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Giroto AB, Chaves MP, dos Santos PH, Fontes PK, Nunes SG, Manssur TSB, Mendes LO, Castilho ACDS. Expression of luteinizing hormone receptor during development of bovine fetal ovary. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230112. [PMID: 38628494 PMCID: PMC11019796 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroids and gonadotrophins are essential for the regulation of late stages of preantral development and antral follicular development. Although the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) has been detected in the preantral follicles of rats, rabbits, and pigs, its expression, in bovine fetal ovary, has not been demonstrated. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the expression of the LHCGR and LHCGR mRNA binding protein (LRBP), as well as, to quantify bta-miR-222 (a regulatory microRNA of the LHCGR gene) during the development of bovine fetal ovary. In summary, LHCGR expression was observed in the preantral follicle in bovine fetal ovary, from oogonias to primordial, primary and secondary stages, and the mRNA abundance was lower on day 150 than day 60. However, the mRNA abundance of LRBP followed the opposite pattern. Similar to LRBP, the abundance of bta-miR-222 was higher on day 150 than day 60 or 90 of gestation. The LHCGR protein was detected in oogonia, primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. Moreover, both oocytes and granulosa cells showed positive immunostaining for LHCGR. In conclusion, we suggest the involvement of LHCGR/LRBP/bta-mir222 with mechanisms related to the development of preantral follicles in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Priscila Helena dos Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Sarah Gomes Nunes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Manssur TSB, Sebastião TRC, Franchi FF, Dos Santos PH, Razza EM, Nunes SG, Castilho ACDS, Fontes PK. Pre-fertilization approach using α-l-fucosidase modulates zona pellucida hardening during bovine in vitro embryo production. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1135-1147. [PMID: 38191818 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The polyspermy occurrence is considerably lower under in vivo compared to in vitro embryo culture conditions, suggesting that the presence of some factors in the maternal environment is responsible for this. The α-L-fucosidase (FUCA) is a natural glycosidase present in the oviductal fluid, therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of adding FUCA to the hardening of the zona pellucida (ZP), polyspermy control, and embryonic yield and quality of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. In the first experiment, the effect of FUCA (0.125 U/mL) was evaluated during the entire in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, it was demonstrated to be embryotoxic by completely inhibiting the blastocyst formation. In the second experiment, the FUCA (0.125 U/mL) was tested as short-term incubation before IVF (pre-fertilization step) for 30 min or 2 h, which demonstrated that FUCA treatment for 30 min resulted in ZP hardening. In the third experiment, a pre-fertilization FUCA treatment (1 h) at different concentrations (0, 0.0625, and 0.125 U/mL) showed that FUCA (0.0625 U/mL) improved pre-fertilization ZP hardening and tended to increase monospermic fertilization rates but did not improve embryo yield and quality. Together, it has been demonstrated that FUCA can induce oocyte pre-fertilization ZP hardening and might improve monospermic fertilization performance, and this effect is dependent on both variables (protein concentration and incubation time).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Montanari Razza
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Sarah Gomes Nunes
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | - Patricia Kubo Fontes
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.
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Mendes AF, Puelker RZ, Souza LFAD, Jacintho ARC, Dos Santos PH, Giometti IC, Firetti SM, Castilho ACDS, Zundt M, Membrive CMB, Castilho C. In vitro maturation in synthetic oviductal fluid increases gene expression associated with quality and lipid metabolism in bovine oocytes. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:582-587. [PMID: 37955189 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, in vitro oocyte and embryo culture progresses through a series of varying culture medium. To investigate simplifying the in vitro production of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), this study used synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Special interest was placed on gene expression linked to lipid metabolism and oocyte maturation. COCs were matured in different media: Medium 199 (M199 group), M199 with 100 μM CLA (M199 + CLA group), SOF (SOF group), and SOF with 100 μM CLA (SOF + CLA group). COCs matured with SOF showed a higher relative abundance of mRNA of quality indicators gremlin 1 (GREM1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in oocytes, and GREM1 in cumulus cells compared with in the M199 group. SOF medium COCs had a higher relative abundance of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) compared with the M199 group, which is essential for lipid metabolism in oocytes. Furthermore, the abundance of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) in oocytes matured with SOF was not influenced by the addition of CLA, whereas the relative abundance of SCD1 was reduced in M199 medium with CLA. We concluded that maturation in SOF medium results in a greater abundance of genes linked to quality and lipidic metabolism in oocytes, regardless of the addition of CLA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lilian Francisco Arantes de Souza
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
- Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Sheila Merlo Firetti
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anthony César de Souza Castilho
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilice Zundt
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Caliê Castilho
