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S El Salamouni N, Buckley BJ, Jiang L, Huang M, Ranson M, Kelso MJ, Yu H. Disruption of Water Networks is the Cause of Human/Mouse Species Selectivity in Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) Inhibitors Derived from Hexamethylene Amiloride (HMA). J Med Chem 2021; 65:1933-1945. [PMID: 34898192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) plays a critical role in tumor cell invasion and migration and is a promising antimetastasis target. 6-Substituted analogues of 5-N,N-(hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) are potent and selective uPA inhibitors that lack the diuretic and antikaliuretic properties of the parent drug amiloride. However, the compounds display pronounced selectivity for human over mouse uPA, thus confounding interpretation of data from human xenograft mouse models of cancer. Here, computational and experimental findings reveal that residue 99 is a key contributor to the observed species selectivity, whereby enthalpically unfavorable expulsion of a water molecule by the 5-N,N-hexamethylene ring occurs when residue 99 is Tyr (as in mouse uPA). Analogue 7 lacking the 5-N,N-hexamethylene ring maintained similar water networks when bound to human and mouse uPA and displayed reduced selectivity, thus supporting this conclusion. The study will guide further optimization of dual-potent human/mouse uPA inhibitors from the amiloride class as antimetastasis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehad S El Salamouni
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Buckley
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,CONCERT-Translational Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Longguang Jiang
- National Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Centre on Photodynamic Technologies, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Mingdong Huang
- National Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Centre on Photodynamic Technologies, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,CONCERT-Translational Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Michael J Kelso
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Haibo Yu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Asano Y, Iwaki T, Umemura K, Kanayama N, Itoh H. Fibrin-mediated growth restriction of early-stage human trophoblasts is switched to growth promotion through fibrinolysis. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3108-3121. [PMID: 34597378 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does fibrin promote trophoblast growth in human and mouse blastocysts during early embryo implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Mouse blastocysts were unaffected by fibrin; however, human blastocysts were significantly suppressed by fibrin in trophoblast growth and then switched to growth promotion through increased fibrinolysis with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) activity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Fibrin(ogen) plays an important role in various physiological processes and is also critical for maintaining feto-maternal attachment during pregnancy. The addition of fibrin to embryo transfer media has been used to increase implantation rates in human ART; however, its mechanism of action' in vitro has not yet been characterized. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Vitrified mouse and human blastocysts were warmed and individually cultured in vitro for up to 120 and 168 h, respectively, on a fibrin substrate. Blastocysts were cultured at 37°C in 6% CO2, 5% O2 and 89% N2. Blastocyst development and related fibrinolytic factors were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ICR strain mouse embryos were purchased from a commercial supplier. Human blastocysts were donated with informed consent from two fertility centers. Mouse and human blastocysts cultured on fibrin-coated plates were compared to those on non-coated and collagen-coated plates in vitro. Trophoblast growth and fibrin degradation were assessed based on the cell area and fibrin-free area, respectively. Fibrinolytic factors were detected in supernatants using plasminogen-casein zymography. The fibrinolytic activity of blastocysts was investigated using a selective uPA inhibitor, exogenous uPA, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) inhibitor and fibrin degradation products (FDPs). Fibrinolysis-related mRNA expression level was detected using quantitative real-time PCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Fibrin did not affect the developmental speed or morphology of mouse blastocysts, and a large fibrin-degrading region was observed in the attachment stage. In contrast, fibrin significantly suppressed the outgrowth of trophoblasts in human blastocysts, and trophoblasts grew after the appearance of small fibrin-degrading regions. uPA was identified as a fibrinolytic factor in the conditioned medium, and uPA activity was significantly weaker in human blastocysts than in mouse blastocysts. The inhibition of uPA significantly reduced the outgrowth of trophoblasts in mouse and human blastocysts. Human blastocysts expressed PLAU (uPA), PLAUR (uPA receptor), SERPINE1 (PAI-1) and SERPINB2 (PAI-2), whereas mouse blastocysts were limited to Plau, Plaur and Serpine1. In a subsequent experiment on human blastocysts, the addition of exogenous uPA and the PAI-1 inhibitor promoted trophoblast growth in the presence of fibrin, as did the addition of FDPs. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This model excludes maternal factors and may not be fully reproduced in vivo. Donated human embryos are surplus embryos that may inherently exhibit reduced embryonic development. In addition, donated ART-derived embryos may exhibit weak uPA activity, because women with sufficient uPA-active embryos may not originally require ART. The present study used orthodox culture methods, and results may change with the application of recently developed protocols for culture blastocysts beyond the implantation stage. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present results suggest that the distinct features of trophoblast outgrowth in human blastocysts observed in the presence of fibrin are regulated by a phenotypic conversion induced by contact with fibrin and FDPs. Mouse embryos did not exhibit the human phenomenon, indicating that the present results may be limited to humans. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The present study was supported by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine and Kishokai Medical Corporation. None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Asano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Infertility, Royal Bell Clinic, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iwaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kazuo Umemura
- Department of Pharmacology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naohiro Kanayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Itoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Bori L, Dominguez F, Fernandez EI, Del Gallego R, Alegre L, Hickman C, Quiñonero A, Nogueira MFG, Rocha JC, Meseguer M. An artificial intelligence model based on the proteomic profile of euploid embryos and blastocyst morphology: a preliminary study. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:340-350. [PMID: 33279421 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence model based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the likelihood of achieving a live birth using the proteomic profile of spent culture media and blastocyst morphology. DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included 212 patients who underwent single blastocyst transfer at IVI Valencia. A single image of each of 186 embryos was studied, and the protein profile was analysed in 81 samples of spent embryo culture medium from patients included in the preimplantation genetic testing programme. The information extracted from the analyses was used as input data for the ANN. The multilayer perceptron and the back-propagation learning method were used to train the ANN. Finally, predictive power was measured using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Three ANN architectures classified most of the embryos correctly as leading (LB+) or not leading (LB-) to a live birth: 100.0% for ANN1 (morphological variables and two proteins), 85.7% for ANN2 (morphological variables and seven proteins), and 83.3% for ANN3 (morphological variables and 25 proteins). The artificial intelligence model using information extracted from blastocyst image analysis and concentrations of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-1 was able to predict live birth with an AUC of 1.0. CONCLUSIONS The model proposed in this preliminary report may provide a promising tool to select the embryo most likely to lead to a live birth in a euploid cohort. The accuracy of prediction demonstrated by this software may improve the efficacy of an assisted reproduction treatment by reducing the number of transfers per patient. Prospective studies are, however, needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Bori
- IVF laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Raquel Del Gallego
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Hickman
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Jose Celso Rocha
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências e Letras, Câmpus de Assis SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Morin-Doré L, Blondin P, Vigneault C, Grand FX, Labrecque R, Sirard MA. Transcriptomic evaluation of bovine blastocysts obtained from peri-pubertal oocyte donors. Theriogenology 2017; 93:111-123. [PMID: 28257859 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) and high selection pressure in the dairy industry are leading towards the use of younger females for reproduction, thereby reducing the interval between generations. This situation may have a negative impact on embryo quality, thus reducing the success rate of the procedures. This study aimed to document the effects of oocyte donor age on embryo quality, at the transcriptomic level, in order to characterize the effects of using young females for reproduction purpose. Young Holstein heifers (n = 10) were used at three different ages for ovarian stimulation protocols and oocyte collections (at 8, 11 and 14 months). All of the oocytes were fertilized in vitro with the semen of one adult bull, generating three lots of embryos per animal. Each animal was its own control for the evaluation of the effects of age. The EmbryoGENE platform was used for the assessment of gene expression patterns at the blastocyst stage. Embryos from animals at 8 vs 14 months and at 11 vs 14 months were used for microarray hybridization. Validation was done by performing RT-qPCR on seven candidate genes. Age-related contrast analysis (8 vs 14 mo and 11 vs 14 mo) identified 242 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for the first contrast, and 296 for the second. The analysis of the molecular and biological functions of the DEGs suggests a metabolic cause to explain the differences that are observed between embryos from immature and adult subjects. The mTOR and PPAR signaling pathways, as well as the NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response pathways were among the gene expression pathways affected by donor age. In conclusion, the main differences between embryos produced at peri-pubertal ages are related to metabolic conditions resulting in a higher impact of in vitro conditions on blastocyts from younger heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonie Morin-Doré
