Reproductive senescence impairs the energy metabolism of human luteinized granulosa cells

The PARP inhibitor olaparib promotes senescence in murine macrophages

Cellular senescence is a multifaceted process involving cell cycle arrest, telomere shortening, and the accumulation of DNA damage associated with aging and cellular stress. It is marked by persistent cell cycle arrest and DNA damage accumulation, and plays an increasingly recognized role in age-related diseases and cancer therapy. Olaparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, is approved for use in ovarian cancer treatment. We hypothesized that olaparib may influence senescence by inhibiting DNA damage repair, and investigated its effects on non-senescent and replicatively senescent murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells). Senescent cells exhibited elevated baseline levels of PARP1 expression, PARylation, and DNA damage relative to non-senescent control cells. Olaparib amplified these differences by upregulating senescence markers (SA-β-gal and p21), inhibiting proliferation, and exacerbating DNA damage. Many of its effects were more pronounced in senescent cells. At higher concentrations (10-30 µM), olaparib induced significant cytotoxicity through mixed apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms, with senescent cells exhibiting a predominantly necrotic response. Interestingly, both mitochondrial activity and cellular bioenergetics were elevated in senescent cells at baseline, and were more severely impaired by olaparib compared to non-senescent control cells. These findings underscore olaparib's enhanced cytotoxic and pro-senescent effects in senescent immune cells and suggest potential implications for its use in elderly cancer patients with an increased burden of senescent cells.

Effects of maternal poor ovarian response on the reproductive endocrine profiles of the next generation: a prospective cohort study in China

STUDY QUESTION

Do offspring born to mothers with poor ovarian response (POR) have alterations in their reproductive endocrine profile at 2-6 years of age compared to those born to mothers with normal ovarian response?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Female offspring born to young mothers (<35 years) with expected POR were more likely to have low serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in childhood.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

POR affects 32-43% of women in infertility clinics. Genetic susceptibility and potentially adverse intrauterine environments pose threats to the next generation. However, there is currently no direct evidence of intergenerational reproductive effects associated with POR.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

We conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate the intergenerational effects of maternal POR on reproductive endocrine health of offspring. Data were obtained from 'Assisted Reproductive Technology-born KIDs (ARTKID)', a birth cohort established in 2013 at a tertiary care center in China. A total of 3103 offspring, aged 2-6, born between 2013 and 2019, were recruited and included in our study until 2021. The exposed offspring conceived by ART were classified into four groups based on their mothers' categorization using the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria. The unexposed offspring were born to mothers with normal ovarian response after ART.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

Offspring conceived by ART provided blood samples at 2-6 years for the assessment of reproductive endocrine parameters. Mean difference and 95% CI were obtained based on a linear mixed model. The adjusted model accounted for paternal age, maternal age, offspring age, paternal smoking, use of ICSI, and frozen embryo transfer.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Female offspring born to young mothers with expected POR (POSEIDON Group 3) had lower AMH and PRL (prolactin) levels in childhood compared to controls (AMH: adjusted mean difference [AMD] = -0.64, 95% CI = -1.10, -0.18; PRL: AMD = -1.59, 95% CI = -2.97, -0.21). Female offspring born to older mothers (≥35 years) with expected POR (POSEIDON Group 4) showed a decreasing trend in AMH levels, though this difference was not statistically significant compared to controls [AMD = -0.60, 95% CI = -1.31, -0.12]. Female offspring born to young mothers with unexpected POR (POSEIDON Group 1) had lower DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) levels than controls [AMD = -1.38, 95% CI = -2.58, -0.17]. In contrast, male offspring born to POR mothers showed similar reproductive endocrine profiles as controls.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The offspring were aged 2-6 years, limiting the ability to assess comprehensive reproductive phenotypic changes. Longer follow-up studies are necessary.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The potential effects of maternal POR on reproductive endocrine profiles of offspring may be primarily linked to ovarian reserve. Genetic susceptibility, hypoandrogenism, and other intrauterine environmental factors may be probable explanations for reduction in AMH levels observed in female offspring born to young mothers with expected POR.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC2703000, 2022YFC2704404, 2024YFC2706902, 2022YFC2702905, 2024YFC2706700), CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2021-I2M-5-001), Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (ZR2022JQ33), the Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University (2023QNTD004), the National Special Support Program for High-level Talents, the Health Science and Technology Innovation Team Construction Project of Shandong Province, and the Taishan Scholars Program for Young Experts of Shandong Province (tsqn201909195). The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Mitochondrial activity and steroid secretion in mouse ovarian granulosa cells are suppressed by a PFAS mixture

