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Caram DA, Inserra PIF, Vitullo AD, Leopardo NP. Autophagy favors survival of corpora lutea during the long-lasting pregnancy of the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Caviomorpha). Sci Rep 2024; 14:11220. [PMID: 38755206 PMCID: PMC11099099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61478-5] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine gland that plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Although autophagy and apoptosis have been suggested as cooperative mechanisms, their interaction within the CL of pregnant mammals has not been thoroughly investigated. To understand the collaborative function of autophagy and apoptosis in the CL, we analyzed both mechanisms during pregnancy in the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus. This rodent undergoes a decline in progesterone levels during mid-gestation, a reactivation of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonadal axis, and the incorporation of new functional secondary CL. Our analysis of autophagy markers BECLIN 1 (BECN1), SEQUESTOSOME1 (SQSTM1), Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3B), and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and anti- and pro-apoptotic markers BCL2 and ACTIVE CASPASE 3 (A-C3) revealed interactive behaviors between both processes. Healthy primary and secondary CL exhibited positive expression of BECN1, SQSTM1, LC3B, and LAMP1, while regressed CL displayed enhanced expression of these autophagy markers along with nuclear A-C3. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a significant formation of autophagic vesicles in regressed CL during full-term pregnancy, whereas healthy CL exhibited a low number of autophagy vesicles. The co-localization between LC3B and SQSTM1 and LC3B with LAMP1 was observed in both healthy and regressed CL during pregnancy, while co-localization of BECN1 and BCL2 was only detected in healthy CL. LC3B and ACTIVE CASPASE 3 co-localization were detected in a subset of luteal cells within the regressing CL. We propose that autophagy could act as a survival mechanism in the CL, allowing the pregnancy to progress until full-term, while also serving as a mechanism to eliminate remnants of regressed CL, thereby providing the necessary space for subsequent follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daira A Caram
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo I F Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Noelia P Leopardo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Chesnokov MS, Mamedova AR, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. A matter of new life and cell death: programmed cell death in the mammalian ovary. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:31. [PMID: 38509545 PMCID: PMC10956231 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01017-6] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian ovary is a unique organ that displays a distinctive feature of cyclic changes throughout the entire reproductive period. The estrous/menstrual cycles are associated with drastic functional and morphological rearrangements of ovarian tissue, including follicular development and degeneration, and the formation and subsequent atrophy of the corpus luteum. The flawless execution of these reiterative processes is impossible without the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD). MAIN TEXT PCD is crucial for efficient and careful clearance of excessive, depleted, or obsolete ovarian structures for ovarian cycling. Moreover, PCD facilitates selection of high-quality oocytes and formation of the ovarian reserve during embryonic and juvenile development. Disruption of PCD regulation can heavily impact the ovarian functions and is associated with various pathologies, from a moderate decrease in fertility to severe hormonal disturbance, complete loss of reproductive function, and tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated information on the role of PCD in various processes occurring in normal and pathologic ovaries. Three major events of PCD in the ovary-progenitor germ cell depletion, follicular atresia, and corpus luteum degradation-are described, alongside the detailed information on molecular regulation of these processes, highlighting the contribution of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Ultimately, the current knowledge of PCD aberrations associated with pathologies, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and tumors of ovarian origin, is outlined. CONCLUSION PCD is an essential element in ovarian development, functions and pathologies. A thorough understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating PCD events is required for future advances in the diagnosis and management of various disorders of the ovary and the female reproductive system in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S Chesnokov
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aygun R Mamedova
