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Shi H, Yang J, Lin J, Hong X, Zhou Z, Zhao J, Li Y, Li J, Wu C, Yan J, Wong NK, Gao L. A facile fluorescence-coupling approach to visualizing leonurine uptake and distribution in living cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155737. [PMID: 38772183 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been recognized for being a useful model organism in small-molecule drug screens and drug efficacy investigation. However, there remain bottlenecks in evaluating such processes as drug uptake and distribution due to a lack of appropriate chemical tools. PURPOSE This study aims to prepare fluorescence-labeled leonurine as an example to monitor drug uptake and distribution of small molecule in C. elegans and living cells. METHODS FITC-conjugated leonurine (leonurine-P) was synthesized and characterized by LC/MS, NMR, UV absorption and fluorescence intensity. Leonurine-P was used to stain C. elegans and various mammalian cell lines. Different concentrations of leonurine were tested in conjunction with a competing parent molecule to determine whether leonurine-P and leonurine shared the same biological targets. Drug distribution was analyzed by imaging. Fluorometry in microplates and flow cytometry were performed for quantitative measurements of drug uptake. RESULTS The UV absorption peak of leonurine-P was 490∼495 nm and emission peak was 520 nm. Leonurine-P specifically bound to endogenous protein targets in C. elegans and mammalian cells, which was competitively blocked by leonurine. The highest enrichment levels of leonurine-P were observed around 72 h following exposure in C. elegans. Leonurine-P can be used in a variety of cells to observe drug distribution dynamics. Flow cytometry of stained cells can be facilely carried out to quantitatively detect probe signals. CONCLUSIONS The strategy of fluorescein-labeled drugs reported herein allows quantification of drug enrichment and visualization of drug distribution, thus illustrates a convenient approach to study phytodrugs in pharmacological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiajie Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xiaobing Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Jiamin Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yiwen Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Chaofeng Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jinwu Yan
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Nai-Kei Wong
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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Luo Y, Li J, Zheng L, Reyimjan Y, Ma Y, Huang S, Liu H, Zhou G, Bai J, Zhu Y, Sun Y, Zou X, Hou Y, Fu X. Procyanidin B2 improves developmental capacity of bovine oocytes via promoting PPARγ/UCP1-mediated uncoupling lipid catabolism during in vitro maturation. Cell Prolif 2024:e13687. [PMID: 38864666 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic balance is essential for oocyte maturation and acquisition of developmental capacity. Suboptimal conditions of in vitro cultures would lead to lipid accumulation and finally result in disrupted oocyte metabolism. However, the effect and mechanism underlying lipid catabolism in oocyte development remain elusive currently. In the present study, we observed enhanced developmental capacity in Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) treated oocytes during in vitro maturation. Meanwhile, reduced oxidative stress and declined apoptosis were found in oocytes after PCB2 treatment. Further studies confirmed that oocytes treated with PCB2 preferred to lipids catabolism, leading to a notable decrease in lipid accumulation. Subsequent analyses revealed that mitochondrial uncoupling was involved in lipid catabolism, and suppression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) would abrogate the elevated lipid consumption mediated by PCB2. Notably, we identified peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as a potential target of PCB2 by docking analysis. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that PCB2 improved oocyte development capacity and attenuated oxidative stress by activating PPARγ mediated mitochondrial uncoupling. Our findings identify that PCB2 intricately improves oocyte development capacity through targeted activation of the PPARγ/UCP1 pathway, fostering uncoupling lipid catabolism while concurrently mitigating oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lv Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yizaitiguli Reyimjan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuaixiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachen Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixiao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yidan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
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Bao S, Yin T, Liu S. Ovarian aging: energy metabolism of oocytes. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:118. [PMID: 38822408 PMCID: PMC11141068 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In women who are getting older, the quantity and quality of their follicles or oocytes and decline. This is characterized by decreased ovarian reserve function (DOR), fewer remaining oocytes, and lower quality oocytes. As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. The decline in oocyte quality is a key indicator of ovarian aging. Many studies suggest that age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism may impact oocyte quality. Changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, but how related products and proteins influence oocyte quality remains largely unknown. This review focuses on oocyte metabolism in age-related ovarian aging and its potential impact on oocyte quality, as well as therapeutic strategies that may partially influence oocyte metabolism. This research aims to enhance our understanding of age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism, and the identification of biomarkers and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Bao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, , Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (Formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China.
