Ferredoxin 1 regulates granulosa cell apoptosis and autophagy in polycystic ovary syndrome

NAT10 mediated polycystic ovary syndrome through the ac4C modification of CXCL14

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, underscoring the critical importance of investigating its regulatory mechanisms. N-Acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) is a crucial enzyme involved in mRNA acetylation modification, mediating target genes expression through N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification to regulate the biological function of various diseases. Nonetheless, the specific role of NAT10 in PCOS regulation remains undisclosed. Ac4C dot hybridization experiment was conducted to determine ac4C expression in PCOS tissues. RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression levels of NAT10 and CXCL14 in PCOS tissues and KGN cells. Cells viability was assessed using the CCK-8 method, while cell proliferation capacity was evaluated through the colony formation assay and EDU assay. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate. The ac4C modification level was determined by acrp-qPCR analysis. RIP and luciferase reporter experiments confirmed the target binding relationship. The rat experiments confirmed the specific regulatory role of NAT10 in polycystic ovary syndrome in vivo. This study highlighted reduced levels of NAT10 and ac4C in PCOS, where silencing NAT10 boosts KGN cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis. Additionally, NAT10-mediated ac4C modification governed the chemokine CXCL14 expression. Our research unveiled that NAT10 modulated PCOS occurrence and progression by enhancing the CXCL14 mRNA stability through acetylation, presenting potential novel insights into the mechanisms of mRNA acetylation in PCOS.

Transcriptomic analysis of heifers according to antral follicle count

While antral follicle count (AFC) has been associated with higher pregnancy rates, at present, our understanding of it as a reproductive parameter remains incomplete. This study aimed to characterize gene expression profile of oocytes from crossbred Bos taurus x Bos indicus heifers with high and low AFCs. Crossbred Nelore-Angus heifers (n = 50) with a mean (SD) age of 9.6 ± 0.55 months, a weight of 295.4 ± 32.6 kg, and a BCS of 3.44 ± 0.41 were studied in a feedlot system. The heifers received a hormonal protocol based on injectable progesterone and estradiol cypionate administered 12 days apart, and ovarian ultrasonography (US) was performed 12 days after to assess the AFC. Based on AFC, heifers were divided into low (≤14 follicles) and high (≥31 follicles) AFC, groups.Forty-five days after US, 14 heifers were slaughtered, and their ovaries were collected for morphological analysis and follicle aspiration. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from the high and low AFC groups were graded according to their quality. Only best-quality COCs were stored for RNA-seq analysis. No differences were found in the presence or diameter of the dominant follicle and corpus luteum in the US, nor in the volume of the dominant follicle postmortem. The quantity of COCs recovered from high-AFC heifers was higher than that from low-AFC heifers (P < 0.05), and a tendency (P = 0.07) toward a higher amount of grade II COCs was observed. Thirty-two genes were differentially expressed between the groups, of which 30 were up-regulated and two down-regulated in the low AFC group. Among these, 22 % (7/32) were associated with fertility (CAB39, SLC2A6, CITED2, FDX1, HSD11B2, CD81, and PLA2G12B). Moreover, 9 and 2 exclusive genes were identified in the high and low AFC groups, respectively. Enrichment analyses showed that genes exclusive to oocytes from low-AFC heifers were associated with fundamental cellular processes, such as biosynthesis/biogenesis of ribosomes, peptides, amides, and nucleotides, and also with autophagy, mitophagy and mTOR signalling pathways.On the other hand, only one pathway was enriched in the high AFC group, but this cannot be related to the events studied No differences were observed in the ovarian structures after pre-synchronization of the estrus cycle of young Crossbred Nelore-Angus heifers. However, a tendency of a higher amount of grade II COCs was observed in heifers with high AFC than in those with low AFC. RNA sequencing results indicated that the main differences between high and low AFC heifers were not reflected in the genes directly related to fertility.

