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Krysta-Matter AE, Riepsamen AH, Lien S, Wong WYT, Richani D, Kilani S, Harrison CA, Mallitt KA, Ledger WL, Robertson DM, Gilchrist RB. Application of specific ELISAs for BMP15 and GDF9 to cumulus cell extracts from infertile women. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112049. [PMID: 37666445 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) are oocyte-specific paracrine factors which regulate ovarian cumulus cell (CC) functions. This study aimed to investigate if BMP15 and GDF9 bound to CCs can be characterized, quantified, and show an association with IVF outcomes in infertile women. BMP15 and GDF9 ELISAs were validated and applied to discarded CC extracts. Pooled CCs from individual patients were collected from 120 (cohort 1; BMP15 only) and 81 infertility patients (cohort 2; BMP15 and GDF9) undergoing superovulation. BMP15 and GDF9 levels expressed per CC DNA were correlated with maternal age, clinical and embryology data. Total BMP15 and GDF9 were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). The GDF9:BMP15 ratio was unrelated to oocyte number or age. BMP15/CC DNA and GDF9/CC DNA were unaffected by the type of superovulation and were not related to oocyte/embryo outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Krysta-Matter
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - A H Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - S Lien
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - W Y T Wong
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - D Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - S Kilani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - C A Harrison
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - K A Mallitt
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - W L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - D M Robertson
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - R B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
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Riepsamen AH, Donoghoe MW, Indran IR, Hechtman L, Robertson DM, Gilchrist RB, Ledger WL, Yong E. Serum GDF9 and BMP15 as potential markers of ovarian function in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:567-577. [PMID: 36372988 PMCID: PMC10952143 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) are critical paracrine regulators of female fertility and are predominantly expressed by oocytes. However, it is unknown if serum concentrations reflect changes in ovarian function and/or reproductive endocrine disorders. This study aimed to determine if serum GDF9/BMP15 are associated with ovarian, pituitary, oestrogenic, androgenic and metabolic characteristics and the ovarian pathologies, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN Women aged 21-45 years (n = 381) were included from a cross-sectional study at the National University Hospital, Singapore. PATIENTS Participants were volunteers and patients with possible PCOS. MEASUREMENTS Anthropometric measurements, transvaginal ultrasound scans and serum sampling were performed and a questionnairecompleted. Serum GDF9 and BMP15 concentrations were matched with menstrual cycle length, ovarian protein and steroid hormone production, pituitary hormone production and metabolic assessments in women with PCOM or PCOS and those with neither (control). RESULTS Serum GDF9 and BMP15 were detectable in 40% and 41% of women, respectively and were positively correlated with each other (r = 0.08, p = 0.003). GDF9, but not BMP15, was positively correlated with ovarian volume (p = 0.02) and antral follicle count (AFC) (p = 0.004), but not with anti-Müllerian hormone (p = 0.05). However, serum GDF9 and BMP15 concentrations were not significantly different between control, PCOM and PCOS women, nor associated with androgenic or metabolic PCOS features. However, the relationship between GDF9 and AFC differed between control, PCOM and PCOS women (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Serum GDF9 and BMP15 concentrations somewhat reflect ovarian but not androgenic or metabolic characteristics of PCOS, with increased GDF9 reflecting high AFC as seen in PCOM/PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique H. Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of New South Wales SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Mark W. Donoghoe
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical CentreUniversity of New South Wales SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Inthrani R. Indran
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Leah Hechtman
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of New South Wales SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - David M. Robertson
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of New South Wales SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Robert B. Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of New South Wales SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - William L. Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of New South Wales SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Eu‐Leong Yong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Oocyte-Secreted Serum Biomarkers GDF9 and BMP15 in Women with Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1521-1527. [PMID: 36380138 PMCID: PMC10160143 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Oocyte-secreted growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are critical paracrine regulators of female fertility. Recent studies demonstrated that serum concentrations are associated with the number of oocytes retrieved during IVF, and therefore potential clinical use as biomarkers. However, it is unknown if the presence of endometriosis affects serum GDF9 or BMP15. An exploratory case–control study was prospectively performed on 60 women who underwent laparoscopy between April 2017 and August 2018 at two hospitals. GDF9 and BMP15 were measured by validated immunoassays in pre-operative serum samples. Data were analysed relative to laparoscopic assessment of endometriosis and staging. There were 35 women with confirmed laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis and 25 controls with no evidence of endometriosis at laparoscopy. GDF9 was detectable in 40% of controls and 48% of cases. There was no difference in median GDF9 concentrations between controls (20.0 pg/ml, range 20.0–2504 pg/ml) and cases (20.0 pg/ml, range 20.0–2963 pg/ml). BMP15 was detectable in 48% of controls and 58% of cases, with no difference in median concentrations between controls (26.5 pg/ml, range 24.0–1499 pg/ml) and cases (24.0 pg/ml, range 24.0–796 pg/ml). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the proportion of detectable samples or concentrations of GDF9 or BMP15 with differing severities of endometriosis. In conclusion, serum concentrations of oocyte-secreted factors, GDF9 and BMP15 did not differ between control patients and patients with endometriosis. For clinical application in reproductive medicine, GDF9 and BMP15 serum biomarker quantitation is unlikely to be aberrant in the presence of endometriosis.
