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Zhu F, Xu Q, Huang L, Zhu J, Huang L, Zhang Y. Effects of growth hormone therapy on the onset and progression of pubertal development in girls with idiopathic short stature. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2358227. [PMID: 38807420 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2358227] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the impact of growth hormone (GH) therapy on the onset and progression of puberty in girls with idiopathic short stature. METHODS This study included 541 girls aged between 4.5 and 10.6 years who were receiving GH treatment, monitored over a 22-year follow-up period. Of these, 126 girls have been followed up to the onset of menarche. The participants were divided into two groups: a ISS control group (n = 66) and a group receiving daily GH treatment at a dose of 0.15 iu/kg (n = 60). We assessed the pubertal development and GH usage of these girls every three months. RESULTS (1) There was no significant difference in the onset of puberty between the growth hormone (GH) treatment group and the control group; however, the average duration of puberty was longer in the treatment group compared to the control group. (2) During puberty, there were no significant differences in height growth between the treated and untreated groups. (3) The duration of GH treatment showed a significant negative correlation with the age at onset of gonadal development and the age at menarche in females within the treatment group. CONCLUSION GH treatment does not seem to accelerate the onset of puberty but may extend its duration, without significantly impacting height growth during puberty. Additionally, longer GH treatment duration is linked to earlier gonadal development and menarche in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- Department of Child Healthcare, Wenzhou People's Hospital/Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital/The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Wenzhou People's Hospital/Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital/The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingxiao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wenzhou People's Hospital/Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital/The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jieqian Zhu
- Department of Child Healthcare, Wenzhou People's Hospital/Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital/The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Wenzhou People's Hospital/Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital/The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Wenzhou People's Hospital/Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital/The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Siyu Y, Shixiao Z, Congying S, Xinqin Z, Zhen H, Xiaoying W. Advances in cytokine-based herbal medicine against premature ovarian insufficiency: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118477. [PMID: 38909824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to a dramatic decrease in the number and/or quality of oocytes in the ovaries before the age of 40 years, and is a key cause of female infertility. The prevalence of POI has been increasing annually and tends to be younger. Researches on the etiology of POI and related pathogenesis are still very limited. Herbal medicine can treat many gynecological diseases. And herbal medicine is effective in reproductive health care such as infertility. In recent years, it has been found that immune modulation by cytokines (CK) can prevent or intervene in POI, and herbal medicine can treat POI by regulating CK to improve ovarian function and fertility. AIM OF THE STUDY This review presents an overview of the molecular mechanisms of regulation of POI related CK, and reports the therapeutic effect of herbal medicine on POI including herbal medicine formulas, single herbal medicine, herbal medicine active components and acupuncture. This review provides theoretical support for clinical prevention and treatment of POI, and provides new ideas for researches on herbal medicine treatment of POI. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a collection of relevant scientific articles from different scientific databases regarding the therapeutic effect of herbal medicine on POI by regulating CK, including PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, CNKI and other publication resources. The search terms used in this review include, 'premature ovarian insufficiency', 'premature ovarian failure (POF)', 'infertility', 'herbal medicine', 'acupuncture', 'cytokine', 'interleukin (IL)', 'tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)', 'interferon-γ (IFN-γ)', 'transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)', 'vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)', 'immune' and 'inflammation'. This review summarized and analyzed the therapeutic effect of herbal medicine according to the existing experimental and clinical researches. RESULTS The results showed that herbal medicine treats POI through CK (including ILs, TNF-α, INF-γ, VEGF, TGF-β and others) and related signaling pathways, which regulates reproductive hormones disorder, reduces ovarian inflammatory damage, oxidative stress, apoptosis and follicular atresia, improves ovarian pathological damage and ovarian reserve function. CONCLUSIONS This review enriches the theory of POI treatments based on herbal medicine by regulating CK. The specific mechanisms of action and clinical researches on the treatment of POI by herbal medicine should be strengthened in order to promote the application of herbal medicine in the clinic and provide new ideas and better choices for the treatment of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Siyu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhu Shixiao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Sun Congying
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhong Xinqin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Hu Zhen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Wang Xiaoying
