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Bezerra GP, Genro VK, Souza CAB, Cunha-Filho JS. Follicular fluid concentration of soluble Human-G Leukocytic Antigen (sHLA-G) in in vitro fertilization cycles of women with and without peritoneal endometriosis. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:263-268. [PMID: 38381778 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240012] [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: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to investigate the association between the concentrations of soluble human leukocyte G antigen (sHLA-G) in the follicular fluid (FF) in infertile patients with peritoneal endometriosis submitted to in vitro fertilization. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study, including ninety-six women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) ageing ≤ 40 years. Infertile patients were classified into two groups: with endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy and without endometriosis due to tubal factor. ELISA measured soluble HLA-G in the FF of a pool of punctured (more than 17mm) follicles from women with endometriosis and without endometriosis who were subjected to ovulation induction for IVF. Embryos obtained after fertilization were classified according to the graduated embryo score (GES). RESULTS Groups were comparables in terms of age, the number of follicles, AMH, FSH and all included reproductive outcomes. There was no association between sHLA-G concentrations and the average score of the generated embryos (p>0.05). Measurement of sHLA-G in the follicle fluid in women with endometriosis and without endometriosis (tubal factor) showed no significant difference (p>0.05). We also compared sHLA-G per follicle and per embryo, which were not different between both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with peritoneal endometriosis submitted to IVF did not demonstrate an altered sHLA-G in the follicular fluid compared to the follicular fluid sHLA-G concentration in tubal factor patients. Also, this molecule was not linked to any other reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glícia Pinheiro Bezerra
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Vanesa K Genro
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Insemine, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto B Souza
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Insemine, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
- Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - João Sabino Cunha-Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
- Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
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Tian T, Li Q, Liu F, Jiang H, Yang R, Zhao Y, Kong F, Wang Y, Long X, Qiao J. Alkali and alkaline earth elements in follicular fluid and the likelihood of diminished ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged women: a case‒control study. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:108. [PMID: 38762521 PMCID: PMC11102265 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01414-3] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imbalances in alkali elements (AEs) and alkaline earth elements (AEEs) cause reproductive disorders. However, it remains unclear whether AEs/AEEs in follicular fluid have a relationship with the serious reproductive disorder known as diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS A nested case‒control study was carried out in China. Follicular fluid samples from 154 DOR patients and 154 controls were collected and assessed for nine AEs/AEE levels. Both the mixed and single effects of the elements on DOR were estimated with a Bayesian kernel machine (BKMR) and logistic regressions. RESULTS The DOR group had higher median concentrations of Li, Na, and K in follicular fluid (all P values < 0.05). The logistic regression showed that compared with their lowest tertile, the high tertiles of K [OR:2.45 (1.67-4.43)], Li [OR: 1.89 (1.06-3.42)], and Cs [OR: 1.97 (1.10-3.54)] were significantly associated with the odds of DOR. The BKMR model reported that the DOR likelihood increased linearly across the 25th through 75th percentiles of the nine-AE/AEE mixture, while the AE group contributed more to the overall effect. CONCLUSION This study revealed an association in which the likelihood of DOR increased with higher overall concentrations of AE/AEEs in follicular fluid. Among the nine detected elements, K, Li, and Cs exhibited significant individual associations with DOR. We provide new clues for the environmental factors on female fertility decline. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Qin Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Huahua Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Fei Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Long
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Ruan LL, Lv XY, Hu YL, Chen MX, Jing-Tang, Zhong ZH, Bao MH, Fu LJ, Luo X, Yu SM, Wan Q, Ding YB. Metabolic landscape and pathogenic insights: a comprehensive analysis of high ovarian response in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:105. [PMID: 38760835 PMCID: PMC11102248 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01411-6] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the realm of assisted reproduction, a subset of infertile patients demonstrates high ovarian response following controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), with approximately 29.7% facing the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Management of OHSS risk often necessitates embryo transfer cancellation, leading to delayed prospects of successful pregnancy and significant psychological distress. Regrettably, these patients have received limited research attention, particularly regarding their metabolic profile. In this study, we aim to utilize gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to reveal these patients' unique serum metabolic profiles and provide insights into the disease's pathogenesis. METHODS We categorized 145 infertile women into two main groups: the CON infertility group from tubal infertility patients and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) infertility group. Within these groups, we further subdivided them into four categories: patients with normal ovarian response (CON-NOR group), patients with high ovarian response and at risk for OHSS (CON-HOR group) within the CON group, as well as patients with normal ovarian response (PCOS-NOR group) and patients with high ovarian response and at risk for OHSS (PCOS-HOR group) within the PCOS group. Serum metabolic profiles were analyzed using GC-MS. The risk criteria for OHSS were: the number of developing follicles > 20, peak Estradiol (E2) > 4000pg/mL, and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels > 4.5ng/mL. RESULTS The serum metabolomics analysis revealed four different metabolites within the CON group and 14 within the PCOS group. Remarkably, 10-pentadecenoic acid emerged as a discernible risk metabolite for the CON-HOR, also found to be a differential metabolite between CON-NOR and PCOS groups. cysteine and 5-methoxytryptamine were also identified as risk metabolites for the PCOS-HOR. Furthermore, KEGG analysis unveiled significant enrichment of the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway among the metabolites differing between PCOS-NOR and PCOS-HOR. CONCLUSION Our study highlights significant metabolite differences between patients with normal ovarian response and those with high ovarian response and at risk for OHSS within both the tubal infertility control group and PCOS infertility group. Importantly, we observe metabolic similarities between patients with PCOS and those with a high ovarian response but without PCOS, suggesting potential parallels in their underlying causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 23 Central Park North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing, 401147, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xing-Yu Lv
- The Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610011, China
| | - Yu-Lin Hu
- The Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610011, China
| | - Ming-Xing Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jing-Tang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Hui Zhong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Mei-Hua Bao
- Department of Pharmacology, Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, China
| | - Li-Juan Fu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shao-Min Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the People's Hospital of Yubei District, No. 23 Central Park North Road, Chongqing, 401120, China.
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- The Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610011, China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 23 Central Park North Road, Yubei District, Chongqing, 401147, PR China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Que X, Ren L, Yang L, Wang L, Li J, Wu R, Chen Q. Long noncoding RNA BMPR1B-AS1 stability regulated by IGF2BP2 affects the decidualization in endometriosis patients through the SMAD1/5/9 pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23622. [PMID: 38703029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302195r] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMs)-related infertility commonly has decreased endometrial receptivity and normal decidualization is the basis for establishing and maintaining endometrial receptivity. However, the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms of impaired endometrial decidualization in patients with EMs have not been fully clarified. We confirmed the existence of reduced endometrial receptivity in patients with EMs by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR. Here we identified an lncRNA, named BMPR1B-AS1, which is significantly downregulated in eutopic endometrium in EMs patients and plays an essential role in decidual formation. Furthermore, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and rescue analyses revealed that BMPR1B-AS1 positively regulates decidual formation through interaction with the RNA-binding protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). Downregulation of IGF2BP2 led to a decreased stability of BMPR1B-AS1 and inhibition of activation of the SMAD1/5/9 pathway, an inhibitory effect which diminished decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) decidualization. In conclusion, our identified a novel regulatory mechanism in which the IGF2BP2-BMPR1B-AS1-SMAD1/5/9 axis plays a key role in the regulation of decidualization, providing insights into the potential link between abnormal decidualization and infertility in patients with EMs, which will be of clinical significance for the management and treatment of infertility in patients with EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Que
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lulu Ren
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lemeng Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Junzui Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Rongfeng Wu
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qionghua Chen
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Wang Z, Zhang X, Dai B, Li D, Chen X. Analysis of the potential regulatory mechanisms of female and latent genital tuberculosis affecting ovarian reserve function using untargeted metabolomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9519. [PMID: 38664479 PMCID: PMC11045857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60167-7] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Female and latent genital tuberculosis (FGTB and LGTB) in young women may lead to infertility by damaging ovarian reserve function, but the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of FGTB and LGTB on ovarian reserve function and potential regulatory mechanisms by untargeted metabolomics of follicular fluid, aiming to provide insights for the clinical management and treatment approaches for afflicted women. We recruited 19 patients with FGTB, 16 patients with LGTB, and 16 healthy women as a control group. Clinical data analysis revealed that both the FGTB and LGTB groups had significantly lower ovarian reserve marker levels compared to the control group, including lower anti-Müllerian hormone levels (FGTB: 0.82 [0.6, 1.1] μg/L; LGTB: 1.57 [1.3, 1.8] μg/L vs. control: 3.29 [2.9, 3.5] μg/L), reduced antral follicular counts (FGTB: 6 [5.5, 9.5]; LGTB: 10.5 [7, 12.3] vs. control: 17 [14.5, 18]), and fewer retrieved oocytes (FGTB: 3 [2, 5]; LGTB: 8 [4, 8.3] vs. control: 14.5 [11.5, 15.3]). Conversely, these groups exhibited higher ovarian response marker levels, such as longer gonadotropin treatment days (FGTB: 12 [10.5, 12.5]; LGTB: 11 [10.8, 11.3] vs. control: 10 [8.8, 10]) and increased gonadotropin dosage requirements (FGTB: 3300 [3075, 3637.5] U; LGTB: 3037.5 [2700, 3225] U vs. control: 2531.25 [2337.5, 2943.8] U). All comparisons were statistically significant at P < 0.05. The results suggested that FGTB and LGTB have adverse effects on ovarian reserve and response. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 92 and 80 differential metabolites in the control vs. FGTB and control vs. LGTB groups, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant alterations in metabolic pathways in the FGTB and LGTB groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05), with specific changes noted in galactose metabolism, biotin metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism in the FGTB group, and caffeine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the LGTB group. The analysis of metabolic levels has revealed the potential mechanisms by which FGTB and LGTB affect ovarian reserve function, namely through alterations in metabolic pathways. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehending the metabolic alterations associated with FGTB and LGTB, which is of considerable relevance for the clinical management and therapeutic approaches in afflicted women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, People's Republic of China
| | - Bai Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, People's Republic of China
| | - Debang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, People's Republic of China.
