1
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Fiorentino G, Merico V, Zanoni M, Comincini S, Sproviero D, Garofalo M, Gagliardi S, Cereda C, Lin CJ, Innocenti F, Taggi M, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L, Cimadomo D, Garagna S, Zuccotti M. Extracellular vesicles secreted by cumulus cells contain microRNAs that are potential regulatory factors of mouse oocyte developmental competence. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae019. [PMID: 38745364 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae019] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of cumulus cells (CCs) in the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence is not yet fully understood. In a previous study, we matured cumulus-denuded fully-grown mouse oocytes to metaphase II (MII) on a feeder layer of CCs (FL-CCs) isolated from developmentally competent (FL-SN-CCs) or incompetent (FL-NSN-CCs) SN (surrounded nucleolus) or NSN (not surrounding nucleolus) oocytes, respectively. We observed that oocytes cultured on the former could develop into blastocysts, while those matured on the latter arrested at the 2-cell stage. To investigate the CC factors contributing to oocyte developmental competence, here we focused on the CCs' release into the medium of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and on their miRNA content. We found that, during the 15-h transition to MII, both FL-SN-CCs and FL-NSN-CCs release EVs that can be detected, by confocal microscopy, inside the zona pellucida (ZP) or the ooplasm. The majority of EVs are <200 nm in size, which is compatible with their ability to cross the ZP. Next-generation sequencing of the miRNome of FL-SN-CC versus FL-NSN-CC EVs highlighted 74 differentially expressed miRNAs, with 43 up- and 31 down-regulated. Although most of these miRNAs do not have known roles in the ovary, in silico functional analysis showed that seven of these miRNAs regulate 71 target genes with specific roles in meiosis resumption (N = 24), follicle growth (N = 23), fertilization (N = 1), and the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence (N = 23). Overall, our results indicate CC EVs as emerging candidates of the CC-to-oocyte communication axis and uncover a group of miRNAs as potential regulatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Merico
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Zanoni
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sergio Comincini
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daisy Sproviero
- IFOM, IFOM-The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Garofalo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Chih-Jen Lin
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Taggi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Weidner AE, Roy A, Vann K, Walczyk AC, Astapova O. Paxillin regulates androgen receptor expression associated with granulosa cell focal adhesions. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae018. [PMID: 38718206 PMCID: PMC11136451 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae018] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Paxillin is a ubiquitously expressed adaptor protein integral to focal adhesions, cell motility, and apoptosis. Paxillin has also recently been implicated as a mediator of nongenomic androgen receptor (AR) signaling in prostate cancer and other cells. We sought to investigate the relationship between paxillin and AR in granulosa cells (GCs), where androgen actions, apoptosis, and focal adhesions are of known importance, but where the role of paxillin is understudied. We recently showed that paxillin knockout in mouse GCs increases fertility in older mice. Here, we demonstrate that paxillin knockdown in human granulosa-derived KGN cells, as well as knockout in mouse primary GCs, results in reduced AR protein but not reduced mRNA expression. Further, we find that both AR protein and mRNA half-lives are reduced by approximately one-third in the absence of paxillin, but that cells adapt to chronic loss of paxillin by upregulating AR gene expression. Using co-immunofluorescence and proximity ligation assays, we show that paxillin and AR co-localize at the plasma membrane in GCs in a focal adhesion kinase-dependent way, and that disruption of focal adhesions leads to reduced AR protein level. Our findings suggest that paxillin recruits AR to the GC membrane, where it may be sequestered from proteasomal degradation and poised for nongenomic signaling, as reported in other tissues. To investigate the physiological significance of this in disorders of androgen excess, we tested the effect of GC-specific paxillin knockout in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by chronic postnatal dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exposure. While none of the control mice had estrous cycles, 33% of paxillin knockout mice were cycling, indicating that paxillin deletion may offer partial protection from the negative effects of androgen excess by reducing AR expression. Paxillin-knockout GCs from mice with DHT-induced PCOS also produced more estradiol than GCs from littermate controls. Thus, paxillin may be a novel target in the management of androgen-related disorders in women, such as PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide E Weidner
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anna Roy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kenji Vann
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ariana C Walczyk
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Olga Astapova
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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3
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Liu W, Tang T, Feng J, Wang C, Lin L, Wang S, Zeng K, Zou R, Yang Z, Zhao Y. Knowledge graph construction based on granulosa cells transcriptome from polycystic ovary syndrome with normoandrogen and hyperandrogen. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:38. [PMID: 38347589 PMCID: PMC10860235 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PCOS is a widespread disease that primarily caused in-pregnancy in pregnant-age women. Normoandrogen (NA) and Hyperandrogen (HA) PCOS are distinct subtypes of PCOS, while bio-markers and expression patterns for NA PCOS and HA PCOS have not been disclosed. We performed microarray analysis on granusola cells from NA PCOS, HA PCOS and normal tissue from 12 individuals. Afterwards, microarray data were processed and specific genes for NA PCOS and HA PCOS were identified. Further functional analysis selected IL6R and CD274 as new NA PCOS functional markers, and meanwhile selected CASR as new HA PCOS functional marker. IL6R, CD274 and CASR were afterwards experimentally validated on mRNA and protein level. Subsequent causal relationship analysis based on Apriori Rules Algorithm and co-occurrence methods identified classification markers for NA PCOS and HA PCOS. According to classification markers, downloaded transcriptome datasets were merged with our microarray data. Based on merged data, causal knowledge graph was constructed for NA PCOS or HA PCOS and female infertility on NA PCOS and HA PCOS. Gene-drug interaction analysis was then performed and drugs for HA PCOS and NA PCOS were predicted. Our work was among the first to indicate the NA PCOS and HA PCOS functional and classification markers and using markers to construct knowledge graphs and afterwards predict drugs for NA PCOS and HA PCOS based on transcriptome data. Thus, our study possessed biological and clinical value on further understanding the inner mechanism on the difference between NA PCOS and HA PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensu Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jianwei Feng
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Kai Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Renlong Zou
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
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4
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Bharati J, Kumar S, Kumar S, Mohan NH, Islam R, Pegu SR, Banik S, Das BC, Borah S, Sarkar M. Androgen receptor gene deficiency results in the reduction of steroidogenic potential in porcine luteal cells. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2183-2196. [PMID: 35678291 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2079517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Luteal steroidogenesis is critical to implantation and pregnancy maintenance in mammals. The role of androgen receptors (AR) in the progesterone (P4) producing luteal cells of porcine corpus luteum (CL) remains unexplored. The aim of the present study was to establish AR gene knock out (KO) porcine luteal cell culture system model by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and to study the downstream effects of AR gene deficiency on steroidogenic potential and viability of luteal cells. For this purpose, genomic cleavage detection assay, microscopy, RT-qPCR, ELISA, annexin, MTT, and viability assay complemented by bioinformatics analysis were employed. There was significant downregulation (p < 0.05) in the relative mRNA expression of steroidogenic marker genes STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1 in AR KO luteal cells as compared to the control group, which was further validated by the significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the P4 production. Significant decrease (p < 0.05) in relative viability on third passage were also observed. The relative mRNA expression of hypoxia related gene HIF1A was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in AR KO luteal cells. Protein-protein interaction analysis mapped AR to signaling pathways associated with luteal cell functionality. These findings suggests that AR gene functionality is critical to luteal cell steroidogenesis in porcine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Bharati
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - N H Mohan
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Rafiqul Islam
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Seema Rani Pegu
- Animal Health, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Santanu Banik
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Bikash Chandra Das
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Sanjib Borah
- Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, North Lakhimpur, India
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, India
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5
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Rodriguez Esquivel M, Hayes E, Lakomy O, Hassan M, Foretz M, Stocco C. Salt-inducible kinases regulate androgen synthesis in theca cells by enhancing CREB signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112030. [PMID: 37499999 PMCID: PMC10592241 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Ovulation is the pinnacle of folliculogenesis, a process that requires an interplay between the oocyte, the granulosa cells, and the theca cells (TCs). TCs are the only source of ovarian androgens, which play a vital role in female fertility. However, abnormally elevated androgen levels reduce fertility. Therefore, uncovering novel mechanisms regulating androgen synthesis in TCs is of great significance. We have shown that salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) regulate granulosa cell steroidogenesis. Here, we investigated whether SIKs regulate androgen production in TCs. SIK2 and SIK3 were detected in the TCs of mouse ovaries and isolated TCs. Next, TCs in culture were treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) in the presence or absence of a highly specific SIK inhibitor. SIK inhibition enhanced the stimulatory effect of LH on steroidogenic gene expression and androgen production in a concentration-dependent manner. SIK inhibition alone stimulated the expression of steroidogenic genes and increased androgen production. Activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin or emulation of increased intracellular cyclic AMP levels stimulated steroidogenesis, an effect that was enhanced by the inhibition of SIK activity. The stimulatory effect of downstream targets of cyclic AMP was also significantly augmented by SIK inhibition, suggesting that SIKs control targets downstream cyclic AMP. Finally, it is shown that SIK2 knockout mice have higher circulating testosterone than controls. This evidence shows that TCs express SIKs and reveal novel roles for SIKs in the regulation of TC function and androgen production. This information could contribute to uncovering therapeutic targets to treat hyperandrogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Hayes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Oliwia Lakomy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mariam Hassan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Marc Foretz
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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De La Torre KM, Lee Y, Safar A, Laws MJ, Meling DD, Thompson LM, Streifer M, Weis KE, Raetzman LT, Gore AC, Flaws JA. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls alter follicle numbers, gene expression, and a proliferation marker in the rat ovary. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108427. [PMID: 37400041 PMCID: PMC10528725 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108427] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were used in industrial applications until they were banned in the 1970s, but they still persist in the environment. Little is known about the long-term effects of exposure to PCB mixtures on the rat ovary during critical developmental periods. Thus, this study tested whether prenatal and postnatal exposures to PCBs affect follicle numbers and gene expression in the ovaries of F1 offspring. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with vehicle or Aroclor 1221 (A1221) at 1 mg/kg/day during embryonic days 8-18 and/or postnatal days (PND) 1-21. Ovaries from F1 rats were collected for assessment of follicle numbers and differential expression of estrogen receptor 1 (Esr1), estrogen receptor 2 (Esr2), androgen receptor (Ar), progesterone receptor (Pgr), and Ki-67 (Ki67) at PNDs 8, 32, and 60. Sera were collected for measurement of estradiol concentrations. Prenatal exposure to A1221 significantly decreased the number of primordial follicles and the total number of follicles at PND 32 compared to control. Postnatal PCB exposure borderline increased Ki67 gene expression and significantly increased Ki67 protein levels (PND 60) compared to control. Combined prenatal and postnatal PCB exposure borderline decreased Ar expression (PND 8) compared to control. However, PCB exposure did not significantly affect the expression of Pgr, Esr1, and Esr2 or serum estradiol concentrations compared to control at any time point. In conclusion, these data suggest that PCB exposure affects follicle numbers and levels of the proliferation marker Ki67, but it does not affect expression of some sex steroid hormone receptors in the rat ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy M De La Torre
