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Shi Y, Miao BY, Ai XX, Cao P, Gao J, Xu Y, Yang Q, Fei J, Zhang Q, Mai QY, Wen YX, Qu YL, Zhou CQ, Xu YW. Identification of common genetic polymorphisms associated with down-regulated gonadotropin levels in an exome-wide association study. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:671-681. [PMID: 37001689 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.03.031] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether common genetic polymorphisms are associated with gonadotropin levels after down-regulation with daily gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and whether the polymorphisms of candidate variants influence the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins. DESIGN Genetic association study. SETTING University-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. PATIENTS Subjects enrolled in an exploratory exome-wide association study (n = 862), a replication exome-wide association study (n = 86), and a classifier validation study (n = 148) were recruited from September 2016 to October 2018, September 2019 to September 2020, and January 2021 to December 2021, respectively. The included patients were aged ≤40 years and had a basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ≤12 IU/L. INTERVENTIONS All participants received a luteal phase down-regulation long protocol. Genome DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes. For the exploratory and replication cohorts, exome sequencing was conducted on a HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification technique and next-generation sequencing also were performed in the exploratory and replication cohorts. For the samples of the validation cohort, Sanger sequencing was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was the gonadotropin levels after down-regulation, and the secondary endpoints were hormone levels and follicle diameters during stimulation, the total dose of FSH, duration of FSH stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, and clinical pregnancy rate. RESULTS In the exploratory cohort, we identified that FSHB rs6169 (P=2.71 × 10-24) and its single-nucleotide polymorphisms in high linkage disequilibrium were associated with the down-regulated FSH level. The same locus was confirmed in the replication cohort. Women carrying the C allele of FSHB rs6169 exhibited higher average estradiol level during stimulation (P=6.82 × 10-5), shorter duration of stimulation, and less amount of exogenous FSH (Pduration=0.0002; Pdose=0.0024). In the independent validation set, adding rs6169 genotypes into the prediction model for FSH level after down-regulation enhanced the area under the curve from 0.560 to 0.712 in a logistic regression model, and increased prediction accuracy by 41.05% when a support vector machine classifier was applied. CONCLUSION The C allele of FSHB rs6169 is a susceptibility site for the relatively high level of FSH after down-regulation, which may be associated with increased ovarian FSH sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ben-Yu Miao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi-Xiong Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of the South Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Research School for Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Yang
- Peking Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction, Peking, China
| | - Jia Fei
- Peking Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction, Peking, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Peking Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction, Peking, China
| | - Qing-Yun Mai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang-Xing Wen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Lin Qu
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Can-Quan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Wen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Dinsdale N, Nepomnaschy P, Crespi B. The evolutionary biology of endometriosis. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 9:174-191. [PMID: 33854783 PMCID: PMC8030264 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We provide the first analysis and synthesis of the evolutionary and mechanistic bases for risk of endometriosis in humans, structured around Niko Tinbergen's four questions about phenotypes: phylogenetic history, development, mechanism and adaptive significance. Endometriosis, which is characterized by the proliferation of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, has its phylogenetic roots in the evolution of three causally linked traits: (1) highly invasive placentation, (2) spontaneous rather than implantation-driven endometrial decidualization and (3) frequent extensive estrogen-driven endometrial proliferation and inflammation, followed by heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis is potentiated by these traits and appears to be driven, proximately, by relatively low levels of prenatal and postnatal testosterone. Testosterone affects the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, and at low levels, it can result in an altered trajectory of reproductive and physiological phenotypes that in extreme cases can mediate the symptoms of endometriosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome, by contrast, is known from previous work to be caused primarily by high prenatal and postnatal testosterone, and it demonstrates a set of phenotypes opposite to those found in endometriosis. The hypothesis that endometriosis risk is driven by low prenatal testosterone, and involves extreme expression of some reproductive phenotypes, is supported by a suite of evidence from genetics, development, endocrinology, morphology and life history. The hypothesis also provides insights into why these two diametric, fitness-reducing disorders are maintained at such high frequencies in human populations. Finally, the hypotheses described and evaluated here lead to numerous testable predictions and have direct implications for the treatment and study of endometriosis. Lay summary: Endometriosis is caused by endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. We explain why and how humans are vulnerable to this disease, and new perspectives on understanding and treating it. Endometriosis shows evidence of being caused in part by relatively low testosterone during fetal development, that 'programs' female reproductive development. By contrast, polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with relatively high testosterone in prenatal development. These two disorders can thus be seen as 'opposite' to one another in their major causes and correlates. Important new insights regarding diagnosis, study and treatment of endometriosis follow from these considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Dinsdale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Pablo Nepomnaschy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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3