Elevated Linoleic Acid Intake Becomes a Risk Factor for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Affecting Ovarian Granulosa Cells

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in females of reproductive age; this condition is particularly concerning due to its potential to cause infertility. Linoleic acid (LA) is an essential and widely consumed n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. In the past decades, LA intake has sharply surged, as recommended by dietary guidelines and advances in the food industry. An increasing number of people are questioning the health benefits of LA. In patients with PCOS, dietary management is crucial for improving symptoms to obtain good outcomes with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Diets rich in n-6 fatty acid has become "arch-criminal" of "silent inflammation." PCOS is also associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Therefore, identification of the relationship between dietary LA and PCOS is urgently required. In this study, we first conducted experiments to observe the effects of different LA concentrations on PCOS-related phenotypes in mice. The results showed that medium and high concentrations of LA led to PCOS-like changes in mice, presenting with disordered estrous cycles, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism. LA is independent of PCOS-related weight gain and insulin resistance. LA caused systemic inflammation, reduced antioxidant capacity, and increased ovary apoptosis in mice. To explore how LA acts in vivo, we used the ovarian granulosa cell line KGN to detect alterations in the levels of granulosa cells (GCs). In addition to having no impact on endocrine function, LA can decrease the antioxidant capacity, reduce mitochondrial function, increase the apoptotic rate, and induce inflammation in GCs. To obtain more information, the pretreated GCs were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. The abundant RNA-Seq results make future directions for understanding the mechanism of LA action on GCs in PCOS more explicit. In summary, elevated LA intake is a risk factor for PCOS that affects ovarian GCs. Further studies should focus on establishing a strict intake range for the prevention and treatment of PCOS.

Targeting ferroptosis for the treatment of female reproductive system disorders

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a critical factor in female reproductive health and has been implicated in disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer. This review explores the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, emphasizing its reliance on iron metabolism and oxidative stress, which disrupt key processes in reproductive tissues, including granulosa cell function, folliculogenesis, and embryo implantation. Increasing evidence linking ferroptosis to these conditions offers new therapeutic opportunities, with iron chelators, lipid peroxidation inhibitors, and antioxidants showing the potential to alleviate reproductive dysfunction by modulating ferroptotic pathways. In ovarian cancer, ferroptosis inducers combined with conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, provide promising strategies to overcome drug resistance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ferroptosis and highlights its importance as a therapeutic target in reproductive health, emphasizing the need for further research to refine and expand treatment options, evaluate their applicability in clinical settings, and explore their role in fertility preservation. By advancing our understanding of ferroptosis regulation, these therapeutic approaches could lead to novel treatments for reproductive disorders and cancers, offering new hope for improving outcomes in women's health and cancer therapy.

Mechanisms of Granulosa Cell Programmed Cell Death and Follicular Atresia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by a spectrum of reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disturbances. The etiology of PCOS encompasses a complex interplay of genetic, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative factors, though the precise pathological mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Despite considerable variability in the clinical characteristics and biochemical profiles among individuals with PCOS, abnormalities in follicular development are a hallmark of the condition. Granulosa cells, integral to follicular development, play a pivotal role in follicle maturation. Recent studies have established a strong correlation between granulosa cell programmed cell death and follicular atresia in PCOS. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of granulosa cell programmed cell death and its contribution to follicular atresia within the pathophysiology of PCOS, providing a foundation for future research endeavors. Key words Follicular atresia, Hyperandrogenism, Insulin resistance, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Programmed cell death of granulosa cells.

Wnt5a alleviates the symptoms of PCOS by modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-mediated autophagy in granulosa cells

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and endocrine disease that entails dysregulated ovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. While Wnt5a has been suggested to play key roles in follicular development and female fertility under normal conditions, its functions in the context of PCOS have yet to be established. This study was thus designed to explore the impact of Wnt5a on ovarian granulosa cell autophagy in PCOS, providing in vitro evidence in support of its role in this setting.

METHODS

DHT-induced granulosa (KGN) cells were used as an in vitro model, and Wnt5a and autophagy-related protein levels in these cells were detected via Western blotting. Downregulating the expression of Wnt5a in KGN cells (by interference and inhibitor) was also performed, and Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence strategies were used to detect autophagy-related and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-associated factors in this setting. In vivo, BOX5 was tested as a therapeutic inhibitor of Wnt5a in a murine model of DHEA-induced PCOS. Changes in ovarian morphology were detected through hematoxylin staining, while E2 and T hormone levels were quantified by ELISA, and autophagy-related factors in these animals were quantified through Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Wnt5a and autophagy-related protein levels rose significantly in DHT-induced KGN cells. Following downregulation of the Wnt5a in these cells, a significant decrease in autophagy-related factor levels was noted relative to the DHT group, together with significant increases in pathway-related factors. In mice, BOX5 treatment was sufficient to restore serum levels of androgen and to improve polycystic ovarian changes, while also suppressing the levels of autophagy-associated factors within ovarian granulosa cells.

