1
|
Sciorio R, Miranian D, Smith GD. Non-invasive oocyte quality assessment. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:274-290. [PMID: 35136962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is perhaps the most important limiting factor in female fertility; however, the current methods of determining oocyte competence are only marginally capable of predicting a successful pregnancy. We aim to review the predictive value of non-invasive techniques for the assessment of human oocytes and their related cells and biofluids that pertain to their developmental competence. Investigation of the proteome, transcriptome, and hormonal makeup of follicular fluid, as well as cumulus-oocyte complexes are currently underway; however, prospective randomized non-selection-controlled trials of the future are needed before determining their prognostic value. The biological significance of polar body morphology and genetics are still unknown and the subject of debate. The predictive utility of zygotic viscoelasticity for embryo development has been demonstrated, but similar studies performed on oocytes have yet to be conducted. Metabolic profiling of culture media using human oocytes are also limited and may require integration of automated, high-throughput targeted metabolomic assessments in real time with microfluidic platforms. Light exposure to oocytes can be detrimental to subsequent development and utilization of time-lapse imaging and morphometrics of oocytes is wanting. Polarized light, Raman microspectroscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering are a few novel imaging tools that may play a more important role in future oocyte assessment. Ultimately, the integration of chemistry, genomics, microfluidics, microscopy, physics, and other biomedical engineering technologies into the basic studies of oocyte biology, and in testing and perfecting practical solutions of oocyte evaluation, are the future for non-invasive assessment of oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Miranian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Urology, and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals an Intrinsic Heterogeneity of the Preovulatory Follicular Microenvironment. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020231. [PMID: 35204732 PMCID: PMC8961562 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The follicular microenvironment, including intra-follicular granulosa cells (GCs), is responsible for oocyte maturation and subsequent ovulation. However, the functions of GCs and cellular components of the follicular microenvironment in preovulatory follicles have not been extensively explored. Here, we surveyed the single-cell transcriptome of the follicular microenvironment around MII oocytes in six human preovulatory follicles in in vitro fertilization. There were six different cell types in the preovulatory follicles, including GCs and various immune cells. In GCs, we identified nine different functional clusters with different functional transcriptomic profiles, including specific clusters involved in inflammatory responses and adhesive function. Follicular macrophages are involved in immune responses, extracellular matrix remoulding and assist GCs in promoting the oocyte meiotic resumption. Interestingly, we observed that the specific terminal state subcluster of GCs with high levels of adhesive-related molecules should result in macrophage recruitment and residence, further contributing to an obvious heterogeneity of the immune cell proportion in preovulatory follicles from different patients. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the transcriptomic landscape of the preovulatory follicular microenvironment at the single-cell level. It provides valuable insights into understanding the regulation of the oocyte maturation and ovulation process, offering potential clues for the diagnosis and treatment of oocyte-maturation-related and ovulation-related diseases.
Collapse
|
3
|
Szymanska M, Shrestha K, Girsh E, Harlev A, Eisenberg I, Imbar T, Meidan R. Reduced Endothelin-2 and Hypoxic Signaling Pathways in Granulosa-Lutein Cells of PCOS Women. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158216. [PMID: 34360981 PMCID: PMC8347025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulosa-lutein cells (GLCs) from PCOS women display reduced HIF-1α and EDN2 levels, suggesting their role in PCOS etiology. Here, we investigated the mechanisms involved in aberrant EDN2 expression in PCOS, and its association with HIF-1α. Various HIF-1α-dependent factors were studied in GLCs from PCOS and compared to normally ovulating women. MicroRNA-210 (miR-210), its target genes (SDHD and GPD1L), and HIF-1α-responsive genes (EDN2 and VEGFA) differed in GLCs from PCOS, compared with those of healthy women. Levels of miR-210—designated hypoxiamiR—and EDN2 were reduced in the PCOS GLCs; concomitantly, GPD1L and SDHD levels were elevated. Cultured GLCs retained low EDN2 expression and had low HIF-1α levels, providing evidence for a disrupted hypoxic response in the PCOS GLCs. However, VEGFA expression was elevated in these cells. Next, miR-210 levels were manipulated. miR-210-mimic stimulated EDN2 twice as much as the miR-NC-transfected cells, whereas miR-210-inhibitor diminished EDN2, emphasizing the importance of hypoxiamiR for EDN2 induction. Intriguingly, VEGFA transcripts were reduced by both miR-210-mimic and -inhibitor, demonstrating that EDN2 and VEGFA are distinctly regulated. Disrupted hypoxic response in the GLCs of periovulatory follicles in PCOS women may play a role in ovulation failure, and in the reduced fertility prevalent in this syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szymanska
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (M.S.); (K.S.)