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Ferlin A, Dipresa S, Delbarba A, Maffezzoni F, Porcelli T, Cappelli C, Foresta C. Contemporary genetics-based diagnostics of male infertility. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:623-633. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1633917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Savina Dipresa
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Delbarba
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Filippo Maffezzoni
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Teresa Porcelli
- Endocrinology, Montichiari Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Montichiari, Italy
| | - Carlo Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Mancuso F, Calvitti M, Milardi D, Grande G, Falabella G, Arato I, Giovagnoli S, Vincenzoni F, Mancini F, Nastruzzi C, Bodo M, Baroni T, Castagnola M, Marana R, Pontecorvi A, Calafiore R, Luca G. Testosterone and FSH modulate Sertoli cell extracellular secretion: Proteomic analysis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 476:1-7. [PMID: 29704537 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly complicated biological process that occurs in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. It is regulated by a complex network of endocrine and paracrine factors and by juxtacrine testicular cross-talk. Sertoli cells (SC) play a key role in spermatogenesis due to their production of trophic, differentiation and immune-modulating factors, but many of the molecular pathways of SC action remain controversial and unclear. Over the last two decades, research has focused on extracellular vesicles as an important mechanism of intercellular communication. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in SC and the modulation of their content in SC after FSH and testosterone stimulation. Highly purified porcine pre-pubertal Sertoli cells were isolated according to previously established methods. After 48 h of culture with FSH or FSH + testosterone stimulation, we identified sertolian EVs containing specific mRNAs. Proteomic analysis of EVs content identified 29 proteins under non-stimulatory conditions, most of which were related to receptor binding activity. FSH stimulation induced increases in inhibin-alpha, inhibin-beta, plakoglobin, haptoglobin, D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase in sertolian EVs. Testosterone stimulation enhanced the abundance of inhibin-alpha, inhibin-beta, tissue-type plasminogen activator, epidermal growth factor-like protein 8, elongating factor 1-gamma and D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. These results are likely to help determine the unknown molecular secretion of Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Domenico Milardi
- International Scientific Institute "Paul VI", Rome, 00168, Italy; Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- International Scientific Institute "Paul VI", Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Federica Vincenzoni
- Institute of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Claudio Nastruzzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy.
| | - Maria Bodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Marana
- International Scientific Institute "Paul VI", Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- International Scientific Institute "Paul VI", Rome, 00168, Italy; Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, 05100, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy; Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, 05100, Italy.
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5
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Barbonetti A, Calogero AE, Balercia G, Garolla A, Krausz C, La Vignera S, Lombardo F, Jannini EA, Maggi M, Lenzi A, Foresta C, Ferlin A. The use of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for the treatment of the infertile man: position statement from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS). J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1107-1122. [PMID: 29392544 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0843-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Barbonetti
- Casa di Cura San Raffaele Sulmona, Sulmona, AQ, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Balercia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Ancona, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Krausz
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Croze M, Wollstein A, Božičević V, Živković D, Stephan W, Hutter S. A genome-wide scan for genes under balancing selection in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:15. [PMID: 28086750 PMCID: PMC5237213 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the history of population genetics balancing selection has been considered as an important evolutionary force, yet until today little is known about its abundance and its effect on patterns of genetic diversity. Several well-known examples of balancing selection have been reported from humans, mice, plants, and parasites. However, only very few systematic studies have been carried out to detect genes under balancing selection. We performed a genome scan in Drosophila melanogaster to find signatures of balancing selection in a derived (European) and an ancestral (African) population. We screened a total of 34 genomes searching for regions of high genetic diversity and an excess of SNPs with intermediate frequency. RESULTS In total, we found 183 candidate genes: 141 in the European population and 45 in the African one, with only three genes shared between both populations. Most differences between both populations were observed on the X chromosome, though this might be partly due to false positives. Functionally, we find an overrepresentation of genes involved in neuronal development and circadian rhythm. Furthermore, some of the top genes we identified are involved in innate immunity. CONCLUSION Our results revealed evidence of genes under balancing selection in European and African populations. More candidate genes have been found in the European population. They are involved in several different functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Croze
- Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Andreas Wollstein
- Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Vedran Božičević
- Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Daniel Živković
- Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Center of Food and Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stephan
- Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Natural History Museum Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Hutter
- Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, University of Munich (LMU), Grosshaderner Str. 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Casarini L, Santi D, Marino M. Impact of gene polymorphisms of gonadotropins and their receptors on human reproductive success. Reproduction 2015; 150:R175-84. [PMID: 26370242 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins and their receptors' genes carry several single-nucleotide polymorphisms resulting in endocrine genotypes modulating reproductive parameters, diseases, and lifespan leading to important implications for reproductive success and potential relevance during human evolution. Here we illustrate common genotypes of the gonadotropins and gonadotropin receptors' genes and their clinical implications in phenotypes relevant for reproduction such as ovarian cycle length, age of menopause, testosterone levels, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cancer. We then discuss their possible role in human reproduction and adaptation to the environment. Gonadotropins and their receptors' variants are differently distributed among human populations. Some hints suggest that they may be the result of natural selection that occurred in ancient times, increasing the individual chance of successful mating, pregnancy, and effective post-natal parental cares. The gender-related differences in the regulation of the reproductive endocrine systems imply that many of these genotypes may lead to sex-dependent effects, increasing the chance of mating and reproductive success in one sex at the expenses of the other sex. Also, we suggest that sexual conflicts within the FSH and LH-choriogonadotropin receptor genes contributed to maintain genotypes linked to subfertility among humans. Because the distribution of polymorphic markers results in a defined geographical pattern due to human migrations rather than natural selection, these polymorphisms may have had only a weak impact on reproductive success. On the contrary, such genotypes could acquire relevant consequences in the modern, developed societies in which parenthood attempts often occur at a later age, during a short, suboptimal reproductive window, making clinical fertility treatments necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Laisk-Podar T, Kaart T, Peters M, Salumets A. Genetic variants associated with female reproductive ageing – potential markers for assessing ovarian function and ovarian stimulation outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:199-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Zhang R, Zhang S, Zhu X, Zhou Y, Wu X. Molecular characterization of the Chinese alligator follicle-stimulating hormone β subunit (FSHβ) and its expression during the female reproductive cycle. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 183:49-57. [PMID: 25626184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis is an endangered species endemic to China, it has a highly specialized reproductive pattern with low fecundity. Up to date, little is known about the regulation of its female reproductive cycle. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a glycoprotein hormone, plays a key role in stimulating and regulating ovarian follicular development and egg production. In this study, the complete FSHβ cDNA from the ovary of the Chinese alligator was obtained for the first time, it consists of 843-bp nucleotides, including 120-bp nucleotides of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR), 396-bp of the open reading frame, and 3'-UTR of 327-bp nucleotides. It encodes a 131-amino acid precursor molecule of FSHβ with a signal peptide of 18 amino acids followed by a mature protein of 113 amino acids. Its deduced amino acid sequence shares high identities with the American alligator (100%) and birds (89-92%). Phylogenetic tree analysis of the FSHβ amino acid sequence indicated that alligators cluster into the bird branch. Tissue distribution analyses indicated that FSHβ mRNA is expressed in ovary, intestine and liver with the highest level in the ovary, while not in stomach, pancreas, heart, thymus and thyroid. Expression of FSHβ in ovary increases in May (breeding prophase) and peaks in July (breeding period), it is maintained at high levels through September, then decreases significantly in November (post-reproductive period) and remains relatively low from January to March (hibernating period). These temporal changes of FSHβ expression implicated that it might play an important role in promoting ovarian development during the female reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Shengzhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China.
| | - Xue Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Yongkang Zhou
- Alligator Research Center of Anhui Province, Xuanzhou 242000, China
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- Key Laboratory for Conservation and Use of Important Biological Resources of Anhui Province, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China.
