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Caponnetto A, Ferrara C, Fazzio A, Agosta N, Scribano M, Vento ME, Borzì P, Barbagallo C, Stella M, Ragusa M, Scollo P, Barbagallo D, Purrello M, Di Pietro C, Battaglia R. A Circular RNA Derived from the Pumilio 1 Gene Could Regulate PTEN in Human Cumulus Cells. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:124. [PMID: 38275605 PMCID: PMC10815046 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010124] [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] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs able to regulate gene expression at multiple levels. Their involvement in physiological processes, as well as their altered regulation in different human diseases, both tumoral and non-tumoral, is well documented. However, little is known about their involvement in female reproduction. This study aims to identify circRNAs potentially involved in reproductive women's health. Candidate circRNAs expressed in ovary and sponging miRNAs, already known to be expressed in the ovary, were selected by a computational approach. Using real time PCR, we verified their expression and identified circPUM1 as the most interesting candidate circRNA for further analyses. We assessed the expression of circPUM1 and its linear counterpart in all the follicle compartments and, using a computational and experimental approach, identified circPUM1 direct and indirect targets, miRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, in cumulus cells. We found that both circPUM1 and its mRNA host gene are co-expressed in all the follicle compartments and proposed circPUM1 as a potential regulator of PTEN, finding a strong positive correlation between circPUM1 and PTEN mRNA. These results suggest a possible regulation of PTEN by circPUM1 in cumulus cells and point out the important role of circRNA inside the pathways related to follicle growth and oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Caponnetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Carmen Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Fazzio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Noemi Agosta
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Marianna Scribano
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (N.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Elena Vento
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Placido Borzì
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Cristina Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Michele Stella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Paolo Scollo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy;
- Maternal and Child Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “G. Sichel”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (D.B.); (M.P.); (C.D.P.); (R.B.)
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Scollo P, Scibilia G, Vento ME, Borzì P, Veroux P, Mereu L, Pecorino B. Live Birth from Cryopreserved Oocyte After Uterus Transplantation: A Case Report. Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e940960. [PMID: 37771137 PMCID: PMC10546071 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.940960] [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] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Important legal and ethical issues must be addressed in the practice of uterus transplantation, because it is a non-life-saving intervention. In all cases reported in the literature so far, uterus transplantation is preceded by oocyte retrieval, fertilization of the collected oocytes, and subsequent freezing of the embryos produced. This element should be considered because of the potential ethical, legal, and moral implications related to the existence and fate of supernumerary embryos in the event of transplantation failure. CASE REPORT The Italian Research Project for Uterus Transplantation from a brain-dead donor was approved in 2018 (No. 1438/CNT2018). A 28-year-old patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, ectopic ovaries, and good ovarian reserve received uterus transplantation in 2020 after oocyte retrieval with laparoscopic assistance. Metaphase oocytes were cryopreserved and thawed after the successful transplantation to perform in vitro fertilization followed by embryo transfer. The pregnancy course was regular, without symptoms until week 30, when PCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 was recorded. The patient underwent an emergency cesarean delivery at 34 weeks' gestation because of fever and the appearance of regular uterine contractions. An infant was born alive and vital at 34 weeks of pregnancy and weighed 1725 g. The newborn was discharged in good condition and with a body weight of 2740 g. CONCLUSIONS This case report shows that cryopreservation of oocytes can overcome the ethical issue related to embryo retrieval before a successful uterus transplantation can be demonstrated. Our result supports the possibility of bypassing embryo freezing before ascertaining the success of uterus transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Scollo
- Maternal and Child Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Kore University, Enna, taly
| | - Giuseppe Scibilia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Giovanni Paolo II” Hospital, Ragusa, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Vento
- Maternal and Child Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Placido Borzì
- Maternal and Child Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Mereu
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialism, University of Catania, P.O. “G Rodolico”, Catania Italy
| | - Basilio Pecorino
- Maternal and Child Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Kore University, Enna, taly
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Battaglia R, Caponnetto A, Ferrara C, Fazzio A, Barbagallo C, Barbagallo D, Vento ME, Carli L, Kasapi E, Palini S, Sierka W, Valerio D, Longobardi S, D’Hooghe T, Di Pietro C. O-062 MicroRNAs in Blastocoel Fluid: a molecular signature for predicting human embryo implantation potential. Hum Reprod 2023; 38. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead093.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Can microRNA expression in blastocoel fluid (BF) predict embryo implantation potential?
