Ginsenosides promote proliferation of granulosa cells from chicken prehierarchical follicles through PKC activation and up-regulated cyclin gene expression

Dietary supplementation of osthole and icariin improves the production performance of laying hens by promoting follicular development

Osthole (Ost) and icariin (Ica) are extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Cnidium monnieri and Epimedii Folium, respectively, and both exhibit estrogen-like biological activity. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of combining Ost with Ica on the production performance of laying hens and to explore their possible mechanisms. The production performance, egg quality, residues of Ost and Ica in eggs, serum reproductive hormone levels, expression of ovarian reproductive hormone receptor, proliferation of granulosa cells in small yellow follicles (SYF), and progesterone secretion in large yellow follicles (LYF) related genes and proteins expression were detected. The results showed that adding 2 mg/kg Ost + 2 mg/kg Ica to the feed increased the laying rate, average egg weight, Haugh unit, and protein height of laying hens. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone (P4) levels increased, and the expression of ovarian estrogen receptor (ER), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and progesterone receptor (PGR) mRNA was up-regulated. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenesis acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) increased in LYF. Furthermore, mRNA and protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin E1, and cyclin A2 were up-regulated in SYF. The residues of Ost and Ica in egg samples were not detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Ost and Ica increased granulosa cells proliferation in SYF and increased P4 secretion in granulosa cells of LYF, ultimately improving the production performance of laying hens.

Transcriptome Analysis of Granulosa Cells Reveals Regulatory Mechanisms Related to Chicken Follicle Development

In this study, we aimed to better understand the difference between the functions of the two types of granulosa cells and sought to discover more key genes involved in follicle development and follicle selection. Herein, we separately collected pre-hierarchical follicle granulosa cells (PHGCs) and preovulatory follicle granulosa cells (POGCs) for RNA extraction; the transcriptomes of the two groups were compared via RNA-seq. A total of 5273 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the PHGCs and POGCs; 2797 genes were up-regulated and 2476 were down-regulated in the PHGCs compared with the POGCs. A qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression patterns of 16 randomly selected DEGs were highly consistent with the RNA-seq results. In the POGCs, many of the genes with the most significant increase in expression were related to steroid hormone synthesis. In addition, the genes with the most significant decline in expression, including AMH and WT1, were related to the inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis. These results suggest that steroid hormones play a key role in follicle development. Furthermore, a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the primary metabolic process, the carbohydrate metabolic process, the cellular process, ribosomes, the cytoplasm, and intracellular processes. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in steroid biosynthesis, the cell cycle, ribosomes, the TGF-beta signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and so on. We also observed the morphology of the follicles at different developmental stages, and the results showed that the thickness of the granular layer of the small yellow follicles (SYFs) decreased significantly with further development. In addition, we also found that the thickness of the granulosa layer of hens over 300 days old was significantly lower than that of 200-day-old hens. In short, these data indicate that the tissue morphology and function of granulosa cells change throughout follicle development.

Potential molecular mechanism underlying the harmed haemopoiesis upon Benzo[a]pyrene exposure in Chlamys farreri

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a ubiquitous contamination in the marine environments, has the potential to impact the immune response of bivalves by affecting the hemocyte parameters, especially total hemocyte count (THC). THC is mainly determined by haematopoietic mechanisms and apoptosis of hemocytes. Many studies have found that B[a]P can influence the proliferation and differentiation of hemocytes. However, the link between the toxic mechanisms of haematopoietic and environmental pollutants is not explicitly stated. This study is to investigate the toxic effects of B[a]P on haematopoietic mechanisms in C. farreri. Through the tissue expression distribution experiment and EDU assay, gill is identified as a potential haematopoietic tissue in C. farreri. Subsequently, the scallops were exposed to B[a]P (0.05, 0.5, 5 μg/L) for 1d, 3d, 6d, 10d and 15d. Then BPDE content, DNA damage, gene expression of haematopoietic factors and haematopoietic related pathways were determined in gill and hemocytes. The results showed that the expression of CDK2 was significantly decreased under B[a]P exposure through three pathways: RYR/IP3-calcium, BPDE-CHK1 and Notch pathway, resulting in cell cycle arrest. In addition, B[a]P also significantly reduced the number of proliferating hemocytes by affecting the Wnt pathway. Meanwhile, B[a]P can significantly increase the content of ROS, causing a downregulation of FOXO gene expression. The gene expression of Notch pathway and ERK pathway was also detected. The present study suggested that B[a]P disturbed differentiation by multiple pathways. Furthermore, the expression of SOX11 and CD9 were significantly decreased, which directly indicated that differentiation of hemocytes was disturbed. In addition, phagocytosis, phenoloxidase activity and THC were also significant decreased. In summary, the impairment of haematopoietic activity in C. farreri further causes immunotoxicity under B[a]P exposure. This study will improve our understanding of the immunotoxicity mechanism of bivalve under B[a]P exposure.