CONCLUSION

Wnt5a downregulation suppresses autophagy in PCOS granulosa cells through the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, in addition to remediating polycystic ovarian changes and normalizing serum levels of sex hormones.

Cuproptosis-Related Gene FDX1 Identified as a Potential Target for Human Ovarian Aging

Cuproptosis is a recently discovered mode of cell death that has garnered attention due to its association with various diseases. However, the intricate genetic relationship between cuproptosis and ovarian aging has remained largely unexplored. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by leveraging data sets related to ovarian aging and cuproptosis. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, facilitated by R software, we uncovered FDX1 as a potential cuproptosis-related gene with relevance to ovarian aging. To gain insights into FDX1's role, we conducted spatial transcriptome analyses in the ovaries of both young and aged female mice. These experiments revealed a significant reduction in FDX1 expression in the aging group compared to the young group. To substantiate these findings at the genetic level, we turned to clinical infertility biopsies. Impressively, we observed consistent results in biopsies from elderly infertile patients, reinforcing the link between FDX1 and ovarian aging. Moreover, we delved into the pharmacogenomics of ovarian cell lines and discovered that FDX1 expression levels were intricately associated with heightened sensitivity to specific small molecule drugs. This observation suggests that modulating FDX1 could potentially be a strategy to influence drug responses in ovarian-related therapies. In sum, this study marks a pioneering effort in identifying FDX1 as a cuproptosis-related gene implicated in ovarian aging. These findings hold substantial promise, not only in shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of ovarian aging but also in positioning FDX1 as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. With further research, FDX1 could play a pivotal role in advancing precision medicine and therapies for ovarian-related conditions.

Nuciferine protects hyperandrogen-injured ovarian granulosa cells by inhibiting ferroptosis via SOX2-mediated activation of the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, polycystic ovaries, and metabolic abnormalities. Female reproductive health and quality of life are significantly affected by PCOS, which has recently been associated with ferroptosis in granulosa cells (GCs). Nuciferine (NF) is a naturally extracted substance with multiple pharmacological activities, which is reported with anti-ferroptosis function. Herein, the influence of NF for androgen-induced ferroptosis in GCs was investigated to explore the potential value of NF on treating PCOS. 10 μM NF and 20 μM NF were employed for treating KGN cells according to cell viability results. KGN cells were treated with 10 μM dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for 1 day, followed by introducing 10 μM NF and 20 μM NF for 24 h. Strikingly reduced cell viability, increased lactate dehydrogenase release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhanced apoptosis, upregulated Bax, downregulated Bcl-2, restrained malondialdehyde contents, and declined superoxide dismutase activity were observed in DHEA-treated KGN cells, which were significantly reversed by NF. Significantly repressed GPX4, SLC7A11, and SOX2 levels, as well as increased ACSL4 levels and Fe2+ levels in DHEA-treated KGN cells, were notably rescued by NF. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of NF on ROS production and ferroptosis in DHEA-treated KGN cells was partially abrogated by silencing SOX2. Collectively, NF protected DHEA-injured ovarian GCs by inhibiting ferroptosis via upregulating SOX2.

Anti-Müllerian hormone regulates ovarian granulosa cell growth in PCOS rats through SMAD4

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse condition with an unknown cause. The precise mechanism underlying ovulatory abnormalities in PCOS remains unclear. It is widely believed that malfunction of granulosa cells is the primary factor contributing to aberrant follicular formation in PCOS.

