α affects the 20α-HSD mRNA level by affecting the ERK signalling pathway to regulate the expression of the transcription factor SP1. These findings improve our understanding of PGF2α regulation of 20α-HSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing-Lin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing-Jie Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Yang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Yakin K, Hela F, Oktem O. Progesterone signaling in the regulation of luteal steroidogenesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad022. [PMID: 37289566 PMCID: PMC10631818 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum is the major source of progesterone, the essential hormone for female reproductive function. While progesterone activity has been the subject of extensive research for decades, characterization of non-canonical progesterone receptor/signaling pathways provided a new perspective for understanding the complex signal transduction mechanisms exploited by the progesterone hormone. Deciphering these mechanisms has significant implications in the management of luteal phase disorders and early pregnancy complications. The purpose of this review is to highlight the complex mechanisms through which progesterone-induced signaling mediates luteal granulosa cell activity in the corpus luteum. Here, we review the literature and discuss the up-to-date evidence on how paracrine and autocrine effects of progesterone regulate luteal steroidogenic activity. We also review the limitations of the published data and highlight future research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayhan Yakin
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Francesko Hela
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Harvard Medical School, Islet Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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7
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Zhang YF, Zhu HL, Xu XF, Zhang J, Ling Q, Zhang S, Chang W, Xiong YW, Xu DX, Wang H. Activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy ameliorates cadmium-induced fetal growth restriction. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121602. [PMID: 37031847 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), an environmental contaminant, can result in placental non-selective autophagy activation and fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the role of placental lipophagy, a selective autophagy, in Cd-induced FGR is unclear. This work uses case-control study, animal experiments and cultures of primary human placental trophoblast cells to explore the role of placental lipophagy in Cd-induced FGR. We found association of placental lipophagy and all-cause FGR. Meanwhile, pregnancy Cd exposure induced FGR and placental lipophgay. Inhibition of placental lipophagy by pharmacological and genetic means (Atg5-/- mice) exacerbated Cd-caused FGR. Inversely, activating of placental lipophagy relieved Cd-stimulated FGR. Subsequently, we found that activation of Atg5-dependent lipophagy degrades lipid droplets to produce free cholesterol, and promotes placental progesterone (P4) synthesis. Gestational P4 supplementation significantly reversed Cd-induced FGR. Altogether, activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy ameliorates Cd-induced FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Qing Ling
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China.
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8
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Tian Y, Liu X, Pei X, Gao H, Pan P, Yang Y. Mechanism of Mitochondrial Homeostasis Controlling Ovarian Physiology. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6828017. [PMID: 36378567 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cells, including oocytes, granulosa/cumulus cells, theca cells, and stromal cells, contain abundant mitochondria, which play indispensable roles in the processes of ovarian follicle development. Ovarian function is closely controlled by mitochondrial proteostasis and mitostasis. While mitochondrial proteostasis and mitostasis are disturbed by several factors, leading to dysfunction of ovarian function and initiating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and mitophagy to maintain or recover ovarian function and mitochondrial function, clear interactions between the 2 pathways in the ovary have not been fully elucidated. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular networks or regulatory mechanisms behind further mitochondrial research in the ovary. This review provides novel insights into the interactions between the UPRmt and mitophagy in ovarian functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Pengge Pan
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yanzhou Yang
- Clinical Medical College, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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9
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Li N, Xu H, Liu X, Gao R, He J, Ding Y, Li F, Geng Y, Mu X, Chen X. Exposure to benzo(a)pyrene suppresses mitophagy via ANT1-PINK1-Parkin pathway in ovarian corpus luteum during early pregnancy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 814:152759. [PMID: 34986425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to benzo (a)pyrene (BaP) has been confirmed to interfere with embryo implantation. As the primary organ of progesterone synthesis during early pregnancy, the ovarian corpus luteum (CL) is essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We previously demonstrated that BaP impaired luteal function, but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In CL cells, mitochondria are the main sites of progesterone synthesis. Mitophagy, a particular type of autophagy, regulates mitochondrial quality by degrading damaged mitochondria and ensuring the homeostasis of cell physiology. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects and the potential molecular mechanisms of BaP on ovarian mitophagy during early pregnancy. We found that BaP and its metabolite, BPDE, inhibited autophagy and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in the pregnant ovaries and luteinized granulosa cell, KGN. Notably, adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT1), a crucial mediator of PINK1-dependent mitophagy, was suppressed by BaP and BPDE both in vivo and in vitro. The inhibition of ANT1 leads to the decrease in the PINK1 bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria and consequently reduces recruitment of Parkin to the mitochondria, which is required for the subsequent clearance of mitochondria. Meanwhile, exposure to BPDE also damaged mitochondrial function, causing the reduction in mitochondrial potential and ATP production. Overexpression of ANT1 in KGN cells partially relieved the inhibition of mitophagy caused by BPDE, restored mitochondrial function and expression of hormone synthesis-associated genes. Collectively, our study firstly clarified that BaP and BPDE suppress mitophagy of CL cells via the ANT1-PINK1-Parkin pathway, which provides a new insight to explore the detailed mechanism of the BaP-induced ovarian toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanyan Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Hanting Xu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Rufei Gao
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Junlin He
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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10
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Li X, Zhao Y, Chen B, Zhu Z, Kang Q, Husain T, Zhang B. Inhalation and ingestion of Synthetic musks in pregnant women: In silico spontaneous abortion risk evaluation and control. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106911. [PMID: 34619532 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic musks (SMs) are odor additives commonly used in the personal care products. Their wide existence in the environment and the recently reported adverse impact on the production and activity of progesterone and estrogen have raised pregnancy red flags and even lead to a pregnancy loss. Apart from the suggestion of limiting SM contact and exposure, effective abortion risk control measures for SMs remain to be blank. Facing the above challenges, this study tried to establish a new theoretical circumvention strategy to reduce the abortion risk of SMs to pregnant women by designing the supplementary diet plan and environmentally friendly SMs derivatives using molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models. According to the supplementary diet plan, the diet combination of vitamin E, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 were confirmed to not only provide essential nutrients for human health, but also reduce the abortion risk in pregnant women in daily life. The multi-activity (binding ability of SMs with progesterone-estrogen) 3D-QSAR model was constructed to screen SMs derivatives. The LibDock score, a parameter reflecting the binding ability between SMs' Derivative-24 with progesterone-estrogen, decreased as much as 137.67% compared with its precursor galaxolide (HHCB). The 3D-QSAR models assisted screening indicated that Derivative-24 had lower environmental impacts (i.e., bioconcentration and mobility) and improved functional properties (odor stability, musky scent, and odor intensity). The integration of the optimum candidate, Derivative-24, with optimum three supplementary diet plans exhibited a much lower abortion risk than HHCB, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical circumvention strategy as a comprehensive abortion risk control measure. It also shed light on the design of new pharmaceutical and personal care products using advanced computing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Li
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Zhiwen Zhu
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Qiao Kang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Tahir Husain
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
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11
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Przygrodzka E, Monaco CF, Plewes MR, Li G, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Protein Kinase A and 5' AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways Exert Opposite Effects on Induction of Autophagy in Luteal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:723563. [PMID: 34820368 PMCID: PMC8607825 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.723563] [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: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of pregnancy the ovarian corpus luteum undergoes regression, a process characterized by decreased production of progesterone and structural luteolysis involving apoptosis. Autophagy has been observed in the corpus luteum during luteal regression. Autophagy is a self-degradative process important for balancing sources of cellular energy at critical times in development and in response to nutrient stress, but it can also lead to apoptosis. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) and 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), key players in autophagy, are known to inhibit or activate autophagy, respectively. Here, we analyzed the signaling pathways regulating the initiation of autophagy in bovine luteal cells. In vivo studies showed increased activating phosphorylation of AMPKα (Thr172) and elevated content of LC3B, a known marker of autophagy, in luteal tissue during PGF2α-induced luteolysis. In vitro, AMPK activators 1) stimulated phosphorylation of regulatory associated protein of MTOR (RPTOR) leading to decreased activity of MTOR, 2) increased phosphorylation of Unc-51-Like Kinase 1 (ULK1) and Beclin 1 (BECN1), at sites specific for AMPK and required for autophagy initiation, 3) increased levels of LC3B, and 4) enhanced colocalization of autophagosomes with lysosomes indicating elevated autophagy. In contrast, LH/PKA signaling in luteal cells 1) reduced activation of AMPKα and phosphorylation of RPTOR, 2) elevated MTOR activity, 3) stimulated phosphorylation of ULK1 at site required for ULK1 inactivation, and 4) inhibited autophagosome formation as reflected by reduced content of LC3B-II. Pretreatment with AICAR, a pharmacological activator of AMPK, inhibited LH-mediated effects on RPTOR, ULK1 and BECN1. Our results indicate that luteotrophic signaling via LH/PKA/MTOR inhibits, while luteolytic signaling via PGF2α/Ca2+/AMPK activates key signaling pathways involved in luteal cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Przygrodzka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Corrine F Monaco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Guojuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
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12
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Bhardwaj JK, Paliwal A, Saraf P, Sachdeva SN. Role of autophagy in follicular development and maintenance of primordial follicular pool in the ovary. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1157-1170. [PMID: 34668576 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive life span of the organism mainly depends on follicular development that maintains the primordial follicle pool in the cohort of follicles within the ovary. The total count of primordial follicles decreases with age due to ovulation and follicular atresia. Follicular atresia, a process of ovarian follicles degradation, mainly occurs via apoptosis, but recent studies also favor autophagy existence. Autophagy is a cellular and energy homeostatic response that helps to maintain the number of healthy primordial follicles, germ cell survival, and removal of corpus luteum remnants. But the excessive autophagic cell death changes both the quality and quantity of oocytes that ultimately affect female reproductive health. Autophagy regulation occurs by various autophagy-regulated genes like BECN1 and LC3-II (autophagy marker genes). Their abnormal regulation or mutation highly influences follicular development by alteration of primordial follicles formation, the decline in oocytes count, and germ cell loss. Various classical signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK1/2, AMPK, and IRE1 are involved in granulosa and oocytes autophagy, while mTOR signaling is the primary mechanism. Along with basal level autophagy, chemical/hormone/stress-mediated autophagy also affects follicular development and female reproduction. In this review, we have primarily focused on granulosa cell and oocytes' autophagy, mechanism, and the role of autophagy determining marker genes in follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender K Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Aakansha Paliwal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Priyanka Saraf
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Som N Sachdeva
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology and Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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13
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gga-miR-142-3p negatively regulates Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HS strain)-induced inflammatory cytokine production via the NF-κB and MAPK signaling by targeting TAB2. Inflamm Res 2021; 70:1217-1231. [PMID: 34554275 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-021-01499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a notorious avian pathogen, leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. MG infection is characterized by severe, uncontrollable inflammation and host DNA damage. Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in microbial pathogenesis. However, the role of miRNAs in MG infection is poorly characterized. In this study, we validated the functional roles of gga-miR-142-3p. METHODS The relative expression of gga-miR-142-3p in the lungs of the MG-infected chicken embryos and the MG-infected chicken embryonic fibroblast cell line (DF-1) was determined by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Bioinformatics database was used to analysis the target gene of gga-miR-142-3p. The luciferase reporter assay as well as gene expression analysis were conducted to validate the target gene. To further explore the biological functions of gga-miR-142-3p upon MG infection, the cell proliferation was quantified using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Meanwhile, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were measured using a flow cytometer. RESULTS gga-miR-142-3p was significantly upregulated in both MG-infected chicken-embryo lungs and the DF-1 cells. gga-miR-142-3p over expression significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha after MG infection. Meanwhile, gga-miR-142-3p enhanced the host defense against MG infection by facilitating cell proliferation, promoting cell progression and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Interestingly, TAB2 knockdown groups show similar results, whereas, TAB2 over-expression groups and gga-miR-142-3p inhibitor groups had thoroughly opposite results. The expression of p-p65 in nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and p-p38 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was decreased when gga-miR-142-3p was over-expressed. CONCLUSION Upon MG infection, upregulation of gga-miR-142-3p alleviates inflammation by negatively regulating the signaling pathways of NF-κB and MAPKs by targeting TAB2 and facilitates cell proliferation by inhibiting cell apoptosis and promoting cell cycle progression to defend against MG infection.