Soya saponin fails to improve the antioxidation and immune function of laying hens with antibiotics treated

Soya saponin (SS) helps to improve antioxidant and immune function of body, and intestinal bacteria might play an important role here. In the present study, the co-occurring network of the ileal flora was analyzed with 50 mg/kg SS supplemented to the diet, and Romboutsia was found to have evolved into a dominant flora. In addition, the co-occurring network of the flora was changed with the combined antibiotic treated, and the unidentified-cyanobacteria developed into the dominant flora, whereas the relative abundance of Romboutsia was dropped. Dietary SS failed to elevate the relative abundance of Romboutsia with antibiotics treated, at the same time, it was not helpful for the antioxidant and immune function of laying hens. While dietary SS had a little help on the egg-laying performance. Intestinal bacteria did play a key role in the biological functions of SS on laying hens. In conclusion, SS failed to improve the antioxidation and immune function of laying hens with antibiotics treated.

Ginseng alleviates folliculogenesis disorders via induction of cell proliferation and downregulation of apoptotic markers in nicotine-treated mice

Background

Ginseng is a powerful phytoestrogen with high antioxidant properties.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Panax Ginseng (PG) on folliculogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in the ovary impaired by nicotine.

Methods

Forty adult mice were divided into five groups. Control, sham, and nicotine groups, and co-treated groups of nicotine and ginseng in doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg. Folliculogenesis was assessed via histopathology and serum evaluation of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) by ELISA. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities both in homogenate tissue and serum were assayed by colorimetric analysis. Apoptotic markers of cytochrome c (Cyt c), Bax, and Bcl-2 were evaluated by RT-PCR. Proliferative index was studied by the Ki-67 immunostaining procedure.

Results

In comparison to the control or sham groups, nicotine significantly reduced the levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol hormones. An insignificant reduction was observed in the progesterone hormone. Nicotine reduced all healthy follicle numbers, except primordial (P = 0.001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased in tissue and serum in the nicotine group (P = 0.01). Serum catalase (CAT) and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) both were reduced in tissue and the serum, in the nicotine group. Nicotine induced a reduction in the proliferative indexes of granulosa and theca cells in pre-antral and antral follicles (P = 0.001). However, its effect on the proliferative index of stroma cells was not significant. Apoptotic markers were elevated in the nicotine group (P = 0.001). Co-treatment with ginseng elevated all sex hormones, increased healthy follicles, and reduced tissue or serum lipid peroxidation, compared with the nicotine group (p < 0.05). Co-Treatment with ginseng also reduced the expression of apoptotic markers and increased the proliferative indexes in granulosa and theca cells in pre-antral and antral follicles and also in stroma cells, in comparison to the nicotine group (P = 0.001). All above-mentioned alterations following treatment with ginseng were remarkable, especially in the dose of 1 g/kg.

Conclusion

This study showed ginseng protects folliculogenesis via alteration of hypothalamic- pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, induction of proliferation in ovarian somatic cells, reduction of lipid peroxidation, and downregulation of apoptotic markers in the mouse ovary, treated with nicotine.

Soya saponin improves egg-laying performance and immune function of laying hens

BACKGROUND

Soya saponin (SS), an active compound in soybean meals, has been widely studied in the medical field. However, it was considered as an anti-nutritional factor in poultry diets. The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of dietary SS using three dietary treatments on egg-laying performance and immune function of laying hens. Birds were fed a low soybean meal basal diet (CON), a low-SS diet (50 SS) containing 50 mg/kg SS, or a high-SS diet (500 SS) containing 500 mg/kg SS for 10 weeks. At the end of the 5th and 10th week of the trial, samples were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Results showed that with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation, the egg production rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and eggshell quality tended to be improved. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were also elevated as well as the peripheral blood LPS stimulation index, the proportion of B lymphocytes, and antibody titer of bovine serum albumin (BSA). We also found that mRNA levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in ovarian, nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB), Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in spleen were up-regulated at the end of the trial. Additionally, dietary 50 mg/kg SS improved the ileal flora via up-regulating the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Romboutsia and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Although the immune related indicators were improved with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented, it seemed to have a negative influence on the laying-performance. Specifically, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 were increased in the 500 SS group at the end of the trial. The mRNA levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) in Hypothalamus, the estrogen related receptor (ERR) in ovaries were downregulated as well as the egg production rate during the trial with 500 mg/kg SS supplemented.