METHODS

A DHEA-induced PCOS rat model was established, and ovarian granulosa cells were extracted and identified. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) expression was detected in the serum, ovarian tissue and ovarian granulosa cells of each group, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), BCL2-associated 2 (BAX), cleaved caspase-3 and BCL-2 protein expression was detected by Western blot in ovarian granulosa cells. Recombinant anti-Müllerian hormone (rAMH) was administered at different concentrations to act on normal rat ovarian granulosa cells, cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and SMAD4, caspase-3, BCL-2 and cyclin A proteins were detected by Western blot. SMAD4-siRNA was transfected into rat ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group, and PCNA and BAX were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the control group, the expression of AMH and SMAD4 was increased in the ovarian tissues and granulosa cells of rats in the PCOS group, the expression of PCNA and BCL-2 proteins was decreased in the ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group, the expression of BAX proteins was increased, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was increased. Western blot results indicated that rAMH upregulated SMAD4 and caspase-3 protein expression in granulosa cells and downregulated cyclin A and BCL-2 protein expression. CCK-8 and flow cytometry results indicated that AMH decreased granulosa cells proliferation and increased apoptosis. SiRNA knockdown of SMAD4 gene increased PCNA and BCL-2 protein expression in the granulosa cells of PCOS rats and decreased BAX and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

AMH may be involved in regulating impaired ovarian granulosa cells development in PCOS rats via SMAD4.

Hypoxia-induced autophagy attenuates ferredoxin 1-mediated cuproptosis in colorectal cancer cells

IntroductionCuproptosis has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigated the role of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) in regulating cuproptosis under hypoxic conditions and explored the impact of autophagy on this process in CRC.MethodsCRC patient samples and cell lines were used in this study. Cells were exposed to hypoxia and treated with Es-Cu (a copper supplement) and rapamycin, an autophagy inducer. FDX1 expression in clinical tissues was assessed in clinical tissues using qPCR and Western blot. The CCK8 assay, EdU staining, and Transwell assay were employed to evaluate the malignant behavior of tumor cells. Copper content and DLAT oligomerization were measured. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to explore the role of FDX1 under hypoxic conditions.ResultsCompared with adjacent normal tissues, elevated FDX1 expression was observed in CRC tissues. In vitro, hypoxia or Es-Cu treatment upregulated FDX1 expression in CRC cell lines, resulting in reduced cell proliferation and increased cellular damage. FDX1 overexpression under hypoxic conditions suppressed migration, invasion, and proliferation while promoting cellular damage and DLAT oligomerization. Rapamycin-induced autophagy reversed the inhibitory effects of FDX1 overexpression on CRC cells. In vivo, rapamycin treatment attenuated the tumor-suppressive effects of FDX1 overexpression in nude mouse xenograft models.DiscussionThis study demonstrated that hypoxia-induced autophagy inhibits FDX1-mediated cuproptosis, leading to resistance to copper-induced cell death in CRC cells. Targeting the autophagy pathway may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to cuproptosis and improving CRC treatment outcomes.

Clinical significance and biological roles of lncRNA CTBP1-AS in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices, are considered significant contributors to the development of PCOS. A kind of long noncoding RNA-C-Terminal binding protein 1 antisense (lncRNA CTBP1-AS) has been proven to be a new androgen receptor regulator. Previous studies showed that the lncRNA CTBP1-AS gene was highly expressed in a small sample of PCOS patients and was associated with the risk of PCOS, but its specific function and mechanism have not been clearly reported. In this study, the expression of lncRNA CTBP1-AS was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in PCOS patients. In addition, lncRNA CTBP1-AS was overexpressed in KGN cells to explore its effect on granulocyte function. The results showed that the expression levels of lncRNA CTBP1-AS were increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and follicular fluid granulosa cells of PCOS patients compared with controls, which correlated with androgen levels and sinus follicle number; overexpression of lncRNA CTBP1-AS increased apoptosis and decreased cell migration ability, thus promoting the progression of PCOS. This study explores new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the clinical individualized diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

Molecular Markers in Embryo Non-Development: Analysis of Gene Expressions (Ki-67, hTERT, HIF-1α) in Spent Embryo Culture Medium

An embryo culture medium is a specialized set of ambient conditions, technological equipment, and nutrients that embryos require to grow properly. We aimed to investigate the Ki-67, hTERT, and HIF-1α gene expression differences between developing and non-developing embryos in spent embryo culture medium. Ki-67, hTERT, and HIF-1α gene expressions were determined from the spent embryo culture medium containing developing and non-developing embryos of 20 normoresponder patients admitted to the Bahçeci Umut IVF Center. An increase in hTERT gene expression (p < 0.05) and a decrease in HIF-1α gene expression (p < 0.001) were observed in mediums of developing compared to the non-developing embryos. No difference was observed in Ki-67 gene expression (p > 0.05). While there was a correlation between Ki-67 and HIF-1α genes in the non-growing group (r < 0.01); no correlation was observed in the developing group (r > 0.05). Both normoresponder groups will be similar in terms of proliferation rate. The low HIF-1α expression that observed high telomerase activity in embryo development maintains continuity and avoids mechanisms that result in cell death. A molecular study of the embryo development in patients with similar characteristics may help to understand the pathogenesis of the disease and establish a diagnosis and specific treatment.