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Wang M, Yang L, Sun G, Shao Y, Liu Y, Yang H, Wang Y, Zhang M, Shang Y, Gu X. Assessment of the Effect of Leonurine Hydrochloride in a Mouse Model of PCOS by Gene Expression Profiling. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:507. [PMID: 38674441 PMCID: PMC11050333 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease commonly associated with metabolic disorders in females. Leonurine hydrochloride (Leo) plays an important role in regulating immunity, tumours, uterine smooth muscle, and ovarian function. However, the effect of Leo on PCOS has not been reported. Here, we used dehydroepiandrosterone to establish a mouse model of PCOS, and some mice were then treated with Leo by gavage. We found that Leo could improve the irregular oestros cycle of PCOS mice, reverse the significantly greater serum testosterone (T) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels, significantly reduce the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and significantly increase the LH/FSH ratio of PCOS mice. Leo could also change the phenomenon of ovaries in PCOS mice presented with cystic follicular multiplication and a lacking corpus luteum. Transcriptome analysis identified 177 differentially expressed genes related to follicular development between the model and Leo groups. Notably, the cAMP signalling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, the calcium signalling pathway, the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, and the Lhcgr, Star, Cyp11a, Hsd17b7, Camk2b, Calml4, and Phkg1 genes may be most related to improvements in hormone levels and the numbers of ovarian cystic follicles and corpora lutea in PCOS mice treated by Leo, which provides a reference for further study of the mechanism of Leo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Li Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China;
| | - Guojie Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yongbin Shao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuran Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Huiying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yunxia Shang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xinli Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China; (M.W.); (G.S.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (Y.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.S.)
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Wei P, Wang J, Yu H, Chen Y, Liu C, Zhang Y, Zeng W, Hu G. Effects of Leonurine on oocyte maturation and parthenogenetic embryo development in sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14546. [PMID: 38439683 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Leonurine (LEO), an alkaloid isolated from Leonurus spp., has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and can prevent damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These properties suggest that it can improve the maturation rate of oocytes and developmental ability of embryos, which are key parameters in animal breeding. In this study, the effects of LEO on in vitro maturation and early embryonic development in sheep oocytes were evaluated. Among various doses examined (0, 10, 20 and 40 μM), a dose of 20 μM was optimal with respect to the oocyte maturation rate. Compared with estimates in the control group, GSH levels and mitochondrial membrane potential of sheep oocytes treated with 20 μM LEO were significantly higher, and 40 μM LEO would affect oocyte maturation. Additionally, ROS levels were significantly lower, expression levels of the antioxidant genes CAT and SOD1 were significantly higher, and there was no significant difference in GPX3 expression. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 expression were significantly reduced in the 20 μM LEO group. During early embryonic development in vitro, the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate were significantly higher in the 20 μM LEO treatment group compared to other groups. GSH levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly higher, while ROS levels were significantly lower, and expression levels of the antioxidant genes CAT, GPX3 and SOD1 were significantly higher in eight-cell embryos treated with 20 μM LEO than in the control group. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 levels were significantly decreased. In summary, LEO can reduce the effect of oxidative stress, improve the oocyte maturation rate and enhance embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Hengbin Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Chang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Weibin Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Guangdong Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
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Jung YY, Kim C, Shanmugam MK, Deivasigamani A, Chinnathambi A, Alharbi SA, Rangappa KS, Hui KM, Sethi G, Mohan CD, Ahn KS. Leonurine ameliorates the STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of SHP-1 to retard the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111003. [PMID: 38048857 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directs the transcription of genes involved in the promotion of cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overactivation of STAT3 is often witnessed in human cancers, thereby making it a good target in oncology. Herein the efficacy of Leonurine (Leo), a bioactive alkaloid present in Herba leonuri, was investigated for its STAT3-inhibitory potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Leo downregulated the persistent as well as IL-6-driven activation of STAT3. Leo abrogated the nuclear localization and DNA interacting ability of STAT3. Leo was also found to impart STAT3 inhibition by mitigating the activation of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src both in constitutive and IL-6 inducible systems. Leo curbed the STAT3-driven luciferase gene expression and the depletion of STAT3 resulted in the reduced responsiveness of HCC cells to Leo. Pervanadate exposure counteracted Leo-induced STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. SHP-1 was significantly elevated upon Leo exposure whereas the depletion of SHP-1 was found to revert the effect of Leo on STAT3. Leo induced apoptosis and also significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and sorafenib. Leo was found to be non-toxic up to the dose of 10 mg/kg in NCr nude mice. In conclusion, Leo was demonstrated to induce cytotoxicity in HCC cells by mitigating the persistent of activation of STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Yun Jung
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwon Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Amudha Deivasigamani
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanchugarakoppal S Rangappa
- Institution of Excellence, Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - Kam Man Hui
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India.