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Duan Y, Cai B, Guo J, Wang C, Mai Q, Xu Y, Zeng Y, Shi Y, Wang B, Ding C, Chen M, Zhou C, Xu Y. GDF9 His209GlnfsTer6/S428T and GDF9 Q321X/S428T bi-allelic variants caused female subfertility with defective follicle enlargement. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:235. [PMID: 38643161 PMCID: PMC11031944 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01616-8] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antral follicles consist of an oocyte cumulus complex surrounding by somatic cells, including mural granulosa cells as the inner layer and theca cells as the outsider layer. The communications between oocytes and granulosa cells have been extensively explored in in vitro studies, however, the role of oocyte-derived factor GDF9 on in vivo antral follicle development remains elusive due to lack of an appropriate animal model. Clinically, the phenotype of GDF9 variants needs to be determined. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on two unrelated infertile women characterized by an early rise of estradiol level and defect in follicle enlargement. Besides, WES data on 1,039 women undergoing ART treatment were collected. A Gdf9Q308X/S415T mouse model was generated based on the variant found in one of the patients. RESULTS Two probands with bi-allelic GDF9 variants (GDF9His209GlnfsTer6/S428T, GDF9Q321X/S428T) and eight GDF9S428T heterozygotes with normal ovarian response were identified. In vitro experiments confirmed that these variants caused reduction of GDF9 secretion, and/or alleviation in BMP15 binding. Gdf9Q308X/S415T mouse model was constructed, which recapitulated the phenotypes in probands with abnormal estrogen secretion and defected follicle enlargement. Further experiments in mouse model showed an earlier expression of STAR in small antral follicles and decreased proliferative capacity in large antral follicles. In addition, RNA sequencing of granulosa cells revealed the transcriptomic profiles related to defective follicle enlargement in the Gdf9Q308X/S415T group. One of the downregulated genes, P4HA2 (a collagen related gene), was found to be stimulated by GDF9 protein, which partly explained the phenotype of defective follicle enlargement. CONCLUSIONS GDF9 bi-allelic variants contributed to the defect in antral follicle development. Oocyte itself participated in the regulation of follicle development through GDF9 paracrine effect, highlighting the essential role of oocyte-derived factors on ovarian response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Duan
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Bing Cai
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Qingyun Mai
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Boyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Chenhui Ding
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Minghui Chen
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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7
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Xie Y, Chen J, Liu K, Huang J, Zeng Y, Gao M, Qian Y, Liu L, Tan Y, Nie X. Differential expression of follicular fluid exosomal microRNA in women with diminished ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1087-1096. [PMID: 38321265 PMCID: PMC11052957 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03037-5] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Decreased ovarian reserve function is mainly characterized by female endocrine disorders and fertility decline. Follicular fluid (FF) exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to regulate the function of granulosa cells (GCs). The present study explored differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS FF was collected from 12 DOR patients and 12 healthy controls. DEmiRNAs between the two groups were identified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing technology and validated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS A total of 592 DEmiRNAs were identified using high-throughput miRNA sequencing, of which 213 were significantly upregulated and 379 were significantly downregulated. The sequencing results were further validated by RT-qPCR. These DEmiRNA target genes were mainly involved in the cancer pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton signaling pathway, and biological processes related to protein binding, nucleoplasm, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. CONCLUSION FF exosomal miRNAs are significantly differentially expressed in DOR patients versus non-DOR patients, underscoring their crucial role in regulating the pathogenesis of DOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kailu Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jingyu Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yaqiong Zeng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Mengya Gao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Xiaowei Nie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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8
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Zheng Y, Wu S, Liu L, Guan Y, Sun W, Miao C, Li Q. Activation of HAND2-FGFR signaling pathway by lncRNA HAND2-AS1 in adenomyosis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:490-500. [PMID: 38084072 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad171] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2 (HAND2) is a critical mediator of progesterone action in endometrial stromal cells. Silencing of Hand2 expression in mouse uterus leads to an unopposed FGFR-mediated action that causes female mice infertility. To investigate the involvement of HAND2-FGFR signaling in pathogenesis of adenomyosis, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to assess gene expression in the normal endometrium, the paired eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions obtained from women with adenomyosis. DNA methylation in the regions of HAND2 promoter and the first exon was also monitored in these samples. Our results revealed that HAND2 expression were dramatically reduced, but FGF9 expression and FGFR-ERK1/2-mediated MAPK signaling pathway were enhanced in the eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions of patients with adenomyosis compared to the normal controls. Interestingly, expression of HAND2-AS1, a long noncoding RNA that resides adjacent to HAND2 in genome, was also reduced in adenomyosis. DNA methylation analysis revealed that the bidirectional promoter between HAND2 and HAND2-AS1, and the first exon of HAND2 gene was heavily methylated in the eutopic endometrium and the ectopic lesions of adenomyosis. To investigate the regulation of gene expression by HAND2-AS1, HAND2-AS1 expression was silenced in human endometrial stromal cells. In contrast to the downregulation of HAND2 in response to HAND2-AS1 silencing, FGF9 expression was augmented significantly. Endometrial stromal cells lacking HAND2-AS1 exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration potentials. Collectively, our studies revealed a new molecular mechanism by which HAND2-AS1 is involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis via modulating HAND2-FGFR-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Lingli Liu
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Yining Guan
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | | | - Congxiu Miao
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Quanxi Li
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Engineer of Shanxi Health Committee, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
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9
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Cozzolino M, Ergun Y, Ristori E, Garg A, Imamoglu G, Seli E. Disruption of mitochondrial unfolded protein response results in telomere shortening in mouse oocytes and somatic cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2047-2060. [PMID: 38349865 PMCID: PMC10911389 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205543] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Caseinolytic peptidase P (CLPP) plays a central role in mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR) by promoting the breakdown of misfolded proteins and setting in motion a cascade of reactions to re-establish protein homeostasis. Global germline deletion of Clpp in mice results in female infertility and accelerated follicular depletion. Telomeres are tandem repeats of 5'-TTAGGG-3' sequences found at the ends of the chromosomes. Telomeres are essential for maintaining chromosome stability during somatic cell division and their shortening is associated with cellular senescence and aging. In this study, we asked whether the infertility and ovarian aging phenotype caused by global germline deletion of Clpp is associated with somatic aging, and tested telomere length in tissues of young and aging mice. We found that impaired mtUPR caused by the lack of CLPP is associated with accelerated telomere shortening in both oocytes and somatic cells of aging mice. In addition, expression of several genes that maintain telomere integrity was decreased, and double-strand DNA breaks were increased in telomeric regions. Our results highlight how impaired mtUPR can affect telomere integrity and demonstrate a link between loss of mitochondrial protein hemostasis, infertility, and somatic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Roma, Rome, Italy
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Fundacion IVI-IIS la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yagmur Ergun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Marlton, NJ 08053, USA
| | - Emma Ristori
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Akanksha Garg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gizem Imamoglu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
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10
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Ergun Y, Imamoglu AG, Cozzolino M, Demirkiran C, Basar M, Garg A, Yildirim RM, Seli E. Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response Gene Clpp Is Required for Oocyte Function and Female Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1866. [PMID: 38339144 PMCID: PMC10855406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031866] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial unfolded protein stress response (mtUPR) plays a critical role in regulating cellular and metabolic stress response and helps maintain protein homeostasis. Caseinolytic peptidase P (CLPP) is one of the key regulators of mtUPR and promotes unfolded protein degradation. Previous studies demonstrated that global deletion of Clpp resulted in female infertility, whereas no impairment was found in the mouse model with targeted deletion of Clpp in cumulus/granulosa cells. These results suggest the need to delineate the function of Clpp in oocytes. In this study, we aimed to further explore the role of mtUPR in female reproductive competence and senescence using a mouse model. Oocyte-specific targeted deletion of Clpp in mice resulted in female subfertility associated with metabolic and functional abnormalities in oocytes, thus highlighting the importance of CLPP-mediated protein homeostasis in oocyte competence and reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Ergun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Marlton, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Aysegul Gizem Imamoglu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Roma, 00169 Rome, Italy
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Cem Demirkiran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Murat Basar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Fertility Center, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Akanksha Garg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Raziye Melike Yildirim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Fertility Center, Orange, CT 06477, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
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11
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Bui BN, Ardisasmita AI, Kuijk E, Altmäe S, Steba G, Mackens S, Fuchs S, Broekmans F, Nieuwenhuis E. An unbiased approach of molecular characterization of the endometrium: toward defining endometrial-based infertility. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:275-281. [PMID: 38099857 PMCID: PMC10833067 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead257] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a complex condition affecting millions of couples worldwide. The current definition of infertility, based on clinical criteria, fails to account for the molecular and cellular changes that may occur during the development of infertility. Recent advancements in sequencing technology and single-cell analysis offer new opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of these changes. The endometrium has a potential role in infertility and has been extensively studied to identify gene expression profiles associated with (impaired) endometrial receptivity. However, limited overlap among studies hampers the identification of relevant downstream pathways that could play a role in the development of endometrial-related infertility. To address these challenges, we propose sequencing the endometrial transcriptome of healthy and infertile women at the single-cell level to consistently identify molecular signatures. Establishing consensus on physiological patterns in endometrial samples can aid in identifying deviations in infertile patients. A similar strategy has been used with great success in cancer research. However, large collaborative initiatives, international uniform protocols of sample collection and processing are crucial to ensure reliability and reproducibility. Overall, the proposed approach holds promise for an objective and accurate classification of endometrial-based infertility and has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bich Ngoc Bui
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ewart Kuijk
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Gaby Steba
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shari Mackens
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine Fuchs
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Broekmans
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Infertility Care, Dijklander Ziekenhuis, Purmerend, The Netherlands
| | - Edward Nieuwenhuis
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Science, University College Roosevelt, Middelburg, The Netherlands
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12
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Saad-Naguib MH, Kenfack Y, Sherman LS, Chafitz OB, Morelli SS. Impaired receptivity of thin endometrium: therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1268990. [PMID: 38344687 PMCID: PMC10854221 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1268990] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a resilient and highly dynamic tissue, undergoing cyclic renewal in preparation for embryo implantation. Cyclic endometrial regeneration depends on the intact function of several cell types, including parenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells, as well as adult stem cells that can arise from endometrial or extrauterine sources. The ability of the endometrium to undergo rapid, repeated regeneration without scarring is unique to this tissue. However, if this tissue renewal process is disrupted or dysfunctional, women may present clinically with infertility due to endometrial scarring or persistent atrophic/thin endometrium. Such disorders are rate-limiting in the treatment of female infertility and in the success of in vitro fertilization because of a dearth of treatment options specifically targeting the endometrium. A growing number of studies have explored the potential of adult stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat women with disorders of endometrial regeneration. MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with capacity to differentiate into cells such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. In addition to their differentiation capacity, MSCs migrate toward injured sites where they secrete bioactive factors (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteins and extracellular vesicles) to aid in tissue repair. These factors modulate biological processes critical for tissue regeneration, such as angiogenesis, cell migration and immunomodulation. The MSC secretome has therefore attracted significant attention for its therapeutic potential. In the uterus, studies utilizing rodent models and limited human trials have shown a potential benefit of MSCs and the MSC secretome in treatment of endometrial infertility. This review will explore the potential of MSCs to treat women with impaired endometrial receptivity due to a thin endometrium or endometrial scarring. We will provide context supporting leveraging MSCs for this purpose by including a review of mechanisms by which the MSC secretome promotes regeneration and repair of nonreproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Saad-Naguib
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Yannick Kenfack
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Lauren S. Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Olivia B. Chafitz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, United States
| | - Sara S. Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
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13
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Ji J, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Shui L, Bai S, Huang L, Wang H, Fan S, Zhang Z, Luo L, Xu B. A Proteomic Analysis of Human Follicular Fluid: Proteomic Profile Associated with Embryo Quality. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:199-211. [PMID: 37607985 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01293-x] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Embryo selection is a key point of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The most commonly used method for embryo selection is morphological assessment. However, it is sometimes inaccurate. Follicular fluid (FF) contains a complex mixture of proteins that are essential for follicle development and oocyte maturation. Analyzing human FF proteomic profiles and identifying predictive biomarkers might be helpful for evaluating embryo quality. A total of 22 human FF samples were collected from 19 infertile women who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment between October 2021 and November 2021. FFs were grouped into two categories on the basis of the day 3 embryo quality, grade I or II in the hqFF group and grade III in the nhqFF group. FF was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The key differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Differentially expressed proteins were further analyzed using DAVID software. A total of 558 proteins were identified, of which 50 proteins were differentially expressed in the hqFF versus nhqFF group, including 32 upregulated proteins (> 1.20-fold, P < 0.05) and 18 downregulated proteins (< 0.67-fold, P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analyses showed that the upregulated DEPs were enriched in components of the coagulation and complement systems and negative regulation of peptidase activity, while the downregulated DEPs were enriched in molecular function of extracellular matrix structural and constituent collagen binding. Our results suggested that a number of protein biomarkers in FF were associated with embryo quality. It may help develop an effective and noninvasive method for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjuan Ji