The dual role of ATG7: Regulation of autophagy and apoptosis in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells

The regulation of mammalian ovarian development involves the coordinated processes of autophagy and apoptosis. The autophagy-related gene ATG7 plays a pivotal role in mediating crosstalk between these pathways. Despite its recognized importance, the specific function of ATG7 in ovarian follicular granulosa cells remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the effects of ATG7 overexpression on apoptosis and autophagy in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells and thereby provide insights into the interplay between these fundamental cellular mechanisms. An ATG7 overexpression vector was introduced into cells, followed by assessment of cell proliferation using the CCK-8 assay, quantification of related gene expression via real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting, and evaluation of apoptosis using TUNEL staining. ATG7 exhibited a predominant cytoplasmic localization and additional nuclear expression in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells. The transfection efficiency of the vector was initially verified, indicating that its overexpression notably increased expression of ATG7 protein. Further investigations confirmed that overexpression of ATG7 inhibited cell proliferation, stimulated autophagy, and promoted apoptosis in these cells. In summary, overexpression of ATG7 influences the viability of porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells by regulating the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis. This study not only broadens the understanding of functional regulation of autophagy and apoptosis by ATG7, but also sheds light on the intricate mechanisms governing ovarian follicular atresia.

Review to Elucidate the Correlation between Cuproptosis-Related Genes and Immune Infiltration for Enhancing the Detection and Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Copper is a vital trace element in oxidized and reduced forms. It plays crucial roles in numerous biological events such as redox chemistry, enzymatic reactions, mitochondrial respiration, iron metabolism, autophagy, and immune modulation. Maintaining the balance of copper in the body is essential because its deficiency and excess can be harmful. Abnormal copper metabolism has a two-fold impact on the development of tumors and cancer treatment. Cuproptosis is a form of cell death that occurs when there is excessive copper in the body, leading to proteotoxic stress and the activation of a specific pathway in the mitochondria. Research has been conducted on the advantageous role of copper ionophores and chelators in cancer management. This review presents recent progress in understanding copper metabolism, cuproptosis, and the molecular mechanisms involved in using copper for targeted therapy in cervical cancer. Integrating trace metals and minerals into nanoparticulate systems is a promising approach for controlling invasive tumors. Therefore, we have also included a concise overview of copper nanoformulations targeting cervical cancer cells. This review offers comprehensive insights into the correlation between cuproptosis-related genes and immune infiltration, as well as the prognosis of cervical cancer. These findings can be valuable for developing advanced clinical tools to enhance the detection and treatment of cervical cancer.

FDX1 downregulation activates mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inducing ROS production

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming can lead to the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) is a small mitochondrial protein and recent studies have shown that FDX1 plays an important role in tumor cuproptosis, but its role in HCC is still elusive. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression and novel functions of FDX1 in HCC.

METHODS

FDX1 expression was first analyzed in publicly available datasets and verified by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot. In vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to explore the functions of FDX1. Non-targeted metabolomics and RNA-sequencing were used to determine molecular mechanism. mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus transfection, Mito-Tracker Red and Lyso-Tracker Green staining, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, JC-1 staining, etc. were used to analyze mitophagy or ROS levels. Hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) and patient-derived organoid (PDO) models were used to analyze effect of FDX1 overexpression.