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Wang Y, Qi JJ, Yin YJ, Jiang H, Zhang JB, Liang S, Yuan B. Ferulic Acid Enhances Oocyte Maturation and the Subsequent Development of Bovine Oocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14804. [PMID: 37834252 PMCID: PMC10573426 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving the quality of oocytes matured in vitro is integral to enhancing the efficacy of in vitro embryo production. Oxidative stress is one of the primary causes of quality decline in oocytes matured in vitro. In this study, ferulic acid (FA), a natural antioxidant found in plant cell walls, was investigated to evaluate its impact on bovine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with different concentrations of FA (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 μM) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Compared to the control group, supplementation with 5 μM FA significantly enhanced the maturation rates of bovine oocytes and the expansion of the cumulus cells area, as well as the subsequent cleavage and blastocyst formation rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Furthermore, FA supplementation was observed to effectively decrease the levels of ROS in bovine oocytes and improve their mitochondrial function. Our experiments demonstrate that FA can maintain the levels of antioxidants (GSH, SOD, CAT) in oocytes, thereby alleviating the oxidative stress induced by H2O2. RT-qPCR results revealed that, after FA treatment, the relative mRNA expression levels of genes related to oocyte maturation (GDF-9 and BMP-15), cumulus cell expansion (HAS2, PTX3, CX37, and CX43), and embryo pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2, and CDX2) were significantly increased. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that FA supplementation during bovine oocyte IVM can enhance oocyte quality and the developmental potential of subsequent embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (Y.W.); (J.-J.Q.); (Y.-J.Y.); (H.J.); (J.-B.Z.)
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Animals Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (Y.W.); (J.-J.Q.); (Y.-J.Y.); (H.J.); (J.-B.Z.)
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Wrzecińska M, Kowalczyk A, Kordan W, Cwynar P, Czerniawska-Piątkowska E. Disorder of Biological Quality and Autophagy Process in Bovine Oocytes Exposed to Heat Stress and the Effectiveness of In Vitro Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11164. [PMID: 37446340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The main problem in dairy herds is reproductive disorders, which are influenced by many factors, including temperature. Heat stress reduces the quality of oocytes and their maturation through the influence of, e.g., mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are crucial during oocyte maturation as well as the process of fertilization and embryonic development. Disturbances related to high temperature will be increasingly observed due to global warming. In present studies, we have proven that exposure to high temperatures during the cleaving of embryos statistically significantly (at the level of p < 0.01) reduces the percentage of oocytes that cleaved and developed into blastocysts eight days after insemination. The study showed the highest percentage of embryos that underwent division in the control group (38.3 °C). The value was 88.10 ± 6.20%, while the lowest was obtained in the study group at 41.0 °C (52.32 ± 8.40%). It was also shown that high temperature has a statistically significant (p < 0.01) effect on the percentage of embryos that developed from the one-cell stage to blastocysts. The study showed that exposure to a temperature of 41.0 °C significantly reduced the percentage of embryos that split relative to the control group (38.3 °C; 88.10 ± 6.20%). Moreover, it was noted that the highest tested temperature limits the development of oocytes to the blastocyst stage by 5.00 ± 9.12% compared to controls (33.33 ± 7.10%) and cleaved embryos to blastocysts by 3.52 ± 6.80%; the control was 39.47 ± 5.40%. There was also a highly significant (p < 0.0001) effect of temperature on cytoplasmic ROS levels after 6 and 12 h IVM. The highest level of mitochondrial ROS was found in the group of oocytes after 6 h IVM at 41.0 °C and the lowest was found in the control group. In turn, at 41.0 °C after 12 h of IVM, the mitochondrial ROS level had a 2.00 fluorescent ratio, and the lowest in the group was 38.3 °C (1.08). Moreover, with increasing temperature, a decrease in the expression level of both LC3 and SIRT1 protein markers was observed. It was proved that the autophagy process was impaired as a result of high temperature. Understanding of the cellular and molecular responses of oocytes to elevated temperatures will be helpful in the development of heat resistance strategies in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcjanna Wrzecińska
- Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Alicja Kowalczyk
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonskiego 38C, 50-576 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Władysław Kordan
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Przemysław Cwynar
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonskiego 38C, 50-576 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Czerniawska-Piątkowska
- Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
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