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10
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Garolla A, Selice R, Engl B, Bertoldo A, Menegazzo M, Finos L, Lenzi A, Foresta C. Spermatid count as a predictor of response to FSH therapy. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:102-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the pharmacogenetic potential of FSH for infertility treatment. DESIGN Review of the literature and genomic databases. METHODS Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assessed: rs6166 (c.2039A>G, p.N680S), rs6165 (c.919A>G, p.T307A), rs1394205 (c.-29G>A) in FSHR, and rs10835638 (c.-211G>T) in FSHB. Literature search via PubMed. Blast analysis of genomic information available in the NCBI nucleotide database. Comparison of allele frequency and haplotype distribution using the http://spsmart.cesga.estool. RESULTS All these SNPs appear first in Homo, result in reduced FSH action, and are present with variable frequencies and combinations worldwide. Stringent clinical studies demonstrate that the FSHR genotype influences serum FSH levels and gonadal response in both sexes. Serum FSH levels depend on the -211G>T SNP, influencing transcriptional activity of the FSHB promoter. Genotypes reducing FSH action are overrepresented in infertile subjects. CONCLUSIONS Although the clinical relevance of the FSHR polymorphisms alone is limited, the combination of FSHR and FSHB genotypes has a much stronger impact than either one alone in both sexes. About 20% of people are carriers of the alleles associated with lower serum FSH levels/reduced FSHR expression or activity, possibly less favorable for reproduction. Prospective studies need to investigate whether stratification of infertile patients according to their FSHR-FSHB genotypes improves clinical efficacy of FSH treatment compared with the current, naïve approach. A relative enrichment of less favorable FSHR-FSHB genotypes may be related to changes in human reproductive strategies and be a marker of some health-related advantage at the cost of reduced fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, NOCSAE, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Pietro Giardini 1355, I- 41126 Modena, Italy
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12
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Polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes as markers of ovarian reserve and response in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:970-8.e1. [PMID: 23380184 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Since gonadotropins are the fundamental hormones that control ovarian activity, genetic polymorphisms may alter gonadal responsiveness to glycoproteins; hence they are important regulators of hormone activity at the target level. The establishment of the pool of primordial follicles takes place during fetal life and is mainly under genetic control. Consequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gonadotropins and their receptors do not seem to be associated with any significant modification in the endowment of nongrowing follicles in the ovary. Indeed, the age at menopause, a biological characteristic strongly related to ovarian reserve, as well as markers of functional ovarian reserve such as anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, are not different in women with different genetic variants. Conversely, some polymorphisms in FSH receptor (FSHR) seem to be associated with modifications in ovarian activity. In particular, studies suggest that the Ser680 genotype for FSHR is a factor of relative resistance to FSH stimulation resulting in slightly higher FSH serum levels, thus leading to a prolonged duration of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, some FSHR gene polymorphisms show a positive association with ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin administration, hence exhibiting some potential for a pharmacogenetic estimation of the FSH dosage in controlled ovarian stimulation. The study of SNPs of the FSHR gene is an interesting field of research that could provide us with new information about the way each woman responds to exogenous gonadotropin administration during ovulation induction.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current knowledge of genetic variants in the two genes affecting the individual responsiveness to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) action-the FSH beta-subunit (FSHB) and the FSH receptor (FSHR), as well as the pharmacogenetic ramifications of the findings. RECENT FINDINGS Four common variants in the FSHB and the FSHR genes were shown to exhibit significant effect on FSH action: linked FSHR variants Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser determining common receptor isoforms, and gene expression affecting polymorphisms FSHR -29G/A and FSHB -211G/T. In women, the FSHR Thr307Ala/Asn680Ser polymorphisms show consistent predictive value for estimating the most optimal recombinant FSH dosage in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). The same variants exhibit a potential for the pharmacogenetic assessment of the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The FSHR -29G/A variant was also shown to contribute to ovarian response to COH. Pilot studies have suggested the FSHB -211 TT homozygous oligozoospermic men with genetically determined low concentration of FSH, as potentially the best responders to FSH treatment; furthermore, modulation of this response by FSHR polymorphisms is possible. SUMMARY Genetic variants in FSHB and FSHR exhibit a potential for pharmacogenetic applications in selecting appropriate treatment options (timing and dosage) in male and female conditions requiring or benefiting from FSH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maris Laan