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lima BJP, de Oliveira GRL, Sousa TC, de Aquino AM, Hinokuma KD, Ricardo MLS, Scarano WR, Castilho ACDS, Pacagnelli FL, Martinez FE, Mendes LDO. Fractal analysis is a useful tool for evaluating prostate tissue remodeling caused by ethanol consumption and androgen therapy. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230072. [PMID: 37795198 PMCID: PMC10546910 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol has been widely consumed for centuries and is linked to the aggravation of diseases. Several studies have shown that excessive consumption of ethanol results in morphophysiological changes in the male reproductive system. One of the effects of ethanol is the decrease in testosterone concentration and hormonal therapies are an alternative to minimize the changes resulting from chronic alcoholism. Qualitative studies were commonly carried out to evaluate the male histopathological alterations resulting from ethanol consumption, being necessary quantitative and non-subjective techniques. This study analyzes the importance of fractal analysis as a useful tool to identify and quantify tissue remodeling in rats submitted to ethanol consumption and hormone therapy with testosterone. Prostate of animals submitted to chronic ethanol consumption showed tissue disorganization, which was confirmed by an increasing of fractal dimension. Regarding the prostatic stroma, collagen fractal dimension and quantification revealed lower values in animals that were only submitted to androgen therapy. Thus, we can conclude that the fractal analysis was a useful tool to quantify tissue changes caused by ethanol consumption and androgen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Jardim Pereira Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Thainá Cavalleri Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Ariana Musa de Aquino
- Departmento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Maria Luiza Silva Ricardo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano
- Departmento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Francis Lopes Pacagnelli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martinez
- Departmento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Leonardo de Oliveira Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
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Dellaqua TT, Franchi FF, Dos Santos PH, Giroto AB, Nunes SG, de Lima VAV, Guilherme VB, Fontes PK, Sudano MJ, de Souza Castilho AC. Molecular phenotypes of bovine blastocyst derived from in vitro-matured oocyte supplemented with PAPP-A. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1263-1272. [PMID: 36653723 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10072-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) regulates cellular lipid content, whereas pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) increases IGF-1 bioavailability. Using in vitro-matured cumulus-oocyte complexes, we aimed to evaluate the impact of PAPP-A on the blastocyst lipid content, embryo cryotolerance and embryonic transcriptional profile. We determined that PAPP-A did not affect the lipid content of oocytes, blastocysts, or blastocyst yield (P > 0.05). However, PAPP-A modulated the embryo transcriptional profiles by downregulating PPARGC1A and AKR1B1, which are related to lipid metabolism; CASP9, a pro-apoptotic gene; and IFN-τ, a marker of embryo quality (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the use of PAPP-A improved blastocyst re-expansion in the first 3 h of culture after vitrification (P < 0.05). Although PAPP-A did not affect the blastocyst lipid content or embryo production, we suggest that embryonic transcriptional modulation could contribute to maintain the balance in embryo lipid metabolism. Furthermore, PAPP-A's approach seems to control key intracellular pathways that improve post-cryopreservation development of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Priscila Helena Dos Santos
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Sarah Gomes Nunes
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Mateus José Sudano
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Anthony César de Souza Castilho
- University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil.
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE) - Campus II, Rodovia Raposo Tavares, km 572, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil.
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Ramírez-Carmona W, Díaz-Fabregat B, Yuri Yoshigae A, Musa de Aquino A, Scarano WR, de Souza Castilho AC, Avansini Marsicano J, Leal do Prado R, Pessan JP, de Oliveira Mendes L. Are Serum Ferritin Levels a Reliable Cancer Biomarker? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1917-1926. [PMID: 34607491 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1982996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although serum ferritin (SF) has been shown in several studies to be a potential cancer biomarker, the results are inconsistent. Herein, a systematic review was performed to investigate the clinical SF levels in different types of tumors in order to verify the role of SF levels as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis. The search was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Observational studies comparing SF levels between healthy adults and patients with cancer were included. The meta-analysis was carried out according to the inverse variance and random effects model. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) were assessed at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We found that SF was higher in patients with cancer (SMD 3.07; CI 1.96,4.17), especially for head and neck cancer (SMD 3.88; CI 0.42,7.34), lung cancer (SMD 1.72; CI 0.67,2.78), pancreatic cancer (SMD 6.79; CI 5.66,7.91), and renal cell carcinoma (SMD 1.77; CI 0.48,3.05). Moreover, in the advanced stages (Stages III and IV), ferritin levels were higher than in healthy adults (SMD 4.89; CI 2.72,7.06, and SMD 8.40; CI 6.99,9.82, respectively). SF acts as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer, renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer and is a sensitive biomarker for the detection of advanced stages of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Díaz-Fabregat
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Heatlhy, Araçatuba Dental School, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ariana Musa de Aquino
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juliano Pelim Pessan
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Heatlhy, Araçatuba Dental School, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