CONCLUSIONS

The egg production performance was improved by dietary supplemented with 50 mg/kg SS via increasing ovarian FSHR transcription level and serum estrogen level. A beneficial shift in intestinal microflora was recorded, and the immune function of laying hens was also improved with 50 mg/kg SS supplementation. Surprisingly, the long-term supplementation of 500 mg/kg SS exerted a negative impact on the laying performance and physiological functions of the liver of laying hens.

Korean Red Ginseng alleviates dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats via its antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities

Background

Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear.

Methods

We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model.

Results

Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IkB, and nuclear p–nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation.

Conclusion

These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

Effects of melatonin on the synthesis of estradiol and gene expression in pig granulosa cells

The interaction of granulosa cells (GCs) with oocytes is important to regulate follicle development. The exogenous melatonin promoting the maturation of oocytes by GCs has been approved in pig, however, the transcriptome profile and the functions of the genes regulated by melatonin in GCs have not yet to be fully characterized. In this study, we found melatonin could stimulate the synthesis of estradiol in pig GCs. The RNA-seq was used to explore the effects of melatonin on gene expression, a total of 89 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene ontology analysis showed DEGs which associated with regulation of cell proliferation, cell cycle, and anti-apoptosis were significantly enriched. The functions of two DEGs, NOTCH2 and FILIP1L, were studied in pig GCs. The results showed that NOTCH2 inhibited the synthesis of estradiol, but FILIP1L promoted the synthesis of estradiol. Furthermore, inhibiting NOTCH2 in granulosa cells cocultured with cumulus-oocyte-complexes had no obvious effect on the maturation of pig oocyte, but could upregulate the cleavage rate of oocyte. We proved that FILIP1L had no effect on the maturation and cleavage of pig oocytes. Our work deepens the understanding of melatonin's effects on GCs and oocyte. The DEGs we found will be beneficial to reveal mechanisms of melatonin acting on GCs and oocytes and design the pharmacological interventions.

Panax ginseng Extract Improves Follicular Development after Mouse Preantral Follicle 3D Culture

Objective

Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb that has been used in complementary and alternative medicine in eastern Asia, and it possesses pharmacologically active compounds like ginsenosides (GSs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) at different concentrations on in vitro follicular function and development in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system fabricated using sodium alginate after 12 days of culture.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, preantral follicles (n=661) were mechanically isolated from the ovaries of 14-day-old female NMRI mice using 29-gauge insulin syringes. Follicles were individually capsulated within sodium alginate, and divided into four groups including control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. Then, they were cultured for 12 days in the medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGE (0, 50, 100, and 500 µg/ mL, for control groups and groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At the end of the culture period, the mean diameter and maturation of follicles, follicular steroid production, mRNA expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in collected metaphase-II (MII) oocytes were determined.

Results

The mean diameter of follicles in group 2 was significantly increased as compared to other groups (P<0.001). The percentages of the survival and maturation rate and levels of secreted hormones were higher in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.05). Follicles cultured in the presence of PGE 100 µg/mL had higher levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) mRNA expression in comparison to other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, oocytes collected from groups 2 and 3 had lower levels of ROS as compared to other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PGE at the concentration of 100 µg/mL induces higher follicular function and development in the 3D culture system.

Functional genomics study of acute heat stress response in the small yellow follicles of layer-type chickens

This study investigated global gene and protein expression in the small yellow follicle (SYF; 6-8 mm in diameter) tissues of chickens in response to acute heat stress. Twelve 30-week-old layer-type hens were divided into four groups: control hens were maintained at 25 °C while treatment hens were subjected to acute heat stress at 36 °C for 4 h without recovery, with 2-h recovery, and with 6-h recovery. SYFs were collected at each time point for mRNA and protein analyses. A total of 176 genes and 93 distinct proteins with differential expressions were identified, mainly associated with the molecular functions of catalytic activity and binding. The upregulated expression of heat shock proteins and peroxiredoxin family after acute heat stress is suggestive of responsive machineries to protect cells from apoptosis and oxidative insults. In conclusion, both the transcripts and proteins associated with apoptosis, stress response, and antioxidative defense were upregulated in the SYFs of layer-type hens to alleviate the detrimental effects by acute heat stress. However, the genomic regulations of specific cell type in response to acute heat stress of SYFs require further investigation.