Summary answer
Up-regulation of miR-106, miR-373, miR-301, miR-320 and miR-525-3p represents the molecular signature characterizing the embryos with high implantation capability.
What is known already
The discovery of DNA within the BF and in spent embryo culture media, has caused increased interest in the non-invasive preimplantation testing application for monogenic disorders and aneuploidies. Aneuploid embryos have a lower implantation potential, however, chromosomal abnormalities represent only a tiny percentage of the causes of implantation failure. MiRNAs can control all cellular pathways and are involved in pluripotency, self-renewal, and stemness, and their altered regulation affects different human diseases.
Study design, size, duration
From September 2018 to March 2022, 112 BFsampleswere collected from human embryos on the fifth day of development, before the blastocyst cryopreservation. The samples were classified according to blastocyst grade and the data on implantation outcome and term births were collected for the transferred embryos. We compared the expression profiles of 89 miRNAs, previously identified in BF, between 33 BF from implanted embryos and 30 from non-implanted ones, regardless of blastocyst grade.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
By custom-designed TaqMan Low-Density Array card (TLDA), we analyzed the expression of 89 miRNAs in 4 different BF samples simultaneously. Differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified by Volcano plot and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) tests. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify the biological role of the DE miRNAs. To evaluate miRNA’s ability for predicting implantation, Pearson’s correlation analyses, classical univariate Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the optimal cut-off value determination were performed.
Main results and the role of chance
We found five miRNAs, miR-106, miR-373, miR-301, miR-320 and miR-525-3pup-regulated in BF from implanted blastocysts. The identified miRNAs perform an important role during the first phases of embryo development suggesting that their up-regulation may reflect embryo health. Moreover, four of the five miRNAs showed significant correlation coefficients in both implanted and non-implanted blastocysts, indicating that their expression changes in the same way in the single sample and reflects the potentiality of the embryo to implant. Finally, ROC curve analysis confirmed that our miRNAs could be considered potential biomarkers for implantation.
Limitations, reasons for caution
Successful implantation requires a close dialogue between the embryo and the endometrium, mediated by different proteins and miRNAs produced by both the embryo and maternal tissues. Determining the quality of the embryo and its implantation potential is not sufficient to predict successful pregnancy outcomes.
Wider implications of the findings
This study represents the first report correlating miRNA profiles in BFand implantation and suggests that miRNA signature could become an accurate tool to evaluate embryo quality. It could be associated or replaced with the PGT-A to choose the most competent embryo and improve the outcome of assisted reproduction cycles.
Trial registration number
The study has been approved by theEthical Committee of Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico "G.Rodolico -San Marco" Catania.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Battaglia
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
| | - A Caponnetto
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
| | - C Ferrara
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
| | - A Fazzio
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
| | - C Barbagallo
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
| | - D Barbagallo
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
| | - M E Vento
- Cannizzaro Hospital, IVF Unit , Catania, Italy
| | - L Carli
- Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger, Infertility clinic , Vienna, Austria
| | - E Kasapi
- EmbryoClinic - Hellenic Medical Research Institute, IVF center, Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - S Palini
- Cervesi Hospital Cattolica, IVF Unit , Cattolica, Italy
| | - W Sierka
- Gyncentrum Sp. z o.o., IVF Center, Katowice , Poland
| | - D Valerio
- Institute, Genetic Research IRG, Napoli , Italy
| | - S Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono SpA , Roma, Italy
| | - T D’Hooghe
- Merck KGaA- Darmstadt- Germany, Development and Regeneration- Biomedical Sciences Group- KU Leuven University of Leuven, Leuven , Belgium
| | - C Di Pietro
- University of Catania, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Catania , Italy
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Ferrara C, Battaglia R, Caponnetto A, Barbagallo C, Stella M, Vento ME, Borzì P, Scollo P, Lunelio F, Barbagallo D, Pernagallo S, Ragusa M, Di Pietro C. P-064 MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for male infertility related to Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Hum Reprod 2023; 38. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead093.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Could microRNAs represent efficient biomarkers to evaluate male infertility and the tendency of develop testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs)?