RESULTS

FDX1 expression is significantly downregulated in HCC tissues. FDX1 downregulation promotes HCC cell proliferation, invasion in vitro and growth, metastasis in vivo. In addition, FDX1 affects metabolism of HCC cells and is associated with autophagy. We then confirmed that FDX1 deficiency increases ROS levels, activates mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HCC cells. Interestingly, scavenging ROS attenuates the tumor-promoting role and mitophagy of FDX1 downregulation. The results of HTVi and PDO models both find that FDX1 elevation significantly inhibits HCC progression. Moreover, low FDX1 expression is associated with shorter survival and is an independent risk factor for prognosis in HCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research had investigated novel functions of FDX1 in HCC. Downregulation of FDX1 contributes to metabolic reprogramming and leads to ROS-mediated activation of mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. FDX1 is a potential prognostic biomarker and increasing FDX1 expression may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit HCC progression.

Liraglutide Improves PCOS Symptoms in Rats by Targeting FDX1

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a gynecological endocrine disorder characterized by ovulatory disorders, hyperandrogenemia, and polycystic changes in the ovaries. FDX1 is a ferredoxin-reducing protein on human mitochondria that plays an important role in steroid anabolism. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for PCOS. Recent studies have suggested that FDX1 may be associated with the development of PCOS. This study aims to explore the pivotal role of FDX1 in the amelioration of PCOS through liraglutide intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PCOS rat model was induced via subcutaneous DHEA injections. Following successful model establishment, the rats were treated with liraglutide combined with metformin, or with each drug individually, over a six-week period. After 6 weeks of treatment, we assessed changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose, sex hormone levels, estrous cycle regularity, ovarian morphology, FDX1 expression in ovarian tissue, and ovarian ROS levels.

RESULTS

PCOS rats exhibited significant increases in body weight and fasting blood glucose levels, disrupted estrous cycles, and polycystic ovarian morphology. FDX1 expression was notably reduced in the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. Treatment with liraglutide, both alone and in combination with metformin, led to improvements in body weight, fasting blood glucose, sex hormone balance, estrous cycle regularity, ovarian morphology, and ovarian ROS levels. Notably, FDX1 expression was significantly restored in all treatment groups, with the most substantial increase observed in the liraglutide-treated group.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that FDX1 could serve as a potential biomarker for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of liraglutide's therapeutic effects in PCOS management.

Exposure to nicotine regulates prostaglandin E2 secretion and autophagy of granulosa cells to retard follicular maturation in mammals

Exposure to nicotine by cigarette smoking have shown strongly defectives on the physiological function of ovaries, which in turn leads to disorders of fertility in women. However, the potential molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we notably found that nicotine was likely to specifically raise the expression of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to promote the apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells (GCs) and block follicular maturation. Moreover, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibited the apoptosis of GCs and facilitated follicular maturation, and nicotine appeared to inhibit PGE2 secretion by freezing the expression of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), which was the rate-limiting and essential enzyme for PGE2 synthesis. Epigenetically, the nicotine was observed to diminish the histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level and compact the chromatin accessibility in -1776/-1499 bp region of COX1 by evoking the expression of HDAC3, with the deactivated Cas9-HDAC3/sgRNA system. Mechanistically, the COX1 protein was found to pick up and degrade the autophagy related protein beclin 1 (BECN1) to control the autophagy of GCs. These results provided a potential new molecular therapy to recover the damage of female fertility induced by nicotine from cigarette smoking.

Hyperandrogenic environment regulates the function of ovarian granulosa cells by modulating macrophage polarization in PCOS

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, with hyperandrogenism being the most prominent feature of PCOS patients. However, whether excessive androgens also exist in the ovarian microenvironment of patients with PCOS, and their modulatory role on ovarian immune homeostasis and ovarian function, is not clear.

METHODS

Follicular fluid samples from patients participating in their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment were collected. Androgen concentration of follicular fluid was assayed by chemiluminescence, and the macrophage M1:M2 ratio was detected by flow cytometry. In an in vitro model, we examined the regulatory effects of different concentrations of androgen on macrophage differentiation and glucose metabolism levels using qRT-PCR, Simple Western and multi-factor flow cytometry assay. In a co-culture model, we assessed the effect of a hyperandrogenic environment in the presence or absence of macrophages on the function of granulosa cells using qRT-PCR, Simple Western, EdU assay, cell cycle assay, and multi-factor flow cytometry assay.