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yuna Lee
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Adira Safar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mary J Laws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Daryl D Meling
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lindsay M Thompson
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Madeline Streifer
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karen E Weis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lori T Raetzman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
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7
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Salehi R, Wyse BA, Asare-Werehene M, Esfandiarinezhad F, Abedini A, Pan B, Urata Y, Gutsol A, Vinas JL, Jahangiri S, Xue K, Xue Y, Burns KD, Vanderhyden B, Li J, Osuga Y, Burger D, Tan SL, Librach CL, Tsang BK. Androgen-induced exosomal miR-379-5p release determines granulosa cell fate: cellular mechanism involved in polycystic ovaries. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:74. [PMID: 37046285 PMCID: PMC10091561 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multi-factorial syndrome associated with androgen excess and anovulatory infertility. In the current study, we investigated the role of dihydrotestosterone-induced exosomal miR-379-5p release in determining the destiny of the developing follicles. Our hypothesis was that androgen regulates granulosa cell miR-379-5p content by facilitating its exosomal release in a follicular-stage dependent manner, a process which determines granulosa cell fate. Compared to human non-PCOS subjects, individuals with PCOS exhibit higher follicular fluid free testosterone levels, lower exosomal miR-379-5p content and granulosa cell proliferation. Androgenized rats exhibited lower granulosa cell miR-379-5p but higher phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1; a miR-379-5p target) content and proliferation. Androgen reduced granulosa cell miR-379-5p content by increasing its exosomal release in preantral follicles, but not in antral follicles in vitro. Studies with an exosomal release inhibitor confirmed that androgen-induced exosomal miR-379-5p release decreased granulosa cell miR-379-5p content and proliferation. Ovarian overexpression of miR-379-5p suppressed granulosa cell proliferation, and basal and androgen-induced preantral follicle growth in vivo. These findings suggest that increased exosomal miR-379-5p release in granulosa cells is a proliferative response to androgenic stimulation specific for the preantral stage of follicle development and that dysregulation of this response at the antral stage is associated with follicular growth arrest, as observed in human PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Salehi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Meshach Asare-Werehene
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiarinezhad
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Atefeh Abedini
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Animal BioScience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Yoko Urata
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alex Gutsol
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jose L Vinas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kai Xue
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunping Xue
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin D Burns
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Vanderhyden
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal BioScience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dylan Burger
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Seang-Lin Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Originelle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin K Tsang
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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8
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Liao X, Wu L, Yin D, Tian D, Zhou C, Liu J, Li S, Zhou J, Nie Y, Liao H, Peng C. The role of zinc in follicular development. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:4527-4534. [PMID: 36848006 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Follicles consist of specialized somatic cells that encase a single oocyte. Follicle development is a process regulated by a variety of endocrine, paracrine, and secretory factors that work together to select follicles for ovulation. Zinc is an essential nutrient for the human body and is involved in many physiological processes, such as follicle development, immune response, homeostasis, oxidative stress, cell cycle progression, DNA replication, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, and aging. Zinc deficiency can lead to blocked oocyte meiotic process, cumulus expansion, and follicle ovulation. In this mini-review, we summarize the the role of zinc in follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Liao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Liujianxiong Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Yin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Dewei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Cuilan Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Suyun Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, 30# Jiefang Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yulin Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, 30# Jiefang Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, PR China
| | - Hongqing Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, 30# Jiefang Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Cuiying Peng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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9
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Zheng R, Shen H, Li J, Zhao J, Lu L, Hu M, Lin Z, Ma H, Tan H, Hu M, Li J. Qi Gong Wan ameliorates adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation in adipose tissue in a PCOS mouse model through the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway: Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 301:115824. [PMID: 36273747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Initially recorded in Yifang Jijie (an ancient Chinese text), Qi Gong Wan (QGW) is used to treat obese women with infertility. QGW can help promote follicular development and maturation, regulate the balance of serum hormones between testosterone and estradiol, enhance endometrial receptivity, improve waist circumference, and ameliorate insulin resistance. It contains eight herbs: Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino (Banxia), Citrus maxima (Burm.) (Juhong), Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. (Fuling), Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (Baizhu), Cyperus rotundus L. (Xiangfu), Conioselinum anthriscoides 'Chuanxiong' (Chuanxiong), Massa Medicata Fermentata (Shenqu), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. (Gancao). However, the underlying mechanism of how QGW affects women with PCOS remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY QGW has been widely used to treat PCOS patients with obesity clinically. This study was designed to identify its chemical and pharmacological properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology was used to predict the active compounds, potential targets, and pathways of QGW. Female C57BL/6J mice were injected with letrozole and fed a high-fat diet to establish a PCOS-insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) model. Body weight, estrous cycles, ovarian pathology, and serum insulin resistance were measured. qRT-PCR was used to examine the inflammation-related and steroid hormone biosynthesis-related mRNA expression in adipose tissue. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and Cyp1b1 in adipose tissue. Molecular docking was used to reveal the key chemical compounds of QGW. RESULTS Network pharmacology revealed a total of 91 active ingredients in QGW that were associated with 167 targets. QGW could potentially treat PCOS-IR via nitrogen metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways. In the PCOS-IR mouse model, we found that QGW decreased the mean diameter of adipocytes and the total adipocyte area. Furthermore, QGW was found to significantly lower the expression of inflammation-related genes including Tnfɑ and C4a/b and the steroid hormone biosynthesis-related gene Cyp1b1. QGW showed a tendency to improve cystic follicles, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR index in the PCOS-IR mouse model. Combining these findings with the results of KEGG analysis, we conclude that QGW promotes the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway to protect adipose tissue under conditions of PCOS. Molecular docking revealed that rutin, nicotiflorin, and baicalein may be the key chemical compounds of QGW through which it improves adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS QGW improved adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation in the PCOS-IR mouse model by activating the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway to protect adipose tissue. Our work thus provides a new research avenue for the study of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqun Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Shen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansen Zhao
- Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingjing Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mianhao Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Zixin Lin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyan Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Zeng X, Zhong Q, Li M, Liu Y, long S, Xie Y, Mo Z. Androgen increases klotho expression via the androgen receptor-mediated pathway to induce GCs apoptosis. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:10. [PMID: 36641458 PMCID: PMC9840339 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01087-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many epidemiological studies have shown that anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is accompanied by hyperandrogenism. However, the exact mechanism of hyperandrogen-induced anovulation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of anovulation in PCOS. To investigate the role of klotho as a key factor in the androgen receptor (AR)-mediated development of PCOS, we investigated the effects of testosterone on ovarian klotho expression in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Testosterone propionate (TP)-induced rats showed cycle irregularity, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian changes, dyslipidemia. However, inhibition of AR expression could relieve PCOS traits. We also found that AR and klotho showed relatively high expression in PCOS rat ovarian tissue and in TP-induced granulosa cells (GCs), which was inhibited by the addition of flutamide. TP-induced GCs apoptosis was suppressed by AR antagonist, as well as silencing klotho expression in human GCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that AR indirectly binds to the klotho promoter. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated TP mediates the expression of klotho via androgen receptor and klotho alterations could be a reason for ovarian dysfunction in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zeng
- grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Province Postgraduate Co-Training Base for Cooperative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199 Guangxi China ,Department of Basic Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaoqing Zhong
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 China ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Med, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Ming Li
- grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Province Postgraduate Co-Training Base for Cooperative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199 Guangxi China
| | - Yating Liu
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Shuanglian long
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Yuanjie Xie
- grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Province Postgraduate Co-Training Base for Cooperative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199 Guangxi China
| | - Zhongcheng Mo
- grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guangxi Province Postgraduate Co-Training Base for Cooperative Innovation in Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199 Guangxi China
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11
