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Harada M. Cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of ovarian dysfunction. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:800-808. [PMID: 38412992 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15918] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The follicular microenvironment is crucial for normal ovarian function, and intra-ovarian factors, in coordination with gonadotropins, contribute to its regulation. Recent research has revealed that the accumulation of senescent cells worsens the adverse environment of various tissues and plays critical roles in chronological aging and various pathological conditions. Cellular senescence involves cell-cycle arrest, a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), macromolecular damage, and dysmetabolism. In this review, I summarize the latest knowledge regarding the role of cellular senescence in pathological conditions in the ovary, in the context of reproduction. Specifically, cellular senescence is known to impair follicular and oocyte health in cisplatin- and cyclophosphamide-induced primary ovarian insufficiency and to contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, cellular senescence is induced during the decline in ovarian reserve that is associated with chronological aging, endometriosis, psychological stress, and obesity, but it remains unclear whether it plays a causative role in these conditions. Finally, I discuss the potential for use of cellular senescence as a novel therapeutic target. The modification of SASP using a senomorphic and/or the elimination of senescent cells using a senolytic represent promising therapeutic strategies. Further elucidation of the role of cellular senescence in the effects of various insults on ovarian reserve, including chronological aging, as well as in pathogenesis of ovarian pathologies, including PCOS, may facilitate a new era of reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Luo YY, Huang GN, Li JY. Editorial: Aging and the oocyte. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1361115. [PMID: 38298380 PMCID: PMC10824979 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1361115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yao Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Ning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Yu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
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Orisaka M, Mizutani T, Miyazaki Y, Shirafuji A, Tamamura C, Fujita M, Tsuyoshi H, Yoshida Y. Chronic low-grade inflammation and ovarian dysfunction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1324429. [PMID: 38192421 PMCID: PMC10773729 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1324429] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The ovarian microenvironment is critical for follicular development and oocyte maturation. Maternal conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and aging, may compromise the ovarian microenvironment, follicular development, and oocyte quality. Chronic low-grade inflammation can induce oxidative stress and tissue fibrosis in the ovary. In PCOS, endometriosis, and aging, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are often elevated in follicular fluids. In women with obesity and PCOS, hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance induce ovarian chronic low-grade inflammation, thereby disrupting follicular development by increasing oxidative stress. In endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma-derived iron overload can induce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to ovarian ferroptosis and fibrosis. In inflammatory aging (inflammaging), senescent cells may secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, causing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the ovary. Therefore, controlling chronic low-grade inflammation and fibrosis in the ovary would present a novel therapeutic strategy for improving the follicular microenvironment and minimizing ovarian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Welfare Sciences, Fukui Prefectural University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yumiko Miyazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Aya Shirafuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Chiyo Tamamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masayuki Fujita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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Koike H, Harada M, Kusamoto A, Xu Z, Tanaka T, Sakaguchi N, Kunitomi C, Azhary JMK, Takahashi N, Urata Y, Osuga Y. Roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1124405. [PMID: 36875481 PMCID: PMC9975510 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1124405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women, affecting up to 15% of women in this group, and the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Although its etiology remains unclear, recent research has revealed the critical role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the pathophysiology of PCOS. ER stress is defined as a condition in which unfolded or misfolded proteins accumulate in the ER because of an imbalance in the demand for protein folding and the protein-folding capacity of the ER. ER stress results in the activation of several signal transduction cascades, collectively termed the unfolded protein response (UPR), which regulates various cellular activities. In principle, the UPR restores homeostasis and keeps the cell alive. However, if the ER stress cannot be resolved, it induces programmed cell death. ER stress has recently been recognized to play diverse roles in both physiological and pathological conditions of the ovary. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the roles of ER stress in the pathogenesis of PCOS. ER stress pathways are activated in the ovaries of both a mouse model of PCOS and in humans, and local hyperandrogenism in the follicular microenvironment associated with PCOS is responsible for activating these. The activation of ER stress contributes to the pathophysiology of PCOS through multiple effects in granulosa cells. Finally, we discuss the potential for ER stress to serve as a novel therapeutic target for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Koike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Miyuki Harada,