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14
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Przygrodzka E, Plewes MR, Davis JS. Luteinizing Hormone Regulation of Inter-Organelle Communication and Fate of the Corpus Luteum. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9972. [PMID: 34576135 PMCID: PMC8470545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum is an endocrine gland that synthesizes the steroid hormone progesterone. luteinizing hormone (LH) is a key luteotropic hormone that stimulates ovulation, luteal development, progesterone biosynthesis, and maintenance of the corpus luteum. Luteotropic and luteolytic factors precisely regulate luteal structure and function; yet, despite recent scientific progress within the past few years, the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present review, we summarize the recent progress towards understanding cellular changes induced by LH in steroidogenic luteal cells. Herein, we will focus on the effects of LH on inter-organelle communication and steroid biosynthesis, and how LH regulates key protein kinases (i.e., AMPK and MTOR) responsible for controlling steroidogenesis and autophagy in luteal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Przygrodzka
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (E.P.); (M.R.P.)
| | - Michele R. Plewes
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (E.P.); (M.R.P.)
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (E.P.); (M.R.P.)
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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15
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HIF-1 α Activation Promotes Luteolysis by Enhancing ROS Levels in the Corpus Luteum of Pseudopregnant Rats. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:1764929. [PMID: 34512862 PMCID: PMC8429025 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1764929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The increase of oxidative stress is one of the important characteristics of mammalian luteal regression. Previous investigations have revealed the essential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in luteal cell death during luteolysis, while it is unknown how ROS is regulated in this process. Considering the decrease of blood flow and increase of PGF2α during luteolysis, we hypothesized that the HIF-1α pathway may be involved in the regulation of ROS in the luteal cell of the late corpus luteum (CL). Here, by using a pseudopregnant rat model, we showed that the level of both HIF-1α and its downstream BNIP3 was increased during luteal regression. Consistently, we observed the increase of autophagy level during luteolysis, which is regulated in a Beclin1-independent manner. Comparing with early (Day 7 of pseudopregnancy) and middle CL (Day 14), the level of ROS was significantly increased in late CL, indicating the contribution of oxidative stress in luteolysis. Inhibition of HIF-1α by echinomycin (Ech), a potent HIF-1α inhibitor, ameliorated the upregulation of BNIP3 and NIX, as well as the induction of autophagy and the accumulation of ROS in luteal cells on Day 21 of pseudopregnancy. Morphologically, Ech treatment delayed the atrophy of the luteal structure at the late-luteal stage. An in vitro study indicated that inhibition of HIF-1α can also attenuate PGF2α-induced ROS and luteal cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the decrease of cell apoptosis can also be observed by ROS inhibition under PGF2α treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that HIF-1α signaling is involved in the regression of CL by modulating ROS production via orchestrating autophagy. Inhibition of HIF-1α could obviously hamper the apoptosis of luteal cells and the process of luteal regression.
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16
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Gao X, He J, Zhu A, Xie K, Yan K, Jiang X, Xu Y, Li Q, Xu A, Ye D, Guo J. Modelling gestational diabetes mellitus: large animals hold great promise. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2021; 22:407-420. [PMID: 33245468 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09617-x] [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] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) characterized by hyperglycemia during pregnancy is a risk factor for various maternal and fetal complications. The key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying its development have not been elucidated, largely due to the lack of a model that accurately simulates the major clinical and pathological features of human GDM. In this review, we discuss the refined criteria for an ideal animal model of GDM, focusing on the key clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of human GDM. We provide a comprehensive overview of different models and currently used species for GDM research. In general, insulin insufficiency consequent to pancreatic β-cell death represents the current leading strategy to mimic human GDM-like hyperglycemia in animals. Nonetheless, these models have a limited capacity to mimic the natural history of GDM, the marked alteration in circulating estrogen/ progestogen, obesity and its related metabolic complications. We discuss emerging evidence of the increased susceptibility to GDM in rodents and large animals with genetic modifications in pregnancy-related hormones. An appraisal of current GDM models suggests that a combination strategy involving dietary stress, pregnancy-related hormones, insulin resistance and metabolic disorders might enable the development of better GDM models and expedite the translation of basic research findings to GDM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junsheng He
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anming Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dewei Ye
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Lab 406, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Room 403, 4th Floor, Science and Technology Building, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega, Guangzhou, China.