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Kaihola H, Yaldir FG, Hreinsson J, Hörnaeus K, Bergquist J, Olivier JDA, Åkerud H, Sundström-Poromaa I. Effects of Fluoxetine on Human Embryo Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:160. [PMID: 27378857 PMCID: PMC4909759 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antidepressant treatment during pregnancy is increasing, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in pregnant women. Serotonin plays a role in embryogenesis, and serotonin transporters are expressed in two-cell mouse embryos. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether fluoxetine, one of the most prescribed SSRI antidepressant world-wide, exposure influences the timing of different embryo developmental stages, and furthermore, to analyze what protein, and protein networks, are affected by fluoxetine in the early embryo development. Human embryos (n = 48) were randomly assigned to treatment with 0.25 or 0.5 μM fluoxetine in culture medium. Embryo development was evaluated by time-lapse monitoring. The fluoxetine-induced human embryo proteome was analyzed by shotgun mass spectrometry. Protein secretion from fluoxetine-exposed human embryos was analyzed by use of high-multiplex immunoassay. The lower dose of fluoxetine had no influence on embryo development. A trend toward reduced time between thawing and start of cavitation was noted in embryos treated with 0.5 μM fluoxetine (p = 0.065). Protein analysis by shotgun mass spectrometry detected 45 proteins that were uniquely expressed in fluoxetine-treated embryos. These proteins are involved in cell growth, survival, proliferation, and inflammatory response. Culturing with 0.5 μM, but not 0.25 μM fluoxetine, caused a significant increase in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in the culture medium. In conclusion, fluoxetine has marginal effects on the timing of developmental stages in embryos, but induces expression and secretion of several proteins in a manner that depends on dose. For these reasons, and in line with current guidelines, the lowest possible dose of SSRI should be used in pregnant women who need to continue treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kaihola
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fatma G Yaldir
- Centre of Reproduction, Uppsala University Hospital Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Katarina Hörnaeus
- Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Unit Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Helena Åkerud
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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Thouas GA, Dominguez F, Green MP, Vilella F, Simon C, Gardner DK. Soluble ligands and their receptors in human embryo development and implantation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:92-130. [PMID: 25548832 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence suggests that soluble ligands and their receptors mediate human preimplantation embryo development and implantation. Progress in this complex area has been ongoing since the 1980s, with an ever-increasing list of candidates. This article specifically reviews evidence of soluble ligands and their receptors in the human preimplantation stage embryo and female reproductive tract. The focus will be on candidates produced by the human preimplantation embryo and those eliciting developmental responses in vitro, as well as endometrial factors related to implantation and receptivity. Pathways to clinical translation, including innovative diagnostics and other technologies, are also highlighted, drawing from this collective evidence toward facilitating joint improvements in embryo quality and endometrial receptivity. This strategy could not only benefit clinical outcomes in reproductive medicine but also provide broader insights into the peri-implantation period of human development to improve fetal and neonatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Thouas
- Reproductive Biology and Assisted Conception Laboratory (G.A.T., M.P.G., D.K.G.), School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010; Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (F.D., F.V., C.S.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain; La Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Clínico de la Comunidad Valenciana Health Research Institute (F.D., F.V., C.S.), 46010 Valencia, Spain; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (C.S.), Stanford University, Stanford, California 90095
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Ueki N, Takeda S, Koya D, Kanasaki K. The relevance of the Renin-Angiotensin system in the development of drugs to combat preeclampsia. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:572713. [PMID: 26000015 PMCID: PMC4426891 DOI: 10.1155/2015/572713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It has an unknown etiology and affects approximately 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not yet known, and preeclampsia has been called "a disease of theories." The central symptom of preeclampsia is hypertension. However, the etiology of the hypertension is unknown. In this review, we analyze the molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia with a particular focus on the pathogenesis of the hypertension in preeclampsia and its association with the renin-angiotensin system. In addition, we propose potential alternative strategies to target the renin-angiotensin system, which is enhanced during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Ueki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