Summary answer
The up-regulation of miR-193a-5p, miR-93-5p and let-7c-5p in TGCT patients with impaired spermiogram could represent a molecular signature of male infertility related to TGCTs.
What is known already
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most recurrent tumors in young men with the highest incidence between the ages of 20 and 40 years and represent more than 60% of all cancers diagnosed in this age range. Several studies have shown a correlation between TGCTs and infertility, not only because infertility could be a consequence of testicular damage due to TGCTs but also because infertility may represent a risk factor for TGCTs. Therefore, it is important to find valid biomarkers that could be used to specifically identify infertility related to an increased risk of developing TGCTs.
Study design, size, duration
From March 2021 to January 2023, we collected 44 seminal plasma samples: 17 from TGCT patients who were undergoing sperm cryopreservation prior to chemotherapy, 14 with impaired spermiogram (IS) and 3 with normal spermiogram (NS) and 27 from control patients, 16 with IS and 11 with NS, undergoing assisted fertilization techniques. We evaluated the potential role of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers, analyzing the differential expression of 84 miRNAs in relation to cancer, infertility and both.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Semen samples were placed 30’/37 °C, seminal plasma was purified using density-gradient centrifugation and stored at -80 °C. RNA was purified by Qiagen miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit and analyzed by miRCURY LNA miRNA SYBR®Green PCR_SerumPlasma, 96-well plate. We applied the 2−ΔΔCT method and statistical significance was evaluated by Significance Analysis of Microarrays, screened by p-values ≤ 0.05. We performed a Pearson correlation analysis applying two-sided p-values. miRTarBASE, MIENTURNET and Cytoscape were used for bioinformatics analysis.
Main results and the role of chance
In the four comparisons, we found 9 differentially expressed microRNAs. In particular, miR-221-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-204-5p and miR-205-5p down regulation would appear to be related to infertility, regardless to the cancer. Conversely, all TGCT patients shown an up-regulation of miR-376c-3p. Interestingly, up-regulation of miR-193a-5p, miR-93-5p and let-7c-5p specifically discriminates the infertile cancer patients vs other categories. Moreover, these three miRNAs showed a significant positive correlation both in cancer patients with impaired spermiogram and in infertile controls. This correlation demonstrates that their expression changes in the same way in the single samples and strongly suggests their role as early biomarkers of TGCT patients with impaired spermiogram. From the KEGG pathway analysis has emerged that DE miRNAs are involved in several signaling pathway, such as MAPK, mTOR, p53, PI3K-Akt, AMPK, FoxO, JAK-STAT, Ras, Estrogen signaling pathways, as well as cell cycle and cellular senescence. Moreover, from the Diseases Ontology analysis we found than those miRNAs are involved in germ cell tumor, male reproductive organ cancer, prostate cancer, male infertility and azoospermia.
Limitations, reasons for caution
The data must be validated by single assays in higher number of samples. These experiments are currently ongoing.