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Kunicka Z, Mierzejewski K, Kurzyńska A, Stryiński R, Mateos J, Carrera M, Golubska M, Bogacka I. Analysis of changes in the proteomic profile of porcine corpus luteum during different stages of the oestrous cycle: effects of PPAR gamma ligands. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:776-788. [PMID: 35577556 DOI: 10.1071/rd21248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The corpus luteum (CL) is an endocrine gland in the ovary of mature females during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. There is evidence of a relationship between the secretory function of the CL and PPARs. AIMS In this study, we investigated the changes in the proteome of the CL in relation to the phase of the oestrous cycle and the impact of PPARγ ligands on the proteomic profile of the CL during the mid- and late-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. METHODS The porcine CL explants were incubated in vitro for 6h in the presence of PPARγ ligands (agonist pioglitazone, antagonist T0070907) or without ligands. Global proteomic analysis was performed using the TMT-based LC-MS/MS method. KEY RESULTS The obtained results showed the disparity in proteomic profile of the untreated CL - different abundance of 23 and 28 proteins for the mid- and late-luteal phase, respectively. Moreover, seven proteins were differentially regulated in the CL tissue treated with PPARγ ligands. In the mid-luteal phase, one protein, CAND1, was downregulated after treatment with T0070907. In the late-luteal phase, the proteins SPTAN1, GOLGB1, TP53BP1, MATR3, RRBP1 and SRRT were upregulated by pioglitazone. CONCLUSIONS Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that certain proteins constitute a specific proteomic signature for each examined phase. Moreover, the study showed that the effect of PPARγ ligands on the CL proteome was rather limited. IMPLICATIONS The results provide a broader insight into the processes that may be responsible for the structural luteolysis of the porcine CL, in addition to apoptosis and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Kunicka
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karol Mierzejewski
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kurzyńska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Robert Stryiński
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jesús Mateos
- Galapagos NV, Generaal de Wittelaan L11, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Mónica Carrera
- Department of Food Technology, Marine Research Institute (IIM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Monika Golubska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Iwona Bogacka
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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Regression of corpus luteum in cetaceans: A systematic review. ZOOLOGY 2021; 149:125960. [PMID: 34536741 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125960] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Functional and structural change of corpus luteum through the cascade of several genes in the ovary leads to ovulation and pregnancy. In most mammals, the absence of pregnancy leads to the disintegration of the corpus luteum. In the ovary of cetaceans, the regression of the corpus luteum gets delayed and persists on the surface as scars (corpus albicans). The database on luteolysis of mammals was collected and examined to know the mechanisms involved in the corpus luteum regression of cetaceans. Surprisingly, there existed no data on the concerned topic. Some past findings reported the persistence of ovarian scars through the entire life span, while few reported the regression. Also, those investigations were about the physiology and histology of corpus luteum regression. The pathways and the genes involved in the regression of the cetacean corpus luteum remain unexplored. This review is all about the regression of corpus luteum and recommends gene-based evolutionary studies in the future to resolve the existing theories on ovarian scar persistence in cetaceans.
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A dual death/survival role of autophagy in the adult ovary of Lagostomus maximus (Mammalia- Rodentia). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232819. [PMID: 32469908 PMCID: PMC7259749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular atresia is a cell death event that occurs in the great majority of follicles before ovulation in the mature mammalian ovary. Germ cell loss has been mainly associated to apoptosis although autophagy also seems to be at play. Aimed to increase our understanding on the possible cooperating role of autophagy and apoptosis in follicular atresia and/or follicular survival, we analyzed both programmed cell death mechanisms in a rodent model, the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus. Female vizcacha shows highly suppressed apoptosis-dependent follicular atresia in the adult ovary, with continuous folliculogenesis and massive polyovulation. This strategy of massive ovulation requires a permanent remodeling of the ovarian architecture to maintain the availability of quiescent primordial follicles throughout the individual's reproductive lifespan. We report here our analysis of autophagy (BECN1, LAMP1 and LC3B-I/II) and apoptosis (BCL2 and ACTIVE CASPASE-3) markers which revealed interactive behaviors between both processes, with autophagy promoting survival or cell death depending on the ovarian structure. Strong BECN1, LC3B-II and LAMP1 staining was observed in atretic follicles and degenerating corpora lutea that also expressed nuclear ACTIVE CASPASE-3. Healthy follicles showed a slight expression of autophagy proteins but a strong expression of BCL2 and no detectable ACTIVE CASPASE-3. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a high formation of autophagosomes, autolysosomes and lysosomes in atretic follicles and degenerating corpora lutea and a low number of autophagic vesicles in normal follicles. The co-expression of LC3B-BECN1, LC3B-LAMP1 and LC3B-ACTIVE CASPASE-3 was only detected in atretic follicles and degenerating corpora lutea, while co-expression of BCL2-BECN1 was only observed in normal follicles. We propose that autophagy could act as a mechanism to eliminate altered follicles and remnant corpora lutea providing the necessary space for maturation of primordial follicles that continuously enter the growing follicular pool to sustain massive ovulation.