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Lijun Shui
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Shun Bai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Lingli Huang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Shiwei Fan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Zelin Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Lihua Luo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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14
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Zhang W, Zhang R, Wu L, Zhu C, Zhang C, Xu C, Zhao S, Liu X, Guo T, Lu Y, Gao Z, Yu X, Li L, Chen ZJ, Qin Y, Jiao X. NLRP14 deficiency causes female infertility with oocyte maturation defects and early embryonic arrest by impairing cytoplasmic UHRF1 abundance. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113531. [PMID: 38060382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113531] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation is vital to attain full competence required for fertilization and embryogenesis. NLRP14 is preferentially expressed in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Yet, the role and molecular mechanism of NLRP14 in oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis are poorly understood, and whether NLRP14 deficiency accounts for human infertility is unknown. Here, we found that maternal loss of Nlrp14 resulted in sterility with oocyte maturation defects and early embryonic arrest (EEA). Nlrp14 ablation compromised oocyte competence due to impaired cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation. Importantly, we revealed that NLRP14 maintained cytoplasmic UHRF1 abundance by protecting it from proteasome-dependent degradation and anchoring it from nuclear translocation in the oocyte. Furthermore, we identified compound heterozygous NLRP14 variants in women affected by infertility with EEA, which interrupted the NLRP14-UHRF1 interaction and decreased UHRF1 levels. Our data demonstrate NLRP14 as a cytoplasm-specific regulator of UHRF1 during oocyte maturation, providing insights into genetic diagnosis for female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ling Wu
- The Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chengpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xinchen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yueshuang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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Li Y, Wang N, Jing Y, He J, Li F, Zhang X. Down-regulation of the FTO gene in follicular fluid of infertile women with ovarian endometriosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2269273. [PMID: 37871609 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2269273] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate FTO concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of women with ovarian endometriosis (OE) and controls women without OE undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS FTO concentrations in FF were measured in 74 patients (37 in the control group and 37 in the OE group) by ELISA. We measured the expression of FTO in GCs of 40 patients (19 in the control group and 21 in the OE group) by RT-qPCR. The level of m6A in GCs was measured in 20 patients (10 in the control group and 10 in the OE group) by colorimetry. RESULTS Compared with the control group, FTO concentrations in FF (6.92 ± 0.44 vs. 5.67 ± 0.40 ng/ml) (p <.05) and FTO mRNA level in GCs of OE group were decreased significantly (p <.05), and the level of m6A was increased (0.21 ± 0.01 vs. 0.17 ± 0.03 ng) (p >.05). CONCLUSIONS The FTO concentrations in FF of infertility women with OE are decreased, which may be related to the impaired oocyte quality in endometriosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Li
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
- The First Clinical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Naihui Wang
- The First Clinical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuanxue Jing
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
- The First Clinical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiajing He
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
- The First Clinical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- The First Clinical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
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Habibullah MM. The role of CFTR channel in female infertility. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1228-1237. [PMID: 36576330 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2161427] [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: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated trans-membrane ATP gated anion channel present in most epithelia, which transports chloride and bicarbonate ions across the apical membrane. Mutations in the CFTR protein are known to result in defective expression or function, notably the inhibition of chloride and bicarbonate transport. This can result in cystic fibrosis (CF), a disorder characterised by thickness of the mucus lining of the epithelial cells of the alimentary and respiratory tracts, sweat ducts and reproductive organs. As a consequence, there is a reduction in fluid transport at the apical surface. While the most devastating effect of CF is mortality, about 98% of men with CF are infertile, consequent of early blockage of or failure to develop the mesonephrotic ducts as well as the vas deferens. The effect of CF of female fertility is less well-understood. This review highlights the genetics and pathophysiology as well as the mechanism of action of CF on female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Habibullah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
AIM Among the natural polyphenolic compounds, resveratrol (RES) is known for reducing the effects of declining reproductive power through resisting senility, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, while the molecular mechanism of RES in human ovaries is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the most likely mechanisms of RES against apoptosis induced by H2O2 in human ovary granulosa cells. METHODS Ovarian granulosa cells from infertile women (≤35 years old) were collected. Those patients defined as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), poor ovarian responder (POR) and Endometriosis were excluded. Then they were randomly divided into control group, model group and the treatment group. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometer method. The related protein and mRNA expressions were detected by western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS Apoptosis rates of the treatment group containing RES with concentrations of 1 μM and 10 μM were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Western blot results demonstrated that the proteins levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Bax and Caspase 9 were decreased, and Bcl-2 was increased under RES treatment, while the protein levels of Caspase 8, Caspase 3, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) expressed no significant difference. The results by RT-PCR of follicle and ovarian development related mRNA factors were consistent with that of western blot assay. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study provides the evidence that RES may affects apoptotic factors to protect human ovarian state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, (Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Hebei Medical University), Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mei-Ling Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, (Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Hebei Medical University), Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xing Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, (Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Hebei Medical University), Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Wang
- North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Li-Nan Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hebei Medicine University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ya-Cong Li
- Hebei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, (Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Hebei Medical University), Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Sopasi F, Spyropoulou I, Kourti M, Vasileiadis S, Tripsianis G, Galazios G, Koutlaki N. Oxidative stress and female infertility: the role of follicular fluid soluble receptor of advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) in women with endometriosis. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1400-1407. [PMID: 37811816 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2230360] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative Stress (OS) relates to the pathophysiology of endometriosis by activation of the inflammation process in the ovary, abdomen, peritoneum and endometrium. Advanced Glycation end-products (AGEs) cause oxidative damage to the follicles of the ovary. This study aims to investigate the correlation of follicular fluid soluble receptor of AGEs (FF sRAGE) with fertility-related parameters in infertile women with endometriosis. From January 2012 to July 2015 twenty-four women diagnosed with mild to moderate endometriosis aged 28-38 years underwent assisted reproduction. sRAGE levels measured in FF were related to lifestyle factors, sociodemographic characteristics, gynaecological and obstetric parameters, hormonal status and fertilization. sRAGE was inversely associated with BMI (r = -0.503, p = 0.012). No significant association of sRAGE with age (p = 0.714) or alcohol consumption (p = 0.882) was found. Pearson's r correlation coefficient revealed that sRAGE was positively associated with serum AMH (r = 0.518, p = 0.009), FF AMH (r = 0.630, p = 0.001), number of follicles >15mm (r = 0.601, p = 0.002), total number of follicles aspirated (r = 0.698, p < 0.001), total number of MII oocytes obtained, (r = 0.757, p < 0.001) and the number of embryos with good embryo scoring (suitable for ET) (r = 0.522, p = 0.009). It seems that measurement of FF RAGE might be a useful predictive marker for IVF success in infertile women with endometriosis undergoing assisted reproduction.
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Wu L, Huang X, Wang R, Li Y, Zhu H, Ouyang Y, Huang W. Increased Expression of TGF-β1 Contributes to the Downregulation of Progesterone Receptor Expression in the Eutopic Endometrium of Infertile Women with Minimal/Mild Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3578-3589. [PMID: 37531067 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01315-8] [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: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent disease associated with impaired immunoregulation. In our recent study, we have characterized the trascriptomic transformation of eutopic endometrium from patients with minimal/mild endometriosis and controls across the menstrual cycle. However, the regulatory mechanism of altered immune microenvironment in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) remains unclear. Here, we want to explore the regulation of immune cell to progesterone resistance and endometrial receptivity in the eutopic ESCs by cytokine (TGF-β1), and to understand the effect of TGF-β1 on the decidualization of the eutopic ESCs. Primary culture of eutopic ESCs was performed to explore the effects of TGF-β1 on the expression of Smad and progesterone receptor (PR) and the in vitro decidualization. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to explore the direct interaction between Smad and PR. We found an attenuate expression of PRB protein (p=0.026) after using TGF-β1 in eutopic ESCs, although the difference of PRA before and after treatment was not significant (p=0.678). Similarly, the results of qRT-PCR showed that the mRNA level of PR (p<0.001), PRB (p=0.003) and HOXA10 (p<0.001) decreased significantly after TGF-β1 treatment, but that increased (p<0.023, for all) after SB431542 treatment in the eutopic ESCs. Moreover, TGF-β1 has a negative effect on the in vitro decidualization of eutopic ESCs (p=0.003). And the group with treatment of both TGF-β1 and SB435142 in eutopic ESCs showed significant decidual-like changes with increased prolactin level (p=0.01). We did not observe any physical interaction between the PR and p-Smad3/Smad3 proteins by using Co-IP. By activating TGF-β/Smad signaling in eutopic ESCs, elevated TGF-β1 from CD45+ immune cells could attenuate expression of PR, and further decrease endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukanxuan Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunwei Ouyang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Hu T, Li C, Qiao S, Liu W, Han W, Li W, Shi R, Xue X, Shi J, Huang G, Lin T. Novel variants in TUBB8 gene cause multiple phenotypic abnormalities in human oocytes and early embryos. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:228. [PMID: 38007525 PMCID: PMC10675859 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01274-3] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genotype-phenotype relationships between TUBB8 variants and female infertility are difficult to clearly define due to the complex inheritance patterns and the highly heterogeneous phenotypes. This study aims to identify novel TUBB8 variants and relevant phenotypes in more infertile females. METHODS A total of 35 females with primary infertility were recruited from two reproductive centers and investigated for identifying variants in TUBB8. Pedigree analysis, in-silico analysis and molecular remodeling were performed to assess their clinical significance. The effects of the variants on human oocytes and embryos as well as HeLa cells were analyzed by morphological observations, immunostaining and Western blot. RESULTS We totally identified five novel variants (p.G13R, p.Y50C, p.T136I, p.F265V and p.T366A) and five previously reported variants (p.I4L, p.L42V, p.Q134*, p.V255M and p.V349I) in TUBB8 from 9 unrelated females with primary infertility. These variants were rare and highly conserved among different species, and were inherited in autosomal dominant/recessive patterns, or occurred de novo. In vitro functional assays in HeLa cells revealed that exogenous expression of mutant TUBB8 proteins caused different degrees of microtubule structural disruption. The existence of these pathogenic TUBB8 variants finally induced oocyte maturation arrest or morphological abnormalities, fertilization failure, cleavage failure, embryonic development defects and implantation failure in the affected females. CONCLUSION These findings enriched the variant spectrum of TUBB8 gene and could contribute to optimize genetic counselling and clinical management of females with primary infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwenyi Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Wei Li
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Reproductive Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Tingting Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Jiang Z, Shi C, Han H, Fu M, Zhu H, Han T, Fei J, Huang Y, Jin Z, He J, Wang Y, Chen X, Shen H. Autologous non-invasively derived stem cells mitochondria transfer shows therapeutic advantages in human embryo quality rescue. Biol Res 2023; 56:60. [PMID: 37978575 PMCID: PMC10657142 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00470-1] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decline in the quantity and quality of mitochondria are closely associated with infertility, particularly in advanced maternal age. Transferring autologous mitochondria into the oocytes of infertile females represents an innovative and viable strategy for treating infertility, with no concerns regarding ethical considerations. As the donor cells of mitochondria, stem cells have biological advantages but research and evidence in this area are quite scarce. METHODS To screen out suitable human autologous ooplasmic mitochondrial donor cells, we performed comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial physiology, function and metabolic capacity on a varity of autologous adipose, marrow, and urine-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSC, BMSC and USC) and ovarian germline granulosa cells (GC). Further, to explore the biosafety, effect and mechanism of stem cell-derived mitochondria transfer on human early embryo development, randomized in-vitro basic studies were performed in both of the young and aged oocytes from infertile females. RESULTS Compared with other types of mesenchymal stromal cells, USC demonstrated a non-fused spherical mitochondrial morphology and low oxidative stress status which resembled the oocyte stage. Moreover, USC mitochondrial content, activity and function were all higher than other cell types and less affected by age, and it also exhibited a biphasic metabolic pattern similar to the pre-implantation stage of embryonic development. After the biosafety identification of the USC mitochondrial genome, early embryos after USC mitochondrial transfer showed improvements in mitochondrial content, activity, and cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. Further, aging embryos also showed improvements in embryonic morphological indicators, euploidy rates, and oxidative stress status. CONCLUSION Autologous non-invasively derived USC mitochondria transfer may be an effective strategy to improve embryonic development and metabolism, especially in infertile females with advanced age or repeated pregnancy failure. It provides evidence and possibility for the autologous treatment of infertile females without invasive and ethical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Jiang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Cheng Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hongjing Han
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Min Fu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Honglan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jia Fei
- Peking Jabrehoo Med Tech Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Yining Huang
- Peking Jabrehoo Med Tech Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Zhiping Jin
- Peking Jabrehoo Med Tech Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Jianan He
- Peking Jabrehoo Med Tech Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Yanbin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Huan Shen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100044, China.