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Mariano TB, de Souza Castilho AC, de Almeida Sabela AKD, de Oliveira AC, Cury SS, Aguiar AF, Dias RDJD, Cicogna AC, Okoshi K, Junior LAJ, Carvalho RF, Pacagnelli FL. Preventive training does not interfere with mRNA-encoding myosin and collagen expression during pulmonary arterial hypertension. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244768. [PMID: 34495964 PMCID: PMC8425576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To gain insight on the impact of preventive exercise during pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), we evaluated the gene expression of myosins and gene-encoding proteins associated with the extracellular matrix remodeling of right hypertrophied ventricles. We used 32 male Wistar rats, separated in four groups: Sedentary Control (S, n = 8); Control with Training (T, n = 8); Sedentary with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (SPAH, n = 8); and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with Training (TPAH, n = 8). All rats underwent a two-week adaptation period; T and TPAH group rats then proceeded to an eight-week training period on a treadmill. At the beginning of the 11th week, S and T groups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, and SPAH and TPAH groups received an injection of monocrotaline (60 mg/kg). Rats in the T and TPAH groups then continued with the training protocol until the 13th week. We assessed exercise capacity, echocardiography analysis, Fulton's index, cross-sectional areas of cardiomyocytes, collagen content and types, and fractal dimension (FD). Transcript abundance of myosins and extracellular matrix genes were estimated through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). When compared to the SPAH group, the TPAH group showed increases in functional capacity and pulmonary artery acceleration time/pulmonary ejection time ratio and decreases in Fulton's index and cross-sectional areas of myocyte cells. However, preventive exercise did not induce alterations in col1a1 and myh7 gene expression. Our findings demonstrate that preventive exercise improved functional capacity, reduced cardiac hypertrophy, and attenuated PH development without interfering in mRNA-encoding myosin and collagen expression during PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaoan Bruno Mariano
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - André Casanova de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sarah Santiloni Cury
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreo Fernando Aguiar
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Exercise in Health Promotion, Northern University of Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Raisa de Jesus Dutra Dias
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Cicogna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katashi Okoshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Robson Francisco Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francis Lopes Pacagnelli
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fernandes CADC, Lopes AC, Gonçalves FC, Pereira JR, Guimarães JPDA, Castilho ACDS, Caixeta ES. Improvement in early antral follicle development and gene expression modulation prior to follicle aspiration in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes by equine chorionic gonadotropin. Theriogenology 2021; 172:281-288. [PMID: 34303227 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the morphological ovarian response to equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) prior to ovum pick-up (OPU) and its effects on the molecular phenotype of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from Nelore cow (Bos indicus) donors. To this end, 20 Nelore cows were distributed randomly into the synchronized-OPU (Sync-OPU) and synchronized plus stimulated-OPU (Sync + eCG-OPU) groups using a cross-over experimental design, as each cow was used in both treatments. On a random day of the estrus cycle (Day 0), all cows received an intravaginal implant with 1.0 g of progesterone and 2 mg IM of estradiol benzoate. On the morning of Day 3, only the Sync + eCG-OPU group received 400 IU of eCG IM. On the morning of Day 5, the P4 device was removed and OPU was conducted in both groups. Before OPU management, ultrasonography was used to identify and measure the follicles. The aspirated COCs were morphologically classified based on their cumulus cells (CC) layers and the texture of the ooplasm. The COCs classified as Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 were considered viable and used for the assessment of quality markers. Oocytes and CC were mechanically separated from pools of 25 immature COCs of the Sync-OPU and Sync + eCG-OPU groups immediately after the follicular aspiration and stored at -80 °C until RNA extraction. Relative quantification of several markers for oocyte quality was assessed by RT-qPCR. The eCG treatment increased the number of follicles sized 3.0-5.0 mm and >5.0 mm compared to that in Sync-OPU group. Moreover, the protocol with eCG improved the total number of oocytes and the number of viable oocytes, which is related to a high number of oocytes in Grade 3. Regarding the impact on transcriptional regulation in immature oocytes, the mRNA encoding BMP15, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, ACACA, and CPT1A was upregulated in Sync + eCG-OPU compared with the Sync-OPU group. Moreover, the relative mRNA abundance of CTSZ, a member of the cathepsins family functionally related to reduced oocyte competence, was lower in the Sync + eCG-OPU group than in the Sync-OPU group. In addition, CC CTSB, CTSS, and CTSK mRNA abundances were lower in the Sync + eCG-OPU group than in the Sync-OPU group. However, the relative abundance of AREG and EREG mRNA was higher in CC recovered from cows stimulated with eCG. In conclusion, the eCG approach addressing follicular stimulation in Nelore cows had a positive impact on early antral follicle development, followed by a positive morphological and molecular phenotype in bovine COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asafe Costa Lopes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe Costa Gonçalves