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Lee AS, Rusch J, Lima AC, Usmani A, Huang N, Lepamets M, Vigh-Conrad KA, Worthington RE, Mägi R, Wu X, Aston KI, Atkinson JP, Carrell DT, Hess RA, O'Bryan MK, Conrad DF. Rare mutations in the complement regulatory gene CSMD1 are associated with male and female infertility. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4626. [PMID: 31604923 PMCID: PMC6789153 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12522-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility in men and women is a complex genetic trait with shared biological bases between the sexes. Here, we perform a series of rare variant analyses across 73,185 women and men to identify genes that contribute to primary gonadal dysfunction. We report CSMD1, a complement regulatory protein on chromosome 8p23, as a strong candidate locus in both sexes. We show that CSMD1 is enriched at the germ-cell/somatic-cell interface in both male and female gonads. Csmd1-knockout males show increased rates of infertility with significantly increased complement C3 protein deposition in the testes, accompanied by severe histological degeneration. Knockout females show significant reduction in ovarian quality and breeding success, as well as mammary branching impairment. Double knockout of Csmd1 and C3 causes non-additive reduction in breeding success, suggesting that CSMD1 and the complement pathway play an important role in the normal postnatal development of the gonads in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur S Lee
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jannette Rusch
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ana C Lima
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Abul Usmani
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ni Huang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Maarja Lepamets
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katinka A Vigh-Conrad
- Oregon National Primate Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Ronald E Worthington
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, 62025, USA
| | - Reedik Mägi
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Xiaobo Wu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - John P Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Douglas T Carrell
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Oregon National Primate Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Yadav AK, Yadav PK, Chaudhary GR, Tiwari M, Gupta A, Sharma A, Pandey AN, Pandey AK, Chaube SK. Autophagy in hypoxic ovary. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3311-3322. [PMID: 31062072 PMCID: PMC11105528 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03122-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen deprivation affects human health by modulating system as well as cellular physiology. Hypoxia generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), causes oxidative stress and affects female reproductive health by altering ovarian as well as oocyte physiology in mammals. Hypoxic conditions lead to several degenerative changes by inducing various cell death pathways like autophagy, apoptosis and necrosis in the follicle of mammalian ovary. The encircling somatic cell death interrupts supply of nutrients to the oocyte and nutrient deprivation may result in the generation of ROS. Increased level of ROS could induce granulosa cells as well as oocyte autophagy. Although autophagy removes damaged proteins and subcellular organelles to maintain the cell survival, irreparable damages could induce cell death within intra-follicular microenvironment. Hypoxia-induced autophagy is operated through 5' AMP activated protein kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin, endoplasmic reticulum stress/unfolded protein response and protein kinase C delta-c-junN terminal kinase 1 pathways in a wide variety of somatic cell types. Similar to somatic cells, we propose that hypoxia may induce granulosa cell as well as oocyte autophagy and it could be responsible at least in part for germ cell elimination from mammalian ovary. Hypoxia-mediated germ cell depletion may cause several reproductive impairments including early menopause in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Yadav
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Pramod K Yadav
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Govind R Chaudhary
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Meenakshi Tiwari
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Anumegha Gupta
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Alka Sharma
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Ashutosh N Pandey
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Ajai K Pandey
- Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Shail K Chaube
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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Bagnjuk K, Stöckl JB, Fröhlich T, Arnold GJ, Behr R, Berg U, Berg D, Kunz L, Bishop C, Xu J, Mayerhofer A. Necroptosis in primate luteolysis: a role for ceramide. Cell Death Discov 2019; 5:67. [PMID: 30774995 PMCID: PMC6370808 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-019-0149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine organ, yet molecular mechanisms resulting in its demise are not well known. The presence of phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase pMLKL(T357/S358) in human and nonhuman primate CL samples (Macaca mulatta and Callithrix jacchus) implied that necroptosis of luteal cells may be involved. In M. mulatta CL, pMLKL positive staining became detectable only from the mid-late luteal phase onwards, pointing to necroptosis during regression of the CL. Cell death, including necroptosis, was previously observed in cultures of human luteal granulosa cells (GCs), an apt model for the study of the human CL. To explore mechanisms of necroptotic cell death in GCs during culture, we performed a proteomic analysis. The levels of 50 proteins were significantly altered after 5 days of culture. Interconnectivity analysis and immunocytochemistry implicated specifically the ceramide salvage pathway to be enhanced. M. mulatta CL transcriptome analysis indicated in vivo relevance. Perturbing endogenous ceramide generation by fumonisin B1 (FB1) and addition of soluble ceramide (C2-CER) yielded opposite actions on viability of GCs and therefore supported the significance of the ceramide pathway. Morphological changes indicated necrotic cell death in the C2-CER treated group. Studies with the pan caspase blocker zVAD-fmk or the necroptosis blocker necrosulfonamid (NSA) further supported that C2-CER induced necroptosis. Our data pinpoint necroptosis in a physiological process, namely CL regression. This raises the possibility that the primate CL could be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of necroptosis or by interaction with ceramide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Bagnjuk