Wider implications of the findings
Three of the DE miRNAs are overexpressed in TGCT with impaired spermiogram patients. Specifically, they are over-expressed in TGCT with impaired spermiogram compared to infertile controls, so they may represent specific biomarkers able to discriminate, among the young men with infertility, those with higher risk of develop testicular cancer.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ferrara
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - R Battaglia
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - A Caponnetto
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - C Barbagallo
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - M Stella
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - M E Vento
- Cannizzaro Hospital, IVF Unit , Catania, Italy
| | - P Borzì
- Cannizzaro Hospital, IVF Unit , Catania, Italy
| | - P Scollo
- Cannizzaro Hospital, IVF Unit , Catania, Italy
| | - F Lunelio
- Cannizzaro Hospital, IVF Unit , Catania, Italy
| | - D Barbagallo
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - S Pernagallo
- DESTINA Genomica S.L., Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud PTS , Granada, Spain
| | - M Ragusa
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
| | - C Di Pietro
- University of Catania, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science , Catania, Italy
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Caponnetto A, Battaglia R, Ferrara C, Vento ME, Borzì P, Paradiso M, Scollo P, Purrello M, Longobardi S, D’Hooghe T, Valerio D, Di Pietro C. Down-regulation of long non-coding RNAs in reproductive aging and analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in human cumulus cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:919-931. [PMID: 35247118 PMCID: PMC9050988 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02446-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) control gene expression at multiple levels. By interacting with microRNAs (miRNAs), they regulate their mRNA targets creating dynamic regulatory networks involved in different cellular processes. Their role in follicle development and oocyte maturation has recently emerged. lncRNA deregulation has been found associated with different pathological conditions. In this study, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs in cumulus cells (CCs) isolated from MII oocytes of advanced maternal age women and proposed ceRNA-networks involved in signaling pathways crucial in ovarian folliculogenesis and female germ cell maturation. METHODS We performed a high-throughput analysis of the expression profile of 68 lncRNAs from CCs of aged and young women by using NanoString technology. By miRNet, TarPmiR, miRTarBase, OKdb, and KEGG we predicted some ceRNA-networks involving the differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, miRNA interactors, and their mRNA target genes. RESULTS We identified 28 lncRNAs down-regulated in CC samples from aged women. The analysis revealed that the miRNAs binding 11 of the DE lncRNAs and their mRNA targets are included in ceRNA-networks involved in the regulation of the PI3K-Akt, FOXO, and p53 signaling pathways. CONCLUSION We proposed that the lncRNA down-regulation in CCs from aged women could influence the expression of genes encoding proteins deregulated in reproductive aging. A better understanding of the interplay of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in human CCs could increase our knowledge about the mechanisms of regulation of gene expression involved in aging, lead to the development of novel therapeutics, and improve reproductive outcomes in aged women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Caponnetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmen Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Thomas D’Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Healthcare, the Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics “Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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6
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Caponnetto A, Battaglia R, Ragusa M, Barbagallo D, Lunelio F, Borzì P, Scollo P, Purrello M, Vento ME, Di Pietro C. Molecular profiling of follicular fluid microRNAs in young women affected by Hodgkin lymphoma. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:1045-1056. [PMID: 34627683 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma have improved but one of their common effects is gonadal toxicity, which contributes to fertility damage of patients and induces temporary or irreversible loss of fertility. Could micro-RNA (miRNA) expression profiles in follicular fluid be influenced by Hodgkin lymphoma? Could their alteration affect molecular pathways involved in follicle growth and oocyte maturation? DESIGN miRNA expression profile was investigated in follicular fluid samples from young women affected by Hodgkin lymphoma compared with healthy controls by NanoString technology. Bioinformatic analysis was used to verify miRNA involvement in follicle development and miRNA deregulation with Hodgkin lymphoma in a larger cohort of follicular fluid samples was confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Thirteen miRNAs are deregulated in Hodgkin lymphoma samples compared with controls and are involved in molecular pathways related to cancer, gametogenesis and embryogenesis. Among them, let-7b-5p, miR-423-5p, miR-503-5p, miR-574-5p and miR-1303 are implicated in biological processes related to follicle development and oocyte maturation. Let-7b-5p holds the central position in the regulatory network of miRNA-mRNA interactions, has the highest number of mRNA target genes shared with the other differentially expressed miRNAs and is significantly downregulated in Hodgkin lymphoma follicular fluid samples. CONCLUSIONS These data led us to question the potential