Upregulation of the lncRNA SRLR in polycystic ovary syndrome regulates cell apoptosis and IL-6 expression

Investigating the role of mitochondrial DNA D-loop variants, haplotypes, and copy number in polycystic ovary syndrome: implications for clinical phenotypes in the Chinese population

Background

The presence of genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been associated with a diverse array of diseases. The objective of this study was to examine the correlations between mtDNA D-loop, its haplotypes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the Chinese population, and the associations between mtDNA D-loop and symptoms of PCOS. The study also sought to determine whether the mtDNA copy number in Chinese patients with PCOS differed from that of individuals in the control group.

Methods

Infertile individuals who only had tubal or male factor treatment were the focus of research by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). mtDNA haplotypes were categorized using polymorphic D-loop sites. mtDNA D-loop, PCOS features, and mtDNA haplotypes were analyzed using R software to determine the strength of the association between the three. There are certain DNA haplotypes linked to PCOS. Microdroplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the mtDNA copy number in a convenience sample of 168 PCOS patients and 83 controls.

Results

Among the research group, the majority of D-loop mutations were infrequent (frequency< 1%), with only 45 variants displaying a minimum allele frequency (MAF) of 5% or higher. No association was found between polymorphism loci in PCOS patients and body mass index (BMI). Noteworthy, C194T, 1A200G, 523delAC, and C16234T showed positive correlations with elevated LH/FSH levels. Additionally, specific polymorphic loci G207A, 16036GGins, and 16049Gins within the D-loop region of mtDNA potentially exerted a protective role in PCOS development. Conversely, no statistical significance was observed in the expression levels of C16291T and T489C. Chinese women with mtDNA haplotype A15 exhibited a decreased risk of developing PCOS. Moreover, a significant difference in mtDNA copy number was detected, with controls averaging 25.87 (21.84, 34.81), while PCOS patients had a mean of 129.91 (99.38, 168.63).

Conclusion

Certain mtDNA D-loop mutations and haplotypes appear to confer protection against PCOS in Chinese women. In addition, elevated mtDNA copy number may serve as an indicator during early stages of PCOS.

FABP5 inhibitor SBFI-26 regulates FOXM1 expression and Wnt signaling pathway in ovarian granulosa cell of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy among females of reproductive age. Due to its unclear etiopathogenesis, it is of vital significance to take a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were applied for detection of gene expression and protein expression individually. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used for the evaluation of cell proliferation while Caspase-3/9 activity was measured for the assessment of cell apoptosis. We found that FOXM1 was overexpressed in ovarian granulosa cell (OGC) of patients with PCOS. Functionally, upregulation of FOXM1 promotes the proliferative ability of PCOS-OGC cells. As for mechanism, FOXM1 exerts its functions in PCOS-OGC cell through activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. More importantly, a novel FABP5 inhibitor, SBFI-26, was verified to downregulate the expression of FOXM1 to impede the proliferation of PCOS-OGC cells. In addition, SBFI-26 inactivates Wnt signaling pathway in PCOS-OGC cells. FABP5 inhibitor SBFI-26 regulates FOXM1 expression and Wnt signaling pathway in OGC of patients with PCOS, which might provide a new perspective into PCOS treatment.