- 1Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, 82152 Germany
| | - Jan Bernd Stöckl
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU, Feodor-Lynen Strasse 25, Munich, 81375 Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU, Feodor-Lynen Strasse 25, Munich, 81375 Germany
| | - Georg Josef Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, LMU, Feodor-Lynen Strasse 25, Munich, 81375 Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- 3Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, 37077 Germany
| | - Ulrike Berg
- A.R.T. Bogenhausen, Prinzregentenstrasse 69, Munich, 81675 Germany
| | - Dieter Berg
- A.R.T. Bogenhausen, Prinzregentenstrasse 69, Munich, 81675 Germany
| | - Lars Kunz
- Department Biology II, Division of Neurobiology, LMU, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, Planegg, 82152 Germany
| | - Cecily Bishop
- 6Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, Oregon 97006 USA
| | - Jing Xu
- 6Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, Oregon 97006 USA
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- 1Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Grosshaderner Strasse 9, Planegg, 82152 Germany
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Bagnjuk K, Mayerhofer A. Human Luteinized Granulosa Cells-A Cellular Model for the Human Corpus Luteum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:452. [PMID: 31338068 PMCID: PMC6629826 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the ovary, the corpus luteum (CL) forms a temporal structure. Luteinized mural granulosa cells (GCs), which stem from the ruptured follicle, are the main cells of the CL. They can be isolated from follicular fluid of woman undergoing in vitro fertilization. In culture, human GCs are viable for several days and produce progesterone, yet eventually steroid production stops and GCs with increasing time in culture undergo changes reminiscent of the ones observed during the demise of the CL in vivo. This short review summarizes the general use of human GCs as a model for the primate CL and some of the data from our lab, which indicate that viability, functionality, survival and death of GCs can be regulated by local signal molecules (e.g., oxytocin and PEDF) and the extracellular matrix (e.g., via the proteoglycan decorin). We further summarize studies, which identified autophagocytotic events in human GCs linked to the activation of an ion channel. More recent studies identified a form of regulated cell death, namely necroptosis. This form of cell death may, in addition to apoptosis, contribute to the demise of the human CL. We believe that human GCs are a unique window into the human CL. Studies employing these cells may lead to the identification of molecular events and novel targets, which may allow to interfere with CL functions.
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Aboelenain M, Kawahara M, Balboula AZ, Montasser AEM, Zaabel SM, Okuda K, Takahashi M. Status of autophagy, lysosome activity and apoptosis during corpus luteum regression in cattle. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:229-36. [PMID: 25819401 PMCID: PMC4498366 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Corpus luteum (CL) regression is required during the estrous cycle. During CL regression, luteal cells stop producing progesterone and are degraded by apoptosis. However, the detailed mechanism of CL regression in cattle has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate autophagy, lysosome activity, and apoptosis during CL regression in cattle. The expression of autophagy-related genes (LC3α, LC3β, Atg3, and Atg7) and the protein LC3-II was significantly higher in the late CL than in the mid CL. In addition, autophagy activity was significantly increased in the late CL. Moreover, gene expression of the autophagy inhibitor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was significantly lower in the late CL than in the mid CL. Lysosome activation and expression of cathepsin-related genes (CTSB, CTSD, and CTSZ) showed significant increases in the late CL and were associated with an
increase in cathepsin B protein. In addition, mRNA expression and activity of caspase 3 (CASP3), an apoptotic enzyme, were significantly higher in the late CL than in the mid CL. These results suggest simultaneous upregulation of autophagy-related factors, lysosomal enzymes and apoptotic mediators, which are involved in regression of the bovine CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Aboelenain
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
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Fraser HM, Hastings JM, Allan D, Morris KD, Rudge JS, Wiegand SJ. Inhibition of delta-like ligand 4 induces luteal hypervascularization followed by functional and structural luteolysis in the primate ovary. Endocrinology 2012; 153:1972-83. [PMID: 22334711 PMCID: PMC3413503 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Using specific inhibitors established that angiogenesis in the ovarian follicle and corpus luteum is driven by vascular endothelial growth factor. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the Notch ligand, delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) negatively regulates vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated vessel sprouting and branching. To investigate the role of Dll4 in regulation of the ovarian vasculature, we administered a neutralizing antibody to Dll4 to marmosets at the periovulatory period. The vasculature was examined on luteal d 3 or d 10: angiogenesis was determined by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine, staining for CD31 and cell death by staining for activated caspase-3. Ovulatory progesterone rises were monitored to determine effects of treatment on luteal function and time to recover normal cycles in a separate group of animals. Additionally, animals were treated in the follicular or midluteal phase to determine effects of Dll4 inhibition on follicular development and luteal function. Controls were treated with human IgG (Fc). Corpora lutea from marmosets treated during the periovulatory period exhibited increased angiogenesis and increased vascular density on luteal d 3, but plasma progesterone was significantly suppressed. By luteal d 10, corpora lutea in treated ovaries were significantly reduced in size, with involution of luteal cells, increased cell death, and suppressed plasma progesterone concentrations. In contrast, initiation of anti-Dll4 treatment during the midluteal phase produced only a slight suppression of progesterone for the remainder of the cycle. Moreover, Dll4 inhibition had no appreciable effect on follicular development. These results show that Dll4 has a specific and critical role in the development of the normal luteal vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish M Fraser
- Room C1.04, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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12
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Peltoketo H, Strauss L, Karjalainen R, Zhang M, Stamp GW, Segaloff DL, Poutanen M, Huhtaniemi IT. Female mice expressing constitutively active mutants of FSH receptor present with a phenotype of premature follicle depletion and estrogen excess. Endocrinology 2010; 151:1872-83. [PMID: 20172968 PMCID: PMC2851188 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Strong gain-of-function mutations have not been identified in humans in the FSH receptor (FSHR), whereas such mutations are common among many other G protein-coupled receptors. In order to predict consequences of such mutations on humans, we first identified constitutively activated mutants of the mouse (m) Fshr and then expressed them under the human anti-Müllerian hormone promoter in transgenic mice or created knock-in mutation into the mouse genome. We show here that mutations of Asp580 in the mFSHR significantly increase the basal receptor activity. D580H and D580Y mutations of mFSHR bind FSH, but the activity of the former is neither ligand-dependent nor promiscuous towards LH/human choriogonadotropin stimulation. Transgenic expression of mFshr(D580H) in granulosa cells leads to abnormal ovarian structure and function in the form of hemorrhagic cysts, accelerated loss of small follicles, augmented granulosa cell proliferation, increased estradiol biosynthesis, and occasional luteinized unruptured follicles or teratomas. The most affected mFshr(D580H) females are infertile with disturbed estrous cycle and decreased gonadotropin and increased prolactin levels. Increased estradiol and prolactin apparently underlie the enhanced development of the mammary glands, adenomatous pituitary growth, and lipofuscin accumulation in the adrenal gland. The influence of the mFSHR(D580Y) mutation is milder, mainly causing hemorrhagic cysts in transgenic mFSHR(D580Y) and mFSHR(D580Y) -knock-in mice. The results demonstrate that gain-of-function mutations of the FSHR in mice bring about distinct and clear changes in ovarian function, informative in the search of similar mutations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellevi Peltoketo
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, 2nd floor, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
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13
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Peluffo MC, Young KA, Hennebold JD, Stouffer RL. Expression and regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF-receptor family members in the macaque corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:367-78. [PMID: 18932199 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor (R) family may be involved in the tissue remodeling that occurs in the primate corpus luteum (CL) during development and regression. As a first step towards addressing this issue, studies assessed TNF ligand-R expression and regulation in CL collected from monkeys during the early (ECL, Days 3-5), mid (MCL, Days 7-8), mid-late (MLCL, Days 10-11), late (LCL, Days 14-16), and very late (VLCL, menses) luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. CL were also collected after gonadotropin and/or steroid ablation and replacement (with hLH and the progestin R5020) for 3 days at mid-late luteal phase. TNF-alpha, -beta, FAS ligand (FASL), and TNF-R1 mRNA levels were two- to sixfold greater (P < 0.05) at the MLCL or LCL phase as compared to earlier (ECL, MCL). In contrast, TNF-R2 and FAS mRNA levels did not change during the luteal phase. Immunohistochemical staining for TNF-beta, TNF-R1, TNF-R2, FAS, and FASL was observed in luteal cells, whereas only TNF-beta staining was observed in endothelial cells. Several TNF-R components were influenced by LH and/or steroid ablation; notably, steroid ablation reduced (P < 0.05) luteal TNF-alpha, but not TNF-beta, mRNA levels, which was prevented by progestin treatment. In contrast, steroid ablation increased (P < 0.05) luteal cell immunostaining for FAS and FASL, which was reduced by progestin treatment. Thus, several members of the TNF R-ligand family are expressed in the primate CL in an LH- and/or progestin-dependent manner. Peak expression in the late luteal phase may signify a role for the TNF-R system in death receptor-mediated apoptosis during luteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Peluffo
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