- *Keizo Kanasaki:
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Kawamura K, Chen Y, Shu Y, Cheng Y, Qiao J, Behr B, Pera RAR, Hsueh AJW. Promotion of human early embryonic development and blastocyst outgrowth in vitro using autocrine/paracrine growth factors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49328. [PMID: 23152897 PMCID: PMC3495911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies using animal models demonstrated the importance of autocrine/paracrine factors secreted by preimplantation embryos and reproductive tracts for embryonic development and implantation. Although in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is an established procedure, there is no evidence that present culture conditions are optimal for human early embryonic development. In this study, key polypeptide ligands known to be important for early embryonic development in animal models were tested for their ability to improve human early embryo development and blastocyst outgrowth in vitro. We confirmed the expression of key ligand/receptor pairs in cleavage embryos derived from discarded human tri-pronuclear zygotes and in human endometrium. Combined treatment with key embryonic growth factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, colony-stimulating factor, epidermal growth factor, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor, and artemin) in serum-free media promoted >2.5-fold the development of tri-pronuclear zygotes to blastocysts. For normally fertilized embryos, day 3 surplus embryos cultured individually with the key growth factors showed >3-fold increases in the development of 6-8 cell stage embryos to blastocysts and >7-fold increase in the proportion of high quality blastocysts based on Gardner's criteria. Growth factor treatment also led to a 2-fold promotion of blastocyst outgrowth in vitro when day 7 surplus hatching blastocysts were used. When failed-to-be-fertilized oocytes were used to perform somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using fibroblasts as donor karyoplasts, inclusion of growth factors increased the progression of reconstructed SCNT embryos to >4-cell stage embryos. Growth factor supplementation of serum-free cultures could promote optimal early embryonic development and implantation in IVF-ET and SCNT procedures. This approach is valuable for infertility treatment and future derivation of patient-specific embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yuan Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yimin Shu
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Barry Behr
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Renee A. Reijo. Pera
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Aaron J. W. Hsueh
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
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Abstract
Despite the fact that the fundamental principle underlying the most common method of culture media constitution is that of mimicking the natural environment of the preimplantation embryo, one major difference that remains between current embryo culture media and in vivo conditions is the absence of growth factors in vitro. Numerous growth factors are known to be present in the in vivo environment of human and nonhuman preimplantation embryos, often with peak concentrations corresponding to when fertilization and preimplantation embryo growth would occur. Although these growth factors are found in very small concentrations, they have a profound effect on tissue growth and differentiation through attachment to factor-specific receptors on cell surfaces. Receptors for many different growth factors have also been detected in human preimplantation embryos. Preimplantation embryos themselves express many growth factors. The growth factors and receptors are metabolically costly to produce, and thus their presence in the environment of the preimplantation embryo and in the embryo respectively strongly implies that embryos are designed to encounter and respond to the corresponding factors. Studies of embryo coculture also indirectly suggest that growth factors can improve in vitro development. Several animal and human studies attest to a probable beneficial effect of addition of growth factors to culture media. However, there is still ambiguity regarding the exact role of growth factors in embryonic development, the optimal dose of growth factors to be added to culture media, the combinatorial effect and endocrine of growth factors in embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Hegde
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Deb GK, Jin JI, Kwon TH, Choi BH, Bang JI, Dey SR, Cho IR, Kong IK. Improved blastocyst development of single cow OPU-derived presumptive zygotes by group culture with agarose-embedded helper embryos. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:121. [PMID: 21864328 PMCID: PMC3177903 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The in vitro culture of presumed zygotes derived from single cow ovum pick-up (OPU) is important for the production of quality blastocysts maintaining pedigree. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agar chip-embedded helper embryo coculture system for single cow OPU-derived zygotes by assessing embryo quality. METHODS Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from Hanwoo cows with high genetic merit twice a week using the ultra-sound guided OPU technique and from slaughterhouse ovaries. The Hanwoo cow COCs and slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in vitro, fertilized in vitro with thawed Hanwoo sperm and cultured for 24 h. The presumed zygotes were subsequently placed in three different culture systems: (1) control OPU (controlOPU) with single cow OPU-derived presumed zygotes (2~8); (2) agar chip-embedded slaughterhouse helper embryo coculture (agarOPU) with ten presumed zygotes including all presumed zygotes from a cow (2~8) and the rest from agar chip-embedded slaughterhouse presumed zygotes (8~2); and (3) slaughterhouse in vitro embryo production (sIVP) with ten slaughterhouse ovary-derived presumed zygotes, each in 50 μL droplets. Day 8 blastocysts were assayed for apoptosis and gene expression using real time PCR. RESULTS The coculture system promoted higher blastocyst development in OPU zygotes compared to control OPU zygotes cultured alone (35.2 vs. 13.9%; P < 0.01). Genes predicted to be involved in implantation failure and/or embryo resorption were down-regulated (P < 0.05) in control OPU zygotes (CD9, 0.4-fold; AKRAB1, 0.3-fold) and in cocultured zygotes (CD9, 0.3-fold; AKRAB1, 0.3-fold) compared to sIVP blastocysts (1.0-fold). Moreover, genes involved in implantation and/or normal calf delivery were up-regulated (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) in control OPU zygotes (PGSH2, 5.0-fold; TXN, 4.3-fold; PLAU, 1.7-fold) and cocultured zygotes (PGSH2, 14.5-fold; TXN, 3.2-fold; PLAU, 6.8-fold) compared to sIVP (1.0-fold) blastocysts. However, the expression of PLAC8, TGF-β1, ODC1, ATP5A1 and CASP3 did not differ between the three culture groups. CONCLUSIONS Results show that the agar chip-embedded helper embryo coculture system enhances developmental competence and embryo quality in cultures of limited numbers of high pedigree single cow OPU presumed zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Kumar Deb
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong In Jin
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kwon
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hyun Choi
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Il Bang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Shukla Rani Dey
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - In Rae Cho
- Central Branch of Gyeongnam Livestock Promotion Research Institute, Kimhae 621-833, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Keun Kong
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
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11
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Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Kayisli UA, Taylor HS. The role of growth factors and cytokines during implantation: endocrine and paracrine interactions. Semin Reprod Med 2009; 27:62-79. [PMID: 19197806 DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1108011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Implantation, a critical step for establishing pregnancy, requires molecular and cellular events resulting in uterine growth and differentiation, blastocyst adhesion, invasion, and placental formation. Successful implantation requires a receptive endometrium, a normal and functional embryo at the blastocyst stage, and a synchronized dialogue between maternal and embryonic tissues. In addition to the well-characterized role of sex steroids, the complexity of embryo implantation and placentation is exemplified by the number of cytokines and growth factors with demonstrated roles in these processes. Disturbances in the normal expression and action of these cytokines result in an absolute or partial failure of implantation and abnormal placental formation in mice and human. Members of the gp130 cytokine family, interleukin-11 (IL-11) and leukemia inhibitory factor, the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, the colony-stimulating factors, and the IL-1 and IL-15 systems are crucial molecules for a successful implantation. Chemokines are also important, both in recruiting specific cohorts of leukocytes to the implantation site and in trophoblast trafficking and differentiation. This review provides discussion of the embryonic and uterine factors that are involved in the process of implantation in autocrine, paracrine, and/or juxtacrine manners at the hormonal, cellular, and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA
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The importance of growth factors for preimplantation embryo development and in-vitro culture. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2008; 20:292-304. [PMID: 18460945 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e3282fe743b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present paper reviews evidence that preimplantation embryos are naturally exposed and designed to respond to growth factors during preimplantation development. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have demonstrated that in-vivo human preimplantation embryos are exposed to a mixture of many different growth factors, expressed by the follicles, oviducts and endometrium. Receptors for many of these growth factors have also been shown to be expressed by preimplantation embryos, suggesting a functional role during preimplantation development. Studies of in-vitro fertilization in both animals and humans indicate that in-vitro culture of embryos in conventional media lacking growth factors can result in suboptimal growth and a variety of short-term and long-term developmental abnormalities. Studies of embryo coculture indirectly suggest that growth factors can improve in-vitro development. Many studies of defined growth factor supplements demonstrate that their inclusion in culture media can substantially improve preimplantation development and efficacy of in-vitro fertilization, and may reduce long-term developmental abnormalities as well. SUMMARY Embryos are naturally exposed to a complex mixture of growth factors that play an important role in preimplantation embryo development and that are likely to be of substantial benefit if added to in-vitro culture media.