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Devillers MM, François CM, Chester M, Corre R, Cluzet V, Giton F, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Guigon CJ. Androgen receptor signaling regulates follicular growth and steroidogenesis in interaction with gonadotropins in the ovary during mini-puberty in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1130681. [PMID: 37152943 PMCID: PMC10154677 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1130681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In females, androgens contribute to ovarian diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but their action is also crucial for ovarian physiology, i.e., follicular growth and estradiol (E2) synthesis during reproductive life, in interaction with the gonadotropins LH and FSH. However, it is unclear whether androgens already play a role in the ovary at mini-puberty, a phase of postnatal development with active follicular growth and high E2 levels. Therefore, we analyzed the potential actions of androgens on the ovary and their possible interaction with gonadotropins during this period in mice. We used molecular-based studies and pharmacological approaches in vivo and on cultured ovaries. We found that mini-pubertal ovaries produce significant amounts of testosterone and display androgen receptor (AR) expression in growing follicles, both under the control of LH. By blocking AR signaling either in vivo or in ovarian cultures, we found that this pathway may participate in the regulation of prepubertal E2 synthesis and follicular growth, possibly by regulating the expression of a number of key intra-ovarian regulators, including FSH receptor (Fshr), the aromatase enzyme converting androgens into estrogens (Cyp19a1) and the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP1 (Cdkn1b). We further showed that AR may stimulate FSH-mediated regulation of Cyp19a1 through its action on Fshr mRNA abundance. Overall, this work supports the idea that AR signaling is already activated in mini-pubertal ovaries to regulate E2 synthesis and follicular growth, at the interplay with LH and FSH signaling. Its early action may, thus, contribute to the implementation of early ovarian function with possible impacts on reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie M. Devillers
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte M. François
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Chester
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Corre
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Victoria Cluzet
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Frank Giton
- AP-HP, Pôle biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, Inserm IMRB U955, Créteil, France
| | - Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Céline J. Guigon
- Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Céline J. Guigon,
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12
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Kang Y, Bi Y, Tang Q, Xu H, Lan X, Zhang Q, Pan C. A 7-nt nucleotide sequence variant within the sheep KDM3B gene affects female reproduction traits. Anim Biotechnol 2022; 33:1661-1667. [PMID: 34081570 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1929270] [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] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Lysine demethylase 3B (KDM3B) gene is a histone demethylase, demonstrating specific demethylation of the histone H3 lysine 9. It was detected as a sheep reproductive candidate gene by genome-wide scans, and related studies also showed its significance in female reproductive process. However, rare study researched its polymorphism. Herein, we hypothesized that the polymorphisms of KDM3B gene were associated with sheep reproduction traits. A 7-nt nucleotide sequence variant (rs1088697156) within KDM3B gene was identified in a total of 888 individuals, including the Australian White (AUW) sheep and Lanzhou Fat-tailed (LFT) sheep. II (insertion/insertion) and ID (insertion/deletion) genotypes of 7-nt variant were detected, which were at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in detected breeds. Association analysis illustrated the 7-nt variant was significantly associated with the litter size, duration of pregnancy, live lamb number, live lamb rate, stillbirth number, stillbirth rate of average and different parity (P < 0.05) in AUW sheep. Moreover, 'ID' was the dominant genotype with excellent consistency in reproductive traits. It is instrumental to select individuals with ID genotype for improving the sheep reproduction traits. These findings suggest that the 7-nt variant within KDM3B gene can be used as a candidate marker of reproduction traits for sheep breeding improvement by marker-assisted selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Kang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Bi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- Tianjin Aoqun Sheep Industry Academy Company, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Aoqun Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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13
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Babayev E, Xu M, Shea LD, Woodruff TK, Duncan FE. Follicle isolation methods reveal plasticity of granulosa cell steroidogenic capacity during mouse in vitro follicle growth. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6693628. [PMID: 36069625 PMCID: PMC9802420 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicles are the functional unit of the ovary and several methods have been developed to grow follicles ex vivo, which recapitulate key events of oogenesis and folliculogenesis. Enzymatic digestion protocols are often used to increase the yield of follicles from the ovary. However, the impact of these protocols on the outermost theca and granulosa cells, and thereby follicle function, is not well defined. To investigate the impact of enzymatic digestion on follicle function, we collected preantral follicles from CD1 mice either by enzymatic digestion (Enzy-FL) or mechanical isolation (Mech-FL) and compared follicle growth, steroidogenesis and cell differentiation within an encapsulated in vitro follicle growth system which maintains the 3D architecture of the oocyte and its surrounding somatic cells. Follicles were encapsulated in 0.5% alginate and cultured for 8 days. Compared with Enzy-FL, Mech-FL grew more rapidly and produced significantly higher levels of androstenedione, estradiol and progesterone. The expression of theca-interstitial cell marker genes, Cyp17a1, which encodes 17-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase and catalyzes the hydroxylation of pregnenolone and progesterone to 17-hydroxypregnenolone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and the conversion of these products into dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, and Star, which encodes a transport protein essential for cholesterol entry into mitochondria, were also higher in Mech-FL than in Enzy-FL. Mech-FL maintained an intact theca-interstitial layer on the outer edge of the follicle that phenocopied in vivo patterns as confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining, whereas theca-interstitial cells were absent from Enzy-FL from the onset of culture. Therefore, preservation of the theca cell layer at the onset of culture better supports follicle growth and function. Interestingly, granulosa cells in the outermost layers of Enzy-FL expressed CYP17A1 by Day 4 of culture while maintaining inhibin α-subunit expression and a cuboidal nucleus. Thus, in the absence of theca-interstitial cells, granulosa cells have the potential to differentiate into androgen-producing cells. This work may have implications for human follicle culture, where enzymatic isolation is required owing to the density of the ovarian cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lonnie D Shea
- Member of the Oncofertility Consortium, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Institute of Bionanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail: (F.E.D.); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316, USA. E-mail: (T.K.W.)
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail: (F.E.D.); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316, USA. E-mail: (T.K.W.)
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14
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AOP key event relationship report: Linking decreased androgen receptor activation with decreased granulosa cell proliferation of gonadotropin-independent follicles. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:136-147. [PMID: 35868514 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We recently proposed to formally recognize Key Event Relationships (KERs) as building blocks of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) that can be independently developed and peer-reviewed. Here, we follow this approach and provide an independent KER from AOP345, which describes androgen receptor (AR) antagonism leading to decreased female fertility. This KER connects AR antagonism to reduced granulosa cell proliferation of gonadotropin-independent follicles (KER2273). We have developed both the KER and the two adjacent Key Events (KEs). A systematic approach was used to ensure that all relevant supporting evidence for KER2273 was retrieved. Supporting evidence for the KER highlights the importance of AR action during the early stages of follicular development. Both biological plausibility and empirical evidence are presented, with the latter also assessed for quality. We believe that tackling isolated KERs instead of whole AOPs will accelerate the AOP development. Faster AOP development will lead to the development of simple test methods that will aid screening of chemicals, endocrine disruptor identification, risk assessment, and subsequent regulation.
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15
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Huang YS, Lin CY. Stimulatory Effects of Androgens on Eel Primary Ovarian Development - from Phenotypes to Genotypes. Vet Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.99582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens stimulate primary ovarian development in Vertebrate. Japanese eels underwent operation to sample the pre- and post-treated ovarian tissues from the same individual. Ovarian phenotypic or genotypic data were mined in a pair. A correlation between the initial ovarian status (determined by kernel density estimation (KDE), presented as a probability density of oocyte size) and the consequence of androgen (17MT) treatment (change in ovary) has been showed. The initial ovarian status appeared to be important to influence ovarian androgenic sensitivity. The initial ovary was important to the outcomes of androgen treatments, and ePAV (expression presence-absence variation) is existing in Japanese eel by analyze DEGs; core, unique, or accessory genes were identified, the sensitivities of initial ovaries were correlated with their gene expression profiles. We speculated the importance of genetic differential expression on the variations of phenotypes by 17MT, and transcriptomic approach seems to allow extracting multiple layers of genomic data.
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16
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Chemerinski A, Liu C, Morelli SS, Babwah AV, Douglas NC. Mouse Cre drivers: tools for studying disorders of the human female neuroendocrine-reproductive axis†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:835-853. [PMID: 35084017 PMCID: PMC9113446 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac012] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign disorders of the human female reproductive system, such primary ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with infertility and recurrent miscarriage, as well as increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. For many of these conditions, the contributing molecular and cellular processes are poorly understood. The overarching similarities between mice and humans have rendered mouse models irreplaceable in understanding normal physiology and elucidating pathological processes that underlie disorders of the female reproductive system. The utilization of Cre-LoxP recombination technology, which allows for spatial and temporal control of gene expression, has identified the role of numerous genes in development of the female reproductive system and in processes, such as ovulation and endometrial decidualization, that are required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of Cre drivers with activity in the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis that have been used to study disruptions in key intracellular signaling pathways. We first summarize normal development of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus, highlighting similarities and differences between mice and humans. We then describe human conditions resulting from abnormal development and/or function of the organ. Finally, we describe loss-of-function models for each Cre driver that elegantly recapitulate some key features of the human condition and are associated with impaired fertility. The examples we provide illustrate use of each Cre driver as a tool for elucidating genetic and molecular underpinnings of reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Chemerinski
- Correspondence: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E561, Newark, NJ 07103, USA. Tel: 301-910-6800; Fax: 973-972-4574. E-mail:
| | | | - Sara S Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
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17
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Liao B, Qi X, Yun C, Qiao J, Pang Y. Effects of Androgen Excess-Related Metabolic Disturbances on Granulosa Cell Function and Follicular Development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:815968. [PMID: 35237237 PMCID: PMC8883052 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.815968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease in women of reproductive age. Ovarian dysfunction including abnormal steroid hormone synthesis and follicular arrest play a vital role in PCOS pathogenesis. Hyperandrogenemia is one of the important characteristics of PCOS. However, the mechanism of regulation and interaction between hyperandrogenism and ovulation abnormalities are not clear. To investigate androgen-related metabolic state in granulosa cells of PCOS patients, we identified the transcriptome characteristics of PCOS granulosa cells by RNA-seq. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that genes enriched in lipid metabolism pathway, fatty acid biosynthetic process and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway were abnormally expressed in PCOS granulosa cells in comparison with that in control. There are close interactions among these three pathways as identified by analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs. Furthermore, in vitro mouse follicle culture system was established to explore the effect of high androgen and its related metabolic dysfunction on follicular growth and ovulation. RT-qPCR results showed that follicles cultured with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exhibited decreased expression levels of cumulus expansion-related genes (Has2, Ptx3, Tnfaip6 and Adamts1) and oocyte maturation-related genes (Gdf9 and Bmp15), which may be caused by impaired steroid hormone synthesis and lipid metabolism, thus inhibited follicular development and ovulation. Furthermore, the inhibition effect of DHEA on follicle development and ovulation was ameliorated by flutamide, an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, suggesting the involvement of AR signaling. In summary, our study offers new insights into understanding the role of androgen excess induced granulosa cell metabolic disorder in ovarian dysfunction of PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoying Liao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Qi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuyu Yun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Pang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanli Pang,