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Sandrock M, Schulz A, Merkwitz C, Schöneberg T, Spanel-Borowski K, Ricken A. Reduction in corpora lutea number in obese melanocortin-4-receptor-deficient mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:24. [PMID: 19309531 PMCID: PMC2667525 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obese melanocortin-4-receptor-deficient (MC4R-/-) male mice are reported to have erectile dysfunction, while homozygous MC4R-/- female mice are apparently fertile. A recently established obese mouse strain, carrying an inactivating mutation in the MC4R gene, revealed difficulties in breeding for the homozygous female mice. This prompted us to determine the presence of follicles and corpora lutea (CL) in ovaries of MC4R-/- mice aged 3-6 months in comparison to wild type (MC4R+/+) littermates. Serial sections of formaldehyde-fixed ovaries of mice with vaginal signs of estrus and metestrus were assessed for the number of healthy and regressing follicles and CL. The number of CL, as an estimate for the ovulation rate, decreased to zero during aging in MC4R-/- mice. The number of small- (diameter 100-200 micrometer) and large-sized follicles namely antral follicles (diameter >200 micrometer) were slightly increased in MC4R-/- compared to MC4R+/+ mice. Greater differences were found in very large to cystic follicles, which were more numerous in MC4R-/- mice. The number of regressing antral follicles was higher in the MC4R-/- group compared to the MC4R+/+ group. This was associated with a wide range in the number of collapsed zonae pellucidae as the last remnants of regressed follicles. A conspicuous hypertrophy of the interstitial cells was noted in 6-month-old MC4R-/- mice. In conclusion, cystic follicles and the reduction in CL number point to a decreased ovulation rate in obese MC4R-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Sandrock
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Merkwitz
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Albert Ricken
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Buse E, Zöller M, Van Esch E. The Macaque Ovary, with Special Reference to the Cynomolgus Macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Toxicol Pathol 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623308327407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Concerning functional and morphological aspects, the ovary of the cynomolgus macaque is representative for the conditions in higher primates like humans and is therefore of major relevance in toxicological research. Against this background, a comprehensive overview about the cynomolgus macaque ovary is given from its embryonic appearance, throughout the adolescent and adult development until old age. The overview includes morphologic characteristics, a description of the different cell types, comparisons between the expression of selected receptors, and some details on hormonal effects if considered necessary for understanding the unit of ovarian morphology and function. The close correlation of hormones and morphological characteristics of the ovary and of the other reproductive organs is emphasized by several schematic drawings and images. Special emphasis is also laid on the comparison to the human organism indicating the similarity of both species and hence underlining the importance of the cynomolgus macaque as a model in toxicological research. Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Martina Zöller and Eberhard Buse are employed by Covance Inc. Eric Van Esch is employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
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Ben-Ami I, Armon L, Freimann S, Strassburger D, Ron-El R, Amsterdam A. EGF-like growth factors as LH mediators in the human corpus luteum. Hum Reprod 2008; 24:176-84. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Immunolocalization of beclin 1, a bcl-2-binding, autophagy-related protein, in the human ovary: possible relation to life span of corpus luteum. Cell Tissue Res 2007; 331:509-17. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-007-0531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Del Canto F, Sierralta W, Kohen P, Muñoz A, Strauss JF, Devoto L. Features of natural and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist-induced corpus luteum regression and effects of in vivo human chorionic gonadotropin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:4436-43. [PMID: 17698899 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The natural process of luteolysis and luteal regression is induced by withdrawal of gonadotropin support. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were: 1) to compare the functional changes and apoptotic features of natural human luteal regression and induced luteal regression; 2) to define the ultrastructural characteristics of the corpus luteum at the time of natural luteal regression and induced luteal regression; and 3) to examine the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the steroidogenic response and apoptotic markers within the regressing corpus luteum. DESIGN Twenty-three women with normal menstrual cycles undergoing tubal ligation donated corpus luteum at specific stages in the luteal phase. Some women received a GnRH antagonist prior to collection of corpus luteum, others received an injection of hCG with or without prior treatment with a GnRH antagonist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Main outcome measures were plasma hormone levels and analysis of excised luteal tissue for markers of apoptosis, histology, and ultrastructure. RESULTS The progesterone and estradiol levels, corpus luteum DNA, and protein contents in induced luteal regression resembled those of natural luteal regression. hCG treatment raised progesterone and estradiol in both natural luteal regression and induced luteal regression. The increase in apoptosis detected in induced luteal regression by cytochrome c in the cytosol, activated caspase-3, and nuclear DNA fragmentation, was similar to that observed in natural luteal regression. The antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly lower during natural luteal regression. The proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak were at a constant level. Apoptotic and nonapoptotic death of luteal cells was observed in natural luteal regression and induced luteal regression at the ultrastructural level. hCG prevented apoptotic cell death, but not autophagy. CONCLUSION The low number of apoptotic cells disclosed and the frequent autophagocytic suggest that multiple mechanisms are involved in cell death at luteal regression. hCG restores steroidogenic function and restrains the apoptotic process, but not autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Del Canto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Clínico San Borja-Arriarán, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 3, Chile