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Aflalo ED, Sod-Moriah UA, Potashnik G, Har-Vardi I. EGF increases expression and activity of PAs in preimplantation rat embryos and their implantation rate. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2007; 5:4. [PMID: 17261179 PMCID: PMC1794411 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-5-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2006] [Accepted: 01/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryo implantation plays a major role in embryogenesis and the outcome of pregnancy. Plasminogen activators (PAs) have been implicated in mammalian fertilization, early stages of development and embryo implantation. As in-vitro developing embryos resulted in lower implantation rate than those developed in-vivo we assume that a reduced PAs activity may be involved. In the present work we studied the effect of EGF on PAs activity, quantity and embryo implantation. METHODS Zygotes were flushed from rat oviducts on day one of pregnancy and grown in-vitro in R1ECM supplemented with EGF (10 ng/ml) and were grown up to the blastocyst stage. The control groups were grown in the same medium without EGF. The distribution and quantity of the PAs were examined using fluorescence immunohistochemistry followed by measurement of PAs activity using the chromogenic assay. Implantation rate was studied using the embryo donation model. RESULTS PAs distribution in the embryos was the same in EGF treated and untreated embryos. Both PAs were localized in the blastocysts' trophectoderm, supporting the assumption that PAs play a role in the implantation process in rats.EGF increased the quantity of uPA at all stages studied but the 8-cell stage as compared with controls. The tissue type PA (tPA) content was unaffected except the 8-cell stage, which was increased. The activity of uPA increased gradually towards the blastocyst stage and more so due to the presence of EGF. The activity of tPA did not vary with the advancing developmental stages although it was also increased by EGF. The presence of EGF during the preimplantation development doubled the rate of implantation of the treated group as compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliahu D Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Uriel A Sod-Moriah
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Gad Potashnik
- Fertility and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fertility and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
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El-Sayed A, Hoelker M, Rings F, Salilew D, Jennen D, Tholen E, Sirard MA, Schellander K, Tesfaye D. Large-scale transcriptional analysis of bovine embryo biopsies in relation to pregnancy success after transfer to recipients. Physiol Genomics 2006; 28:84-96. [PMID: 17018689 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00111.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to address the relationship between transcriptional profile of embryos and the pregnancy success based on gene expression analysis of blastocyst biopsies taken prior to transfer to recipients. Biopsies (30-40% of the intact embryo) were taken from in vitro-produced day 7 blastocysts (n = 118), and 60-70% were transferred to recipients after reexpansion. Based on the success of pregnancy, biopsies were pooled in three groups (each 10 biopsies) namely: those resulting in no pregnancy (G1), resorbed embryos (G2), and those resulting in calf delivery (G3). Gene expression analysis of these groups was performed using home-made bovine preimplantation-specific cDNA array (219 clones) and BlueChip (with approximately 2,000 clones). Microarray data analysis results revealed a total of 52 and 58 genes were differentially regulated during comparison between G1 vs. G3 and G2 vs. G3. Biopsies resulted in calf delivery were enriched with genes necessary for implantation (COX2 and CDX2), carbohydrate metabolism (ALOX15), growth factor (BMP15), signal transduction (PLAU), and placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8). Biopsies from embryos resulting in resorption are enriched with transcripts involved protein phosphorylation (KRT8), plasma membrane (OCLN), and glucose metabolism (PGK1 and AKR1B1). Biopsies from embryos resulting in no pregnancy are enriched with transcripts involved inflammatory cytokines (TNF), protein amino acid binding (EEF1A1), transcription factors (MSX1, PTTG1), glucose metabolism (PGK1, AKR1B1), and CD9, which is an inhibitor of implantation. In conclusion, we generated direct candidates of blastocyst-specific genes which may play an important role in determining the fate of the embryo after transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf El-Sayed
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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15
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Aflalo ED, Sod-Moriah UA, Potashnik G, Har-Vardi I. Expression of plasminogen activators in preimplantation rat embryos developed in vivo and in vitro. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2005; 3:7. [PMID: 15703084 PMCID: PMC549534 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-3-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2004] [Accepted: 02/10/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryo implantation plays a major role in embryogenesis and the outcome of pregnancy. Plasminogen activators (PAs) have been implicated in mammalian fertilization, early stages of development and embryo implantation. The invasion of trophoblast cells into the endometrium during the implantation process can be blocked by inhibitors of serine proteases, illustrating the role of these enzymes in the invasion process. As in vitro developing embryos resulted in lower implantation rate than those developed in vivo we assume that a reduced PAs activity may lead to it. There is hardly any information regarding qualitative or quantitative differences in expression of PAs in preimplantation embryos, or comparisons between in vivo and in vitro developed embryos. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of urokinase type (uPA) and tissue type (tPA) plasminogen activators in in vivo and in vitro preimplantation development in rat embryos using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and computerized image analysis. METHODS Zygotes, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stages of development were flushed from the reproductive tract (control groups) of Wistar rats. Zygotes were flushed and grown in vitro to the above mentioned developmental stages and comprised the experimental groups. Immunofluorescence microscopy and computerized image analysis were used to evaluate both qualitative (localization) and quantitative expression of plasminogen activators. RESULTS uPA and tPA were found to be expressed in rat embryos throughout their preimplantation development, both in vivo and in vitro. While uPA was localized mainly in the cell cytoplasm, the tPA was detected mainly on cell surface and in the perivitelline space. In blastocysts, both in vivo and in vitro, uPA and tPA were localized in the trophectoderm cells. Total uPA content per embryo was higher in the in vivo as compared with the in vitro developed embryos at all stages measured. Blastocyst uPA content was significantly low as compared with the four-cell, eight-cell, and morula stages. Total tPA content was higher in embryos developed in vivo than those developed in vitro except for the 4-cell and 8-cell stages. CONCLUSION In vitro embryo development leads to lower PAs expression in a stage dependent manner as compared with in vivo developing controls. The enzymes studied vary probably in the ratio of their active and inactive forms as there is no correlation between their content and the activity observed in our previous study. The localization of both PAs in the blastocysts' trophectoderm supports the assumption that PAs plays a role in the implantation process in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliahu D Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Uriel A Sod-Moriah
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Gad Potashnik
- Fertility and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fertility and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
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16
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Aflalo ED, Sod-Moriah UA, Potashnik G, Har-Vardi I. Differences in the implantation rates of rat embryos developed in vivo and in vitro: possible role for plasminogen activators. Fertil Steril 2004; 81 Suppl 1:780-5. [PMID: 15019809 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2003] [Revised: 10/29/2003] [Accepted: 10/29/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the participation of urokinase-type (uPA) and tissue-type (tPA) plasminogen activators in embryo development and implantation. DESIGN The study was set to compare the activities of PAs in embryos developed in vivo and in vitro and their implantation rates. Endometrial PA activity was studied as well. SETTING University laboratories. PATIENT(S) None. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Plasminogen activator activity in embryos. RESULT(S) Whereas tPA activity in in vivo-developed embryos decreased from the zygote to the blastocyst stages, it did not change in embryos developed in vitro. The activity of uPA was lowest in two-cell-stage embryos, both in vivo and in vitro, and increased as embryos developed into blastocysts. The activity of uPA in the in vitro-developed embroys was lower in all developmental stages as compared with those developed in vivo. Whereas endometrial tPA activity did not change during the preimplantation period, uPA activity increased gradually toward the time of implantation. The implantation rate of the in vitro-developed embryos was much lower than that of those developed in vivo. CONCLUSION(S) Taken together, these data indicate that in vitro embryo development leads to lower PA activities as compared with in vivo development. The increased activity of uPA toward the blastocyst stage supports uPA's role in the implantation process. Moreover, the rise in endometrial uPA might also indicate its importance in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliahu D Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
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Kim NK, Choi MJ, Chung HM, Sohn TJ, Hwang SG, Oh D, Lee HH, Lee YH, Ko JJ. Increased expression and localization of a serine protease inhibitor, protease nexin-1 (PN-1), in the ovary and uterus during implantation in rat. Thromb Res 2001; 103:135-42. [PMID: 11457471 DOI: 10.1016/s0049-3848(01)00288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Protease nexin-1 (PN-1) is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that inactivates several proteases, including thrombin, urokinase, plasminogen activators (PA), and plasmin. It also plays a role in regulating proteolytic activity generated by PA system. PN-1 is known to be involved in tissue remodeling, cellular invasiveness, matrix degradation, and tumor growth. However, the role of PN-1 in female reproductive tracts, such as the uterus, ovary, and oviduct, during pregnancy is not known. The present study was designed to investigate the changes of PN-1 mRNA level and localization in the tracts during implantation and early pregnancy by using reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization. We found that PN-1 mRNA levels were coordinately regulated during early pregnancy in a stage- and tissue-specific manner, such that an increased expression of PN-1 gene appeared at the time of the implantation period in the uterus and ovary. Both the uterus and ovary synthesized PN-1 mRNA and their maximal PN-1 expression occurred on Day 6.5 postcoitum (p.c.). On 13.5 days of pregnancy, PN-1 level was low in the uterus and ovary. On the other hand, PN-1 mRNA in the oviduct did not show after 6.5 days of pregnancy. It appears that PN-1 mRNA in the uterus and ovary was highly regulated during early pregnancy, which might have an important role in implantation of rat blastocysts. PN-1 was localized in endometrial stromal cells of the uterus and in granulosa cells of the unstimulated primary follicles in the ovary during periimplantation period. Also, PN-1 mRNA expression was higher at implantation period than that at nonimplantation period of pregnancy. In conclusion, PN-1 is expressed in female reproductive tracts and highly regulated during implantation and early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, 351 Yatap-dong, Pundang-ku, Sungnam 463-712, South Korea.