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18
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Dinh DT, Russell DL. Nuclear Receptors in Ovarian Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:41-58. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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19
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Abstract
The approach to hyperandrogenism in women varies depending on the woman's age and severity of symptoms. Once tumorous hyperandrogenism is excluded, the most common cause is PCOS. Hirsutism is the most common presenting symptom. The woman's concern about her symptoms plays an important role in the management of disease. Although measurement of testosterone is useful in identifying an underlying cause, care must be taken when interpreting the less accurate assays that are available commercially. Surgical resection is curative in tumorous etiologies, whereas medical management is the mainstay for non-tumorous causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sharma
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah, EIHG 2110A, 15 N 2030 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Corrine K Welt
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah, EIHG 2110A, 15 N 2030 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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20
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Jin X, Cheng J, Shen J, Lv X, Li Q, Mu Y, Bai H, Liu Y, Xia Y. Moxibustion improves ovarian function based on the regulation of the androgen balance. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1230. [PMID: 34539826 PMCID: PMC8438671 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of androgens on follicular development and female reproduction has become an active research topic. Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that has been reported to be able to prevent and treat numerous ovary-related problems. However, studies on the effect of moxibustion for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on androgen balance are still lacking. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early stage of disease in a rat model of DOR and explore the mechanisms of its effect on ovarian function. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: Blank group, Model group (a drug-induced model of DOR), Moxibustion group 1 and Moxibustion group 2. Moxibustion was performed on the BL23 and RN4 acupoints of female rats daily for a total of 20 days (once a day, five times a week for a total of 4 weeks). The two moxibustion groups were established with different intervention times: One group was subjected to pre-disease intervention and the other group to early-disease intervention. The ovarian function was evaluated by detecting anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in the serum or the ovary samples. To further investigate the downstream regulatory factors for AR after moxibustion treatment for pre-disease or early-disease intervention, FSH receptor (FSHR) and microRNA (miR)-125b expression in ovaries were also analyzed. The results indicated that AMH and DHT levels were reduced in the model group compared with those in the blank group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were increased. AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 1 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. There was no difference in E2 levels between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 1. There was no difference in FSHR mRNA in the ovaries between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. miR-125b levels were significantly increased in Moxibustion group 1 as compared with those in the model group. Furthermore, AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. E2 levels were significantly decreased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group. The relative mRNA expression of AR, FSHR and miR-125b was decreased following establishment of the model. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 2. In comparison with the blank and model groups, the FSHR content in the ovary of Moxibustion group 2 was significantly increased. miR-125b levels were not obviously altered in Moxibustion group 2 as compared with those in the model group. In addition, there was no significant difference in AMH, FSH, T and DHEA levels between the two moxibustion groups. E2 and DHT levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. There was no difference in AR mRNA expression between the two moxibustion groups. FSHR mRNA levels were lower in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2, while miR-125b mRNA levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. In conclusion, the present study suggested that moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early disease stage was able to improve ovarian function via modulation of the AR-mediated stable equilibrium of androgens. However, the effects and mechanisms of moxibustion intervention for pre-disease and early-disease intervention of DOR appear to be different. The appropriate duration of treatment and the time-effect relationship require to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Jin
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Xing Lv
- Central Research Institute of Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200020, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yanyun Mu
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Hua Bai
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Youbing Xia
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221006, P.R. China
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21
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Huang YS, Cheng WC, Lin CY. Androgenic Sensitivities and Ovarian Gene Expression Profiles Prior to Treatment in Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 23:430-444. [PMID: 34191211 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-021-10035-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Androgens stimulate ovarian development in eels. Our previous report indicated a correlation between the initial (debut) ovarian status (determined by kernel density estimation (KDE), presented as a probability density of oocyte size) and the consequence of 17MT treatment (change in ovary). The initial ovarian status appeared to be an important factor influencing ovarian androgenic sensitivity. We postulated that the sensitivities of initial ovaries are correlated with their gene expression profiles. Japanese eels underwent operation to sample the initial ovarian tissues, and the samples were stored in liquid nitrogen. Using high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, ovarian transcriptomic data were mined and analyzed based on functional gene classification with cutoff-based differentially expressed genes (DEGs); the ovarian status was transformed into gene expression profiles globally or was represented by a set of gene list. Our results also implied that the initial ovary might be an important factor influencing the outcomes of 17MT treatments, and the genes related with neuronal activities or neurogenesis seemed to play an essential role in the positive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Sen Huang
- Department of Life Science, National University of Kaohsiung, No. 700 Kaohsiung University Road, Nan Tzu Dist, 811, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chih Cheng
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, No. 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang Dist., 115, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yen Lin
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, No. 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang Dist., 115, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Salinas I, Sinha N, Sen A. Androgen-induced epigenetic modulations in the ovary. J Endocrinol 2021; 249:R53-R64. [PMID: 33764313 PMCID: PMC8080881 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, androgens have emerged as critical regulators of female reproduction and women's health in general. While high levels of androgens in women are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recent evidence suggests that a certain amount of direct androgen action through androgen receptor is also essential for normal ovarian function. Moreover, prenatal androgen exposure has been reported to cause developmental reprogramming of the fetus that manifests into adult pathologies, supporting the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. Therefore, it has become imperative to understand the underlying mechanism of androgen actions and its downstream effects under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Over the years, there has been a lot of studies on androgen receptor function as a transcriptional regulator in the nucleus as well as androgen-induced rapid extra-nuclear signaling. Conversely, new evidence suggests that androgen actions may also be mediated through epigenetic modulation involving both the nuclear and extra-nuclear androgen signaling. This review focuses on androgen-induced epigenetic modifications in female reproduction, specifically in the ovary, and discusses emerging concepts, latest perceptions, and highlight the areas that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irving Salinas
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Corresponding author and person to whom reprint request should be addressed: Aritro Sen Ph.D., Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, 3013 Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building, 766 Service Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, Ph:517-432-4585;
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23
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Rodriguez Paris V, Edwards MC, Aflatounian A, Bertoldo MJ, Ledger WL, Handelsman DJ, Gilchrist RB, Walters KA. Pathogenesis of Reproductive and Metabolic PCOS Traits in a Mouse Model. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab060. [PMID: 34056500 PMCID: PMC8152184 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and heterogeneous disorder; however, the etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS are poorly understood and current management is symptom-based. Defining the pathogenesis of PCOS traits is important for developing early PCOS detection markers and new treatment strategies. Hyperandrogenism is a defining characteristic of PCOS, and studies support a role for androgen-driven actions in the development of PCOS. Therefore, we aimed to determine the temporal pattern of development of PCOS features in a well-characterized dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS mouse model after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of DHT exposure. Following 2 weeks of treatment, DHT induced the key PCOS reproductive features of acyclicity, anovulation, and multifollicular ovaries as well as a decrease in large antral follicle health. DHT-treated mice displayed the metabolic PCOS characteristics of increased body weight and exhibited increased visceral adiposity after 8 weeks of DHT treatment. DHT treatment also led to an increase in circulating cholesterol after 2 weeks of exposure and had an overall effect on fasting glucose levels, but not triglycerides, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, or hepatic steatosis. These data reveal that in this experimental PCOS mouse model, acyclicity, anovulation, and increased body weight are early features of a developing PCOS phenotype whereas adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis are later developing features of PCOS. These findings provide insights into the likely sequence of PCOS trait development and support the addition of body weight criteria to the early diagnosis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Ali Aflatounian
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
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24
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Tang T, Jiao J, Li D, Sun G, Lin L, Wang C, Wang S, Zou R, Liu W, Zhao Y, Wang X. The function of BAP18 on modulation of androgen receptor action in luteinized granulosa cells from normal weight women with and without PCOS. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 527:111228. [PMID: 33662476 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive-age women. In this study, BPTF associated protein of 18 kDa (BAP18) is decreased in luteinized granulosa cells (GCs) from PCOS women. BAP18 depletion significantly decreases CYP19A1 expression levels, leading to an abrogation in transfer capacity of androgen to estrogen in GCs. Also, BAP18 knockdown delays cell cycle G1 to S phase transition and induces cell apoptosis to decrease GCs proliferation. We also provide evidence showing BAP18 interacts with androgen receptor (AR) and enhances AR-mediated transactivation in GCs. Results indicate that AR or BAP18 recruits to androgen response elements (AREs) of CYP19A1 and FSHR, which are putative AR-induced genes in GCs. BAP18 interacts with Sp1 transcription factor and co-recruits to the promoter region of AR gene, resulting in AR transactivation in GCs. Taken together, these data provide new insights on the pathophysiology of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Tang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Ge Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Renlong Zou
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Wensu Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110122, China.
| | - Xiuxia Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, China.