The accumulation of a number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in ovarian follicular fluid (FF) has been documented, raising serious questions about their impact on female fertility. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a mixture of PFASs acts in a paracrine manner on granulosa cells (GCs) as a metabolism-disrupting chemical. We selected perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; 22.4 ng/mL), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 14.5 ng/mL), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS; 21.3 ng/mL), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; 0.9 ng/mL), perfluoroheptane sulphonate (PFHpA; 0.6 ng/mL), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA; 0.4 ng/mL), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA; 2 ng/mL), which were the most commonly detected PFASs in FF of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. Exposure of mouse GCs to the PFAS mixture decreased the amount of active mitochondria and the mitochondrial membrane potential, which correlated with a reduction in ATP production and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). At the same time, expression of the mitochondrial membrane-associated steroidogenic enzyme 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and production of the major steroids progesterone and estradiol were decreased. In addition, expression and activity of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), an enzyme that neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), were decreased while ROS levels and lipid peroxidation were increased without cell death, indicating that the PFAS mixture had subtoxic effects. Our results show that PFAS mixtures, at concentrations similar to those found in human FF led to GC dysfunction by impairing mitochondrial function and steroid secretions and therefore may have implications for reproductive health.

Molecular and genetic insights into human ovarian aging from single-nuclei multi-omics analyses

The ovary is the first organ to age in the human body, affecting both fertility and overall health. However, the biological mechanisms underlying human ovarian aging remain poorly understood. Here we present a comprehensive single-nuclei multi-omics atlas of four young (ages 23-29 years) and four reproductively aged (ages 49-54 years) human ovaries. Our analyses reveal coordinated changes in transcriptomes and chromatin accessibilities across cell types in the ovary during aging, notably mTOR signaling being a prominent ovary-specific aging pathway. Cell-type-specific regulatory networks reveal enhanced activity of the transcription factor CEBPD across cell types in the aged ovary. Integration of our multi-omics data with genetic variants associated with age at natural menopause demonstrates a global impact of functional variants on gene regulatory networks across ovarian cell types. We nominate functional non-coding regulatory variants, their target genes and ovarian cell types and regulatory mechanisms. This atlas provides a valuable resource for understanding the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of human ovarian aging.

Flavonoid Fisetin Alleviates Ovarian Aging of Laying Chickens by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Glucose Metabolic Homeostasis

Oxidative stress is a crucial factor contributing to ovarian follicular atresia and an imbalance in ovarian energy metabolism in poultry, leading to decreased laying performance in aging hens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a natural flavonoid, fisetin, on laying performance, ovarian redox status, and energy metabolism in laying chickens. The results showed that dietary fisetin supplementation improved egg production and eggshell quality in aging laying chickens, reduced follicular atresia rate, promoted ovarian cell proliferation, elevated serum estrogen and progesterone levels, restored ovarian antioxidant capacity, and improved energy metabolism. Furthermore, fisetin treatment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and COX-2 expression while promoting SIRT1 expression in the H2O2-induced small white follicle (SWF). Additionally, fisetin significantly enhanced the anti-apoptotic capacity of SWF and promoted glucose catabolism by activating the AKT and JNK signaling pathways. In summary, fisetin supplementation can alleviate ovarian oxidative stress in aging laying chickens by upregulating SIRT1 expression and inhibiting NF-κB signaling. The activation of AKT and JNK signaling pathways by fisetin contributes to the balance of energy metabolism and promotion of follicular development in the ovaries of aging laying chickens, thereby retarding ovarian aging in poultry production.