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18
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Cai LQ, Cao YJ, Duan EK. Effects of leukaemia inhibitory factor on embryo implantation in the mouse. Cytokine 2000; 12:1676-82. [PMID: 11052819 DOI: 10.1006/cyto.2000.0758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotrophic cytokine. Recent reports indicate that LIF is relevant to murine embryo implantation. In this work, results of indirect immunofluorescence under a confocal microscope illustrated that LIF was mainly located in the uterine lumen and uterine epithelial cells in pregnant mice on day 4. The number of embryos implanted in pregnant mice on day 8 decreased significantly after injection of 3 microg LIF antibodies into a uterine horn (P<0.001), which demonstrated again that LIF is a critical factor for embryo implantation. In a co-culture system, LIF (0.1 ng/ml, 1 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml) significantly enhanced the blastocyst outgrowth after 24, 48 or 72 h of co-culture, and outgrowth areas after 72 h of co-culture. Conversely, 5 microg/ml and 10 microg/ml, but not 1 microg/ml, LIF antibodies decreased the percentage of blastocysts with outgrowth; only 10 microg/ml LIF antibody inhibited blastocyst outgrowth area significantly (P<0.001). However, neither LIF nor its antibodies changed embryo attachment. Analysis of correlation showed that the effects of LIF or its antibodies on the blastocyst outgrowth were dose-dependent. In summary, different pathways may exist to regulate the blastocyst attachment and outgrowth on a monolayer of uterine epithelial cells. LIF protein from the maternal uterus exerts an essential role in embryo implantation in the mouse, which is mediated by stimulating trophoblast outgrowth, but not by promoting the attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Q Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica, Beijing, P. R. China
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Khamsi F, Lacanna I, Endman M, Wong J. Recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies. Endocrine 1998; 9:15-25. [PMID: 9798726 DOI: 10.1385/endo:9:1:15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/1998] [Revised: 05/06/1998] [Accepted: 05/13/1998] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have received considerable attention, both clinically and empirically. Drs. Steptoe and Edwards removed one oocyte surgically from a woman with infertility related to tubal disease. They fertilized this oocyte in vitro and transferred the formed embryo to the woman's uterus and achieved pregnancy and delivery. The technique of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) quickly became widely utilized for other causes of infertility as well as for tubal disease. In the last 5 years there has been a number of new developments that are reviewed in this article. The most important and now widely practiced technology has been direct intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) of the husband's sperm into the wife's oocyte. This was developed for treatment of infertility related to low sperm count. Subsequently it was shown that sperm can be aspirated from epididymis or found in testicular biopsy in obstructive azoospermia. Another promising development is in vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes. This has the potential of avoiding ovarian hyperstimulation, which can be uncomfortable and occasionally dangerous. Some oocytes are unable to fertilize and/or develop into normal embryos. It may be possible that the problem is with the machinery of cytoplasm of the oocyte. Therefore cytoplasmic transfer from a normal oocyte to an abnormal oocyte may overcome the problem. Infertile couples may be faced with many psychological problems that become even more complex with various treatments. Whereas donation of oocytes or embryos can be technically quite simple, there are many psychological issues involved. As can be gathered from aforementioned discussions, the treatments developed for infertility appear to be somewhat illogical and in the style of "shot gun therapy." In the field of infertility, as in other areas of medicine, it is of paramount importance to know the details of disease mechanisms. This in turn will allow specific and logical treatments to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Khamsi
- Toronto Fertility Sterility Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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