1
|
Šišljagić D, Blažetić S, Zjalić M, Labak I, Ivić V, Szűcs KF, Gáspár R, Ducza E, Vari SG, Muller A, Heffer M. Structural and Metabolic Changes in Pregnant Rat Uterine and Adipose Tissue Induced by a High-Fat High-Sugar Diet. Biomolecules 2025; 15:446. [PMID: 40149985 PMCID: PMC11940457 DOI: 10.3390/biom15030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2025] [Revised: 03/10/2025] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy presents specific metabolic demands, and disruption caused by a high-fat high-sugar diet (HFHSD) have been associated with significant complications, including maternal health risk, fetal developmental issues, and infertility. Obesity-related changes in the uterine tissues may contribute to these challenges. This study analyzed structural changes in the uterus and adipose tissue of pregnant rats on gestation day 22 fed an HFHSD using various staining techniques. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed morphological changes in the adipose tissue and the uterine structure, including the lumen size and the thickness of the myometrium, endometrium, and perimetrium. The amount of collagen in the uterus was determined by PicroSirius red staining, while PAS-D staining was used to observe glycogen content. Key protein expressions, such as insulin and leptin receptors and UCP1 and UCP3, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The HFHSD promoted hypertrophy of visceral and gonadal adipocytes, suggesting metabolic alterations. By the end of pregnancy, a significant reduction in uterine lumen size was observed. Additionally, a decrease in insulin and higher leptin receptor expressions in the myometrium indicated significant physiological alteration. These findings offer insight into how an HFHSD affects uterine structure and function during late pregnancy but should be interpreted within the physiological context of gestation-related metabolic changes. Further research is needed to understand the functional consequences of these alterations on reproductive and metabolic health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina Šišljagić
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (D.Š.); (A.M.)
| | - Senka Blažetić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Milorad Zjalić
- Department for Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.Z.); (V.I.); (M.H.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Labak
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Vedrana Ivić
- Department for Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.Z.); (V.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Kálmán Ferenc Szűcs
- Hungary BiopharmacyDepartment of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert-Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (K.F.S.); (R.G.)
| | - Róbert Gáspár
- Hungary BiopharmacyDepartment of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert-Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (K.F.S.); (R.G.)
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Eszter Ducza
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Sandor G. Vari
- International Research and Innovation in Medicine Program, Cedars–Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
| | - Andrijana Muller
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (D.Š.); (A.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Heffer
- Department for Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.Z.); (V.I.); (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Palomba S, Seminara G, Costanzi F, Caserta D, Aversa A. Chemerin and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Its Role as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2859. [PMID: 39767764 PMCID: PMC11672894 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12122859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemerin, an adipokine implicated in inflammatory, metabolic, and adipogenic processes, has been detected in high serum concentration in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and seems to play a role in PCOS pathogenesis. Moreover, at present, no comprehensive and critical document is available in the literature on this topic. The aim of the current study was to comprehensively review the latest available data to confirm the evidence about the association between chemerin and PCOS, highlighting its potential role as an upcoming biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods: A search in the literature of studies published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, focusing on research related to chemerin, PCOS, and PCOS-related features, comorbidities, and complications. A qualitative structured synthesis of key findings was performed according to the specific thematic areas selected, including and discussing clinical data on women with PCOS and experimental studies in humans and animal models of PCOS. Results: Available data confirm increased serum levels of chemerin in women with PCOS compared with controls, independent of obesity and body mass index. Chemerin is associated with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and ovarian dysfunction in PCOS individuals, inhibiting folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Experimental animal models underscore chemerin's regulatory roles through its receptors within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and peripheral tissues. High systemic levels of chemerin in PCOS may also be related to the increased risk of pregnancy complications, especially gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. Conclusions: The current review study highlights the role of chemerin in PCOS pathophysiology, severity, and associated comorbidities and complications, assessing its value as a future biomarker and foreshadowing its potential as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano of Reggio Calabria, University Sapienza of Rome, 89124 Reggio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Seminara
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital of Rome, University Sapienza of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital of Rome, University Sapienza of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.S.); (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu H, Fang X, Ma Q, Wang M, Hao X, Wang G. Research hotspots of polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenism from 2008 to 2022: bibliometric analysis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2326102. [PMID: 38654639 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2326102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disorder in female adults, and hyperandrogenism (HA) is the typical endocrine feature of PCOS. This study aims to investigate the trends and hotspots in the study of PCOS and HA. METHODS Literature on Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2008 to 2022 was retrieved, and bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. RESULTS A total of 2,404 papers were published in 575 journals by 10,121 authors from 2,434 institutions in 86 countries. The number of publications in this field is generally on the rise yearly. The US, China and Italy contributed almost half of the publications. Monash University had the highest number of publications, while the University of Adelaide had the highest average citations and the Karolinska Institute had the strongest cooperation with other institutions. Lergo RS contributed the most to the field of PCOS and HA. The research on PCOS and HA mainly focused on complications, adipose tissue, inflammation, granulosa cells, gene and receptor expression. CONCLUSION Different countries, institutions, and authors should facilitate cooperation and exchanges. This study will be helpful for better understanding the frontiers and hotspots in the areas of PCOS and HA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijuan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Fang
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qianru Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mina Wang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiufang Hao
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guohua Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|