Photobiomodulation ameliorates ovarian aging by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation damage and improving mitochondrial function

Ovarian aging is a serious clinical concern. Few safe and effective methods are currently available to improve ovarian functions. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a safe and noninvasive physical therapy that can modulate a series of biological processes. Recently, several studies have noted its potential to improve the function of ovary and reproductive cells. However, the effects of PBM treatment on natural ovarian aging remain unclear. In this study, we used a naturally reproductive aging mouse model to observe the effect of PBM on ovarian function. Young and aged female ICR mice were treated with or without PBM for 2 months. PBM was performed using a semiconductor InGaAlP laser emitting at 650 nm (80 mW, 6.7 mW/cm2 for 5 or 10 min, resulting in a dose of 2 or 4 J/cm2, respectively). After treatment, the effects of PBM and its role in oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial function were investigated. We found that PBM (4 J/cm2) effectively recovered the levels of sex hormones, increased the number of primordial and growing follicles, improved angiogenesis, and decreased cell apoptosis in naturally aged mice. Moreover, PBM reduced oxidative stress, inhibited chronic ovarian inflammation, and improved mitochondrial function in aged ovaries. Similar protective effects of PBM were observed in a hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress model of human granulosa cell line (KGN) in vitro. Increased cell viability, cell proliferation, hormone secretion, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate levels and decreased apoptosis and oxidative stress were detected in KGN cells after PBM treatment. Collectively, this study suggest that PBM treatment is beneficial for restoring ovarian function in naturally reproductive aging mice and has a significant protective effect against oxidative stress damage in KGN cells. The mechanisms underlying the benefits of PBM in ovarian aging include antioxidant stress, reduction of inflammation, and preservation of mitochondrial function. Therefore, this study emphasizes the potential of PBM as a therapeutic intervention to ameliorate ovarian aging.

Targeting organ-specific mitochondrial dysfunction to improve biological aging

In an aging society, unveiling new anti-aging strategies to prevent and combat aging-related diseases is of utmost importance. Mitochondria are the primary ATP production sites and key regulators of programmed cell death. Consequently, these highly dynamic organelles play a central role in maintaining tissue function, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a pivotal factor in the progressive age-related decline in cellular homeostasis and organ function. The current review examines recent advances in understanding the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and organ-specific aging. Thereby, we dissect molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial impairment associated with the deterioration of organ function, exploring the role of mitochondrial DNA, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, metabolic activity, damage-associated molecular patterns, biogenesis, turnover, and dynamics. We also highlight emerging therapeutic strategies in preclinical and clinical tests that are supposed to rejuvenate mitochondrial function, such as antioxidants, mitochondrial biogenesis stimulators, and modulators of mitochondrial turnover and dynamics. Furthermore, we discuss potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of these interventions, emphasizing the need for organ-specific approaches given the unique mitochondrial characteristics of different tissues. In conclusion, this review highlights the therapeutic potential of addressing mitochondrial dysfunction to mitigate organ-specific aging, focusing on the skin, liver, lung, brain, skeletal muscle, and lung, as well as on the reproductive, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Based on a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted roles of mitochondria, innovative therapeutic strategies may be developed and optimized to combat biological aging and promote healthy aging across diverse organ systems.

Toxicity mechanism of acrolein on energy metabolism disorder and apoptosis in human ovarian granulosa cells

Acrolein (ACR), an unsaturated, highly reactive aldehyde, is a widespread environmental toxin. ACR exerts permanent and irreversible side effects on ovarian functions. Granulosa cells play a crucial role in supporting ovarian function. Thus, in this study, we investigated the toxicity effects of granulosa cells induced by ACR. Following treatment with varying ACR concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μM), we observed that ACR exposure induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder, and apoptosis in KGN cells (a human ovarian granulosa cell line) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, mitochondrial biogenesis in KGN cells displayed biphasic changes after ACR exposure, with activation at a low ACR dose (12.5 μM), but inhibition at higher ACR doses (≥50 μM). SIRT1/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis is crucial for maintaining intracellular mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular function. The inhibition/activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in KGN cells validated its role in ACR-induced damage. The results indicated that the inhibition of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway aggravated ACR-induced cell damage, whereas its activation partially counteracted ACR-induced cell damage. This study attempted to uncover a novel mechanism of ACR-induced ovarian toxicity so as to provide an effective treatment option for safeguarding female reproductive health from the adverse effects of ACR.