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
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Casarini L, Pignatti E, Simoni M. Effects of polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes on reproductive function. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2011; 12:303-21. [PMID: 21912887 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-011-9192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins, the action of which is mediated at the level of their gonadal receptors, play a key role in sexual development, reproductive functions and in metabolism. The involvement of the gonadotropins and their receptor genotypes on reproductive function are widely studied. A large number of gonadotropins and their receptors gene polymorphisms are known, but the only one considerable as a clear, absolute genetic marker of reproductive features or disfunctions is the FSHR Asn680Ser polymorphism, since it modulates ovarian response to FSH. The aim of these studies would to be the prediction of the genetic causes of sex-related diseases to enable a customized clinical setting based on individual response of patients undergoing gonadotropin stimulation. In this review we discuss the latest information about the effects of polymorphisms of the gonadotropins and their receptor genes on reproductive functions of both male and female, and discuss their patho-physiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Sun C, Huo D, Southard C, Nemesure B, Hennis A, Cristina Leske M, Wu SY, Witonsky DB, Olopade OI, Di Rienzo A. A signature of balancing selection in the region upstream to the human UGT2B4 gene and implications for breast cancer risk. Hum Genet 2011; 130:767-75. [PMID: 21660508 PMCID: PMC4478588 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-011-1025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2 family, polypeptide B4 (UGT2B4) is an important metabolizing enzyme involved in the clearance of many xenobiotics and endogenous substrates, especially steroid hormones and bile acids. The HapMap data show that numerous SNPs upstream of UGT2B4 are in near-perfect linkage disequilibrium with each other and occur at intermediate frequency, indicating that this region might contain a target of natural selection. To investigate this possibility, we chose three regions (4.8 kb in total) for resequencing and observed a striking excess of intermediate-frequency alleles that define two major haplotypes separated by many mutation events and with little differentiation across populations, thus suggesting that the variation pattern upstream UGT2B4 is highly unusual and may be the result of balancing selection. We propose that this pattern is due to the maintenance of a regulatory polymorphism involved in the fine tuning of UGT2B4 expression so that heterozygous genotypes result in optimal enzyme levels. Considering the important role of steroid hormones in breast cancer susceptibility, we hypothesized that variation in this region could predispose to breast cancer. To test this hypothesis, we genotyped tag SNP rs13129471 in 1,261 patients and 825 normal women of African ancestry from three populations. The frequency comparison indicated that rs13129471 was significantly associated with breast cancer after adjusting for ethnicity [P = 0.003; heterozygous odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-1.28; homozygous OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.15-1.95]. Our results provide new insights into UGT2B4 sequence variation and indicate that a signal of natural selection may lead to the identification of disease susceptibility variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Sun
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 920 E. 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Toward a pharmacogenetic approach to male infertility: polymorphism of follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit promoter. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1344-1349.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Review on autoimmune reactions in female infertility: antibodies to follicle stimulating hormone. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2012:762541. [PMID: 22007255 PMCID: PMC3189473 DOI: 10.1155/2012/762541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Female fertility can be affected by diseases or dysfunctions of reproductive tract, neuroendocrine system, and immune system. Reproductive autoimmune failure can be associated with overall activation of immune system or with immune system reactions specifically directed against ovarian antigens. Majority of the antiovarian autoantibodies are directed against β-subunit of follicle stimulating hormone (anti-FSH). This paper summarizes a current clinical classification of female infertility in the context of general activation of autoimmunity and antiovarian autoimmunity by describing serum anti-FSH. The presence of naturally occurring anti-FSH in healthy women will be discussed. In addition, the putative impairment of ovarian folliculogenesis in case of increased production of those antibodies in infertile women will be characterized.