Therapeutic potential of icariin in rats with letrozole and high-fat diet-induced polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. Icariin has been shown to regulate endocrine and metabolic imbalances. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect and pharmacological mechanism of icariin in PCOS rats. Rats were fed a high-fat diet and gavaged with letrozole to induce PCOS. Thirty-six female rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, model, low-dose, and high-dose icariin. After 30 days of treatment, we evaluated the therapeutic effects on weight and diet, sex hormone levels, ovarian morphology, estrous cycle, inflammatory factors, and indicators of glucolipid metabolism. Combined with the ovarian transcriptome, we verified the key markers of apoptosis and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway by RT-qPCR for mRNA level, western blot, and immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Icariin significantly improved ovarian function and reproductive endocrine disorders by regulating sex hormones, restoring the estrous cycle, and reducing ovarian morphological damage in PCOS rats. Icariin-treated rats had lower weight gain and reduced triglycerides, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than PCOS rats. TUNEL staining showed icariin improved apoptosis in the ovaries. This was supported by an increase in Bcl2 and a decrease in Bad and Bax. Icariin decreased the ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT1/STAT1, p-STAT3/STAT3, and p-STAT5a/STAT5a, decreased IL-6, gp130 expression, and increased cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CISH) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression. The pharmacological mechanism may be related to the reduction in ovarian apoptosis and inhibition of the IL-6/gp130/JAK2/STATs pathway.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) Discovered Novel Long Non-Coding RNAs for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects reproductive-age women. This condition causes infertility, insulin resistance, obesity, and heart difficulties. The molecular basis and mechanism of PCOS might potentially generate effective treatments. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) show control over multifactorial disorders' growth and incidence. Numerous studies have emphasized its significance and alterations in PCOS. We used bioinformatic methods to find novel dysregulated lncRNAs in PCOS. To achieve this objective, the gene expression profile of GSE48301, comprising PCOS patients and normal control tissue samples, was evaluated using the R limma package with the following cut-off criterion: p-value < 0.05. Firstly, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to determine the co-expression genes of lncRNAs; subsequently, hub gene identification and pathway enrichment analysis were used. With the defined criteria, nine novel dysregulated lncRNAs were identified. In WGCNA, different colors represent different modules. In the current study, WGCNA resulted in turquoise, gray, blue, and black co-expression modules with dysregulated lncRNAs. The pathway enrichment analysis of these co-expressed modules revealed enrichment in PCOS-associated pathways, including gene expression, signal transduction, metabolism, and apoptosis. In addition, CCT7, EFTUD2, ESR1, JUN, NDUFAB1, CTTNB1, GRB2, and CTNNB1 were identified as hub genes, and some of them have been investigated in PCOS. This study uncovered nine novel PCOS-related lncRNAs. To confirm how these lncRNAs control translational modification in PCOS, functional studies are required.

Long non-coding RNA-X-inactive specific transcript inhibits cell viability, and induces apoptosis through the microRNA-30c-5p/Bcl2-like protein 11 signaling axis in human granulosa-like tumor cells

The role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is being actively explored in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recent research has shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X–inactive Specific Transcript (XIST) is overexpressed in patients with PCOS and is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. However, the precise function and mechanism of action of lncRNA XIST in PCOS are unknown. We aimed to determine whether lncRNA XIST contributes to PCOS by modulating ovarian granulosa cell physiology. We also investigated any potential molecular regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we discovered that the lncRNA XIST was significantly downregulated in human ovarian granulosa-like tumor (KGN) cells. Notably, overexpression of lncRNA XIST decreased miR-30c-5p expression in KGN cells, inhibited proliferation, and induced apoptosis in KGN cells. However, cotransfection with amiR-30c-5p mimic significantly reduced these effects. Additionally, we discovered that the miR-30c-5p mimic effectively inhibited Bcl2-like protein 11 (BCL2L11) expression, a critical apoptotic promoter, whereas silencing of miR-30c-5p increased BCL2L11 expression, inhibited KGN cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis. In contrast, cotransfection of BCL2L11 with siRNA significantly reversed these effects. In conclusion, this study established that lncRNA XIST plays a critical role in PCOS by modulating the miR-30c-5p/BCL2L11 signaling axis and regulating ovarian granulosa cell physiology.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for improving endocrine and metabolic profiles in overweight and obese individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous reproductive endocrine disorder. Several ongoing trials test sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors for women with PCOS. However, their effectiveness has not been fully elucidated owing to the lack of high-confidence evidence. Our group agrees with the statement that SGLT-2 inhibition could treat PCOS as it is supported by reports demonstrating the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibition on metabolic status and weight control. Moreover, the functions of chronic inflammation amelioration and cardiovascular system protection make it a more attractive candidate for PCOS therapy. Therefore, to provide physicians with a reference, we intend to perform a meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors on the endocrine and metabolic profiles of patients with PCOS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search for randomised controlled trials performed until September 2022 using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, the PhRMA Clinical Study Results Database (www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang, the Weipu and the Chinese biomedical literature databases. The outcomes will include androgen-associated outcomes, body fat, glucose and lipid homoeostasis, inflammatory outcomes and adverse events. In addition, two investigators will independently assess methodological quality using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2. The analysis will be performed using RevMan V.5.3 software, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses and a meta-regression will be used to determine the heterogeneity source.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required because this is a meta-analysis. We will disseminate these results by publishing them in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021281176.

microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as the most common metabolic/endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Its complicated causality assessment and diagnostic emphasized the role of non‐coding regulatory RNAs as molecular biomarkers in studying, diagnosing and even as therapeutics of PCOS. This review discusses a comparative summary of research into microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are molecularly or statistically related to PCOS. We categorize the literature in terms of centering on either miRNAs or lncRNAs and discuss the combinatory studies and promising ideas as well. Additionally, we compare the pros and cons of the prominent research methodologies used for each of the abovementioned research themes and discuss how errors can be stopped from propagation by selecting correct methodologies for future research. Finally, it can be concluded that research into miRNAs and lncRNAs has the potential for identifying functional networks of regulation with multiple mRNAs (and hence, functional proteins). This new understanding may eventually afford clinicians to control the molecular course of the pathogenesis better. With further research, RNA (with statistical significance and present in the blood) may be used as biomarkers for the disease, and more possibilities for RNA therapy agents can be identified.

High-Throughput Sequencing Profiles About lncRNAs and mRNAs of Ovarian Granulosa Cells in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, which is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, clinical and/or biochemical androgen excess, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound and genetic heterogeneity. It was well-accepted that many lncRNAs and mRNAs were associated with PCOS, however, remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine different expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in PCOS and Controls, and identify the correlation between lncRNAs, mRNAs and clinical parameters. Sixty five PCOS patients and 65 Controls were enrolled in this study and adopted standard long agonist protocols or GnRH antagonist protocols. Then 6 GCs samples in each group were subjected to high-thoughput sequencing and the remaining samples were used for the further verification by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene Oncology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. We predicted the relationship between lncRNAs and mRNAs by Cytoscape software. According to the expression level of lncRNAs, mRNAs and the clinical parameters, we also explored their relationship and evaluate their predictive values for embryos quality and PCOS. We identified 1,049 differential expressed lncRNAs and 3,246 mRNAs (fold-change ≥2, p-value < 0.05). Seven lncRNAs (NONHSAT101926.2, NONHSAT136825.2, NONHSAT227177.1, NONHSAT010538.2, NONHSAT191377.1, NONHSAT230904.1, ENST00000607307) and 3 mRNAs (EREG, ENTPD6, YAP1) were validated consistent with sequence profile. Seven lncRNAs were related to hormone level and follicle counts, 3 mRNAs had connections with lipid metabolism. The area under curve (AUC) of 7 lncRNAs were valuable in distinguishing patients with PCOS from Controls. The AUC of NONHSAT230904.1 and NONHSAT227177.1 were 0.6807 and 0.6410, respectively, for distinguishing whether the rate of high-quality embryos exceeds 50%. Our study showed that the GCs lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in the occurrence and development of PCOS, which contribute to clarify the pathogenesis mechanism of PCOS.

Bioinformatics Analysis of ceRNA Network Related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by the hormonal environment in utero, abnormal metabolism, and genetics, and it is common in women of childbearing age. A large number of studies have reported that lncRNA is important to the biological process of cancer and can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker. Thus, we studied lncRNAs' roles in PCOS in this article.

Methods

We obtained mRNAs', miRNAs', and lncRNAs' expression profiles in PCOS specimens and normal specimens from the National Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Comprehensive Center database. The EdgeR software package is used to distinguish the differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis was carried out by the clusterProfiler R Package, and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction ceRNA network was built in Cytoscape plug-in BiNGO and Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integration Discovery (DAVID), respectively.

Results

We distinguished differentially expressed RNAs, including 1087 lncRNAs, 14 miRNAs, and 566 mRNAs in PCOS. Among them, 410 lncRNAs, 11 miRNAs, and 185 mRNAs were contained in the ceRNA regulatory network. The outcomes from Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) were mainly enriched in response to the maternal process involved in female pregnancy, morphogenesis of embryonic epithelium, and the intracellular steroid hormone receptor signaling pathway. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis data showed that DEMs were primarily enriched in pathways related to the TGF-β signaling pathway, Type I diabetes mellitus, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. In addition, we chose NONHSAT123397, ENST00000564619, and NONHSAT077997 as key lncRNAs due to their high bearing on PCOS.

Conclusion

ceRNA networks play an important role in PCOS. The research indicated that specific lncRNAs were related to PCOS development. NONHSAT123397, ENST00000564619, and NONHSAT077997 could be regarded as potential diagnostic mechanisms and biomarkers for PCOS. This discovery might provide more effective and more novel insights into the mechanisms of PCOS worthy of further exploration.