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Fraser HM, Wilson H, Wulff C, Rudge JS, Wiegand SJ. Administration of vascular endothelial growth factor Trap during the 'post-angiogenic' period of the luteal phase causes rapid functional luteolysis and selective endothelial cell death in the marmoset. Reproduction 2007; 132:589-600. [PMID: 17008470 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The intense angiogenesis characteristic of early corpus luteum development is dependent upon vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as inhibitors of VEGF administered at the peri-ovulatory period suppress endothelial cell proliferation and progesterone secretion. We now report that administration of VEGF Trap, a soluble decoy receptor-based inhibitor, at the mid- or the late luteal phase in the marmoset results in a rapid decline in plasma progesterone. Since vascularisation of the corpus luteum is largely complete by the mid-luteal phase, it suggested that this functional luteolysis involved mechanisms other than inhibition of angiogenesis. A second experiment investigated the role of VEGF in maintaining the integrity of the luteal vasculature and hormone-producing cells. VEGF Trap was administered to marmosets in the mid-luteal phase and ovaries were obtained 1, 2, 4 or 8 days later for localisation of activated caspase-3 staining in the corpus luteum and compared with those obtained 2, 4 and 8 days after administration of control protein. The number of cells with activated caspase-3 staining was significantly increased after administration of VEGF Trap. Dual staining of activated caspase-3 with the endothelial cell marker CD31 showed that at 1 day post-treatment, more than 90% caspase-3-stained cells were vascular endothelium, prior to detection of an increasing incidence in death of hormone-producing cells on days 2 and 4. Staining with CD31 showed that the endothelial cell area was decreased after treatment. By 8 days after treatment, corpora lutea had regressed to varying degrees, while all control corpora lutea remained healthy. These results show that VEGF inhibition in the mid- or the late luteal phase induces functional luteolysis in the marmoset that is associated with premature and selective death of endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish M Fraser
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
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20
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Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is one of the few endocrine glands that forms from the remains of another organ and whose function and survival are limited in scope and time. The CL is the site of rapid remodeling, growth, differentiation, and death of cells originating from granulosa, theca, capillaries, and fibroblasts. The apparent raison d'etre of the CL is the production of progesterone, and all the structural and functional features of this gland are geared toward this end. Because of its unique importance for successful pregnancies, the mammals have evolved a complex series of checks and balances that maintains progesterone at appropriate levels throughout gestation. The formation, maintenance, regression, and steroidogenesis of the CL are among the most significant and closely regulated events in mammalian reproduction. During pregnancy, the fate of the CL depends on the interplay of ovarian, pituitary, and placental regulators. At the end of its life span, the CL undergoes a process of regression leading to its disappearance from the ovary and allowing the initiation of a new cycle. The generation of transgenic, knockout and knockin mice and the development of innovative technologies have revealed a novel role of several molecules in the reprogramming of granulosa cells into luteal cells and in the hormonal and molecular control of the function and demise of the CL. The current review highlights our knowledge on these key molecular events in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Stocco
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Aguilar J, Fraser HM, Wilson H, Clutton E, Shaw DJ, Watson ED. Temporal relationship between proliferating and apoptotic hormone-producing and endothelial cells in the equine corpus luteum. Reproduction 2006; 132:111-8. [PMID: 16816337 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.01051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The temporal relationship between endothelial cell death, vascular regression and the death of hormone-producing cells in the mare has not been established. To determine the dynamics of cell proliferation and death throughout the luteal phase, corpora lutea were studied at the early, mid- and late luteal phase, and after treatment with cloprostenol in the mid-luteal phase to induce premature luteolysis. Changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated utilising specific markers (phosphorylated histone-3 and activated caspase-3 respectively). Histone-3 positive cells were most abundant during the early luteal phase, and were mainly present in endothelial cells. Histone-3 activity significantly increased in hormone-producing cells 36 h after cloprostenol treatment. Frequency of activated caspase-3 staining peaked on day 14, and was induced by 36 h after cloprostenol administration in mid-luteal phase. However, cell death occurred simultaneously in the endothelial and hormone-producing cells. These results show that a subset of hormone-producing cells enter the early stages of cell division around luteolysis, while the majority of cells are undergoing cell death. Natural and induced functional and structural luteal regression in the mare can be at least partially attributed to simultaneous apoptosis of endothelial and hormone-producing cells. However, there is no evidence that endothelial cell death is the trigger for naturally occurring luteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Aguilar
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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Abstract
The corpus luteum is an endocrine gland whose limited lifespan is hormonally programmed. This debate article summarizes findings of our research group that challenge the principle that the end of function of the corpus luteum or luteal regression, once triggered, cannot be reversed. Overturning luteal regression by pharmacological manipulations may be of critical significance in designing strategies to improve fertility efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Telleria
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA.