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A folate receptor alpha double-mutated haplotype 1816delC–1841A is distributed throughout Eurasia and associated with lower erythrocyte folate levels. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:4471-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abstract
In this review, I describe how evolutionary genomics is uniquely suited to spearhead advances in understanding human disease risk, owing to the privileged position of genes as fundamental causes of phenotypic variation, and the ability of population genetic and phylogenetic methods to robustly infer processes of natural selection, drift, and mutation from genetic variation at the levels of family, population, species, and clade. I first provide an overview of models for the origins and maintenance of genetically based disease risk in humans. I then discuss how analyses of genetic disease risk can be dovetailed with studies of positive and balancing selection, to evaluate the degree to which the 'genes that make us human' also represent the genes that mediate risk of polygenic disease. Finally, I present four basic principles for the nascent field of human evolutionary medical genomics, each of which represents a process that is nonintuitive from a proximate perspective. Joint consideration of these principles compels novel forms of interdisciplinary analyses, most notably studies that (i) analyze tradeoffs at the level of molecular genetics, and (ii) identify genetic variants that are derived in the human lineage or in specific populations, and then compare individuals with derived versus ancestral alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biosciences, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
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20
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Nagirnaja L, Rull K, Uusküla L, Hallast P, Grigorova M, Laan M. Genomics and genetics of gonadotropin beta-subunit genes: Unique FSHB and duplicated LHB/CGB loci. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 329:4-16. [PMID: 20488225 PMCID: PMC2954307 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) play a critical role in human reproduction. Despite the common evolutionary ancestry and functional relatedness of the gonadotropin hormone beta (GtHB) genes, the single-copy FSHB (at 11p13) and the multi-copy LHB/CGB genes (at 19q13.32) exhibit locus-specific differences regarding their genomic context, evolution, genetic variation and expressional profile. FSHB represents a conservative vertebrate gene with a unique function and it is located in a structurally stable gene-poor region. In contrast, the primate-specific LHB/CGB gene cluster is located in a gene-rich genomic context and demonstrates an example of evolutionary young and unstable genomic region. The gene cluster is shaped by a constant balance between selection that acts on specific functions of the loci and frequent gene conversion events among duplicons. As the transcription of the GtHB genes is rate-limiting in the assembly of respective hormones, the genomic and genetic context of the FSHB and the LHB/CGB genes largely affects the profile of the hormone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Nagirnaja
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Rull
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tartu, Puusepa 8 G2, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
- Estonian Biocentre, Riia St. 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Liis Uusküla
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pille Hallast
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Estonian Biocentre, Riia St. 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +372 7375008; fax: +372 7420286.
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Abstract
Patterns and risks of human disease have evolved. In this article, I review evidence regarding the importance of recent adaptive evolution, positive selection, and genomic conflicts in shaping the genetic and phenotypic architectures of polygenic human diseases. Strong recent selection in human populations can create and maintain genetically based disease risk primarily through three processes: increased scope for dysregulation from recent human adaptations, divergent optima generated by intraspecific genomic conflicts, and transient or stable deleterious by-products of positive selection caused by antagonistic pleiotropy, ultimately due to trade-offs at the levels of molecular genetics, development, and physiology. Human disease due to these processes appears to be concentrated in three sets of phenotypes: cognition and emotion, reproductive traits, and life-history traits related to long life-span. Diverse, convergent lines of evidence suggest that a small set of tissues whose pleiotropic patterns of gene function and expression are under especially strong selection-brain, placenta, testis, prostate, breast, and ovary-has mediated a considerable proportion of disease risk in modern humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biosciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B. C., Canada V5A 1S6.