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ketan Shrestha
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (M.S.); (K.S.)
- UK Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Eliezer Girsh
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel; (E.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Avi Harlev
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel; (E.G.); (A.H.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Iris Eisenberg
- The Magda and Richard Hoffman Center for Human Placenta Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel;
| | - Tal Imbar
- The Magda and Richard Hoffman Center for Human Placenta Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel;
- Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, Fertility Preservation Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Correspondence: (T.I.); (R.M.)
| | - Rina Meidan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (M.S.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.I.); (R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Noël L, Fransolet M, Jacobs N, Foidart JM, Nisolle M, Munaut C. A paracrine interaction between granulosa cells and leukocytes in the preovulatory follicle causes the increase in follicular G-CSF levels. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:405-416. [PMID: 31955341 PMCID: PMC7056696 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01692-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Follicular granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a new biomarker of oocyte quality and embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Its role in reproduction is poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and cells responsible for G-CSF production in the preovulatory follicle. Design Laboratory research study. Setting Single-center study. Interventions Granulosa cells and leukocytes were isolated from the follicular fluids (FF) or the blood of women undergoing IVF and from the blood of a control group of women with spontaneous ovulatory cycles to perform cocultures. Main outcome measure G-CSF-secreted protein was quantified in the conditioned media of cocultures. Results G-CSF secretion was considerably increased in cocultures of granulosa cells and leukocytes. This effect was maximal when leukocytes were isolated from the blood of women in the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle or from the FF of women undergoing IVF. The leukocyte population isolated from the FF samples of women undergoing IVF had a higher proportion of granulocytes than that isolated from the corresponding blood samples. Leukocytes induced the synthesis and secretion of G-CSF by granulosa cells. Among a range of other FF cytokines/chemokines, only growth-regulated oncogene alpha (GROα) was also increased. Conclusion The notable rise in G-CSF at the time of ovulation coincides with the accumulation of follicular granulocytes, which stimulate G-CSF production by granulosa cells via paracrine interactions. High follicular G-CSF concentrations may occur in follicles with optimal granulosa–leukocyte interactions, which could explain the increased implantation rate of embryos arising from these follicles. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-020-01692-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laure Noël
- Centre de Procréation Médicalement Assistée, University of Liege, site CHR Liege, Boulevard du 12ème de Ligne 1, 4000, Liege, Belgium.,Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Maïté Fransolet
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Jacobs
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, GIGA Research, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Foidart
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Michelle Nisolle
- Centre de Procréation Médicalement Assistée, University of Liege, site CHR Liege, Boulevard du 12ème de Ligne 1, 4000, Liege, Belgium.,Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Carine Munaut
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang X, Gilman-Sachs A, Kwak-Kim J. Ovarian and endometrial immunity during the ovarian cycle. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 133:7-14. [PMID: 31055226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Immune tolerance is crucial for the successful pregnancy, while immune effectors and their products are required to safeguard a fetus from the infectious pathogens. The key immune effectors, such as T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells take part in regulating the immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface. The immune effectors become involved in intraovarian reproductive processes as well, such as ovulation, production of corpus luteum (CL) and its degeneration and determine the quality and evolution of the oocyte during the folliculogenesis. In the cycling endometrium, NK cells are rapidly infiltrated into the endometrium after ovulation and participate in angiogenesis and spiral artery remodeling process. In this study, we reviewed the characteristics and action mechanisms of immune effectors and their products in the peripheral blood, ovary, and endometrium during the ovarian cycle, since a comprehensive understanding of immune responses during the ovarian cycle and the time of implantation can help us to predict the pregnancy outcome and take effective measures for the prevention of potential obstetrical complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Yang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA; Department of Obstetrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Alice Gilman-Sachs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li S, Yin T, Li W, Yang J, Xu W, Zhou D. Association between follicular fluid levels of HMGB1 protein and outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:1611-1616. [PMID: 26136867 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between follicular fluid (FF) levels of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and the reproductive outcome in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). FF samples were collected from the ovarian follicles (≥14 mm) of 143 infertile patients that had undergone IVF/ICSI, and the HMGB1 expression levels were determined using ELISA. Spearman's correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were applied to analyze the results. Significantly increased levels of HMGB1 protein (7.38±2.02 vs. 6.14±2.52 ng/ml; P<0.01), endometrial thickness on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (10.3±1.3 vs. 9.7±1.7 mm; P<0.01) and retrieved oocyte counts (11.68±6.51 vs. 11.00±6.34; P<0.01) were observed in the pregnant group when compared with the non-pregnant group. Conversely, the level of luteinizing hormone on the day of hCG administration was significantly reduced in the pregnant group compared with the non-pregnant group (0.92±1.78 vs. 1.78±2.03 pmol/l, P<0.01). The ROC curve indicated a significant association between the FF level of HMGB1 protein and the pregnancy rate, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.673 (0.581-0.765; P<0.01). In addition, the HMGB1 protein level was shown to have a significant positive correlation with the endometrial thickness (r=0.170; P<0.05). Therefore, the present study indicated that the FF levels of HMGB1 protein are increased in pregnant patients and are positively correlated with endometrial thickness. Thus, FF levels of HMGB1 may be a useful factor for predicting the outcome of IVF/ICSI treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saijiao Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Wangming Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Danni Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ciepiela P, Bączkowski T, Drozd A, Kazienko A, Stachowska E, Kurzawa R. Arachidonic and linoleic acid derivatives impact oocyte ICSI fertilization--a prospective analysis of follicular fluid and a matched oocyte in a 'one follicle--one retrieved oocyte--one resulting embryo' investigational setting. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119087. [PMID: 25763593 PMCID: PMC4357448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate human oocyte ability to undergo fertilization and subsequent preimplantation embryonic development in relation to a wide panel of follicular fluid (FF) arachidonic acid derivatives (AAD) and linoleic acid derivatives (LAD) of prospectively selected patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methodology Study was designed as a two center (a university clinic and a private clinic) prospective study. 54 women of 181 consecutive couples undergoing ICSI were prospectively found to be eligible for analysis. 'One follicle – one retrieved oocyte – one resulting embryo' approach was used. Each individual follicle was aspirated independently and matched to an oocyte growing in this particular follicular milieu. FF samples were assessed for AAD and LAD by high-performance liquid chromatography; additionally, activity of secretory phospholipase A (sPLA2) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Principal Findings Increased activity of sPLA2 and significantly higher AAD and LAD levels were found in FF of oocytes that did not show two pronuclei or underwent degeneration after ICSI in comparison to oocytes with the appearance of two pronuclei. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis identified acids with the highest sensitivity and specificity: 5oxo-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic, 16-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic, 9-hydroxyoctadecadieneoic and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic. No significant differences between AAD and LAD related to embryo quality were found. Conclusions/Significance Our study demonstrates for the first time that elevated concentrations of AAD and LAD in FF at the time of oocyte retrieval significantly decrease the ability of oocytes to form pronuclei after ICSI. This may serve as a new tool for non-invasive assessment of oocyte developmental capacity. However, levels of AAD and LAD are not associated with subsequent embryo quality or pregnancy rate, and therefore more studies are needed to determine their usefulness in human IVF procedure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Ciepiela
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin-Police, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bączkowski
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin-Police, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
- VitroLive Fertility Clinic, Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
| | - Arleta Drozd
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
| | - Anna Kazienko
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin-Police, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
| | - Ewa Stachowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
| | - Rafał Kurzawa
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin-Police, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
- VitroLive Fertility Clinic, Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stensen MH, Tanbo T, Storeng R, Fedorcsak P. Advanced glycation end products and their receptor contribute to ovarian ageing. Hum Reprod 2013; 29:125-34. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
|
9
|
Lamaita RM, Pontes A, Belo AV, Caetano JPJ, Andrade SP, Cãndido EB, Traiman P, Carneiro MM, Silva-Filho AL. Inflammatory Response Patterns in ICSI Patients. Reprod Sci 2012; 19:704-11. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719111428518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rívia Mara Lamaita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Paulista State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Pró-Criar Clinic of Assisted Reproduction, MaterDei Hospital, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Anaglória Pontes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Paulista State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrezza V. Belo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - João Pedro J. Caetano
- Pró-Criar Clinic of Assisted Reproduction, MaterDei Hospital, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sílvia P. Andrade
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Batista Cãndido
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Minas Gerais
| | - Paulo Traiman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Paulista State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Mendonça Carneiro
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Minas Gerais
| | - Agnaldo L. Silva-Filho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Paulista State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Minas Gerais
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oakley OR, Frazer ML, Ko C. Pituitary-ovary-spleen axis in ovulation. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2011; 22:345-52. [PMID: 21600783 PMCID: PMC3161174 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Leukocytes are rapidly recruited to the preovulatory ovary and play a crucial role as facilitators of ovulation and luteal formation. In this article, recent findings on leukocyte trafficking to the ovary, as well as the physiological role of leukocytes in the ovary, will be summarized and discussed. We then explore the novel hypothesis that the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis might include the spleen as a reservoir of leukocytes by summarizing recent reports on this topic, both in the fields of immunology and reproductive biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Oakley