influence of miRNA deregulation on oocyte quality. Further studies are needed to verify the reproductive potential of young patients with Hodgkin lymphoma before starting chemotherapy protocols and an adequate protocol of fertility preservation needs to be guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Caponnetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics 'Giovanni Sichel', University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics 'Giovanni Sichel', University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics 'Giovanni Sichel', University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics 'Giovanni Sichel', University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy; Interdisciplinary Research Centre on the Diagnosis and Therapy of Brain Tumors, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics 'Giovanni Sichel', University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics 'Giovanni Sichel', University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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7
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Battaglia R, Palini S, Vento ME, La Ferlita A, Lo Faro MJ, Caroppo E, Borzì P, Falzone L, Barbagallo D, Ragusa M, Scalia M, D'Amato G, Scollo P, Musumeci P, Purrello M, Gravotta E, Di Pietro C. Identification of extracellular vesicles and characterization of miRNA expression profiles in human blastocoel fluid. Sci Rep 2019; 9:84. [PMID: 30643155 PMCID: PMC6331601 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36452-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the presence of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles in human blastocoel fluid. The bioinformatic and comparative analyses identified the biological function of blastocoel fluid microRNAs and suggested a potential role inside the human blastocyst. We found 89 microRNAs, expressed at different levels, able to regulate critical signaling pathways controlling embryo development, such as pluripotency, cell reprogramming, epigenetic modifications, intercellular communication, cell adhesion and cell fate. Blastocoel fluid microRNAs reflect the miRNome of embryonic cells and their presence, associated with the discovery of extracellular vesicles, inside blastocoel fluid, strongly suggests their important role in mediating cell communication among blastocyst cells. Their characterization is important to better understand the earliest stages of embryogenesis and the complex circuits regulating pluripotency. Moreover, blastocoel fluid microRNA profiles could be influenced by blastocyst quality, therefore, microRNAs might be used to assess embryo potential in IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Palini
- Reproductive and IVF Unit- PTA "F Jaia", Department of Maternal and Child Health, Conversano, Italy.,IVF Unit Cervesi Hospital Cattolica, Cattolica, RN, Italy
| | - M E Vento
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - A La Ferlita
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M J Lo Faro
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy.,IPCF-CNR, viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy
| | - E Caroppo
- Reproductive and IVF Unit- PTA "F Jaia", Department of Maternal and Child Health, Conversano, Italy
| | - P Borzì
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - L Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - D Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - M Scalia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G D'Amato
- Reproductive and IVF Unit- PTA "F Jaia", Department of Maternal and Child Health, Conversano, Italy
| | - P Scollo
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - P Musumeci
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - E Gravotta
- Merck Serono s.p.a. Medical Affairs Department, Fertility, Endocrinology and General Medicine, Roma, Italy
| | - C Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Panella P, Pepe P, Borzì P, Vento ME, Pennisi M, Scollo P. Azoospermic patient's treatment: An experience of a PMA hospital unit and role of ultrasonography. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2016; 88:314-316. [PMID: 28073201 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2016.4.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Azoospermia causes about 10% of male infertility and the best therapeutic option is the retrieval of sperm from testis or epididymis. MATERIAL AND METHODS From Juanary 2008 to June 2016, 92 men (median 36 years; range: 25-54 years) were submitted in 47 cases to TESE (testicular sperm extraction) and in 45 cases to PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration) for secretory and obstructive azoospermia, respectively; moreover, all the patients previously underwent color Doppler ultrasound of the testis and transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. RESULTS Serum FSH values were 9.4 ml/UI and 36.4 ml/UI (median 18.2 ml/UI) with an estimated volume of the testis equal to 5 ml; 40 men had the mutation for cystic fibrosis with bilateral agenesis of the deferentia vasa, 4 men had a cyst of the prostatic utricle, 1 man had retrograde ejaculation, 7 had an epididymis cyst and 2 had anejaculation secondary to traumatic neurologic spinal cord injury. The retrieval of sperm was performed in 39 (83%) and 36 (80%) of the patients submitted to TESE and PESA, respectively. The pregnancy rate was equal to 28% and 33% in men with secretory and obstructive azoospermia, respectively. DISCUSSION Assisted reproduction technology with a multidisciplinary team is provided of a pregnancy rate equal about 30% in men with azoospermia; ultrasound allows to evaluate abnormalities of the testis and prostate improving the percentage of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Panella
- Urologic Unit, PMA service, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania.