Long noncoding RNAs as a piece of polycystic ovary syndrome puzzle

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder and affects 5-10% of reproductive-age women. Chronic anovulation, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism are the important features of this syndrome. Furthermore, hyperinsulinemia and central obesity are frequent in PCOS women. In recent years, noncoding RNAs detection provided new ideas to explain the etiology of female reproductive disorders. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a subset of noncoding RNAs are associated with the pathogenesis of manifold reproductive-related disorders. Various investigations emphasized the potential involvement of lncRNAs in PCOS development. Therefore, in this paper, we will summarize the function of numerous lncRNAs in the apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs), insulin resistance (IR), and steroidogenesis in PCOS.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting a vast population worldwide; it is linked with anovulation, mitochondrial dysfunctions and hormonal disbalance. Mutations in mtDNA have been identified in PCOS patients and likely play an important role in PCOS aetiology and pathogenesis; however, their causative role in PCOS development requires further investigation. As a low-grade chronic inflammation disease, PCOS patients have permanently elevated levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18). In this review, we summarise recent data regarding the role of mtDNA mutations and mitochondrial malfunctions in PCOS pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss recent papers dedicated to the identification of novel biomarkers for early PCOS diagnosis. Finally, traditional and new mitochondria-targeted treatments are discussed. This review intends to emphasise the key role of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in PCOS pathogenesis; however, the exact molecular mechanism is mostly unknown and requires further investigation.

LncRNA HOTAIRM1, miR-433-5p and PIK3CD function as a ceRNA network to exacerbate the development of PCOS

Background

Currently, several non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were distinguished in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This present study aims to explore the potential function of lncRNA HOTAIRM1/miR-433-5p/PIK3CD in ovarian granulosa cells.

Methods

We analyzed the expression profiles of HOTAIRM1, miR-433-5p and PIK3CD in PCOS samples by enquiring GEO database. GSEA was applied to enrich the pathways related to PCOS. The target association between HOTAIRM1 and miR-433-5p or the binding association between miR-433-5p and PIK3CD were assessed by online prediction tools and a dual luciferase reporter assay. qPCR and western blotting assays were used to detect PIK3CD expression after HOTAIRM1 and miR-433-5p treatment. The proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells were estimated by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assays, respectively.

Results

The expression profiles of HOTAIRM1 and PIK3CD were increased, whereas miR-433-5p was decreased in PCOS tissues. PIK3CD expression was positively regulated by HOTAIRM1 and negatively modulated by miR-433-5p. Overexpression of HOTAIRM1 reduced the proliferative ability and increased the apoptotic ability of granulosa cells, whereas upregulation of miR-433-5p or downregulation of PIK3CD reversed the effects of HOTAIRM1 on granulosa cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-433-5 displayed a results with increasing proliferative ability and decreasing apoptotic ability, but upregulation of PIK3CD eliminated the function of miR-433-5p on granulosa cells.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrated that HOTAIRM1 could sponge miR-433-5p to promote PIK3CD expression, thereby regulating the growth and apoptosis of granulose cells in PCOS.

Long non-coding RNAs: novel players in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of transcripts (>200 nucleotides) lacking protein-coding capacity. Based on the complex three-dimensional structure, lncRNAs are involved in many biological processes and can regulate the expression of target genes at chromatin modification, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. LncRNAs have been studied in multiple diseases but little is known about their role(s) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinological disorder in reproductive-aged women around the world. In this review, we characterized and explored the potential mechanisms of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of PCOS. We found that lncRNAs play a molecular role in PCOS mainly by functioning as the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and are significantly correlated with some clinical phenotypes. We summarized in detail regarding aberrant lncRNAs in different specimens of women with PCOS [i.e., granulosa cells (GCs), cumulus cells (CCs), follicular fluid (FF), peripheral blood] and various PCOS rodent models [i.e., dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and letrozole induced models]. In clinical practice, detection of lncRNAs in serum might enable early diagnosis. Furthermore, new lncRNA-based classifications might be emerging as potent predictors of a particular phenotype in PCOS. Overall, we proposed new insights for the application of precision medicine approaches to the management of PCOS.

Identification of Crucial lncRNAs, miRNAs, mRNAs, and Potential Therapeutic Compounds for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Bioinformatics Analysis

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed at mining crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) based on the coexpression and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theories and investigating the underlying therapeutic drugs that may function by reversing the expression of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs.