- Division of Clinical and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Malizia BA, Wook YS, Penzias AS, Usheva A. The human ovarian follicular fluid level of interleukin-8 is associated with follicular size and patient age. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:537-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Revised: 11/08/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
12
|
Rizzo R, Fuzzi B, Stignani M, Criscuoli L, Melchiorri L, Dabizzi S, Campioni D, Lanza F, Marzola A, Branconi F, Noci I, Baricordi OR. Soluble HLA-G molecules in follicular fluid: A tool for oocyte selection in IVF? J Reprod Immunol 2007; 74:133-42. [PMID: 17399800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2007.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2006] [Revised: 02/23/2007] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Currently, different approaches are used to select oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, but they do not assure a significant association with the pregnancy outcome. Since several studies have proposed the expression of HLA-G antigens in early embryos to be a possible marker of elevated implantation rate, we have investigated the presence of soluble HLA-G molecules in 50 follicular fluids (FFs). The results have shown soluble HLA-G antigens (sHLA-G) in 19/50 (38%) FFs. Furthermore, we have related the presence of sHLA-G molecules in FFs to detection of the soluble antigens in culture supernatants of the corresponding fertilized oocyte, evidencing a significant relationship (p=1.3 x 10(-6); Fisher exact p-test). Specific ELISA and Western blot approaches identified both HLA-G5 and soluble HLA-G1 molecules in FFs while immunocytochemical analysis indicated polymorphonuclear-like and granulosa cells as responsible for production of sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 molecules. In contrast, only sHLA-G1 antigens were detected in culture supernatants of fertilized oocytes. Overall, these results suggest a role for sHLA-G molecules in the ovulatory process and propose the FFs analysis for sHLA-G molecule presence as a useful tool for oocyte selection in IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Rizzo
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fedorcsák P, Ráki M, Storeng R. Characterization and depletion of leukocytes from cells isolated from the pre-ovulatory ovarian follicle. Hum Reprod 2007; 22:989-94. [PMID: 17204523 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cells isolated from the periovulatory ovarian follicle are often used as a model of ovarian steroidogenesis and corpus luteum formation. The follicular fluid-derived cell (FFDC) population is, however, heterogeneous and in addition to granulosa-lutein cells, non-steroidogenic cells are also present. These non-steroidogenic cells, especially the immune cells, may have important biological functions in this model. Here, we describe a method to isolate FFDC, characterize the phenotype of the immune cells and deplete immune cells from FFDC. METHODS AND RESULTS Follicular fluid aspirated transvaginally during IVF was clarified by centrifugation and enzymatic dispersion, labelled for leukocyte-specific markers and analysed by flow cytometry. Leukocytes constituted 22% of FFDC and expressed macrophage/dendritic cell, monocyte and lymphocyte markers. Leukocytes were depleted with anti-CD45-conjugated immunobeads, resulting in an FFDC population with <1.9% leukocytes. Leukocyte-containing FFDC secreted more interleukin-8 in culture than leukocyte-depleted FFDC. CONCLUSION Leukocyte-depleted FFDC may serve as a useful model to study the interaction of immune cells and luteinizing cells during corpus luteum formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Péter Fedorcsák
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, 0027 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Maury CPJ. Molecular mechanism based on self-replicating protein conformation for the inheritance of acquired information in humans. Med Hypotheses 2006; 67:1164-9. [PMID: 16824696 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2006] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence challenges the paradigmatic view of nucleic acids as the sole mediators of hereditary information. Here I present a molecular mechanism that can explain how acquired information in humans in a DNA independent mode becomes innate and heritable. The model is based on self-replicating protein conformations, a concept derived from prion and amyloid biology. Information is stored in specific beta-sheet protein conformations that can act as cytoplasmic molecular memories. The conformational information can be transmitted to next generations in a non-nucleic acid based inheritance system utilizing the self-perpetuating potential of such beta-rich protein aggregates. Chaperones play a crucial role in the model by regulating and balancing the process of folding and misfolding; they also assist in preventing the development of aggregation-based disease. The protein conformation-mediated information system could represent an evolutionary conserved primordial mechanism: while the main strategy has been to ensure rapid folding of polypeptides into the native, functional conformation, the disfolded, beta-rich amyloidogenic state has provided advantage by providing a cytoplasmic, protease-resistant self-perpetuating DNA-independent adaptive inheritance system. The model offers an explanation for the problematic question of the evolution of complex behavioural traits and has even impact in the context of mammalian cloning: the protein conformation-based information localized in the somatic cytoplasm is lost when transferring nuclei only into enucleated oocytes. The protein conformation-based model presented herein postulates that proteins may contain much more information than determined by the nucleotide-triplet controlled peptide sequence and that there exists cross-talk and information exchange between proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C P J Maury
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Kasarmikatu 11-13, FI-00130 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|