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23
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Smedts AM, Lele SM, Modesitt SC, Curry TE. Expression of an extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (basigin) in the human ovary and ovarian endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:535-42. [PMID: 16876164 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2005] [Revised: 01/18/2006] [Accepted: 01/18/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the expression of basigin in ovarian endometriotic tissue, normal ovary, and endometrium during the menstrual cycle. DESIGN Controlled, retrospective study for evaluation of basigin expression in archived specimens. SETTING Academic research environment: University of Kentucky College of Medicine. PATIENT(S) Archived surgical specimens selected by retrospective chart review of age-matched (39 +/- 2.5 years) patients with and without ovarian endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression localization of basigin mRNA and protein. RESULT(S) Basigin (mRNA and protein) was localized to granulosa cells (follicles of all stages), the ovarian surface epithelium, and granulosa and theca lutein of corpora lutea. Differential patterns of expression were apparent among samples of eutopic endometrium collected during the proliferative and secretory stages. In endometriotic lesions on the ovary, basigin was detected in the glandular epithelia and stroma of proliferative and secretory phase samples, but patterns of expression were unsynchronized with those of the eutopic endometrium from the same patient. CONCLUSION(S) The current data demonstrate unique expression patterns of basigin in the human ovary and endometriotic tissue, thereby supporting a possible role in normal ovarian function and in the dysregulation of proteolytic matrix metalloproteinases in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Smedts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
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Goyeneche AA, Harmon JM, Telleria CM. Cell death induced by serum deprivation in luteal cells involves the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Reproduction 2006; 131:103-11. [PMID: 16388014 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The corpus luteum is a transient endocrine gland specializing in the production of progesterone. The regression of the corpus luteum involves an abrupt decline in its capacity for producing progesterone followed by its structural involution, which is associated with apoptosis of the luteal cells. An in vitro experimental approach is needed to study the molecular mechanisms underlying hormonal regulation of luteal cell death under defined experimental conditions. In this study, we investigated simian virus-40-transformed luteal cells to determine whether they can be driven to apoptosis and, if so, to define the intracellular pathway involved. Luteal cells were cultured in the presence or absence of fetal bovine serum for 24 or 48 h. Under serum starvation conditions, the luteal cells underwent growth arrest accompanied by cell death as evaluated by dye exclusion, and confirmed by two-color fluorescence cell viability/cytotoxicity assay. We next studied whether serum starvation-induced death of luteal cells occurred by apoptosis. Morphologic features of apoptosis were observed in cells stained with hematoxylin after being subjected to serum starvation for 48 h. The apoptotic nature was further confirmed by in situ 3'-end labeling and fragmentation of genomic DNA. Apoptosis of serum-deprived luteal cells was dependent upon caspase activation. Serum starvation induced cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), suggesting that caspase-3 had been activated under the stress of withdrawal of growth factors. This was confirmed by cleavage of full-length procaspase-3. Finally, the fact that serum starvation promoted the cleavage of full-length procaspase-9 and the decrease in the expression of endogenous Bid, a BH-3-only proapoptotic protein of the Bcl-2 family, indicates that the intrinsic (i.e., mitochondrial) pathway of apoptosis was activated. In summary, we have characterized an in vitro experimental model of luteal cell death that can be utilized to evaluate the role of hormones in apoptosis of luteal cells under defined culture conditions, and to study the mechanism of luteal regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A Goyeneche
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, 57069, USA
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A Morphological Study on the Macrophages During Luteolysis in the Pig. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.5187/jast.2006.48.2.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is a site of intense angiogenesis. Within a short period, this is followed either by controlled regression of the microvascular tree in the non-fertile cycle, or maintenance and stabilisation of the new vasculature a conceptual cycle. The molecular regulation of these diverse aspects is examined. The CL provides a unique model system in which to study the cellular and molecular regulation of angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been found to have a major role in the CL. By targeting its action at specific stages of the luteal phase in vivo by antagonists, profound inhibitory effects on luteal angiogenesis and function are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish M Fraser
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Christine Wulff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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