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Cadenas J, Pors SE, Kumar A, Kalra B, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Mamsen LS. Concentrations of oocyte secreted GDF9 and BMP15 decrease with MII transition during human IVM. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:126. [PMID: 35986324 PMCID: PMC9389727 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The suggested effects of the oocyte secreted GDF9 and BMP15 growth factors on oocyte maturation are currently based on recombinant proteins, and little is known about native GDF9 and BMP15 in humans. METHODS Human immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained in connection with ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) underwent in vitro maturation (IVM). Oocyte-produced GDF9 and BMP15 were detected in COCs using immunofluorescence, and in fresh GV oocytes and in GV and MII oocytes after IVM by western blot. Concentrations of GDF9, BMP15 homodimers, and GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer in spent media after IVM were measured by ELISA. The relative expression of seven genes from the GDF9 and BMP15 signaling pathways (BMPR2, ALK5, ALK6, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and SMAD5) was evaluated in fresh cumulus cells (before IVM) and in cumulus cells from GV and MII oocytes after IVM by RT-qPCR. RESULTS We detected native pro-mature GDF9 and BMP15 in human oocytes with molecular weights (Mw) of 47 kDa and 43 kDa, respectively. Concentrations of GDF9 and BMP15 in spent media after IVM were detected in 99% and 64% of the samples, respectively. The GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer was detected in 76% of the samples. Overall, the concentration of GDF9 was approximately 10-times higher than BMP15. The concentrations of both GDF9 and BMP15 were significantly lower in spent medium from MII oocytes than in media from oocytes that remained at the GV stage. Concentrations of the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer did not differ between GV and MII oocytes. Furthermore, BMPR2, SMAD3, and SMAD5 were significantly upregulated in cumulus cells from MII oocytes, indicating that both GDF9 and BMP15 signaling were active during oocyte meiotic resumption in vitro. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the driving mechanisms for oocyte nuclear maturation may involve both GDF9 and BMP15 homodimers, while the role of the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer is questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cadenas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Ansh Labs LLC, 445 W. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX, 77598, USA
| | - Bhanu Kalra
- Ansh Labs LLC, 445 W. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX, 77598, USA
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kristensen SG, Kumar A, Mamsen LS, Kalra B, Pors SE, Bøtkjær JA, Macklon KT, Fedder J, Ernst E, Hardy K, Franks S, Andersen CY. Intrafollicular Concentrations of the Oocyte-secreted Factors GDF9 and BMP15 Vary Inversely in Polycystic Ovaries. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e3374-e3383. [PMID: 35511085 PMCID: PMC9282257 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The oocyte-secreted factors growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) play essential roles in follicle development and oocyte maturation, and aberrant regulation might contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVE Are there measurable differences in concentrations of GDF9, BMP15, and the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer in small antral follicle fluids from women with and without polycystic ovaries (PCO)? DESIGN AND SETTING Follicle fluids (n = 356) were collected from 4- to 11-mm follicles in unstimulated ovaries of 87 women undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation. PATIENTS Twenty-seven women with PCO were identified and 60 women without PCO-like characteristics (non-PCO women) were matched according to age and follicle size. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intrafollicular concentrations of GDF9, BMP15, GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-A and -B, total inhibin, activin-B and -AB, and follistatin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS The detectability of GDF9, BMP15, and the GDF9/BMP15 heterodimer were 100%, 94.4%, and 91.5%, respectively, and concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with increasing follicle size (P < 0.0001). GDF9 was significantly higher in women with PCO (PCO: 4230 ± 189 pg/mL [mean ± SEM], n = 188; non-PCO: 3498 ± 199 pg/mL, n = 168; P < 0.03), whereas BMP15 was lower in women with PCO (PCO: 431 ± 40 pg/mL, n = 125; non-PCO: 573 ± 55 pg/mL, n = 109; P = 0.10), leading to a significantly higher GDF9:BMP15 ratio in women with PCO (P < 0.01). Significant positive associations between BMP15 and AMH, activins, and inhibins in non-PCO women switched to negative associations in women with PCO. CONCLUSIONS Intrafollicular concentrations of GDF9 and BMP15 varied inversely in women with PCO reflecting an aberrant endocrine environment. An increased GDF9:BMP15 ratio may be a new biomarker for PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Gry Kristensen
- Correspondence: Stine Gry Kristensen, PhD, Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5701, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Susanne Elisabeth Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jane Alrø Bøtkjær
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Tryde Macklon
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology & Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, 8700 Horsens, Denmark
| | - Kate Hardy
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Calvert ME, Kalra B, Patel A, Kumar A, Shaw ND. Serum and urine profiles of TGF-β superfamily members in reproductive aged women. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 524:96-100. [PMID: 34875272 PMCID: PMC8740174 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TGF-β superfamily members are important biomarkers of reproductive health in women desiring fertility and during pregnancy. TGF-β proteins derived from the ovary and/or placenta have been detected in serum in women, but there have been very few attempts to measure them non-invasively, such as in urinary samples, and to compare them to serum concentrations. METHODS We measured inhibin A, inhibin B, total inhibin, AMH, activin A, activin B, activin AB, follistatin, the GDF-9/BMP-15 complex, and GDF-15 in paired serum and urine samples from healthy reproductive aged women and in pregnant (second trimester) women. RESULTS We detected all hormones in serum in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Inhibin A, total inhibin, activin A, activin AB, follistatin, and GDF-15 were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant women. GDF-15 was the only hormone consistently detected in urine. We also measured, for the first time, the GDF-9/BMP-15 functional heterodimer and the GDF-15 protein harboring the H202D polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS We report the successful measurement of the GDF-9/BMP-15 heterodimer (its native form) in serum and the ability to measure GDF-15 non-invasively, in urinary samples. This novel GDF-15 assay also captures the antigen in the presence of a common genetic variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison E. Calvert
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27709
| | | | | | | | - Natalie D. Shaw
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27709
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Whitcomb BW. On measurement and classification; the clinical utility of biomarkers of female reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:361-362. [PMID: 34119325 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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