Altered Energy Metabolism, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Redox Imbalance Influencing Reproductive Performance in Granulosa Cells and Oocyte During Aging

Female fertility decreases during aging. The development of effective therapeutic strategies to address the age-related decline in oocyte quality and quantity and its accurate diagnosis remain major challenges. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the study of aging and infertility, focusing primarily on the molecular basis of energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and redox homeostasis in granulosa cells and oocytes, and discuss perspectives on future research directions. Mitochondria serve as a central hub sensing a multitude of physiological processes, including energy production, cellular redox homeostasis, aging, and senescence. Young granulosa cells favor glycolysis and actively produce pyruvate, NADPH, and other metabolites. Oocytes rely on oxidative phosphorylation fueled by nutrients, metabolites, and antioxidants provided by the adjacent granulosa cells. A reduced cellular energy metabolism phenotype, including both aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, is characteristic of older female granulosa cells compared with younger female granulosa cells. Aged oocytes become more susceptible to oxidative damage to cells and mitochondria because of further depletion of antioxidant-dependent ROS scavenging systems. Molecular perturbations of gene expression caused by a subtle change in the follicular fluid microenvironment adversely affect energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics in granulosa cells and oocytes, further causing redox imbalance and accelerating aging and senescence. Furthermore, recent advances in technology are beginning to identify biofluid molecular markers that may influence follicular development and oocyte quality. Accumulating evidence suggests that redox imbalance caused by abnormal energy metabolism and/or mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to the pathophysiology of age-related subfertility.

Increased serine synthesis in cumulus cells of young infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve

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.

Deletion of enzymes for de novo NAD+ biosynthesis accelerated ovarian aging

Recent advances highlight the pivotal role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) in ovarian aging. However, the roles of de novo NAD+ biosynthesis on ovarian aging are still unknown. Here, we found that genetic ablation of Ido1 (indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1) or Qprt (Quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase), two critical genes in de novo NAD+ biosynthesis, resulted in decreased ovarian NAD+ levels in middle-aged mice, leading to subfertility, irregular estrous cycles, reduced ovarian reserve, and accelerated aging. Moreover, we observed impaired oocyte quality, characterized by increased reactive oxygen species and spindle anomalies, which ultimately led to reduced fertilization ability and impaired early embryonic development. A transcriptomic analysis of ovaries in both mutant and wild-type mice revealed alterations in gene expression related to mitochondrial metabolism. Our findings were further supported by the observation of impaired mitochondrial distribution and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in the oocytes of knockout mice. Supplementation with nicotinamide riboside (NR), an NAD+ booster, in mutant mice increased ovarian reserve and improved oocyte quality. Our study highlights the importance of the NAD+ de novo pathway in middle-aged female fertility.