| | - Akari Kusamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zixin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsurugi Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nanoka Sakaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisato Kunitomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jerilee M. K. Azhary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nozomi Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Urata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Harada M. Pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome revisited: Current understanding and perspectives regarding future research. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12487. [PMID: 36310656 PMCID: PMC9601867 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12487] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive‐age women and has lifelong effects on health. Methods In this review, I discuss the pathophysiology of PCOS. First, I summarize our current understanding of the etiology and pathology of PCOS, then, discuss details of two representative environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Finally, I present perspectives regarding the directions of future research. Main findings The pathophysiology of PCOS is heterogeneous and shaped by the interaction of reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders. Hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance exacerbate one another during the development of PCOS, which is also affected by dysfunction of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐ovarian axis. PCOS is a highly heritable disorder, and exposure to certain environmental factors causes individuals with predisposing genetic factors to develop PCOS. The environmental factors that drive the development of PCOS pathophysiology make a larger contribution than the genetic factors, and may include the intrauterine environment during the prenatal period, the follicular microenvironment, and lifestyle after birth. Conclusion On the basis of this current understanding, three areas are proposed to be subjects for future research, with the ultimate goals of developing therapeutic and preventive strategies and providing appropriate lifelong management, including preconception care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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Kunitomi C, Harada M, Takahashi N, Azhary JMK, Kusamoto A, Nose E, Oi N, Takeuchi A, Wada-Hiraike O, Hirata T, Hirota Y, Koga K, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of granulosa cells in ovaries affected by endometrioma. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:40-52. [PMID: 31869409 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis exerts detrimental effects on ovarian physiology and compromises follicular health. Granulosa cells from patients with endometriosis are characterized by increased apoptosis, as well as high oxidative stress. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a local factor closely associated with oxidative stress, has emerged as a critical regulator of ovarian function. We hypothesized that ER stress is activated by high oxidative stress in granulosa cells in ovaries with endometrioma and that this mediates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Human granulosa-lutein cells (GLCs) from patients with endometrioma expressed high levels of mRNAs associated with the unfolded protein response (UPR). In addition, the levels of phosphorylated ER stress sensor proteins, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) and double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), were elevated in granulosa cells from patients with endometrioma. Given that ER stress results in phosphorylation of ER stress sensor proteins and induces UPR factors, these findings indicate that these cells were under ER stress. H2O2, an inducer of oxidative stress, increased expression of UPR-associated mRNAs in cultured human GLCs, and this effect was abrogated by pretreatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an ER stress inhibitor in clinical use. Treatment with H2O2 increased apoptosis and the activity of the pro-apoptotic factors caspase-8 and caspase-3, both of which were attenuated by TUDCA. Our findings suggest that activated ER stress induced by high oxidative stress in granulosa cells in ovaries with endometrioma mediates apoptosis of these cells, leading to ovarian dysfunction in patients with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Kunitomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Nozomi Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Jerilee M K Azhary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Akari Kusamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Emi Nose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Nagisa Oi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Arisa Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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Harada M, Takahashi N, Azhary JM, Kunitomi C, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: a key regulator of the follicular microenvironment in the ovary. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa088. [PMID: 33543293 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-ovarian local factors regulate the follicular microenvironment in coordination with gonadotrophins, thus playing a crucial role in ovarian physiology as well as pathological states such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One recently recognized local factor is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which involves the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER related to various physiological and pathological conditions that increase the demand for protein folding or attenuate the protein-folding capacity of the organelle. ER stress results in activation of several signal transduction cascades, collectively termed the unfolded protein response (UPR), which affect a wide variety of cellular functions. Recent studies have revealed diverse roles of ER stress in physiological and pathological conditions in the ovary. In this review, we summarize the most current knowledge of the regulatory roles of ER stress in the ovary, in the context of reproduction. The physiological roles of ER stress and the UPR in the ovary remain largely undetermined. On the contrary, activation of ER stress is known to impair follicular and oocyte health in various pathological conditions; moreover, ER stress also contributes to the pathogenesis of several ovarian diseases, including PCOS. Finally, we discuss the potential of ER stress as a novel therapeutic target. Inhibition of ER stress or UPR activation, by treatment with existing chemical chaperones, lifestyle intervention, or the development of small molecules that target the UPR, represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Nozomi Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Jerilee Mk Azhary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Chisato Kunitomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Luti S, Fiaschi T, Magherini F, Modesti PA, Piomboni P, Governini L, Luddi A, Amoresano A, Illiano A, Pinto G, Modesti A, Gamberi T. Relationship between the metabolic and lipid profile in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:986-997. [PMID: 32885549 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Among the follicular fluid (FF) components promoting the development of the oocyte are included glycoproteins, several fatty acids, and steroid hormones synthesized by the dominant follicle. For this, the analysis of the metabolites present in FF can determine the quality of the oocyte. FF composition is in part determined by local follicular metabolic processes and in part a plasma transudate. Since the causes of impaired fertility may be due to a metabolic imbalance, metabolomics is useful to identify low molecular weight metabolites. Oxidative stress is involved in human infertility and the use of metabolomics can be crucial to identify which other metabolites besides reactive oxygen species are involved in oxidative stress correlated to infertility. To obtain new information on the study of signaling molecules in FF, the knowledge of the lipid content will be important to improve information on the understanding of follicular development. The objective of this study is to identify (a) a metabolic profile and a lipid profile of FF in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and (b) to correlate the previous information obtained regarding adiponectin and oxidative stress with the metabolic and lipid profile obtained in the present study. As result, we found an increase in oxidative stress due to both an increase of androgens and an accumulation of lipids in the follicular environment and we suggest that this might be one of the causes of reduced fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Luti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Magherini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pietro A Modesti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pinto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Modesti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Takahashi N, Harada M, Azhary JMK, Kunitomi C, Nose E, Terao H, Koike H, Wada-Hiraike O, Hirata T, Hirota Y, Koga K, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Accumulation of advanced glycation end products in follicles is associated with poor oocyte developmental competence. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:684-694. [PMID: 31504800 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) affect the follicular microenvironment. The close relationship between AGEs, proinflammatory cytokine production and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which involves activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), is crucial for regulation of various cellular functions. We examined whether accumulation of AGEs in follicles was associated with proinflammatory cytokine production and activation of the UPR in granulosa cells and decreased oocyte developmental competence. Concentrations of AGEs, soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in follicular fluid (FF) were examined by ELISAs in 50 follicles. mRNA expression of ATF4, IL-6 and IL-8 in cumulus cells (CCs) were examined by quantitative RT-PCR in 77 samples. Cultured human granulosa-lutein cells (GLCs) were treated with AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) alone or following transfection of ATF4-targeting small interfering RNA. The AGE concentration and the AGE/sRAGE ratio in FF were significantly higher in follicles containing oocytes that developed into poor-morphology embryos (group I) than those with good-morphology embryos (group II). When compared with sibling follicles from the same patients, the AGE/sRAGE and concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in FF, as well as ATF4, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression in CCs, were significantly higher in group I follicles than group II. AGE treatment increased mRNA expression of ATF4, IL-6 and IL-8 in cultured GLCs. Knockdown of ATF4 abrogated the stimulatory effects of AGE on mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. Our findings support the idea that accumulation of AGEs in follicles reduces oocyte competence by triggering inflammation via activation of ATF4 in the follicular microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jerilee M K Azhary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisato Kunitomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emi Nose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Terao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Koike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
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