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Rahmawati NY, Ahsan F, Santoso B, Mufid AF, Sa'adi A, Dwiningsih SR, Tunjungseto A, Widyanugraha MYA. IL-8 and IL-12p70 are associated with pelvic pain among infertile women with endometriosis. Pain Med 2023; 24:1262-1269. [PMID: 37326977 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad080] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid in women related to infertility and pelvic pain. METHODS Eighty-seven women were diagnosed with endometriosis or cases related to infertility. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pain assessment was evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. RESULTS Serum IL-6 and IL-12p70 levels increased in women with endometriosis compared to the control group. Serum and peritoneal IL-8 and IL-12p70 levels correlated with VAS scores in infertile women. A positive correlation was also found between peritoneal IL-1β and IL-6 with VAS score. A significant difference in peritoneal IL-1β levels was associated with menstrual pelvic pain, while peritoneal IL-8 levels were related to dyspareunia, menstrual, and post-menstrual pelvic pain in infertile women. CONCLUSIONS An association of IL-8 and IL-12p70 levels were related to pain in endometriosis, as well as a relationship between cytokine expression and VAS score. Further studies should be addressed to investigate the precise mechanism of cytokine-related pain in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanda Yuli Rahmawati
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Fadhil Ahsan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Budi Santoso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Alfin Firasy Mufid
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Ashon Sa'adi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Sri Ratna Dwiningsih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Arif Tunjungseto
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Yohanes Ardianta Widyanugraha
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, 60286 Surabaya, Indonesia
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23
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Zhong W, Shen K, Xue X, Wang W, Wang W, Zuo H, Guo Y, Yao S, Sun M, Song C, Wang Q, Ruan Z, Yao X, Shang W. Single-cell multi-omics sequencing reveals chromosome copy number inconsistency between trophectoderm and inner cell mass in human reconstituted embryos after spindle transfer. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2137-2153. [PMID: 37766497 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead186] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the chromosome copy number of the trophectoderm (TE) of a human reconstituted embryos after spindle transfer (ST) representative of the inner cell mass (ICM)? SUMMARY ANSWER Single-cell multi-omics sequencing revealed that ST blastocysts have a higher proportion of cell lineages exhibiting intermediate mosaicism than conventional ICSI blastocysts, and that the TE of ST blastocysts does not represent the chromosome copy number of ICM. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) assumes that TE biopsies are representative of the ICM, but the TE and ICM originate from different cell lineages, and concordance between TE and ICM is not well-studied, especially in ST embryos. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited 30 infertile women who received treatment at our clinic and obtained 45 usable blastocysts (22 from conventional ICSI and 23 reconstituted embryos after ST). We performed single-cell multi-omics sequencing on all blastocysts to predict and verify copy number variations (CNVs) in each cell. We determined the chromosome copy number of each embryo by analysing the proportion of abnormal cells in each blastocyst. We used the Bland-Altman concordance and the Kappa test to evaluate the concordance between TE and ICM in the both groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study was conducted at a public tertiary hospital in China, where all the embryo operations, including oocytes retrieval, ST, and ICSI, were performed in the embryo laboratory. We utilized single-cell multi-omics sequencing technology at the Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, to analyse the blastocysts. Transcriptome sequencing was used to predict the CNV of each cell through bioinformatics analysis, and the results were validated using the DNA methylation library of each cell to confirm chromosomal normalcy. We conducted statistical analysis and graphical plotting using R 4.2.1, SPSS 27, and GraphPad Prism 9.3. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean age of the volunteers, the blastocyst morphology, and the developmental ratewere similar in ST and ICSI groups. The blastocysts in the ST group had some additional chromosomal types that were prone to variations beyond those enriched in the blastocysts of the ICSI group. Finally, both Bland-Altman concordance test and kappa concordancetest showed good chromosomal concordance between TE and ICM in the ICSI blastocysts (kappa = 0.659, P < 0.05), but not in ST blastocysts (P = 1.000), suggesting that the TE in reconstituted embryos is not representative of ICM. Gene functional annotation (GO and KEGG analyses) suggests that there may be new or additional pathways for CNV generation in ST embryos compared to ICSI embryos. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was mainly limited by the small sample size and the limitations of single-cell multi-omics sequencing technology. To select eligible single cells, some cells of the embryos were eliminated or not labelled, resulting in a loss of information about them. The findings of this study are innovative and exploratory. A larger sample size of human embryos (especially ST embryos) and more accurate molecular genetics techniques for detecting CNV in single cells are needed to validate our results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study justifies the routine clinical use of PGT-A in ICSI blastocysts, as we found that the TE is a good substitute for ICM in predicting chromosomal abnormalities. While PGT-A is not entirely accurate, our data demonstrate good clinical feasibility. This trial was able to provide correct genetic counselling to patients regarding the reliability of PGT-A. Regarding ST blastocysts, the increased mosaicism rate and the inability of the TE to represent the chromosomal copy number of the ICM are both biological characteristics that differentiate them from ICSI blastocysts. Currently, ST is not used clinically on a large scale to produce blastocysts. However, if ST becomes more widely used in the future, our study will be the first to demonstrate that the use of PGT-A in ST blastocysts may not be as accurate as PGT-A for ICSI blastocysts. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFA0107601) and the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC1003003). The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhong
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Shen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Xue
- Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weizhou Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyang Zuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Guo
- Department of Biological Science, Dietrich School Of Art and Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingyue Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chunlan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qihang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuolin Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Shang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Li X, Jin J, Long X, Weng R, Xiong W, Liang J, Liu J, Sun J, Cai X, Zhang L, Liu Y. METTL3-regulated m6A modification impairs the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells by regulating YTHDF2-mediated degradation of FOXO1 mRNA in endometriosis-related infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:99. [PMID: 37891533 PMCID: PMC10605339 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01151-0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis-related infertility is a common worldwide reproductive health concern. Despite ongoing research, the causes of infertility remain unclear. Evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation is crucial in reproduction. However, the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA in endometriosis-related infertility requires further investigation. METHODS We examined the expression of m6A and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in endometrial samples taken from normal fertile women in the proliferative phase (the NP group) or the mid-secretory phase (the NS group) or from women with endometriosis-related infertility at the mid-secretory phase (the ES group). We treated primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) with medroxyprogesterone acetate and 8-Bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate for in vitro decidualization and detected the expression of m6A, METTL3, and decidual markers. We analyzed the expression of m6A, METTL3, and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in ESCs from normal fertile women (the ND group) or women with endometriosis-related infertility (the ED group). We also assessed the expression of m6A, METTL3, and decidual markers, as well as the embryo adhesion rate, upon METTL3 overexpression or knockdown. Additionally, we investigated the role of METTL3 in embryo implantation in vivo by applying mice with endometriosis. Furthermore, we performed RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and methylated RIP assays to explore the mechanisms underlying the regulation of FOXO1 by METTL3-mediated m6A. RESULTS The expression of m6A and METTL3 was reduced only in the NS group; the NP and ES groups demonstrated increased m6A and METTL3 levels. m6A and METTL3 levels decreased in ESCs with prolonged decidual treatment. Compared to the ND group, m6A and METTL3 levels in the ED group increased after decidual treatment, whereas the expression of FOXO1 decreased. METTL3 overexpression suppressed the expression of decidual markers and embryo implantation in vitro; METTL3 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect. Inhibition of METTL3 promoted embryo implantation in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that METTL3-mediated m6A regulated the degradation of FOXO1 mRNA through YTHDF2, a m6A binding protein. CONCLUSIONS METTL3-regulated m6A promotes YTHDF2-mediated decay of FOXO1 mRNA, thereby affecting cellular decidualization and embryo implantation. These findings provide novel insights into the development of therapies for women with endometriosis-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoou Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Xuefeng Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Ruiwen Weng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Wenqian Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Junjun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Jingwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Xueqin Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
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25
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Yu SL, Jeong DU, Noh EJ, Jeon HJ, Lee DC, Kang M, Kim TH, Lee SK, Han AR, Kang J, Park SR. Exosomal miR-205-5p Improves Endometrial Receptivity by Upregulating E-Cadherin Expression through ZEB1 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15149. [PMID: 37894829 PMCID: PMC10607375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015149] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a complex process that prepares the uterine endometrium for embryo implantation; insufficient endometrial receptivity is one of the causes of implantation failure. Here, we analyzed the microRNA expression profiles of exosomes derived from both receptive (RL95-2) and non-receptive (AN3-CA) endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) lines to identify exosomal miRNAs closely linked to endometrial receptivity. Among the 466 differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-205-5p was the most highly expressed in exosomes secreted from receptive RL95-2 cells. miR-205-5p, enriched at the adhesive junction, was closely related to endometrial receptivity. ZEB1, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin associated with endometrial receptivity, was identified as a direct target of miR-205-5p. miR-205-5p expression was significantly lower in the endometrial tissues of infertile women than in that of non-infertile women. In vivo, miR-205-5p expression was upregulated in the post-ovulatory phase, and its inhibitor reduced embryo implantation. Furthermore, administration of genetically modified exosomes overexpressing miR-205-5p mimics upregulated E-cadherin expression by targeting ZEB1 and improved spheroid attachment of non-receptive AN3-CA cells. These results suggest that the miR-205-5p/ZEB1/E-cadherin axis plays an important role in regulating endometrial receptivity. Thus, the use of exosomes harboring miR-205-5p mimics can be considered a potential therapeutic approach for improving embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Lan Yu
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Da-Un Jeong
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Eui-Jeong Noh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Jin Jeon
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (D.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Kang
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (D.C.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Ra Han
- I-Dream Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul 07639, Republic of Korea;
- Daegu CHA Fertility Center, CHA University, Daegu 42469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeku Kang
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Rae Park
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (S.-L.Y.); (D.-U.J.); (H.J.J.); (T.-H.K.); (S.K.L.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
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26