Aging and oocyte competence: A molecular cell perspective

Follicular microenvironment is paramount in the acquisition of oocyte competence, which is dependent on two interconnected and interdependent processes: nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Extensive research conducted in human and model systems has provided evidence that those processes are disturbed with female aging. In fact, advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with a lower chance of pregnancy and live birth, explained by the age-related decline in oocyte quality/competence. This decline has largely been attributed to mitochondria, essential for oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development; with mitochondrial dysfunction leading to oxidative stress, responsible for nuclear and mitochondrial damage, suboptimal intracellular energy levels, calcium disturbance, and meiotic spindle alterations, that may result in oocyte aneuploidy. Nuclear-related mechanisms that justify increased oocyte aneuploidy include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, loss of chromosomal cohesion, spindle assembly checkpoint dysfunction, meiotic recombination errors, and telomere attrition. On the other hand, age-dependent cytoplasmic maturation failure is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, altered mitochondrial biogenesis, altered mitochondrial morphology, distribution, activity, and dynamics, dysmorphic smooth endoplasmic reticulum and calcium disturbance, and alterations in the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, reproductive somatic cells also experience the effects of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, compromising the crosstalk between granulosa/cumulus cells and oocytes, also affected by a loss of gap junctions. Old oocytes seem therefore to mature in an altered microenvironment, with changes in metabolites, ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, and lipids. Overall, understanding the mechanisms implicated in the loss of oocyte quality will allow the establishment of emerging biomarkers and potential therapeutic anti-aging strategies. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and age as predictors of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) cycle outcomes and blastocyst quality on day 5 in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate whether women with diminished ovarian reserve who planned for PGT-A exhibit a lower number of blastocysts for biopsy, ploidy outcomes, and blastocyst quality on day 5, regardless of age.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed between March 2017 and July 2020 at ART Fertility Clinics Abu Dhabi, including couples that were triggered for final oocyte maturation in an ovarian stimulated cycle planned for PGT-A. Patients were stratified into four AMH groups: < 0.65 ng/ml, 0.65-1.29 ng/ml, 1.3-6.25 ng/ml, and > 6.25 ng/ml; four age categories: ≤ 30, 31-35, 36-40, and > 40 years.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 1410 couples with a mean maternal age of 35.2 ± 6.4 years and AMH of 2.7 ± 2.6 ng/ml were included. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, the chance of having at least one blastocyst biopsied/stimulated cycle (1156/1410), the chance of having at least one euploid blastocyst/stimulated cycle (880/1410), and the chance of having one euploid blastocyst once biopsy was performed (880/1156) were affected in all patients with AMH < 0.65 ng/ml [AdjOR 0.18[0.11-0.31] p = 0.008)], [AdjOR 0.18 [0.11-0.29] p < 0.001], and [AdjOR 0.34 [0.19-0.61] p = 0.015] as well as in patients with AMH 0.65-1.29 ng/ml (AdjOR 0.52 [0.32-0.84] p < 0.001), (AdjOR 0.49 [0.33-0.72] p < 0.001), and (AdjOR 0.57 [0.36-0.90] p < 0.001), respectively. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, AMH values did not affect blastocyst quality (- 0.72 [- 1.03 to - 0.41] p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of age, patients with diminished ovarian reserve (AMH < 1.3 ng/ml) have a lower chance of having at least one blastocyst biopsied and lower chance of having at least one euploid blastocyst per ovarian stimulated cycle. Blastocyst quality was not affected by AMH values.

Yangjing Zhongyu decoction facilitates mitochondrial activity, estrogenesis, and energy metabolism in H2O2-induced human granulosa cell line KGN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANT

Yangjing Zhongyu decoction (YJZYD) is a recipe from a Chinese classic medical work and has been empirically used in female infertility for hundreds of years, but the mechanisms of YJZYD on facilitating ovarian granulosa cells remain unfold.

AIM OF THE RESEARCH

The purpose of the study is to determine the rewarding effects of YJZYD on H₂O₂-induced KGN cells, involving mitochondrial activity, estradiol biosynthesis, and energy metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ingredients of YJZYD were investigated by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The effects of YJZYD and H₂O₂ on cell viability were determined by CCK-8. Intracellular ROS were assessed by DCFH-DA. Intracellular Ca²⁺ was detected using Fura-4 AM. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was measured by JC-1. The production of energy was assessed by ATP. Apoptosis rate was analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of proteins related to energy metabolism, apoptosis, mitochondrial mitophagy, and estrogen biosynthesis. E₂ levels were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

121 compounds were identified in YJZYD by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. YJZYD could enhance mitochondrial activity by suppressing intracellular ROS and Ca²⁺, and increasing MMP and ATP content. YJZYD stimulated the expression of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 and lowered the early apoptosis rate and the expression of Bax. Besides, YJZYD rescued E₂ secretion and improved the expression of FSHR, CYP19A1, and the ratio of p-CREB/CREB. In addition, YJZYD weakened H₂O₂-induced mitophagy by compromising the expression of PINK1, Parkin, Beclin1 and P62. Moreover, YJZYD strengthened energy metabolism by increasing ATP generation and the expression of SIRT1, PGC1α, NRF1, and COX IV. The combination of YJZYD and autophagy inhibitor had a stronger protective effect on energy metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This study evaluated the protective effects of YJZYD on H₂O₂-induced KGN cells. YJZYD could enhance mitochondrial activity, E₂ biosynthesis, and energy metabolism. These results strongly indicated that YJZYD might play a role in preserving ovarian granulosa cells and female fecundity.