METHODS

RNA (GSE106724, GSE114419, GSE137684, and GSE138518) or miRNA (GSE84376 and GSE138572) expression profile datasets of PCOS patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) using four RNA datasets was conducted to construct the lncRNA-mRNA coexpression networks, while the common differentially expressed miRNAs in two miRNA datasets and module RNAs were used to establish the ceRNA network. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created to explore the potential interactions between genes. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the functions of genes in networks. Connectivity Map (CMap) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) analyses were performed to identify potential therapeutic agents for PCOS.

RESULTS

Three modules (black, magenta, and yellow) were identified to be PCOS-related after WGCNA analysis, in which KLF3-AS1-PLCG2, MAPKAPK5-AS1-MAP3K14, and WWC2-AS2-TXNIP were important coexpression relationship pairs. WWC2-AS2-hsa-miR-382-PLCG2 was a crucial ceRNA loop in the ceRNA network. The PPI network showed that MAP3K14 and TXNIP could interact with hub genes PLK1 (degree = 21) and TLR1 (degree = 18), respectively. These genes were enriched into mitosis (PLK1), immune response (PLCG2 and TLR1), and cell cycle (TXNIP and PLK1) biological processes. Ten small molecule drugs (especially quercetin) were considered to be therapeutical for PCOS.

CONCLUSION

Our study may provide a novel insight into the mechanisms and therapy for PCOS.

lncRNA and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Cancers of the Genitourinary System

Available systemic treatment options for cancers of the genitourinary system have experienced great progress in the last decade. However, a large proportion of patients eventually develop resistance to treatment, resulting in disease progression and shorter overall survival. Biomarkers indicating the increasing resistance to cancer therapies are yet to enter clinical routine. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are non-protein coding RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that exert multiple types of regulatory functions of all known cellular processes. Increasing evidence supports the role of lncRNAs in cancer development and progression. Additionally, their involvement in the development of drug resistance across various cancer entities, including genitourinary malignancies, are starting to be discovered. Consequently, lncRNAs have been suggested as factors in novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancer. In this review, the existing evidences on lncRNAs and their involvement in mechanisms of drug resistance in cancers of the genitourinary system, including renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, will be highlighted and discussed to facilitate and encourage further research in this field. We summarize a significant number of lncRNAs with proposed pathways in drug resistance and available reported studies.

The Interaction of lncRNA XLOC-2222497, AKR1C1, and Progesterone in Porcine Endometrium and Pregnancy

The endometrium is an important tissue for pregnancy and plays an important role in reproduction. In this study, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed in endometrium samples of Meishan and Yorkshire pigs on days 18 and 32 of pregnancy. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) was found to be a differentially expressed gene, and was identified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry results revealed the cellular localization of the AKR1C1 protein in the endometrium. Luciferase activity assay demonstrated that the AKR1C1 core promoter region was located in the region from -706 to -564, containing two nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) binding sites (antioxidant response elements, AREs). XLOC-2222497 was identified as a nuclear long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) highly expressed in the endometrium. XLOC-2222497 overexpression and knockdown have an effect on the expression of AKR1C1. Endocrinologic measurement showed the difference in progesterone levels between Meishan and Yorkshire pigs. Progesterone treatment upregulated AKR1C1 and XLOC-2222497 expression in porcine endometrial epithelial cells. In conclusion, transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed transcripts during the early pregnancy process. Further experiments demonstrated the interaction of XLOC-2222497/AKR1C1/progesterone in the endometrium and provided new potential targets for pregnancy maintenance and its control.

Upregulation of the lncRNA SRLR in polycystic ovary syndrome regulates cell apoptosis and IL-6 expression

Increased levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) contribute to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); in renal cell carcinoma, the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) SRLR upregulates IL‐6. In this study, we demonstrated that the levels of the lncRNA SRLR were upregulated in PCOS patients with high expression of plasma IL‐6 compared with heathy females. The levels of the lncRNA SRLR in the plasma had a positive correlation with expression of IL‐6 in patients with PCOS but not in healthy females. Upregulation of the lncRNA SRLR in plasma could distinguish PCOS patients from healthy females. Overexpression of the lncRNA SRLR led to upregulation of IL‐6 and promoted apoptosis of human granulosa‐like tumour cells (KGN). Therefore, the lncRNA SRLR participated in PCOS by regulating cell apoptosis and IL‐6 expression.

Significance of the Study

The lncRNA SRLR mediates its effects on apoptosis and IL‐6 expression in PCOS and could be used to distinguish PCOS patients from healthy controls. Plasma circulating levels of the lncRNA SRLR may be a potential target for the treatment of PCOS.