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Stevens Brentjens LBPM, Obukhova D, Delvoux B, den Hartog JE, Bui BN, Mol F, de Bruin JP, Besselink D, Teklenburg G, Morgan F, Baker M, Broekmans FJM, van Golde RJT, Zamani Esteki M, Romano A. Local production of 17β-oestradiol in the endometrium during the implantation window: a pilot study. Reprod Fertil 2023; 4:e230065. [PMID: 37962510 PMCID: PMC10762592 DOI: 10.1530/raf-23-0065] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Graphical abstract Abstract Sex steroids are converted to bioactive metabolites and vice versa by endometrial steroid-metabolising enzymes. Studies indicate that alterations in this metabolism might affect endometrial receptivity. This pilot study determined whether the endometrial formation and inactivation of 17β-oestradiol differed between the supposedly embryo-receptive endometrium and non-receptive endometrium of women undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Endometrial biopsies were obtained from IVF/ICSI patients 5-8 days after ovulation in a natural cycle, prior to their second IVF/ICSI cycle with fresh embryo transfer (ET). Endometrial biopsies from patients who achieved clinical pregnancy after fresh ET (n = 15) were compared with endometrial biopsies from patients that did not conceive after fresh ET (n = 15). Formation of 17β-oestradiol (oxidative 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs)), oestrone (reductive HSD17Bs) and inhibition of HSD17B1 activity were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The endometrial transcriptome was profiled using RNA sequencing followed by principal component analysis and differentially expressed gene analysis. The false discovery rate-adjusted P < 0.05 and log fold change >0.5 were selected as the screening threshold. Formation and inactivation of 17β-oestradiol resulted similar between groups. Inhibition of HSD17B1 activity was significantly higher in the non-pregnant group when only primary infertile women (n = 12) were considered (27.1%, n = 5 vs 16.2%, n = 7, P = 0.04). Gene expression analysis confirmed the presence of HSD17B1 (encoding HSD17B1), HSD17B2 (encoding HSD17B2) and 33 of 46 analysed steroid metabolising enzymes in the endometrium. In the primary infertile subgroup (n = 10) 12 DEGs were found including LINC02349 which has been linked to implantation. However, the exact relationship between steroid-metabolising enzyme activity, expression and implantation outcome requires further investigation in larger, well-defined patient groups. Lay summary Sex hormones are produced and broken down by enzymes that can be found in the endometrium (the inner lining of the womb). This enzyme activity might influence the chances of becoming pregnant. We compared (i) enzyme activity in the endometrium of 15 women who did and 15 women who did not become pregnant in their second in vitro fertilisation attempt, (ii) how enzyme activity can be blocked by an inhibitor, and (iii) differences in gene expression (the process by which instructions in our DNA are converted into a product). Enzyme activity was similar between groups. We found that in women who have never been pregnant in the past, inhibition of enzyme activity was higher and found differences in a gene that has been linked to the implantation of the embryo, but future studies should be performed in larger, well-defined patient groups to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B P M Stevens Brentjens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - D Obukhova
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B Delvoux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J E den Hartog
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B N Bui
- Department of Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F Mol
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J P de Bruin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Henri Dunantstraat, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - D Besselink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein Zuid, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G Teklenburg
- Isala Fertility Clinic, Isala Hospital, Dokter van Heesweg, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - F Morgan
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F J M Broekmans
- Department of Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R J T van Golde
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Zamani Esteki
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Romano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Li X, Peng Y, Mao Y, Li Y, Gong F, Ouyang Y. Endometrial receptivity change: ultrasound evaluation on ovulation day and transplantation day during the natural frozen embryo transfer cycle. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1118044. [PMID: 37822604 PMCID: PMC10562732 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1118044] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To obtain quantitative and comprehensive results of the changes in comprehensive ER indicators from ovulation day to transplantation day by ultrasonography during the natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle (FET). Methods This is a prospective analysis of 230 infertile women undergoing their first FET cycles from April 2019 to July 2021. To evaluate ER, ultrasound scans were performed on the days of ovulation and embryo transfer for all included patients. All included patients were divided into a pregnancy group and a nonpregnancy group according to whether clinical pregnancy was achieved. The ER changes from ovulation day to transplantation day in the overall study population (n=230), pregnancy group (n=158) and nonpregnancy group (n=72) were analyzed. Results In the overall population, type C was predominant on ovulation day, but type B was the most common on transplantation day (P<0.001). From ovulation day to transplantation day, endometrial thickness was significantly increased (11.26 ± 2.14 vs. 11.89 ± 2.08 mm, P<0.001), but endometrial volume (4.26 ± 1.75 vs. 4.03 ± 1.62 ml, P<0.001), endometrial VI (1.34 ± 1.64 vs. 0.95 ± 1.99, P<0.001), VFI (0.47 ± 0.72 vs. 0.40 ± 1.03, P<0.001), subendometrial VI (5.04 ± 3.89 vs. 3.29 ± 2.92, P<0.001), FI (34.07 ± 4.61 vs. 33.41 ± 5.30, p=0.004), VFI (2.07 ± 2.65 vs. 1.19 ± 1.19, P<0.001) and frequency of endometrial peristalsis (2.90 ± 1.44 vs. 1.40 ± 1.41, P<0.001) were significantly decreased. In the pregnancy group, the changes in all ultrasound parameters were in the same direction as those in the overall population. In the nonpregnancy group, except for endometrial volume and VI, which showed no difference, other ultrasound parameters showed the same direction of change as those in the overall population. No significant difference was found in the pregnancy probability among the different absolute change groups. Conclusion During a natural cycle, the morphology of the endometrium changes mostly from type C to type B, the endometrial thickness increases, and the volume decreases. The blood supply of the endometrium, the subendometrial 5 mm and the frequency of peristalsis decrease from ovulation day to transplantation day. Compared with the nonpregnancy group, the pregnancy group tended to have more obvious decreases in endometrial volume and blood flow perfusion. However, these endometrial changes do not mean that pregnancy is bound to occur. endometrial receptivity, in vitro fertilization, frozen-thawed embryo transfer, natural cycle, ultrasound evaluation, ovulation day, transplantation day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihong Li
- Department of Imaging, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Department of Imaging, Clinical Research Centre For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yangqin Peng
- Department of Scientific Research, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Clinical Research Centre For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyao Mao
- Department of Imaging, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Department of Imaging, Clinical Research Centre For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Research Centre For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Clinical Research Centre For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Ouyang
- Department of Imaging, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Department of Imaging, Clinical Research Centre For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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Lu X, Lv X, Dong X, Li Y, Turathum B, Liu S, Wang X, Shi H, Liu Y. Increased serine synthesis in cumulus cells of young infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1723-1732. [PMID: 37533289 PMCID: PMC10477940 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead155] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the differences in gene expression of cumulus cells (CCs) between young women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and those of similar age with normal ovarian reserve (NOR)? SUMMARY ANSWER Gene expression and metabolome profiling analysis demonstrate that the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP) is increased in the CCs of young women with DOR. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The incidence of DOR has risen, tending to present at younger ages. Its mechanisms and aetiologies are still poorly understood. Abnormal metabolism is present in luteinized CCs of patients with DOR. Previous studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxidative phosphorylation in CCs are related to DOR in women of advanced age. The pathogenic mechanisms likely differ between young women with DOR and cases associated with advanced maternal age. Several studies have examined amino acid metabolism in the follicle, with a focus on embryo development, but less information is available about CCs. The physiological significance of de novo serine synthesis in follicles and oocytes remains largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION CC samples were obtained from 107 young infertile women (age <38 years) undergoing ICSI, from July 2017 to June 2019, including 54 patients with DOR and 53 patients with NOR. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Oocyte development data were analysed retrospectively. Comprehensive genome-wide transcriptomics of CCs was performed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to categorize the functions of the DEGs and identify significantly enriched pathways. The transcript and protein levels of key enzymes involved in serine synthesis were verified in additional samples using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) (n = 10) and capillary western blotting (n = 36). Targeted metabolomics of amino acids in CC extracts was performed by ultrahigh-performance liquid MS (UHPLC-MS/MS). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The number of oocytes (2.4 ± 2.2 versus 12.1 ± 5.3) and metaphase II oocytes (2.1 ± 2.0 versus 9.9 ± 4.9) retrieved was significantly decreased in the DOR versus the NOR group, respectively (P < 0.0001). The rates of fertilization (80.7% versus 78.8%), viable embryos (73.7% versus 72.5%), and high-quality embryos (42.8% versus 49.0%) did not differ between the DOR and NOR groups, respectively (P > 0.05). A total of 95 DEGs were found by transcriptome sequencing. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the DEGs were linked to amino acid metabolism and suggested significantly higher activity of the de novo SSP in the CCs of young women with DOR. Further qRT-PCR and capillary western blotting revealed that key enzymes (PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, and SHMT2) involved in de novo serine synthesis were upregulated, and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed increases in serine and glycine (a downstream product of serine) levels in the CCs of young patients with DOR. Our data clearly demonstrate that the de novo SSP, which diverts 3-phosphoglycerate from glycolysis to serine synthesis, was upregulated in young DOR CCs. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Regarding the reproductive capacity of young patients DOR, the pregnancy outcomes were not analysed. The sample size was limited, and only women undergoing ICSI were examined since this was a prerequisite for the acquisition of CCs, which may cause selection bias. The exact mechanisms by which the SSP in CCs regulates ovarian reserve still require further study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our research presents new evidence that alterations of the SSP in CCs of young infertile women are associated with DOR. We believe this is a significant contribution to the field, which should be key for understanding the cause and mechanisms of ovarian hypofunction in young women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2018YFC1005001) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (31601197). There were no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bongkoch Turathum
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suying Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubing Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ismail N, Myint K, Khaing SL, Giribabu N, Salleh N. Cervical fluid pH, electrolytes and osmolarity changes and expression of ion transporters (ENaC, CFTR and AQP) in cervix of women with primary unexplained infertility. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:6729-6737. [PMID: 37382776 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08555-6] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unexplained infertility could arise from a defect in the cervix. However, the contribution of abnormal cervical fluid microenvironment to this problem still needs to be identified. Therefore, this study identifies the changes in the cervical fluid microenvironment, i.e., pH, electrolytes and osmolarity as well as expression of ion transporters in the cervix including ENaC, CFTR and AQP in fertile women and in women suffering from primary unexplained infertility. METHODS Fertile women and women with unexplained infertility but having regular 28-day menstrual cycles were chosen in this study, Day-22 serum progesterone levels were determined. In the meantime, serum FSH and LH levels were determined on day 2 while, cervical flushing was performed at day 14 to analyse changes in the cervical fluid pH, osmolarity, Na+ and Cl- levels. Meanwhile, cells retrieved from cervical fluid were subjected to mRNA expression and protein distribution analysis for CFTR, AQP and ENaC by qPCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. RESULTS No significant changes in serum progesterone, FSH and LH levels were observed between the two groups. However, cervical fluid pH, osmolarity, Na+ and Cl- levels were significantly lower in primary unexplained infertile group when compared to fertile group. Expression of CFTR and AQP (AQP 1, AQP 2, AQP 5 and AQP 7) in endocervical cells was lower and expression of β-ENaC was higher in primary unexplained infertile women (p < 0.05 when compared to fertile group). CONCLUSIONS Alterations in the cervical fluid microenvironment linked to the defective ion transporter expression in the cervix might contribute towards the unfavourable condition that accounts for unexplained infertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurain Ismail