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Battaglia R, Vento ME, Ragusa M, Barbagallo D, La Ferlita A, Di Emidio G, Borzí P, Artini PG, Scollo P, Tatone C, Purrello M, Di Pietro C. MicroRNAs Are Stored in Human MII Oocyte and Their Expression Profile Changes in Reproductive Aging. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:131. [PMID: 28007692 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.142711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal RNAs are synthesized by the oocyte during its growth; some of them are utilized for oocyte-specific processes and metabolism, others are stored and used during early development before embryonic genome activation. The appropriate expression of complex sets of genes is needed for oocyte maturation and early embryo development. In spite of the basic role of noncoding RNAs in the regulation of gene expression, few studies have analyzed their role in human oocytes. In this study, we identified the microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in human metaphase II stage oocytes, and found that some of them are able to control pluripotency, chromatin remodeling, and early embryo development. We demonstrated that 12 miRNAs are differentially expressed in women of advanced reproductive age and, by bioinformatics analysis, we identified their mRNA targets, expressed in human oocytes and involved in the regulation of pathways altered in reproductive aging. Finally, we found the upregulation of miR-29a-3p, miR-203a-3p, and miR-494-3p, evolutionarily conserved miRNAs, also in aged mouse oocytes, and demonstrated that their overexpression is antithetically correlated with the downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 3A (Dnmt3a), DNA methyltransferase 3B (Dnmt3b), phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam). We propose that oocyte miRNAs perform an important regulatory function in human female germ cells, and their altered regulation could explain the changes occurring in oocyte aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Biology and Genetics, Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Biology and Genetics, Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Biology and Genetics, Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro La Ferlita
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Biology and Genetics, Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Giovanni Artini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Biology and Genetics, Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Biology and Genetics, Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Tatone C, Benedetti E, Vitti M, Di Emidio G, Ciriminna R, Vento ME, Cela V, Borzì P, Carta G, Lispi M, Cimini AM, Artini PG. Modulating Intrafollicular Hormonal Milieu in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Insights From PPAR Expression in Human Granulosa Cells. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:908-14. [PMID: 26332656 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) leading to ovulation of multiple follicles is a crucial aspect of biomedical infertility care. Nevertheless, biomarkers useful for COS management are still lacking. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors relevant to steroid metabolism in granulosa cells (GCs). We investigated whether PPARs and their steroidogenic targets were differentially expressed in GCs differentiated under different recombinant or urinary gonadotropin preparations. GCs from women subjected to COS with r-hFSH, r-hFSH/r-hLH, or hMG-HP were processed to assess expression of PPARα, PPARβ/δ, PPARγ, and steroidogenic enzymes under PPAR modulation. As an evidence of their activation, all PPAR isotypes with their coactivators, the retinoic-X-receptors (RXRs), localized in the nucleus. When GCs from r-hFSH/r-hLH group were compared with r-hFSH, a significant reduction of PPARα protein was observed. By contrast, an increase of PPARβ/δ at both protein and mRNA levels along with that of PPARγ protein were detected. The steroidogenic enzymes 17βHSD IV, 3βHSD II, and HMG-CoA red were downregulated in the r-hFSH/r-hLH group in comparison to r-hFSH unlike CYP19A1 that remained unchanged. In GCs from urinary FSH-LH stimulation (hMG-HP), PPARα was more expressed in comparison with r-hFSH/r-hLH group. Likewise, 3βHSD II and 17βHSD IV were increased suggesting that hMG-HP partially mimicked r-hFSH/r-hLH effects. In summary, transcript analysis associated to protein investigation revealed differential effects of COS protocols on PPARs and their steroidogenic targets in relation to LH and gonadotropin source. These observations candidate PPARs as new biomarkers of follicle competence opening new hypotheses on COS effects on ovarian physiology. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 908-914, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Gynecology and Fertility Unit, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vitti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Vito Cela
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Gaspare Carta
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Gynecology and Fertility Unit, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- Medical Liaison Office, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paolo Giovanni Artini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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