Proteomic Analysis of Thermal Regulation of Small Yellow Follicles in Broiler-Type Taiwan Country Chickens

Heat stress hampers egg production and lowers fertility in layers. This study investigated global protein abundance in the small yellow follicles (SYFs, 6–8 mm diameter) of a broiler-type strain of Taiwan country chickens (TCCs) under acute heat stress. Twelve 30-week-old TCC hens were allocated to a control group maintained at 25°C, and to three acute heat-stressed groups subjected to 38°C for 2 h without recovery, with 2-h recovery, or with 6-h recovery. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis analysis identified 119 significantly differentially expressed proteins after acute heat exposure. Gene ontology analysis revealed that most of these proteins are involved in molecular binding (34%), catalytic activity (23%), and structural molecule activity (11%), and participate in metabolic processes (20%), cellular processes (20%), and cellular component organization or biogenesis (11%). Proteins associated with stress response and survival (HSP25, HSP47, HSP70, HSC70, HSPA9), cytoskeleton remodeling, mitochondrial metabolic process of ATP production, antioxidative defense (peroxiredoxin-6), cargo lipid export and delivery (vitellogenin, apolipoprotein B and A1), and toxin/metabolite clearance and delivery (albumin) were upregulated after acute heat stress in the SYFs of TCCs. No overt cell death and atresia were observed in SYFs after acute heat stress. Collectively, these responses may represent a protective mechanism to maintain follicle cell integrity and survival, thereby ensuring a sufficient pool of SYFs for selection into the ovulation hierarchy for successful egg production.

Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) regulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase-4 in ovarian granulosa and theca cells of cattle

To determine the mechanism by which fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) alters granulosa (GC) and theca (TC) cell proliferation, cell cycle proteins that regulate progression through G1 phase of the cell cycle, cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4; CCND1's catalytic partner), were evaluated. Ovaries were obtained from a local abattoir, GC were harvested from small (1-5 mm) and large (8-22 mm) follicles, and TC were harvested from large follicles. GC and TC were plated in medium containing 10% fetal calf serum followed by various treatments in serum-free medium. Treatment with 30 ng/mL of either FGF9 or IGF1 significantly increased GC numbers and when combined, synergized to further increase GC numbers by threefold. Abundance of CCND1 and CDK4 mRNA in TC and GC were quantified via real-time PCR. Alone and in combination with IGF1, FGF9 significantly increased CCND1 mRNA expression in both GC and TC. Western blotting revealed that CCND1 protein levels were increased by FGF9 in TC after 6 h and 12 h of treatment, but CDK4 protein was not affected. A mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor, U0126, significantly reduced FGF9-induced CCND1 mRNA expression to basal levels. For the first time we show that CCND1 mRNA expression is increased by FGF9 in bovine TC and GC, and that FGF9 likely uses the MAPK pathway to induce CCND1 mRNA production in bovine TC.

Annotation of Differential Gene Expression in Small Yellow Follicles of a Broiler-Type Strain of Taiwan Country Chickens in Response to Acute Heat Stress

This study investigated global gene expression in the small yellow follicles (6-8 mm diameter) of broiler-type B strain Taiwan country chickens (TCCs) in response to acute heat stress. Twelve 30-wk-old TCC hens were divided into four groups: control hens maintained at 25°C and hens subjected to 38°C acute heat stress for 2 h without recovery (H2R0), with 2-h recovery (H2R2), and with 6-h recovery (H2R6). Small yellow follicles were collected for RNA isolation and microarray analysis at the end of each time point. Results showed that 69, 51, and 76 genes were upregulated and 58, 15, 56 genes were downregulated after heat treatment of H2R0, H2R2, and H2R6, respectively, using a cutoff value of two-fold or higher. Gene ontology analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes are associated with the biological processes of cell communication, developmental process, protein metabolic process, immune system process, and response to stimuli. Upregulation of heat shock protein 25, interleukin 6, metallopeptidase 1, and metalloproteinase 13, and downregulation of type II alpha 1 collagen, discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 2, and Kruppel-like factor 2 suggested that acute heat stress induces proteolytic disintegration of the structural matrix and inflamed damage and adaptive responses of gene expression in the follicle cells. These suggestions were validated through gene expression, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Functional annotation clarified that interleukin 6-related pathways play a critical role in regulating acute heat stress responses in the small yellow follicles of TCC hens.