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kyaimon Myint
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Si Lay Khaing
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
- Medical Education Department, University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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Hutchison JC, Evans J, Edgell TA, Nie G, Gardner DK, Salamonsen LA. Detrimental actions of obesity-associated advanced glycation end-products on endometrial epithelial cell proliferation are alleviated by antioxidants. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:35-50. [PMID: 37142478 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.021] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are elevated in the uterine environment of obese infertile women. Can the detrimental effects of AGE on endometrial epithelial cells be mitigated with therapeutics, and recapitulated in a more physiologically relevant primary model (organoids)? DESIGN Human endometrial epithelial cells (ECC-1) were exposed to AGE at concentrations physiologically representative of uterine fluid in lean or obese individuals, and three potential therapeutics: 25 nmol/l receptor for AGE (RAGE) antagonist FPS-ZM1, 100 μmol/l metformin, or a combination of antioxidants (10 μmol/l N-acetyl-l-cysteine, 10 μmol/l N-acetyl-l-carnitine and 5 μmol/l α-lipoic acid). Real-time cell analysis (xCELLigence, ACEA Biosciences) determined the rate of adhesion and proliferation. The proliferation of organoid-derived cells and secretion of cytokines from organoids was characterized in the presence of AGE (n = 5). The uterine fluid of women undergoing assisted reproduction was profiled for AGE-associated inflammatory markers (n = 77). RESULTS ECC-1 proliferation was reduced by AGE from obese versus lean conditions and vehicle control (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001, respectively), and restored to a proliferation corresponding to lean conditions by antioxidants. AGE influenced organoid derived primary endometrial epithelial cell proliferation in a donor-dependent manner. AGE increased the organoid secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL16 (P = 0.006). Clinically, CXCL16 correlated positively to maternal body mass index (R = 0.264, P = 0.021) and intrauterine glucose concentration (R = 0.736, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Physiologically relevant concentrations of AGE alter endometrial epithelial cell function. Antioxidants restore the rate of proliferation of AGE-treated endometrial epithelial (ECC-1) cells. Primary endometrial epithelial cells, cultured as organoids, demonstrate altered proliferation and CXCL16 secretion in the presence of AGE equimolar with the uterine fluid from obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey A Edgell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Huang X, Wu L, Pei T, Liu D, Liu C, Luo B, Xiao L, Li Y, Wang R, Ouyang Y, Zhu H, Huang W. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals endometrial immune microenvironment in minimal/mild endometriosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 212:285-295. [PMID: 36869723 PMCID: PMC10243848 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad029] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disorder in women of reproductive age due to an abnormal endometrial immune environment and is associated with infertility. This study aimed to systematically understand the endometrial leukocyte types, inflammatory environment, and impaired receptivity at single-cell resolution. We profiled single-cell RNA transcriptomes of 138 057 endometrial cells from endometriosis patients (n = 6) and control (n = 7), respectively, using 10x Genomics platform. We found that one cluster of epithelial cells that expressed PAEP and CXCL14 was mostly from the control during the window of implantation (WOI). This epithelial cell type is absent in the eutopic endometrium during the secretory phase. The proportion of endometrial immune cells decreased in the secretory phase in the control group, whereas the cycle variation of total immune cells, NK cells, and T cells was absent in endometriosis. Endometrial immune cells secreted more IL-10 in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase in the control group; the opposite trend was observed in endometriosis. Proinflammatory cytokines levels in the endometrial immune cells were higher in endometriosis than in the control group. Trajectory analysis revealed that the secretory phase epithelial cells decreased in endometriosis. Ligand-receptor analysis revealed that 11 ligand-receptor pairs were upregulated between endometrial immune and epithelial cells during WOI. These results provide new insights into the endometrial immune microenvironment and impaired endometrial receptivity in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lukanxuan Wu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianjiao Pei
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yujing Li
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunwei Ouyang
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology (Sichuan University), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhang J, Li S, Huang F, Xu R, Wang D, Song T, Liang B, Liu D, Chen J, Shi X, Huang HL. A novel compound heterozygous mutation in TUBB8 causing early embryonic developmental arrest. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:753-763. [PMID: 36735156 PMCID: PMC10224908 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02734-x] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the β-tubulin isotype, TUBB8, can cause female infertility. Although several mutations of TUBB8 have been reported, the full spectrum for guiding genetics counseling still needs to be further explored. Here, we sought to identify novel variants in TUBB8 and their phenotypic effects on microtubule network structure in vitro. METHODS Whole-exome sequence analysis was performed in two families with infertility to detect pathogenic variants, with validation by Sanger sequencing. All gene variants and protein structures were predicted in silico. Cells were transfected with wild-type and mutants, and immunofluorescence analysis was performed to visualize microtubule network changes. RESULTS We detected a novel compound heterozygous mutation, c.915_916delCC (p.Arg306Serfs*21) and c.82C > T (p.His28Tyr), and a benign heterozygous variant c.1286C > T (p.Thr429Met) in TUBB8 in the two families. Female patients with p.Arg306Serfs*21 and p.His28Tyr were infertile with early embryonic developmental arrest. The female patient with p.Thr429Met gave birth to a healthy baby in the second in vitro fertilization frozen embryo transfer cycle. The p.Arg306Serfs*21 mutation was predicted to cause large structural alteration in the TUBB8 protein and was confirmed to produce a truncated and trace protein by western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence analysis of transfected HeLa cells showed that p.Arg306Serfs*21 significantly disrupted microtubule structure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings expand the known mutational spectrum of TUBB8 associated with early embryonic developmental arrest and female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Suping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Chenzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Chenzhou, 412000, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ru Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Dao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Boluo Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jianlin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Pappalardo C, Finocchi F, Pedrucci F, Di Nisio A, Ferlin A, De Toni L, Foresta C. Ketone Body β-Hydroxy-Butyrate Sustains Progressive Motility in Capacitated Human Spermatozoa: A Possible Role in Natural Fertility. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071622. [PMID: 37049462 PMCID: PMC10096601 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071622] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Calorie restriction is recognized as a useful nutritional approach to improve the endocrine derangements and low fertility profile associated with increased body weight. This is particularly the case for dietary regimens involving ketosis, resulting in increased serum levels of ketone bodies such as β-hydroxy-butyrate (β-HB). In addition to serum, β-HB is detected in several biofluids and β-HB levels in the follicular fluid are strictly correlated with the reproductive outcome in infertile females. However, a possible direct role of ketone bodies on sperm function has not been addressed so far. Methods Semen samples were obtained from 10 normozoospermic healthy donors attending the University Andrology Unit as participants in an infertility survey programme. The effect of β-HB on cell motility in vitro was evaluated on isolated spermatozoa according to their migratory activity in a swim-up selection procedure. The effect of β-HB on spermatozoa undergone to capacitation was also assessed. Results Two hours of exposure to β-HB, 1 mM or 4 mM, proved to be ineffective in modifying the motility of freshly ejaculated spermatozoa isolated according to the migratory activity in a swim-up procedure (all p values > 0.05). Differently, sperm maintenance in 4 mM β-HB after capacitation was associated with a significantly higher percentage of sperm cells with progressive motility compared to β-HB-lacking control (respectively, 67.6 ± 3.5% vs. 55.3 ± 6.5%, p = 0.0158). Succinyl-CoA transferase inhibitor abolished the effect on motility exerted by β-HB, underpinning a major role for this enzyme. Conclusion Our results suggest a possible physiological role for β-HB that could represent an energy metabolite in support of cell motility on capacitated spermatozoa right before encountering the oocyte.
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Rostami S, Alyasin A, Saedi M, Nekoonam S, Khodarahmian M, Moeini A, Amidi F. Astaxanthin ameliorates inflammation, oxidative stress, and reproductive outcomes in endometriosis patients undergoing assisted reproduction: A randomized, triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1144323. [PMID: 37020589 PMCID: PMC10067663 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1144323] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (RCT) including 50 infertile women with endometriosis candidate for assisted reproductive techniques (ART), we studied the effect of Astaxanthin (AST) on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress (OS) markers, and early pregnancy outcomes. Methods Before and after 12 weeks of AST treatment (6 mg per day), blood serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were collected from 50 infertile women with endometriosis stage III/IV undergoing ART. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and OS markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) were measured in the serum and FF. ART outcomes were also compared between the groups. Results Increased serum levels of TAC (398.661 ± 57.686 vs. 364.746 ± 51.569; P = 0.004) and SOD (13.458 ± 7.276 vs. 9.040 ± 5.155; P = 0.010) were observed after AST therapy in the treatment group. Furthermore, serum MDA (14.619 ± 2.505 vs. 15.939 ± 1.512; P = 0.031) decreased significantly following antioxidant treatment. In addition, significantly lower serum levels of IL-1β (4.515 ± 0.907 vs. 6.8760 ± 0.8478; P = 0.000), IL-6 (5.516 ± 0.646 vs. 5.0543 ± 0.709; P = 0.024) and TNF-α (2.520 ± 0.525 vs. 2.968 ± 0.548; P = 0.038) were observed after AST treatment. In addition, AST supplementation led to an improved number of oocytes retrieved (14.60 ± 7.79 vs. 9.84 ± 6.44; P = 0.043), number of mature (MII) oocytes (10.48 ± 6.665 vs. 6.72 ± 4.3; P = 0.041), and high-quality embryos (4.52 ± 2.41 vs. 2.72 ± 2.40; P = 0.024). Conclusion AST pretreatment can modulate inflammation and OS in endometriosis-induced infertile patients. ART outcomes also improved after 12 weeks of AST therapy. Our results suggest that AST can be a potential therapeutic target for infertile patients with endometriosis undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Rostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Alyasin
- Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Saedi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Nekoonam
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshad Khodarahmian
- Department of Infertility, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moeini
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shan J, Li DJ, Wang XQ. Towards a Better Understanding of Endometriosis-Related Infertility: A Review on How Endometriosis Affects Endometrial Receptivity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030430. [PMID: 36979365 PMCID: PMC10046640 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is the most common cause of infertility. Endometrial receptivity has been suggested to contribute to infertility and poor reproductive outcomes in affected women. Even though experimental and clinical data suggest that the endometrium differs in women with endometriosis, the pathogenesis of impaired endometrial receptivity remains incomplete. Therefore, this review summarizes the potential mechanisms that affect endometrial function and contribute to implantation failure. Contemporary data regarding hormone imbalance, inflammation, and immunoregulatory dysfunction will be reviewed here. In addition, genetic, epigenetic, glycosylation, metabolism and microRNA in endometriosis-related infertility/subfertility will be summarized. We provide a brief discussion and perspectives on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy to improve endometrial function in affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hainan Medical College Affiliated Hospital, Haikou 571100, China
- Correspondence: (D.-J.L.); (X.-Q.W.)
| | - Xiao-Qiu Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Correspondence: (D.-J.L.); (X.-Q.W.)