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25
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Anesetti G, Chávez-Genaro R. Neonatal androgenization in rats affects oocyte maturation. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2799-2806. [PMID: 33825168 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00559-6] [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: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are relevant in order to achieve a normal growth and maturation of the follicle and oocyte, since both excess and absence of androgens may affect the correct ovarian function. The current study analyzes the impact of neonatal androgenization in the first ovulation and oocyte maturation in response to exogenous gonadotrophin stimulation. Neonatal rats were daily treated with testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or vehicle during follicle assembly period (days 1 to 5). At juvenile period, rats were stimulated sequentially with PMSG and hCG. Ovulation, ovarian histology, hormonal milieu, morphological characteristics of meiotic spindle, and in vitro fertilization rate in oocytes were analyzed. Our data shows that oocytes from androgenized rats displayed a major proportion of aberrant spindles and altered meiotic advance that control animals. These alterations were accompanied with an increase in both fertilization rate and aberrant embryos after 48 h of culture. Our findings showed a direct impact of neonatal androgens on oocyte development; their effects may be recognized at adulthood, supporting the idea of a programming effect exerted by neonatal androgens. These results could be relevant to explain the low fertility rate seen in polycystic ovary syndrome patients after in vitro fertilization procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Anesetti
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Rebeca Chávez-Genaro
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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26
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Orisaka M, Miyazaki Y, Shirafuji A, Tamamura C, Tsuyoshi H, Tsang BK, Yoshida Y. The role of pituitary gonadotropins and intraovarian regulators in follicle development: A mini-review. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:169-175. [PMID: 33850449 PMCID: PMC8022101 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of follicle development is tightly regulated by pituitary gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) and intraovarian regulators (eg, steroids, growth factors, and cytokines). METHODS This review outlines recent findings on the mechanisms of human follicle development, based on the research on animal models such as mice, rats, cows, and sheep. MAIN FINDINGS Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway and anti-Müllerian hormone are involved in primordial follicle activation during the gonadotropin-independent phase. The intraovarian regulators, such as androgen, insulin-like growth factor system, activin, oocyte-derived factors (growth differentiation factor-9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15), and gap junction membrane channel protein (connexin), play a central role in the acquisition of FSH dependence in preantral follicles during the gonadotropin-responsive phase. Antral follicle development can be divided into FSH-dependent growth and LH-dependent maturation. The indispensable tetralogy for follicle selection and final maturation of antral follicles involves (a) acquisition of LH dependence, (b) greater capacity for E2 production, (c) activation of the IGF system, and (d) an antiapoptotic follicular microenvironment. CONCLUSION We reproductive endocrinologists should accumulate further knowledge from animal model studies to develop methods that promote early folliculogenesis and connect to subsequent gonadotropin therapy in infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FukuiYoshida‐GunJapan
| | - Yumiko Miyazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FukuiYoshida‐GunJapan
| | - Aya Shirafuji
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FukuiYoshida‐GunJapan
| | - Chiyo Tamamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FukuiYoshida‐GunJapan
| | - Hideaki Tsuyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FukuiYoshida‐GunJapan
| | - Benjamin K. Tsang
- Reproductive Biology UnitDepartments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Cellular & Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Chronic Disease ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteCritical Care WingThe Ottawa Hospital ‐ General CampusOttawaONCanada
| | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FukuiYoshida‐GunJapan
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27
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Roy S, Huang B, Sinha N, Wang J, Sen A. Androgens regulate ovarian gene expression by balancing Ezh2-Jmjd3 mediated H3K27me3 dynamics. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009483. [PMID: 33784295 PMCID: PMC8034747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventionally viewed as male hormone, androgens play a critical role in female fertility. Although androgen receptors (AR) are transcription factors, to date very few direct transcriptional targets of ARs have been identified in the ovary. Using mouse models, this study provides three critical insights about androgen-induced gene regulation in the ovary and its impact on female fertility. First, RNA-sequencing reveals a number of genes and biological processes that were previously not known to be directly regulated by androgens in the ovary. Second, androgens can also influence gene expression by decreasing the tri-methyl mark on lysine 27 of histone3 (H3K27me3), a gene silencing epigenetic mark. ChIP-seq analyses highlight that androgen-induced modulation of H3K27me3 mark within gene bodies, promoters or distal enhancers have a much broader impact on ovarian function than the direct genomic effects of androgens. Third, androgen-induced decrease of H3K27me3 is mediated through (a) inhibiting the expression and activity of Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase that promotes tri-methylation of K27 and (b) by inducing the expression of a histone demethylase called Jumonji domain containing protein-3 (JMJD3/KDM6B), responsible for removing the H3K27me3 mark. Androgens through the PI3K/Akt pathway, in a transcription-independent fashion, increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) protein levels, which in turn induce JMJD3 expression. Furthermore, proof of concept studies involving in vivo knockdown of Ar in the ovary and ovarian (granulosa) cell-specific Ar knockout mouse model show that ARs regulate the expression of key ovarian genes through modulation of H3K27me3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambit Roy
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Binbin Huang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jianrong Wang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Astapova O, Seger C, Hammes SR. Ligand Binding Prolongs Androgen Receptor Protein Half-Life by Reducing its Degradation. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab035. [PMID: 33869982 PMCID: PMC8043068 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are important in female reproduction, but the molecular actions of androgens in female reproductive tissues are not fully understood. We investigated the androgen-responsive transcriptome in human and mouse granulosa cells (GCs) and surprisingly found that the gene-regulation activity of androgen receptor (AR) in these cells is negligible. We then investigated extranuclear actions of AR and found that in human and mouse GCs, as well as in prostate cancer cells, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) dramatically increases the half-life of its own receptor protein. Using the human granulosa-like KGN cells, we show that this effect is not the result of increased AR gene transcription or protein synthesis, nor is it fully abrogated by proteasome inhibition. Knockdown of PTEN, which contributes to degradation of cytoplasmic AR, did not diminish AR accumulation in the presence of DHT. Using immunofluorescence cellular localization studies, we show that nuclear AR is selectively protected from degradation in the presence of DHT. Knockdown of importin 7 expression, a potential regulator of AR nuclear import, does not affect DHT-mediated nuclear accumulation of AR, suggesting importin 7-independent nuclear import of AR in GCs. Further, DNA binding is not required for this protective mechanism. In summary, we show that ligand binding sequesters AR in the nucleus through enhanced nuclear localization independent of DNA binding, thereby protecting it from proteasome degradation in the cytoplasm. This phenomenon distinguishes AR from other sex steroid receptors and may have physiological significance through a positive feedback loop in which androgen induces its own activity in male and female reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Astapova
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Christina Seger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Stephen R Hammes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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29
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Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Nuclear receptors: Key regulators of somatic cell functions in the ovulatory process. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100937. [PMID: 33288229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the ovarian follicle to its culmination by ovulation is an essential element of fertility. The final stages of ovarian follicular growth are characterized by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, and steroid synthesis under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a population of granulosa cells poised to respond to the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors play indispensable roles in the regulation of these events. The key regulators of the final stages of follicular growth that precede ovulation from this family include the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), with additional roles for others, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Following the LH surge, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells undergo rapid changes that result in expansion of the cumulus layer, and a shift in ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis from estradiol to progesterone production. The nuclear receptor best associated with these events is LRH-1. Inadequate cumulus expansion is also observed in the absence of AR and ESR2, but not the progesterone receptor (PGR). The terminal stages of ovulation are regulated by PGR, which increases the abundance of the proteases that are directly responsible for rupture. It further regulates the prostaglandins and cytokines associated with the inflammatory-like characteristics of ovulation. LRH-1 regulates PGR, and is also a key regulator of steroidogenesis, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling. In summary, nuclear receptors are among the panoply of transcriptional regulators with roles in ovulation, and several are necessary for normal ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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30
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Nagahama Y, Chakraborty T, Paul-Prasanth B, Ohta K, Nakamura M. Sex determination, gonadal sex differentiation, and plasticity in vertebrate species. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:1237-1308. [PMID: 33180655 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of sex determination (SD) mechanisms, encompassing environmental to genetic, have been found to exist among vertebrates, covering a spectrum from fixed SD mechanisms (mammals) to functional sex change in fishes (sequential hermaphroditic fishes). A major landmark in vertebrate SD was the discovery of the SRY gene in 1990. Since that time, many attempts to clone an SRY ortholog from nonmammalian vertebrates remained unsuccessful, until 2002, when DMY/dmrt1by was discovered as the SD gene of a small fish, medaka. Surprisingly, however, DMY/dmrt1by was found in only 2 species among more than 20 species of medaka, suggesting a large diversity of SD genes among vertebrates. Considerable progress has been made over the last 3 decades, such that it is now possible to formulate reasonable paradigms of how SD and gonadal sex differentiation may work in some model vertebrate species. This review outlines our current understanding of vertebrate SD and gonadal sex differentiation, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. An impressive number of genes and factors have been discovered that play important roles in testicular and ovarian differentiation. An antagonism between the male and female pathway genes exists in gonads during both sex differentiation and, surprisingly, even as adults, suggesting that, in addition to sex-changing fishes, gonochoristic vertebrates including mice maintain some degree of gonadal sexual plasticity into adulthood. Importantly, a review of various SD mechanisms among vertebrates suggests that this is the ideal biological event that can make us understand the evolutionary conundrums underlying speciation and species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nagahama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,South Ehime Fisheries Research Center, Ehime University, Ainan, Japan.,Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan.,Karatsu Satellite of Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Karatsu, Japan
| | - Bindhu Paul-Prasanth
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.,Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.,Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
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31
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Converse A, Thomas P. Androgens regulate follicle stage-dependent pro- and anti-apoptosis in teleost ovaries through ZIP9 activation of different G proteins†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:377-391. [PMID: 31074766 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens mediate a number of processes in mammalian and teleost ovaries in a follicle-stage dependent manner, including follicle growth, survival, and apoptosis. We recently reported that the membrane androgen receptor ZIP9 mediates apoptosis in Atlantic croaker granulosa/theca (G/T) cells from mature ovarian follicles, but the effects of androgens on early stage G/T cells in this model remains unknown. Here we show that testosterone mediates pro- and anti-apoptotic responses in a follicle stage-dependent manner in croaker ovarian follicle cells. Testosterone treatment decreased the incidence of apoptosis in G/T cells from early stage follicles (diameter <300 μm) but increased apoptosis in G/T cells from late stage follicles (diameter >400 μm). Small interfering RNA targeting ZIP9, but not the nuclear androgen receptor, blocked the anti-apoptotic response, indicating ZIP9 mediates anti-apoptotic in addition to pro-apoptotic responses. Testosterone treatment of early stage G/T cells resulted in opposite signaling outcomes from those previously characterized for the ZIP9-mediated apoptotic response including decreased cAMP and intracellular free zinc levels, and downregulation of pro-apoptotic member mRNA expression. While ZIP9-mediated apoptosis involves activation of a stimulatory G protein (Gs), activators of Gs signaling antagonized the anti-apoptotic response. Proximity ligation and G protein activation assays indicated that in G/T cells from early stage follicles ZIP9 is in close proximity and activates an inhibitory G protein, while in G/T cells from late stage follicles ZIP9 is in close proximity and activates Gs. This study demonstrates that ZIP9 mediates opposite survival responses of croaker G/T cells by activating different G proteins in a follicle stage-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Converse
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of androgen supplementation in ART with the most updated evidence, from animal studies to its clinical applications in poor ovarian responders (POR) and the future studies to be published. RECENT FINDINGS Animal studies, has shown that testosterone supplementation, can be an option to increase the recruitable follicular pool in POR. However, the potential mechanism of action, dose, and duration of treatment is still under investigation. Early studies in humans reported promising results in favor of androgens [dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or testosterone] in POR. Nevertheless, recent evidence does not appear to follow the initial results, whereas the type, dose, and duration of testosterone administration appear to be crucial for treatment effect. SUMMARY Testosterone seems to play an essential role in regulating ovarian function. However, it is worrisome that androgens are used off-label, despite that the available evidence is weak. Although testosterone supplementation may be beneficial in POR, published studies have used inconsistent doses and duration of administration. An ongoing trial (T-TRANSPORT trial) for the first time aims to provide conclusive evidence on whether transdermal testosterone administration can improve the reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI.