RESULTS

The results showed that a significantly higher androgen level and M1:M2 ratio in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. The hyperandrogenic environment promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory and glycolysis-related molecules and inhibited the expression of anti-inflammatory and oxidative phosphorylation-related molecules in macrophages. In the presence of macrophages, a hyperandrogenic environment significantly downregulated the function of granulosa cells.

CONCLUSION

There is a hyperandrogenic microenvironment in the ovary of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. Hyperandrogenic microenvironment can promote the activation of ovarian macrophages to M1, which may be associated with the reprogramming of macrophage glucose metabolism. The increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages in the hyperandrogenic microenvironment would impair the normal function of granulosa cells and interfere with normal ovarian follicle growth and development.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) induces apoptosis and autophagy by inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in human granulosa cell line KGN

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is recognized as an environmental endocrine disruptor with widespread use in industrial manufacturing and daily life, contributing to various public health concerns. However, the precise impacts of PFOS on the ovary and its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to delineate the ovarian toxicity of PFOS and scrutinize its effects on apoptosis and autophagy through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the human granulosa cell line (KGN). Cell viability, assessed via the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), revealed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability upon PFOS exposure. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated an elevated proportion of apoptotic cells following PFOS treatment. Western blot analyses unveiled increased expression of Bax, Cyt c, cleaved caspase-9, and LC3-II/I, coupled with decreased expression of Bcl-2 and p62. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations illustrated a heightened number of autophagosomes induced by PFOS. Molecular docking investigations, in conjunction with Western blot experiments, substantiated PFOS's significant inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings collectively underscore that PFOS induces apoptosis and autophagy in KGN cells through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing experimental evidence for PFOS-induced ovarian toxicity and elucidating the underlying regulatory mechanisms in KGN cells.

Integrated bioinformatics and experiment revealed that cuproptosis is the potential common pathogenesis of three kinds of primary cardiomyopathy

Cuproptosis is a recently reported new mode of programmed cell death which might be a potential co-pathogenesis of three kinds of primary cardiomyopathy. However, no investigation has reported a clear relevance between primary cardiomyopathy and cuproptosis. In this study, the differential cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) shared by three kinds of primary cardiomyopathy were identified in training sets. As a result, four CRGs shared by three kinds of primary cardiomyopathy were acquired and they were mainly related to biological processes such as cell death and immuno-inflammatory response through differential analysis, correlation analysis, GSEA, GSVA and immune cell infiltration analysis. Then, three key CRGs (K-CRGs) with high diagnostic value were identified by LASSO regression. The results of nomogram, machine learning, ROC analysis, calibration curve and decision curve indicated that the K-CRGs exhibited outstanding performance in the diagnosis of three kinds of primary cardiomyopathy. After that, in each disease, two molecular subtypes clusters were distinguished. There were many differences between different clusters in the biological processes associated with cell death and immunoinflammation and K-CRGs had excellent molecular subtype identification efficacy. Eventually, results from validation datasets and in vitro experiments verified the role of K-CRGs in diagnosis of primary cardiomyopathy, identification of primary cardiomyopathic molecular subtypes and pathogenesis of cuproptosis. In conclusion, this study found that cuproptosis might be the potential common pathogenesis of three kinds of primary cardiomyopathy and K-CRGs might be promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and molecular subtypes identification of primary cardiomyopathy.

The mechanisms crosstalk and therapeutic opportunities between ferroptosis and ovary diseases

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, was first defined in 2012. Ferroptosis mainly involves iron-driven lipid peroxidation damage of cells. This process is regulated by iron homeostasis, redox balance, lipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and various disease signaling pathways. Iron is one of the key mineral elements that regulate the physiological function of women and the development of ovarian tumors. Occurrence of Ferroptosis has some hidden dangers and advantages in ovary diseases. Some scholars have shown that ferroptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GC) promotes the development of ovarian dysfunction and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Interestingly, drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells are very sensitive to ferroptosis, suggesting that pharmacological positive and negative regulation of ferroptosis has great potential in the treatment of benign ovarian diseases and ovarian cancer. This article aimed to assess how ferroptosis occurs and the factors controlling ferroptosis. Moreover, we summarize how ferroptosis can be used to predict, diagnose and target treatment ovary disease. Meanwhile, we also evaluated the different phenomena of Ferroptosis in ovarian diseases. It aims to provide new directions for the research and prevention of female reproductive diseases.