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Antonio LGL, Meola J, Rosa-e-Silva ACJDS, Nogueira AA, Candido dos Reis FJ, Poli-Neto OB, Rosa-e-Silva JC. Altered Differential Expression of Genes and microRNAs Related to Adhesion and Apoptosis Pathways in Patients with Different Phenotypes of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054434. [PMID: 36901866 PMCID: PMC10002379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054434] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to investigate the expression of genes (MAPK1 and CAPN2) and microRNAs (miR-30a-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-143-3p, and miR-93-5p) involved in adhesion and apoptosis pathways in superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SE), deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE), and ovarian endometrioma (OE), and to evaluate whether these lesions share the same pathophysiological mechanisms. We used samples of SE (n = 10), DE (n = 10), and OE (n = 10), and endometrial biopsies of these respective patients affected with endometriosis under treatment at a tertiary University Hospital. Endometrial biopsies collected in the tubal ligation procedure from women without endometriosis comprised the control group (n = 10). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed. The expression of MAPK1 (p < 0.0001), miR-93-5p (p = 0.0168), and miR-7-5p (p = 0.0006) was significantly lower in the SE group than in the DE and OE groups. The expression of miR-30a (p = 0.0018) and miR-93 (p = 0.0052) was significantly upregulated in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis compared to the controls. MiR-143 (p = 0.0225) expression also showed a statistical difference between the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis and the control group. In summary, SE showed lower pro-survival gene expression and miRNAs involved in this pathway, indicating that this phenotype has a different pathophysiological mechanism compared to DE and OE.
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Blasco V, Pinto FM, Fernández-Atucha A, Dodd NP, Fernández-Sánchez M, Candenas L. Female Infertility Is Associated with an Altered Expression Profile of Different Members of the Tachykinin Family in Human Granulosa Cells. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:258-269. [PMID: 35739351 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) and its cognate receptor, NK3R, play a key role in the regulation of reproduction. NKB belongs to the family of tachykinins, which also includes substance P and neurokinin A, both encoded by the by the gene TAC1, and hemokinin-1, encoded by the TAC4 gene. In addition to NK3R, tachykinin effects are mediated by NK1R and NK2R, encoded by the genes TACR1 and TACR2, respectively. The role of these other tachykinins and receptors in the regulation of women infertility is mainly unknown. We have analyzed the expression profile of TAC1, TAC4, TACR1, and TACR2 in mural granulosa and cumulus cells from women presenting different infertility etiologies, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, advanced maternal age, low ovarian response, and endometriosis. We also studied the expression of MME, the gene encoding neprilysin, the most important enzyme involved in tachykinin degradation. Our data show that TAC1, TAC4, TACR1, TACR2, and MME expression is dysregulated in a different manner depending on the etiology of women infertility. The abnormal expression of these tachykinins and their receptors might be involved in the decreased fertility of these patients, offering a new insight regarding the diagnosis and treatment of women infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Blasco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-US, Seville, Spain
- IVI-RMA Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Nicolás Prados Dodd
- IVI-RMA Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular E Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- IVI-RMA Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
- Departamento de Biología Molecular E Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-US, Seville, Spain
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Lin X, Tong X, Zhang Y, Gu W, Huang Q, Zhang Y, Zhuo F, Zhao F, Jin X, Li C, Huang D, Zhang S, Dai Y. Decreased Expression of EZH2 in Granulosa Cells Contributes to Endometriosis-Associated Infertility by Targeting IL-1R2. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6916877. [PMID: 36524678 PMCID: PMC9825353 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac210] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which endometriosis, a common gynecological disease characterized by chronic pelvic pain and infertility, causes infertility remains elusive. Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome, the most common type of ovulatory dysfunction, is a cause of endometriosis-associated infertility involving reduced numbers of retrieved and mature oocytes. Ovulation is controlled by luteinizing hormone and paracrine signals produced within the follicle microenvironment. Generally, interleukin (IL)-1β is elevated in endometriosis follicular fluid, whereby it amplifies ovulation signals by activating extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β pathways. However, this amplification of ovulation by IL-1β does not occur in patients with endometriosis. To illuminate the mechanism of ovulatory dysfunction in endometriosis, we analyzed the effect of oxidative stress and IL-1β expression on endometriosis follicles. We found that oxidative stress decreased EZH2 expression and reduced H3K27Me3 levels in endometriosis ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Selective Ezh2 depletion in mice ovarian GCs reduced fertility by disturbing cumulus-oocyte complex expansion and reducing epidermal growth factor-like factor expression. Gene expression and H3K27Me3 ChIP-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) of GCs revealed IL-1 receptor 2 (IL-1R2), a high-affinity IL-1β-receptor that suppresses IL-1β-mediated inflammatory cascades during ovulation, as a crucial target gene of the EZH2-H3K27Me3 axis. Moreover, IL-1β addition did not restore ovulation upon Ezh2 knockdown, indicating a vital function of IL-1R2 in endometriosis. Thus, our findings show that reducing EZH2 and H3K27Me3 in GCs suppressed ovulatory signals by increasing IL-1R2 expression, which may ultimately contribute to endometriosis-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yinli Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Weijia Gu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Qianmeng Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan WestRoad, Lucheng District, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Feng Zhuo
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Fanxuan Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Chao Li
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Dong Huang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Correspondence: Yongdong Dai, PhD, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Rd, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China. ; or Songying Zhang, MD, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Rd, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Correspondence: Yongdong Dai, PhD, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Rd, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China. ; or Songying Zhang, MD, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3 Qingchun East Rd, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou 310016, China.
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Tesarik J, Mendoza-Tesarik R. Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate: A Central Player in Gamete Development and Fertilization, and Possible Target for Infertility Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315068. [PMID: 36499392 PMCID: PMC9736025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315068] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infertility, of both male and female origin, is often caused by the deficient response of the testis and the ovary to hormonal stimuli that govern sperm and oocyte development and fertilization. The effects of hormones and other extracellular ligands involved in these events are often mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors that employ cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as the principal second messenger transducing the receptor-generated signal to downstream elements. This opinion article summarizes the actions of cAMP in sperm and oocyte development and fertilization, leading to therapeutic actions targeting cAMP metabolism to alleviate human male and female infertility.
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Guo F, Huang Y, Fernando T, Shi Y. Altered Molecular Pathways and Biomarkers of Endometrial Receptivity in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3335-3345. [PMID: 35006579 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00845-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anovulation is the most prominent cause of infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Although ovulation can be corrected pharmacologically, the number of pregnancies remains low. Even if excellent embryos are transferred by IVF, it does not change the high miscarriage rate of PCOS patients. These facts collectively indicate that there is a disorder of endometrial development and receptivity to the embryo in PCOS patients, including the decrease of receptive ability, inhibition of embryo adhesion, undersupply of energy, poor blood perfusion, and pro-inflammatory status in the endometrium. However, it has never received the same attention as ovulatory dysfunction. Here we list some alternations of endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS, discuss the underlying intricate mechanisms, and try to find out the possible therapeutic targets, which may bring new perspectives to those who are able to provide high-quality embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yufan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Mindong Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Ningde, 355000, Fujian, China
| | - Taniya Fernando
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yingli Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Ahmed MMA, Nafady A, Taha SAM, El-Din AMG, Ali AENAEG. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor a Marker of Implantation Success in Unexplained Infertility: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Lab 2022; 68. [PMID: 36546756 DOI: 10.7754/clin.lab.2022.211217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine receptivity and implantation are complex processes requiring coordinated expression of molecules by zygote and uterus. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is one of the most important cytokines in the reproductive tract. Without expression of LIF in the uterus, implantation of a blastocyst cannot begin. Our objectives were to measure the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) concentration in serum with or without endometrial scratch-ing in women with unexplained infertility. METHODS This study is a randomized control trial, carried out at the infertility clinic of Qena University hospital, South Valley University, Egypt. The study included 200 women with unexplained infertility divided into two groups: Group 1 included 100 patients undergoing endometrial scratching at mid luteal phase. Group 2 included 100 patients undergoing expectant management. Serum leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) concentration was measured at mid-luteal phase of cycle and follow up of pregnancy occurrence in both groups. RESULTS LIF was significantly higher in the group of endometrial scratching compared to group 2. LIF was significantly higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant ones in both the endometrial scratching group and group 2. For the endometrial scratching group, LIF was a significant marker for successful implantation at cutoff point of 97.2 with sensitivity of 97.3% and specificity of 77.8% while PPV was 72% and NPV was 98. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial scratching was associated with higher level of LIF and pregnancy rate. LIF was significantly higher in pregnant women with or without endometrial scratching.
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Zou T, Xi Q, Liu Z, Li Z, Hou M, Zhu L, Jin L, Zhang X. A Novel Homozygous Nonsense Mutation in ZP1 Causes Female Infertility due to Empty Follicle Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3516-3520. [PMID: 35773450 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ZP1 is a critical glycoprotein in the formation of the zona pellucida. It plays an indispensable role in the maturation of oocytes. To identify the causative gene of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) in a patient from a consanguineous family, whole-exome sequencing was performed in the proband. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation c.1260C > G (p. Tyr420X) in the ZP1 gene from two primary infertile patients. Western blot showed that Y420X mutation in ZP1 gene produced a truncated protein. However, the mutation had no significant effect on subcellular localization of the mutant protein. Our findings confirmed the important role of the ZP1 gene in human female reproduction, enriched the mutation spectrums of ZP1 gene, and expanded its applications in the clinical and molecular diagnoses of EFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Jiao G, Lian H, Xing J, Chen L, Du Z, Liu X. MOS mutation causes female infertility with large polar body oocytes. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:1158-1163. [PMID: 36403623 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2147158] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Moloney sarcoma oncogene (MOS) encodes a protein serine/threonine kinase and MOS is expressed at high levels in oocytes undergoing meiotic maturation. The MOS/MAPK pathway is normally required for the maintenance of microtubules and chromatin in a metaphasic state during the meiotic divisions. To determine the pathogenic genes in a female infertile patient due to large polar body oocytes, whole-exome sequencing was performed on the patient and available family members. We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation c.591T > G in MOS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the mutation is harmful. These findings suggest that MOS mutation results in oocytes with a large polar body and poor embryonic development in patients. The MOS variant may regulate oocyte asymmetric division by MAPK/WAVE2/Arp2/3/actin signaling pathway. This will help to understand the comprehensive role of MOS in early human reproductive process and provide genetic markers for future genetic counseling for more individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhong Jiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Huayu Lian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jinhao Xing
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoli Du
- Yinfeng Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Yu SL, Kang Y, Jeong DU, Lee DC, Jeon HJ, Kim TH, Lee SK, Han AR, Kang J, Park SR. The miR-182-5p/NDRG1 Axis Controls Endometrial Receptivity through the NF-κB/ZEB1/E-Cadherin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012303. [PMID: 36293154 PMCID: PMC9602861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is essential for successful pregnancy, and its impairment is a major cause of embryo-implantation failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate epigenetic modifications have been associated with endometrial receptivity. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby miRNAs regulate endometrial receptivity remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether miR-182 and its potential targets influence trophoblast cell attachment. miR-182 was expressed at lower levels in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase of endometrium tissues from fertile donors. However, miR-182 expression was upregulated during the secretory phase in infertile women. Transfecting a synthetic miR-182-5p mimic decreased spheroid attachment of human JAr choriocarcinoma cells and E-cadherin expression (which is important for endometrial receptivity). miR-182-5p also downregulated N-Myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1), which was studied further. NDRG1 was upregulated in the secretory phase of the endometrium tissues and induced E-cadherin expression through the nuclear factor-κΒ (NF-κΒ)/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) signaling pathway. NDRG1-overexpressing or -depleted cells showed altered attachment rates of JAr spheroids. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-182-5p-mediated NDRG1 downregulation impaired embryo implantation by upregulating the NF-κΒ/ZEB1/E-cadherin pathway. Hence, miR-182-5p is a potential biomarker for negative selection in endometrial receptivity and a therapeutic target for successful embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Lan Yu
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Yujin Kang
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Da-Un Jeong
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Jeon
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Ae Ra Han
- I-Dream Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mizmedi Hospital, Seoul 07639, Korea
- Daegu cha Fertility Center, CHA University, Daegu 42469, Korea
| | - Jaeku Kang
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (S.-R.P.); Tel.: +82-42-600-8685 (J.K.); +82-42-600-8695 (S.-R.P.)
| | - Seok-Rae Park
- Priority Research Center, Myunggok Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (S.-R.P.); Tel.: +82-42-600-8685 (J.K.); +82-42-600-8695 (S.-R.P.)