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of José Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ruiz Pereira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of José Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ester Siqueira Caixeta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Franchi FF, Hernandes MP, Coalho Ferreira AL, Vieira de Lima VA, de Oliveira Mendes L, Musa de Aquino A, Scarano WR, César de Souza Castilho A. Fractal analysis and histomolecular phenotyping provides insights into extracellular matrix remodeling in the developing bovine fetal ovary. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 523:823-828. [PMID: 31948756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although studies have focused on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during the formation and functioning of adult ovaries, there is no comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms controlling preantral follicle development in fetal bovine ovaries during gestation. Thus, to gain insights into ECM remodeling during initial ovarian development, we used fetal ovaries to quantify the fractal dimension (FD), total collagen, and relative mRNA abundance of genes related to ECM remodeling (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL4A1, MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP1, and TIMP2). For this, pairs of fetal ovaries were obtained from cows in a local abattoir at days 60, 90, 120, and 150 of gestation; one of each pair was submitted to RNA extraction for target transcript analysis, and the other was used for total collagen and FD evaluation. From day 120 total collagen appeared to occupy a greater area in the fetal ovary. The fractal analysis with picrosirius red staining shows higher at day 150 when compared with that on day 60. On the contrary, we found an inverse pattern when we used the hematoxylin and eosin staining approach. Concerning target gene expression, the relative abundances of COL1A1, COL4A1, MMP2, MMP14, TIMP1, and TIMP2 mRNA were higher on day 150 when compared with that on day 60. We conclude that fractal analysis reflects the morphological changes occurring during structural organization of the fetal ovary and that the expression of genes related to ECM remodeling is modulated throughout gestation in bovine fetal ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ariana Musa de Aquino
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Franchi FF, Satrapa RA, Fontes PK, Santos PH, Razza EM, Emanuelli IP, Ereno RL, Mareco EA, Nogueira MFG, Barros CM, de Souza Castilho AC. Equine chorionic gonadotropin drives the transcriptional profile of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes and in vitro-produced blastocysts of superstimulated Nelore cows. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1639-1651. [PMID: 31389116 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the use of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), which binds both follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, could modify the female reproductive tract. We, thus, aimed to quantify the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of genes related to cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryo quality in Nelore cows (Bos taurus indicus) submitted to ovarian superstimulation using only FSH (FSH group; n = 10) or replacement of the last two doses of FSH by eCG (FSH/eCG group; n = 10). All animals were slaughtered and the ovarian antral follicles from both groups (10-14 mm in diameter) were aspirated for cumulus, oocyte and in vitro embryo production gene expression analysis. The relative mRNA abundance of 96 genes related to COCs development and embryo quality was measured by RT-qPCR. We found that oocytes are more affected by eCG use and that 35 genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, transcriptional control, and cellular development were upregulated in the FSH/eCG group. In blastocysts, lipid metabolism seems to be the main pathway regulated by eCG use. We suggest that these multiple effects could be due to the ability of eCG to bind LHR and FSHR, which could activate multiple signal transduction pathways in the superstimulated ovary, further impacting the transcriptional profile of COCs and blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Augusto Satrapa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Montanari Razza
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabele Picada Emanuelli
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Luiz Ereno
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ciro Moraes Barros
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Fontes PK, Ereno RL, Peixoto AR, Carvalho RF, Scarano WR, Trinca LA, Barros CM, Castilho ACDS. Can the antral follicular count modulate the gene expression of bovine oviducts in Aberdeen Angus and Nelore heifers? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202017. [PMID: 30157205 PMCID: PMC6114296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of visible ovarian antral follicles (antral follicle count—AFC) is repeatable in bovine individuals, but highly variable between animals, and with differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds. Several studies have tried to determine the correlation between AFC and increased fertility in cattle. While the impacts of AFC on embryo production, hormonal levels, and pregnancy rates have been described, the molecular effects of AFC on bovine oviducts have not yet been investigated. Here, the aim was to investigate the impact of breeds, such as Aberdeen Angus and Nelore heifer with high or low AFC, on abundance of transcripts and protein related to oviductal transport, sperm reservoir formation, monospermy control, and gamete interaction in the oviducts. In summary, the ovulation side was the major factor that affected transcript abundance on bovine oviducts. However, a discreet effect among AFC and cattle breeds was also observed. Based on this, we concluded and reinforced here that differential microenvironments between ipsilateral and contralateral oviducts have a major effect on modulating the transcripts related to oviductal transport, sperm reservoir formation, monospermy control, and gamete interaction. However, we cannot exclude that there is minimal effect of AFC or breed on regulation of some genes (such as AGTR1, ACE1, FUCA1, and VEGFA) in bovine oviducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kubo Fontes
- Departament of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Luis Ereno
- Departament of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Rebello Peixoto
- Departament of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robson Francisco Carvalho
- Departament of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano
- Departament of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luzia Aparecida Trinca
- Departament of Biostatistic, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ciro Moraes Barros
- Departament of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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