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33
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Cara AL, Myers MG, Elias CF. Lack of AR in LepRb Cells Disrupts Ambulatory Activity and Neuroendocrine Axes in a Sex-Specific Manner in Mice. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa110. [PMID: 32609838 PMCID: PMC7383963 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of androgen imbalance, such as hyperandrogenism in females or hypoandrogenism in males, increase risk of visceral adiposity, type 2 diabetes, and infertility. Androgens act upon androgen receptors (AR) which are expressed in many tissues. In the brain, AR are abundant in hypothalamic nuclei involved in regulation of reproduction and energy homeostasis, yet the role of androgens acting via AR in specific neuronal populations has not been fully elucidated. Leptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons coexpress AR predominantly in hypothalamic arcuate and ventral premammillary nuclei (ARH and PMv, respectively), with low colocalization in other LepRb neuronal populations, and very low colocalization in the pituitary gland and gonads. Deletion of AR from LepRb-expressing cells (LepRbΔAR) has no effect on body weight, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis in male and female mice. However, LepRbΔAR female mice show increased body length later in life, whereas male LepRbΔAR mice show an increase in spontaneous ambulatory activity. LepRbΔAR mice display typical pubertal timing, estrous cycles, and fertility, but increased testosterone levels in males. Removal of sex steroid negative feedback action induced an exaggerated rise in luteinizing hormone in LepRbΔAR males and follicle-stimulating hormone in LepRbΔAR females. Our findings show that AR can directly affect a subset of ARH and PMv neurons in a sex-specific manner and demonstrate specific androgenic actions in the neuroendocrine hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Cara
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Martin G Myers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Carol F Elias
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Gao XY, Liu Y, Lv Y, Huang T, Lu G, Liu HB, Zhao SG. Role of Androgen Receptor for Reconsidering the "True" Polycystic Ovarian Morphology in PCOS. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8993. [PMID: 32488141 PMCID: PMC7265442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65890-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is one of the key features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The diagnosis of PCOM according to the Rotterdam criteria (≥12 antral follicles per ovary) is debated because of the high prevalence of PCOM in the general population. Androgen receptor (AR) is associated with the PCOS phenotype and might as well play a role during folliculogenesis. This study is aimed to investigate the expression of the AR in PCOS granulosa cells (GCs) and its relationship with the PCOM phenotype. Methods: 106 PCOS cases and 63 controls were included from the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University. The diagnosis of PCOS was following the Rotterdam criteria (2003). Total RNA was extracted from GCs retrieved from ovarian stimulation. The expression of AR was amplified by means of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The AR expression was significantly decreased in PCOS cases, especially in the tPCOM subgroup (≥20 antral follicles per ovary). Correlation analyses showed that AR expression was significantly correlated with serum FSH levels in controls and non-tPCOM. In the tPCOM subgroup, the AR expression was significantly correlated with serum LH levels. Interestingly, the significance of these correlations gradually disappeared as the threshold of antral follicles increased above 24 for PCOM. Conclusions:AR was differently expressed in PCOS and especially in the tPCOM subtype. The correlation of AR expression with serum FSH and LH might be associated with the number of follicles in PCOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ying Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yue Lv
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong-Bin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shi-Gang Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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35
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Mossa F, Latham KE, Ireland JJ, Veiga-Lopez A. Undernutrition and hyperandrogenism during pregnancy: Role in programming of cardiovascular disease and infertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1255-1264. [PMID: 31347224 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional status programs the development of several systems in female offspring, with effects that depend on the severity, duration, and window of development when the nutritional perturbation is imposed. On the basis of the developmental origins of health and disease concept, we hypothesize that gestational low caloric intake may induce maternal subclinical hyperandrogenism during early pregnancy and compromise cardiovascular health and fertility in the female offspring. To examine this possibility, a literature search for human and animal studies was conducted using two electronic databases, PubMed and Cochrane until April 2019 to address the following questions: (a) Do androgens have a developmental role in cardiovascular and ovarian development? (b) Is excess maternal testosterone linked to cardiovascular disease and infertility? and (c) Could early pregnancy undernutrition enhance maternal androgen production and compromise health and fertility in female offspring? The observations reviewed, establish a potential causative link between maternal undernutrition and subclinical hyperandrogenism with hypertension and reduced ovarian reserve in the progeny. Further studies in appropriate models are needed to better understand whether low energy intake and subclinical maternal hyperandrogenism during early pregnancy can negatively affect the health of the female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - James J Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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36
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Transcriptomic Pattern of Genes Regulating Protein Response and Status of Mitochondrial Activity Are Related to Oocyte Maturational Competence-A Transcriptomic Study. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092238. [PMID: 31067669 PMCID: PMC6539048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to identify and describe new genetic markers involved in the processes of protein expression and modification reflected in the change of mitochondrial activity before and after in vitro maturation of the oocyte. Porcine oocytes collected from the ovaries of slaughtered landrace gilts were subjected to the process of in vitro maturation. Transcriptomic changes in the expression profile of oocyte genes involved in response to hypoxia, the transmembrane protein receptor serine threonine kinase signaling pathway, the “transforming growth factor β receptor signaling pathway”, “response to protein stimulus”, and “response to organic substance” were investigated using microarrays. The expression values of these genes in oocytes was analyzed before (immature) and after (mature) in vitro maturation, with significant differences found. All the significantly altered genes showed downregulation after the maturation process. The most changed genes from these gene ontologies, FOS, ID2, VEGFA, BTG2, CYR61, ESR1, AR, TACR3, CCND2, CHRDL1, were chosen to be further validated, described and related to the literature. Additionally, the mitochondrial activity of the analyzed oocytes was measured using specific dyes. We found that the mitochondrial activity was higher before the maturation process. The analysis of these results and the available literature provides a novel insight on the processes that occur during in vitro oocyte maturation. While this knowledge may prove to be useful in further research of the procedures commonly associated with in vitro fertilization procedures, it serves mostly as a basic reference for further proteomic, in vivo, and clinical studies that are necessary to translate it into practical applications.
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37
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Astapova O, Minor BMN, Hammes SR. Physiological and Pathological Androgen Actions in the Ovary. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1166-1174. [PMID: 30912811 PMCID: PMC6937455 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Androgens, although traditionally thought to be male sex steroids, play important roles in female reproduction, both in healthy and pathological states. This mini-review focuses on recent advances in our knowledge of the role of androgens in the ovary. Androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in oocytes, granulosa cells, and theca cells, and is temporally regulated during follicular development. Mouse knockout studies have shown that AR expression in granulosa cells is critical for normal follicular development and subsequent ovulation. In addition, androgens are involved in regulating dynamic changes in ovarian steroidogenesis that are critical for normal cycling. Androgen effects on follicle development have been incorporated into clinical practice in women with diminished ovarian reserve, albeit with limited success in available literature. At the other extreme, androgen excess leads to disordered follicle development and anovulatory infertility known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with studies suggesting that theca cell AR may mediate many of these negative effects. Finally, both prenatal and postnatal animal models of androgen excess have been developed and are being used to study the pathophysiology of PCOS both within the ovary and with regard to overall metabolic health. Taken together, current scientific consensus is that a careful balance of androgen activity in the ovary is necessary for reproductive health in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Astapova
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Briaunna M N Minor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Stephen R Hammes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
- Correspondence: Stephen R. Hammes, MD, PhD, Box 693, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642.
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38
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Miura K, Harikae K, Nakaguchi M, Imaimatsu K, Hiramatsu R, Tomita A, Hirate Y, Kanai-Azuma M, Kurohmaru M, Ogura A, Kanai Y. Molecular and genetic characterization of partial masculinization in embryonic ovaries grafted into male nude mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212367. [PMID: 30840652 PMCID: PMC6402656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In most of mammalian embryos, gonadal sex differentiation occurs inside the maternal uterus before birth. In several fetal ovarian grafting experiments using male host mice, an experimental switch from the maternal intrauterine to male-host environment gradually induces partial masculinization of the grafted ovaries even under the wild-type genotype. However, either host-derived factors causing or molecular basis underlying this masculinization of the fetal ovaries are not clear. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic appearance of SOX9-positive Sertoli cell-like cells in grafted ovaries was mediated by the testosterone derived from the male host. Neither Sox8 nor Amh activity in the ovarian tissues is essential for such ectopic appearance of SOX9-positive cells. The transcriptome analyses of the grafted ovaries during this masculinization process showed early downregulation of pro-ovarian genes such as Irx3, Nr0b1/Dax1, Emx2, and Fez1/Lzts1 by days 7–10 post-transplantation, and subsequent upregulation of several pro-testis genes, such as Bhlhe40, Egr1/2, Nr4a2, and Zc3h12c by day 20, leading to a partial sex reversal with altered expression profiles in one-third of the total numbers of the sex-dimorphic pre-granulosa and Sertoli cell-specific genes at 12.5 dpc. Our data imply that the paternal testosterone exposure is partially responsible for the sex-reversal expression profiles of certain pro-ovarian and pro-testis genes in the fetal ovaries in a temporally dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Miura
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- RIKEN BioResovurce Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kyoko Harikae
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayu Nakaguchi
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenya Imaimatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Tomita
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Hirate
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamichi Kurohmaru
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResovurce Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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39
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The Role of Androgen Receptor Signaling in Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020176. [PMID: 30791431 PMCID: PMC6406955 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has suggested that androgen receptor signaling plays an important role in ovarian cancer outgrowth. Specifically, androgen receptor activation appears to be associated with increased risks of developing ovarian cancer and inducing tumor progression. However, conflicting findings have also been reported. This review summarizes and discusses the available data indicating the involvement of androgens as well as androgen receptor and related signals in ovarian carcinogenesis and cancer growth. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms for androgen receptor functions in ovarian cancer remain far from being fully understood, current observations may offer effective chemopreventive and therapeutic approaches, via modulation of androgen receptor activity, against ovarian cancer. Indeed, several clinical trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy in patients with ovarian cancer.