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Yang J, Wang MJ, Huang WJ, Zhou Q, Ying X, Tian YH, Zhu YM, Lu YC. High expression of CFTR in cumulus cells from mature oocytes is associated with high-quality of oocyte and subsequent embryonic development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2239-2247. [PMID: 36044164 PMCID: PMC9596676 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02599-6] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the association of expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cumulus cells (CCs) from mature oocytes with oocyte quality and embryonic development. METHODS A total of 338 infertile women who underwent ovarian stimulation cycle of oocyte retrieval in Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The relative mRNA expression levels of CFTR, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in CCs were detected by qPCR technology. ROC curve was applied for the diagnosis of oocyte maturation. The serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), E2, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and androstenedione were measured. Oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo formation rate, and implantation rate after embryo transfer were also determined. RESULTS The mRNA expression levels of CFTR in CCs were significantly increased in metaphase II (MII) oocytes compared to that in metaphase I (MI) or germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. The ROC curve analysis illustrated that CFTR mRNA expression could efficiently discriminate MII oocytes from MI or GV oocytes (AUC = 0.954), and revealed that 0.695 RQU is the optimal cut-off value for diagnosis. So the cut-off value of 2-ΔΔCT = 0.70 was used to divide the patients into two groups: low- (n = 114) and high-CFTR group (n = 224). The mRNA expression of CFTR in CCs was positively correlated with the antral follicular count (AFC), number of oocytes retrieved, number of MII oocytes, serum E2 level on hCG day, and BMP15 and GDF9 expression in CCs. Under continuous stimulation with the same dose of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH), the number of follicles, average recovered oocytes, recovered oocytes, MII oocytes, as well as the oocyte recovery rate, fertilization rate, oocyte cleavage rate, high-quality embryo formation rate, and implantation rate were decreased in patients with lower CFTR. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that CFTR expression in CCs is associated with the developmental potential of human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ming-Juan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Jie Huang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue Ying
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong-Hong Tian
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Min Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yong-Chao Lu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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Chen P, Yang M, Wang Y, Guo Y, Liu Y, Fang C, Li T. Aging endometrium in young women: molecular classification of endometrial aging-based markers in women younger than 35 years with recurrent implantation failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2143-2151. [PMID: 35881273 PMCID: PMC9475014 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the differences between a population with premature endometrial aging and a population with normal endometrial status in young women with recurrent implantation failure (< 35 years). METHODS Systematic analysis of the endometrium transcriptome of 274 RIF women. The NMF algorithm was used for classification based on endometrial-specific aging markers in CellAge, and the endometrial receptivity, gene expression patterns, and clinical data were compared between the classifications. RESULTS Two hundred forty-five young RIF women could be divided into two clusters, in which the aging gene expression pattern of cluster 2 was closer to the reference cluster. Cluster 1 was characterized by high immune activity, while cluster 2 was characterized by high metabolic activity. Combined with clinical data, cluster 2 was worse than cluster 1 in window of implantation deviation rate and endometrial receptivity. CONCLUSION Premature aging of the endometrium exists in young women with RIF, and premature aging of the endometrium was associated with poor reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yingchun Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yun Liu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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Hwang YJ, Sung GJ, Marquardt R, Young SL, Lessey BA, Kim TH, Cheon YP, Jeong JW. SIRT1 plays an important role in implantation and decidualization during mouse early pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1072-1082. [PMID: 35134122 PMCID: PMC9198957 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a member of the sirtuin family that functions to deacetylate both histones and non-histone proteins. Previous studies have identified significant SIRT1 upregulation in eutopic endometrium from infertile women with endometriosis. However, SIRT1 function in the uterus has not been directly studied. Using immunochemistry analysis, we found SIRT1 to be most strongly expressed at GD4.5 and GD5.5 in decidualized cells and at GD7.5 in secondary decidual cells in mouse. To assess the role of SIRT1 in uterine function, we generated uterine Sirt1 conditional knockout mice (Pgrcre/+Sirt1f/f; Sirt1d/d). A 6-month fertility trial revealed that Sirt1d/d females were subfertile. Implantation site numbers were significantly decreased in Sirt1d/d mice compared with controls at GD5.5. Sirt1d/d implantation sites at GD4.5 could be divided into two groups, Group #1 with luminal closure and nonspecific COX2 expression compared with controls (14/20) and Group #2 with an open lumen and no COX2 (6/20). In Sirt1d/d Group #1, nuclear FOXO1 expression in luminal epithelial cells was significantly decreased. In Sirt1d/d Group #2, nuclear FOXO1 expression was almost completely absent, and there was strong PGR expression in epithelial cells. At GD5.5, stromal PGR and COX2 were significantly decreased in Sirt1d/d uterine in the areas surrounding the embryo compared with controls, indicating defective decidualization. An artificially induced decidualization test revealed that Sirt1d/d females showed defects in decidualization response. All together, these data suggest that SIRT1 is important for decidualization and contributes to preparing a receptive endometrium for successful implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Jeong Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gi-Jun Sung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ryan Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertilithy, Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Jin L, Ruan X, Jin J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Lu D, Mueck AO. Infertile women with endometriosis possess differences in cytokine levels in various tissues. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:523-527. [PMID: 35403529 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2060961] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE (1) To characterize the cytokine expression profiles of endometriosis related infertile women in comparison to fertile women with endometriosis; (2) to investigate the correlation of the cytokine levels from different tissues. METHODS 100 stage IV endometriosis patients were recruited and grouped by infertility status (n = 50, separately). Concentrations of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-10, and IL-17A from the serum, peritoneal fluid (PF), eutopic, and ectopic endometrium samples were measured. RESULTS (1) In the infertile group, the concentrations of IL-10 within serum, PF and eutopic endometrium were all significantly higher (p = .022 and <.01, .013, respectively), the levels of TGF-β1 in serum and eutopic endometrium samples were both higher (p = .025 and p < .01), the levels of IL-17A in the PF, eutopic, and ectopic endometrium were all lower (p < .01, all). (2) Significant positive correlation was observed between IL-17A from PF and the ectopic endometrium (p = .014), IL-17A from PF and eutopic endometrium (p < .01). The PF IL-10 levels positively correlated with those in the serum (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study comparing the levels of cytokines within four different tissues of endometriosis women with or without infertility. The study revealed that endometriosis-related infertile women possess significant differences in cytokine levels in comparison to fertile women with endometriosis. The levels of inflammatory factors from different tissues had certain positive correlations. Infertility may indicate the progress of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingge Jin
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyan Ruan
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital and Research Centre for Women's Health, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yudi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Alfred Otto Mueck
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital and Research Centre for Women's Health, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Marquardt RM, Ahn SH, Reske JJ, Chandler RL, Petroff MG, Kim TH, Jeong JW. Endometrial Epithelial ARID1A Is Required for Uterine Immune Homeostasis during Early Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116067. [PMID: 35682747 PMCID: PMC9181301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of work suggests epigenetic dysregulation contributes to endometriosis pathophysiology and female infertility. The chromatin remodeling complex subunit AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) must be properly expressed to maintain normal uterine function. Endometrial epithelial ARID1A is indispensable for pregnancy establishment in mice through regulation of endometrial gland function; however, ARID1A expression is decreased in infertile women with endometriosis. We hypothesized that ARID1A performs critical operations in the endometrial epithelium necessary for fertility besides maintaining gland function. To identify alterations in uterine gene expression resulting from loss of epithelial ARID1A, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on pre-implantation uteri from LtfiCre/+Arid1af/f and control mice. Differential expression analysis identified 4181 differentially expressed genes enriched for immune-related ingenuity canonical pathways including agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis and natural killer cell signaling. RT-qPCR confirmed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine and macrophage-related gene expression but a decrease in natural killer cell signaling. Immunostaining confirmed a uterus-specific increase in macrophage infiltration. Flow cytometry delineated an increase in inflammatory macrophages and a decrease in uterine dendritic cells in LtfiCre/+Arid1af/f uteri. These findings demonstrate a role for endometrial epithelial ARID1A in suppressing inflammation and maintaining uterine immune homeostasis, which are required for successful pregnancy and gynecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Soo Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Jake J. Reske
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Ronald L. Chandler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-61-6234-0987
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Liu X, Mai H, Chen P, Zhang Z, Wu T, Chen J, Sun P, Zhou C, Liang X, Huang R. Comparative analyses in transcriptome of human granulosa cells and follicular fluid micro-environment between poor ovarian responders with conventional controlled ovarian or mild ovarian stimulations. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:54. [PMID: 35313911 PMCID: PMC8935846 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both mild and conventional controlled ovarian stimulation are the frequently used protocols for poor ovarian responders. However, there are some debates about which treatment is better. Moreover, little is known about the follicular physiology after the two ovarian stimulation protocols. This study was intended to investigate the features in granulosa cells and follicular fluid micro-environment after the two different ovarian stimulation protocols in poor responders. METHODS Granulosa cells RNA were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq technology. Specific differently expressed genes and proteins were verified by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Moreover, hormone and cytokine concentrations in the follicular fluid were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. The correlation between the results of molecular experiments and the laboratory outcomes were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS The differentially expressed genes between the two groups were involved in 4 signaling pathways related to the follicular development; three proteins pertinent to the TGF-β signaling pathway were expressed differently in granulosa cells between the two, and the constituents in the follicular fluid were also different. Further, a correlation between the TGF-β signaling pathway and the good-quality embryo was observed. CONCLUSIONS The present study made a comparison for the first time in the transcriptome of human granulosa cells and the follicular fluid micro-environment between poor responders with the conventional controlled ovarian stimulation or the mild ovarian stimulation, showing that the TGF-β signaling pathway may correlate with the good-quality of embryos in the mild group, which may be instrumental to the choice of optimal management for IVF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huisi Mai
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panyu Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taibao Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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