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17
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Tang Z, Xu R, Zhang Z, Shi C, Zhang Y, Yang H, Lin Q, Liu Y, Lin F, Geng B, Wang Z. HIF-1α Protects Granulosa Cells From Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis During Follicular Development by Inducing Autophagy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:631016. [PMID: 33553188 PMCID: PMC7862574 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.631016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the avascular structure of the ovarian follicle, proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) and development of follicles occur under hypoxia, which is obviously different from the cell survival requirements of most mammalian cells. We hypothesized that autophagy may exert an inhibitory effect on GC apoptosis. To decipher the underlying mechanism, we constructed a rat follicular development model using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and a cell culture experiment in hypoxic conditions (3% O2). The present results showed that the autophagy level was obviously increased and was accompanied by the concomitant elevation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and BNIP3 (Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19kDa-interacting protein 3) in GCs during follicular development. The levels of Bax (Bcl2-associated X) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) were increased, while the activation of caspase-3 exhibited no obvious changes during follicular development. However, inhibition of HIF-1α attenuated the increase in Bcl-2 and promoted the increase in Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, we observed the downregulation of BNIP3 and the decrease in autophagy after treatment with a specific HIF-1α activity inhibitor (echinomycin), indicating that HIF-1α/BNIP3 was involved in autophagy regulation in GCs in vivo. In an in vitro study, we also found that hypoxia did not obviously promote GC apoptosis, while it significantly enhanced the activation of HIF-1α/BNIP3 and the induction of autophagy. Expectedly, this effect could be reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that hypoxia drives the activation of HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling, which induces an increase in autophagy, protecting GC from apoptosis during follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghao Tang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Renfeng Xu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Congjian Shi
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongqin Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingqiang Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fengping Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Baorong Geng
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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18
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Tang Z, Zhang Z, Lin Q, Xu R, Chen J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Shi C, Liu Y, Yang H, Wang Z. HIF-1α/BNIP3-Mediated Autophagy Contributes to the Luteinization of Granulosa Cells During the Formation of Corpus Luteum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:619924. [PMID: 33537309 PMCID: PMC7848109 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the luteinization after ovulation in mammalian ovary, the containing cells undergo an energy consuming function re-determination process to differentiate into luteal cells under avascular environment. Previous evidences have delineated the contribution of autophagy to the cell differentiation and the catabolic homeostasis in various types of mammalian cells, whereas few interest had been focused on the involvement of autophagy in the luteinization of granulosa cells during the formation of early corpus luteum. Herein, the present study investigated that expression and contribution of autophagy during granulosa cell luteinization and early luteal development through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results clearly demonstrated that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy plays a vital role in the luteinization of granulosa cells during the early luteal formation in vivo and in vitro. In the neonatal corpus luteum, HIF-1α up-regulated BNIP3 expressions, which contributed to the autophagic initiation by disrupting beclin1 from Bcl-2/beclin1 complex and protected cells from apoptosis by curbing the skew of mitochondria balance under avascular niche. Notably, Inhibition of HIF-1α activity by echinomycin enhanced the levels of cytoplasmic cytochrome c and cell apoptosis in the nascent corpus luteum. These findings revealed that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy enabled the process of granulosa cell luteinization and protected the granulosa-lutein cells from further apoptosis under hypoxia niche. To our knowledge, the present study firstly clarified that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy contributes to the luteinization of granulosa cells during the formation of pregnant corpus luteum, which will help us further understanding the luteal biology and provide us new clues for the treatment of luteal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghao Tang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingqiang Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Renfeng Xu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Congjian Shi
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongqin Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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