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40
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Dou L, Zheng Y, Li L, Gui X, Chen Y, Yu M, Guo Y. The effect of cinnamon on polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:99. [PMID: 30340496 PMCID: PMC6194596 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent cause of anovulatory infertility and hyperandrogenism. Evidence favors insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia as the predominant, perhaps primary, defects in PCOS. The use of insulin-sensitizing drugs has been shown to improve both the reproductive and the metabolic aspects of PCOS. Cinnamon has been found to have insulin sensitizing effect and improve menstrual cyclicity in women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine the effect and mechanism of cinnamon on PCOS using a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced PCOS mouse model. METHODS Prepubertal C57BL/6 mice (age 25 days) were raised to developed into control group, DHEA group and DHEA plus cinnamon group for 20 days. The stages of the estrous cycle were determined based on vaginal cytology; metabolic characteristics were examined by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test, the serum levels of hormones (testosterone, insulin, LH, FSH, IGF-1, IGFBP-1) were checked using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, the ovarian morphology was observed by stained with hematoxylin and eosin. IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 expression in ovary were detected by immunohistochemical stain. RESULTS Cinnamon restores the cyclicity and ovary morphology in PCOS mice model induced by DHEA. There are significant differences of serum level of total testosterone (0.033 ± 0.009 ng/ml), among control group, DHEA and cinnamon group (0.052 ± 0.011 ng/ml), and DHEA group (0.079 ± 0.015 ng/ml); There was an increasing tendency of serum FSH level from DHEA group (5.02 ± 0.31 ng/ml), DHEA and cinnamon group (5.81 ± 0.51 ng/ml), to control group (7.13 ± 0.74 ng/ml); and there was a decreasing trend of serum LH level from DHEA group (3.75 ± 0.57 ng/ml), DHEA and cinnamon group (1.35 ± 0.61 ng/ml), or control group (0.69 ± 0.34 ng/ml); serum insulin level is significantly higher in DHEA treated mice (1.61 ± 0.31 ng/ml) than control group (0.93 ± 0.19 ng/ml), or DHEA and cinnamon effect (1.27 ± 0.23 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). The DHEA group also has a higher serum IGF-1 level (0.35 ± 0.06 ng/ml) than control group (0.17 ± 0.04 ng/ml) or DHEA and cinnamon group (0.21 ± 0.05 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). While DHEA group has a lower IGFBP-1 level (5.5 ± 1.6 ng/ml) than control group (15.8 ± 2.1 ng/ml) or DHEA and cinnamon group (10.3 ± 2.5 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). Cinnamon also attenuates DHEA induced a higher IGF-1 and lower IGFBP-1 expression in ovary by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that cinnamon supplementation improves insulin resistance and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dou
- grid.412636.4Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Yahong Zheng
- grid.412636.4Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Lu Li
- grid.412636.4Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Xiaowei Gui
- grid.412636.4Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Yajuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, Anshan Branch of First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Anshan, China
| | - Meng Yu
- 0000 0000 9678 1884grid.412449.eDepartment of Reproductive Biology and Transgenic Animals, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Guo
- grid.412636.4Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
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Chern CU, Tsui KH, Vitale SG, Chen SN, Wang PH, Cianci A, Tsai HW, Wen ZH, Lin LT. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation improves in vitro fertilization outcomes of poor ovarian responders, especially in women with low serum concentration of DHEA-S: a retrospective cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:90. [PMID: 30223902 PMCID: PMC6142344 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0409-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is now widely used as an adjuvant for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in poor ovarian responders (PORs). Several studies showed that DHEA supplementation could improve IVF outcomes of PORs. However, most of the PORs do not respond to DHEA clinically. Therefore, the aim of this study is to confirm the beneficial effects of DHEA on IVF outcomes of PORs and to investigate which subgroups of PORs can best benefit from DHEA supplementation. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2015 and December 2017. A total of 151 PORs who fulfilled the Bologna criteria and underwent IVF cycles with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol were identified. The study group (n = 67) received 90 mg of DHEA daily for an average of 3 months before the IVF cycles. The control group (n = 84) underwent the IVF cycles without DHEA pretreatment. The basic and cycle characteristics and IVF outcomes between the two groups were compared using independent t-tests, Chi-Square tests and binary logistic regression. RESULTS The study and control groups did not show significant differences in terms of basic characteristics. The study group demonstrated a significantly greater number of retrieved oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, fertilized oocytes, day 3 embryos and top-quality embryos at day 3 and a higher clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate than those measures in the control group. The multivariate analysis revealed that DHEA supplementation was positively associated with clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 4.93, 95% CI 1.68-14.43, p = 0.004). Additionally, in the study group, the multivariate analysis showed that serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels < 180 μg/dl were significantly associated with a rate of retrieved oocytes > 3 (OR = 5.92, 95% CI 1.48-23.26, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS DHEA supplementation improves IVF outcomes of PORs. In PORs with DHEA pretreatment, women with lower DHEA-S level may have greater possibility of attaining more than 3 oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chyi-Uei Chern
- 0000 0004 0572 9992grid.415011.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362 Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- 0000 0004 0572 9992grid.415011.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362 Taiwan
- 0000 0001 0425 5914grid.260770.4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, No. 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong Street, Pei-Tou, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
- 0000 0004 0639 0943grid.412902.cDepartment of Pharmacy and Master Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, No.20, Weixin Rd, Yanpu, Township, Pingtung County 90741 Taiwan
| | - Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- 0000 0004 1757 1969grid.8158.4Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - San-Nung Chen
- 0000 0004 0572 9992grid.415011.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362 Taiwan
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- 0000 0001 0425 5914grid.260770.4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, No. 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong Street, Pei-Tou, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
- 0000 0004 0604 5314grid.278247.cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
- 0000 0004 0572 9415grid.411508.9Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yude Road, North District, Taichung City, 40447 Taiwan
| | - Antonio Cianci
- 0000 0004 1757 1969grid.8158.4Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Hsiao-Wen Tsai
- 0000 0004 0572 9992grid.415011.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362 Taiwan
- 0000 0001 0425 5914grid.260770.4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, No. 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong Street, Pei-Tou, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- 0000 0004 0531 9758grid.412036.2Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd, Kaohsiung City, 80424 Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Lin
- 0000 0004 0572 9992grid.415011.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362 Taiwan
- 0000 0001 0425 5914grid.260770.4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, No. 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong Street, Pei-Tou, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
- 0000 0004 0531 9758grid.412036.2Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd, Kaohsiung City, 80424 Taiwan
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Walters KA, Handelsman DJ. Role of androgens in the ovary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:36-47. [PMID: 28687450 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been well established for decades that androgens, namely testosterone (T) plays an important role in female reproductive physiology as the precursor for oestradiol (E2). However, in the last decade a direct role for androgens, acting via the androgen receptor (AR), in female reproductive function has been confirmed. Deciphering the specific roles of androgens in ovarian function has been hindered as complete androgen resistant females cannot be generated by natural breeding. In addition, androgens can be converted into estrogens which has caused confusion when interpreting findings from pharmacological studies, as observed effects could have been mediated via the AR or estrogen receptor. The creation and analysis of genetic mouse models with global and cell-specific disruption of the Ar gene, the sole mediator of pure androgenic action, has now allowed the elucidation of a role for AR-mediated androgen actions in the regulation of normal and pathological ovarian function. This review aims to summarize findings from clinical, animal, pharmacological and novel genetic AR mouse models to provide an understanding of the important roles androgens play in the ovary, as well as providing insights into the human implications of these roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Walters
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - D J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
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43
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Ryan GE, Malik S, Mellon PL. Antiandrogen Treatment Ameliorates Reproductive and Metabolic Phenotypes in the Letrozole-Induced Mouse Model of PCOS. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1734-1747. [PMID: 29471436 PMCID: PMC6097580 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Although its etiology is unknown, excess androgens are thought to be a critical factor driving the pathology of PCOS. We previously demonstrated that continuous exposure to the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (LET) in mice produces many hallmarks of PCOS, including elevated testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone, anovulation, and obesity. In the current study, we sought to determine whether androgen receptor (AR) actions are responsible for any of the phenotypes observed in LET mice. C57BL/6 female mice were subcutaneously implanted with LET or placebo control and subsequently treated with the nonsteroidal AR antagonist flutamide or vehicle control. Flutamide treatment in LET females reversed elevated T levels and restored ovarian expression of Cyp17a1 (critical for androgen synthesis) to normal levels. Pituitary expression of Lhb was decreased in LET females that received flutamide treatment, with no changes in expression of Fshb or Gnrhr. Flutamide treatment also restored estrous cycling and reduced the number of ovarian cyst-like follicles in LET females. Furthermore, body weight and adipocyte size were decreased in flutamide-treated LET females. Altogether, our findings provide strong evidence that AR signaling is responsible for many key reproductive and metabolic PCOS phenotypes and further establish the LET mouse model as an important tool for the study of androgen excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve E Ryan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shaddy Malik
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Correspondence: Pamela L. Mellon, PhD, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093. E-mail:
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Liu J, Yang M, Jing L, Ren L, Wei J, Zhang J, Zhang F, Duan J, Zhou X, Sun Z. Silica nanoparticle exposure inducing granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia in female Balb/c mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:3423-3434. [PMID: 29151191 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Given that the effects of ultrafine fractions (< 0.1 μm) on reproductive diseases are gaining attention, this study aimed to explore the influence of silica nanoparticle (SiNP)-induced female reproductive dysfunction. In this study, 80 female mice were randomly divided into four groups including a control group and three concentrations of SiNP groups (7, 21, 35 mg/kg). Mice were exposed to the vehicle control and silica nanoparticles by tracheal perfusion every 3 days a total of five times in 15 days. Then, half of the mice in each group were sacrificed on 15 and 30 days after the first dose, respectively. Our findings indicated that SiNPs can result in ovarian damage, cause an imbalance of sex hormones, increase the number of atretic and primary follicles, and induce oxidative stress and DNA strand breaks in ovary by day 15. The protein expressions of ATM, CHK-2, P53, E2F1, P73, BAX, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, while expressions of RAD51 were down-regulated after SiNP exposure by days 15. Estradiol increased, while progesterone increased in low dose and decreased in high dose after SiNP exposure by 15 days. However, these changes were recovered by 30 days. The results suggest that SiNPs can cause reversible damage to follicles in mice. SiNPs could primarily cause DNA damage and DNA damage response through oxidative stress, while DNA damage repair failure because of severe DNA damage activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and therefore resulted in apoptosis of granulosa cell. In addition, the disorder of reproductive endocrine function caused by SiNPs could be another reason for SiNP-induced reproductive dysfunction in mice. These events in turn induce the follicles to undergo atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Man Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Li Jing
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lihua Ren
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jialiu Wei
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- College of Life Science, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, 250013, China
| | - Junchao Duan
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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Thomas P, Converse A, Berg HA. ZIP9, a novel membrane androgen receptor and zinc transporter protein. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:130-136. [PMID: 28479083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rapid, androgen actions initiated at the cell surface have been reported in a variety of vertebrate cells, including several macrophage and prostate cancer cell lines that lack the nuclear androgen receptor. However, until recently the identity of the novel membrane androgen receptor (mAR) mediating these nonclassical androgen actions remained unknown. In 2014, a novel mAR unrelated to nuclear androgen receptors was identified in Atlantic croaker ovaries as the zinc transporter protein, ZIP9. ZIP9 is one of the 14 members of the ZIP (ZRT-and Irt-like Protein, SLC39A) family that regulates zinc homeostasis by transporting zinc across cell and organelle membranes into the cytoplasm. Zinc is a micronutrient critical for the maintenance of physiological and cellular processes, such as development, growth, protein assembly and activity, signaling, and apoptosis. Both croaker ZIP9 and human ZIP9 proteins have the binding characteristics of high affinity, specific mARs, and are coupled to G proteins. Testosterone induces apoptosis through ZIP9 in croaker granulosa cells and in human breast and prostate cancer cells by a unique mechanism involving increases in both second messengers and intracellular free zinc concentrations. ZIP9 also mediates testosterone regulation of tight junction formation in Sertoli cells and nonclassical testosterone signaling in spermatogenic cells. ZIP9 acts through several signal transduction pathways, a stimulatory G protein (Gs) in granulosa cells, an inhibitory one (Gi) in cancer cells, and a Gq11 one (Gnα11) in spermatogenic cells. ZIP9 has a very broad tissue distribution and is predicted to mediate numerous and diverse nonclassical androgen actions in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States.