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
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Guo Y, Xue L, Tang W, Xiong J, Chen D, Dai Y, Wu C, Wei S, Dai J, Wu M, Wang S. Ovarian microenvironment: challenges and opportunities in protecting against chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:614-647. [PMID: 38942605 PMCID: PMC11369228 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae020] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage (CAOD) is one of the most feared short- and long-term side effects of anticancer treatment in premenopausal women. Accumulating detailed data show that different chemotherapy regimens can lead to disturbance of ovarian hormone levels, reduced or lost fertility, and an increased risk of early menopause. Previous studies have often focused on the direct effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on ovarian follicles, such as direct DNA damage-mediated apoptotic death and primordial follicle burnout. Emerging evidence has revealed an imbalance in the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy. The ovarian microenvironment provides nutritional support and transportation of signals that stimulate the growth and development of follicles, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. The close interaction between the ovarian microenvironment and follicles can determine ovarian function. Therefore, designing novel and precise strategies to manipulate the ovarian microenvironment may be a new strategy to protect ovarian function during chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review details the changes that occur in the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy and emphasizes the importance of developing new therapeutics that protect ovarian function by targeting the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed up to April 2024. Search terms included 'ovarian microenvironment' (ovarian extracellular matrix, ovarian stromal cells, ovarian interstitial, ovarian blood vessels, ovarian lymphatic vessels, ovarian macrophages, ovarian lymphocytes, ovarian immune cytokines, ovarian oxidative stress, ovarian reactive oxygen species, ovarian senescence cells, ovarian senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, ovarian oogonial stem cells, ovarian stem cells), terms related to ovarian function (reproductive health, fertility, infertility, fecundity, ovarian reserve, ovarian function, menopause, decreased ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency/failure), and terms related to chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, lfosfamide, chlormethine, chlorambucil, busulfan, melphalan, procarbazine, cisplatin, doxorubicin, carboplatin, taxane, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouraci, vincristine, methotrexate, dactinomycin, bleomycin, mercaptopurine). OUTCOMES The ovarian microenvironment shows great changes during chemotherapy, inducing extracellular matrix deposition and stromal fibrosis, angiogenesis disorders, immune microenvironment disturbance, oxidative stress imbalances, ovarian stem cell exhaustion, and cell senescence, thereby lowering the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles. Several methods targeting the ovarian microenvironment have been adopted to prevent and treat CAOD, such as stem cell therapy and the use of free radical scavengers, senolytherapies, immunomodulators, and proangiogenic factors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Ovarian function is determined by its 'seeds' (follicles) and 'soil' (ovarian microenvironment). The ovarian microenvironment has been reported to play a vital role in CAOD and targeting the ovarian microenvironment may present potential therapeutic approaches for CAOD. However, the relation between the ovarian microenvironment, its regulatory networks, and CAOD needs to be further studied. A better understanding of these issues could be helpful in explaining the pathogenesis of CAOD and creating innovative strategies for counteracting the effects exerted on ovarian function. Our aim is that this narrative review of CAOD will stimulate more research in this important field. REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yican Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liru Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weicheng Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaqiang Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chuqing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Simin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Chen HT, Wu WB, Lin JJ, Lai TH. Identification of potential angiogenic biomarkers in human follicular fluid for predicting oocyte maturity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1173079. [PMID: 37635970 PMCID: PMC10448508 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1173079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angiogenesis in folliculogenesis contributes to oocyte developmental competence in natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Therefore, the identification of key angiogenic factors in follicular fluid (FF) during folliculogenesis is clinically significant and important for in vitro fertilization. This study aims to identify the key angiogenic factors in FF for predicting oocyte maturity during in vitro fertilization. Materials and methods Forty participants who received ovarian stimulation using a GnRH antagonist protocol in their first in vitro fertilization treatment were recruited. From each patient, two follicular samples (one preovulatory follicle, > 18 mm; one mid-antral follicle, < 14 mm) were collected without flushing during oocyte retrieval. In total, 80 FF samples were collected from 40 patients. The expression profiles of angiogenesis-related proteins in FF were analyzed via Luminex high-performance assays. Recorded patient data included antral follicle count, anti-müllerian hormone, age, and BMI. Serum samples were collected on menstrual cycle day 2, the trigger day, and the day of oocyte retrieval. Hormone concentrations including day 2 FSH/LH/E2/P4, trigger day E2/LH/P4, and retrieval day E2/LH/P4 were measured by chemiluminescence assay. Results Ten angiogenic factors were highly expressed in FF: eotaxin, Gro-α, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MIG, PAI-1 (Serpin), VEGF-A, CXCL-6, and HGF. The concentrations of eotaxin, IL-8, MCP1, PAI-1, and VEGF-A were significantly higher in preovulatory follicles than those in mid-antral follicles, while the Gro-α and CXCL-6 expressional levels were lower in preovulatory than in mid-antral follicles (p < 0.05). Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that VEGF-A, eotaxin, and CXCL-6 were the three strongest predictors of oocyte maturity. The combination of VEGF-A and CXCL-6 predicted oocyte maturity with a higher sensitivity (91.7%) and specificity (72.7%) than other combinations. Conclusion Our findings suggest that VEGF-A, eotaxin, and CXCL-6 concentrations in FF strongly correlate with oocyte maturity from the mid-antral to preovulatory stage. The combination of VEGF-A and CXCL-6 exhibits a relatively good prediction rate of oocyte maturity during in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Ting Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Pharmaceutic Biotechnology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Wu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Jin Lin
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsuan Lai
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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El-Sheikh M, Mesalam A, Khalil AAK, Idrees M, Ahn MJ, Mesalam AA, Kong IK. Downregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Juglone-Treated Bovine Oocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010114. [PMID: 36670976 PMCID: PMC9854430 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that juglone, a natural compound found in Juglandaceae with a wide range of biological activities, can reduces the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. In the current study, we investigated the possible mechanisms behind the toxicity of juglone and the relationship with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling during the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes. Results show that oocyte exposure to juglone was associated with a significant decrease in filamentous actin (F-actin) accumulation. The RT-qPCR showed downregulation of the meiosis progression indicator GSK-3A, oocyte development marker BMP15, mitochondria fusion controlling MFN1, oxidative stress-related OGG1, and histone methylation-related EZH1, EZH2, SUZ12, G9a, and SUV39H2 genes in juglone-treated oocytes. In addition, glycolysis- (PFK1 and GLUT1), ATP synthesis- (ATPase8 and ATP5F1B), and OXPHOS-specific markers (SDHA and SDHD), as well as the oocyte survival regulators (SOD2, VEGF, and MAPK1) significantly decreased upon juglone treatment. Moreover, lower expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was observed at the transcriptional and/or translational level(s). The autophagy markers LC3B and beclin-1 as well as the DNA damage-specific marker 8-OxoG displayed overexpression in juglone-exposed oocytes. Taken together, our results show that administration of juglone during the IVM can reduce the quality and developmental health of bovine oocytes through downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its downstream signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa El-Sheikh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Ayman Mesalam
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Atif Ali Khan Khalil
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jeong Ahn
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahmed Atef Mesalam
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.A.M.); (I.-K.K.)
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (A.A.M.); (I.-K.K.)
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Nemerovsky L, Bar-Joseph H, Eldar-Boock A, Tarabeih R, Elmechaly C, Ben-Ami I, Shalgi R. The Role of PEDF in Reproductive Aging of the Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810359. [PMID: 36142276 PMCID: PMC9499037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive aging is characterized by a decline in ovarian function and in oocytes’ quantity and quality. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a pivotal player in ovarian angiogenic and oxidative balance, was evaluated for its involvement in reproductive aging. Our work examines the initial stage of reproductive aging in women and mice, and the involvement of PEDF in the process. Granulosa cells from reproductively-aged (RA) women and mice (36–44 years old and 9–10 months old, respectively) indicated an increase in the level of PEDF mRNA (qPCR), with yet unchanged levels of AMH and FSHR mRNAs. However, the PEDF protein level in individual women showed an intra-cellular decrease (ELISA), along with a decrease in the corresponding follicular fluid, which reflects the secreted fraction of the protein. The in vitro maturation (IVM) rate in the oocytes of RA mice was lower compared with the oocytes of young mice, demonstrated by a reduced polar body extrusion (PBE) rate. The supplementation of PEDF improved the hampered PBE rate, manifested by a higher number of energetically-competent oocytes (ATP concentration and mtDNA copy number of individual oocytes). Our findings propose PEDF as an early marker of reproductive aging, and a possible therapeutic in vitro agent that could enhance the number of good-quality oocytes in older IVF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luba Nemerovsky
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Hadas Bar-Joseph
- The TMCR Unit, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Anat Eldar-Boock
- The TMCR Unit, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Rana Tarabeih
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Cindy Elmechaly
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ido Ben-Ami
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University Medical School of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - Ruth Shalgi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3-6408685
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