| | - Aubrey Converse
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Håkan A Berg
- Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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"Positive Regulation of RNA Metabolic Process" Ontology Group Highly Regulated in Porcine Oocytes Matured In Vitro: A Microarray Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2863068. [PMID: 29546053 PMCID: PMC5818922 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2863068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) growth and development during folliculogenesis and oogenesis are accompanied by changes involving synthesis and accumulation of large amount of RNA and proteins. In this study, the transcriptomic profile of genes involved in “oocytes RNA synthesis” in relation to in vitro maturation in pigs was investigated for the first time. The RNA was isolated from oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Interactions between differentially expressed genes/proteins belonging to “positive regulation of RNA metabolic process” ontology group were investigated by STRING10 software. Using microarray assays, we found expression of 12258 porcine transcripts. Genes with fold change higher than |2| and with corrected p value lower than 0.05 were considered as differentially expressed. The ontology group “positive regulation of RNA metabolic process” involved differential expression of AR, INHBA, WWTR1, FOS, MEF2C, VEGFA, IKZF2, IHH, RORA, MAP3K1, NFAT5, SMARCA1, EGR1, EGR2, MITF, SMAD4, APP, and NR5A1 transcripts. Since all of the presented genes were downregulated after IVM, we suggested that they might be significantly involved in regulation of RNA synthesis before reaching oocyte MII stage. Higher expression of “RNA metabolic process” related genes before IVM indicated that they might be recognized as important markers and specific “transcriptomic fingerprint” of RNA template accumulation and storage for further porcine embryos growth and development.
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Abstract
Androgen production by the ovary is an essential requirement for normal cyclical secretion of estradiol but its physiological role extends to important actions on both preantral and antral follicle development, including promotion of granulosa cell proliferation. It is likely only in mature antral follicles that androgens encourage apoptosis and consequent follicle atresia, and this may be an important mechanism to ensure mono-follicular ovulation in primates, including humans. Recent studies have provided new insight into the mechanism of androgen signaling in the ovary which involves both genomic and non-genomic effects that are complementary in effecting a cellular response. In polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition characterized by intra-ovarian androgen excess, aberrant development of both preantral and antral follicles is a salient feature. We present evidence that local action of androgens plays a part in such abnormalities. Finally, we review the role of androgens in follicle atresia and conclude that the effects are part of the normal physiology of follicle maturation.
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48
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Walters KA, Edwards MC, Tesic D, Caldwell ASL, Jimenez M, Smith JT, Handelsman DJ. The Role of Central Androgen Receptor Actions in Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis. Neuroendocrinology 2018; 106:389-400. [PMID: 29635226 DOI: 10.1159/000487762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and findings from female global AR knockout mice confirm that AR-mediated androgen actions play important roles in regulating female reproductive function. We generated neuron-specific AR knockout mice (NeurARKO) to investigate the functional role of neuronal AR-mediated androgen action in regulating the female HPG axis and fertility. Relative to control females, NeurARKO females exhibited elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels at diestrus (p < 0.05) and a compromised serum LH response to ovariectomy and E2 priming (p < 0.01). Furthermore, NeurARKO females displayed reduced Kiss1 mRNA expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus at diestrus (p < 0.05) and proestrus (p < 0.05), but elevated Kiss1 (p < 0.05) and neurokinin B (Tac2, p < 0.05) mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus at proestrus compared to WT controls. Ovarian follicle dynamics were also altered in NeurARKO ovaries at 3 months of age, with a significant reduction in large antral follicle numbers at the proestrus stage compared to control WT ovaries (p < 0.05). Increased follicular atresia was evident in NeurARKO ovaries with a 4-fold increase in unhealthy large preantral follicles (p < 0.01). Despite the findings of aberrant neuroendocrine and ovarian characteristics in the NeurARKO females, estrous cyclicity and overall fertility were comparable between NeurARKO and WT females. In conclusion, our findings revealed that selective loss of neuronal AR actions impacts the kisspeptin/GnRH/LH cascade leading to compromised ovarian follicle dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dijana Tesic
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Aimee S L Caldwell
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Jimenez
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Chu N, Gui Y, Qiu X, Zhang N, Li L, Li D, Tang W, Gober HJ, Zhang B, Wang L. The effect of DHEA on apoptosis and cohesin levels in oocytes in aged mice. Biosci Trends 2017; 11:427-438. [PMID: 28717062 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2017.01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Female fertility declines with age as the number of ovarian follicles decreases and aneuploidy increases. Degradation of the cohesin complex might be responsible for age-related aneuploidy. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can improve the ovarian reserve and reduce the rate of aneuploidy, but the relationship between DHEA and cohesin levels in oocytes is still unknown. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of the supplement DHEA on ovarian function, including the number of follicles and cohesin levels in oocytes. C57BL/6J mice at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 10 months of age were used to obtain a systematic view into follicle apoptosis and cohesin levels in oocytes. Nine-month-old C57BL/6J mice were administered saline (n = 5), 17β-estradiol (100 µg/kg per day, n = 5), or DHEA (5mg/Kg per day, n = 5). After 4 weeks, aged mice were weighed and sacrificed, and ovarian tissue samples were prepared. Anti-VASA staining and HE staining were used to count the number of follicles. Anti-γH2AX staining and TUNEL were used to measure follicle apoptosis and immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the levels of three oocyte cohesin subunits: REC8, SMC1β, and SMC3. Administration of the supplements 17β-estradiol and DHEA to aged mice increased the number of primordial and primary follicles and decreased the age-related apoptosis of follicles. Levels of the cohesin subunits REC8 and SMC1β declined with age, but DHEA and 17β-estradiol tended to delay that decline. The supplement DHEA increased the number of primordial and primary follicles in aged mice by inhibiting follicle apoptosis and tended to delay the decrease in cohesin levels in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Chu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
| | - Yuyan Gui
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University
| | - Xuemin Qiu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University
| | - Na Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University
| | - Lisha Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University
| | - Dajin Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | | | - Bin Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
| | - Ling Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital & Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IBS, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University
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Ma X, Hayes E, Biswas A, Seger C, Prizant H, Hammes SR, Sen A. Androgens Regulate Ovarian Gene Expression Through Modulation of Ezh2 Expression and Activity. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2944-2954. [PMID: 28666321 PMCID: PMC5659665 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A substantial amount of evidence suggests that androgen signaling through classical androgen receptors is critical for both normal and pathologic ovarian physiology. Specifically, we and others have shown that, in mouse granulosa cells, androgen actions through both extranuclear and nuclear androgen receptor signaling are critical for normal follicle development and ovulation. Here, we show that androgens through the PI3K/Akt pathway rapidly (within minutes) phosphorylate and inhibit activity of the Polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2). Over the course of 24 to 48 hours, androgens then induce expression of the microRNA miR-101, which targets Ezh2 messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to a nearly complete loss of Ezh2 protein expression. This long-term androgen-induced loss of Ezh2 actions ultimately results in sustained reduction of the H3K27me3-repressive mark in the promoter region of the Runt-related transcription factor-1 (Runx1) gene, a luteinizing hormone (LH)-induced transcription factor essential for ovulation, leading to increased Runx1 mRNA expression. Accordingly, blocking androgen-induced inhibition of Ezh2 in vivo adversely affects LH-induced Runx1 mRNA expression and subsequent ovulation. Importantly, although estrogen treatment of granulosa cells similarly causes rapid activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and short-term phosphorylation of Ezh2, it does not induce miR-101 expression and thereby does not reduce overall Ezh2 expression, demonstrating the androgen specificity of long-term Ezh2 suppression. Thus, this study provides insight regarding how androgen-induced extranuclear kinase signaling and intranuclear transcription through Ezh2 modifications may influence the expression pattern of genes, ultimately affecting various downstream physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Ma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Emily Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Anindita Biswas
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Christina Seger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Hen Prizant
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Stephen R. Hammes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Aritro Sen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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