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Poolamets O, Kelgo P, Ausmees K, Korrovits P, Vihljajev V, Laan M. Increased Prevalance of the -211 T allele of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) beta subunit promoter polymorphism and lower serum FSH in infertile men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:100-8. [PMID: 19897680 PMCID: PMC2823301 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The human FSHB promoter polymorphism (rs10835638; -211 G/T) has been associated with serum FSH in a cohort of young Estonian men. The minor allele carriers had reduced serum FSH (15.7% in GT heterozygotes; 40% in TT homozygotes) compared with GG homozygotes. OBJECTIVE Because FSH is essential for normal spermatogenesis and fertility, we speculated that abnormalities in FSH action could contribute to male infertility. We sought to study whether genetically inherited constitutively reduced FSH levels may affect male reproduction and replicate the association between rs10835638 and serum FSH among infertile male patients. DESIGN Genotyping of rs10835638 in a cohort of infertile men (n = 1029; Andrology Center of the Tartu University Clinics, Estonia), including idiopathic infertility cases (IIFC; n = 750). PATIENTS Patients included male partners (sperm concentration <20 x 10(6)/ml) of infertile couples failing to conceive a child for 12 months or longer. RESULTS A significant excess of TT homozygotes (1.1 vs. 2.4%) as well as GT heterozygotes (22.4 vs. 25.1%) was detected among infertile men compared with the young male cohort (chi(2) test, P < 0.05). The T allele of rs10835638 was associated with reduced serum FSH (analysis of covariance; full cohort: P = 1.20 x 10(-6), F = 13.8; IIFC: P = 7.70 x 10(-7), F = 14.3) as well as with low FSH to LH ratio (full cohort: P = 1.52 x 10(-11), F = 25.6; IIFC: P = 3.25 x 10(-9), F = 20.4). The median serum FSH levels differed between the GG and TT carriers by 48.5%. All IIFC with TT genotype exhibited low (<1.8) FSH to LH ratio. CONCLUSIONS In perspective, this genetic marker may have clinical significance in molecular diagnostics of male reproductive success and a potential to identify positive responders to FSH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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Dai L, Zhao Z, Zhao R, Xiao S, Jiang H, Yue X, Li X, Gao Y, Liu J, Zhang J. Effects of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of the FSH beta-subunit gene on semen quality and fertility in bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 114:14-22. [PMID: 18829190 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Revised: 07/10/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acts on the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testis and regulates spermatogenesis up to the secondary spermatocyte stage. This study aimed to investigate molecular genetic characteristics of the bovine FSH beta-subunit gene (FSHB) and elucidate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FSHB on the quality of fresh and frozen semen and on fertility in bulls. We used polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing of the FSHB gene in 56 bulls belonging to three breeds. We identified 13 substitutions and 1 insertion in the upstream regulation region and in the coding region of exon 3, which were all linked together. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that mutations of the 5'-upstream regulation region altered the binding sites for transcription factors, and radioimmunoassay demonstrated that mutations may result in alterations in the serum FSH concentrations. The least-squares analysis revealed that bulls with this genotype exhibited a significantly lower sperm concentration in fresh semen and a lower percentage of acrosome integrity in both fresh and frozen semen (P<0.05). These bulls also exhibited a significantly higher percentage of sperm deformity in fresh semen (P<0.05), which was more pronounced in frozen semen (P<0.01), and a significantly lower sperm motility in frozen semen (P<0.05). For fertility evaluation, the nonreturn rates obtained from 14,416 inseminations with the analyzed batches revealed that bulls with this genotype showed significantly lower nonreturn rates (P<0.05). In other words, bulls with this genotype exhibited lower semen quality, poor freeze resistance, and lower fertility. These results suggest that the SNPs in bovine FSHB are associated with semen quality and fertility in bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisheng Dai
- Laboratory Animal Center, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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He F, Wu DD, Kong QP, Zhang YP. Intriguing balancing selection on the intron 5 region of LMBR1 in human population. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2948. [PMID: 18698406 PMCID: PMC2492787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 07/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intron 5 of gene LMBR1 is the cis-acting regulatory module for the sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene. Mutation in this non-coding region is associated with preaxial polydactyly, and may play crucial roles in the evolution of limb and skeletal system. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We sequenced a region of the LMBR1 gene intron 5 in East Asian human population, and found a significant deviation of Tajima's D statistics from neutrality taking human population growth into account. Data from HapMap also demonstrated extended linkage disequilibrium in the region in East Asian and European population, and significantly low degree of genetic differentiation among human populations. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE We proposed that the intron 5 of LMBR1 was presumably subject to balancing selection during the evolution of modern human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Peng Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resource, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- * E-mail:
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Ausmees K, Laan M. FSHB promoter polymorphism within evolutionary conserved element is associated with serum FSH level in men. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2160-6. [PMID: 18567894 PMCID: PMC2517155 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No polymorphisms affecting serum FSH levels have been described in the human FSHB gene. We have identified a potential regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs10835638; G/T) 211 bp upstream from the FSHB mRNA transcription start-site, located within a highly conserved region among placental mammals. We aimed to determine the correlation of carrier status of rs10835638 alternative alleles with serum FSH level in men, and testicular and hormonal parameters. METHODS A quantitative genetic association study using a cohort of healthy men (n = 554; age 19.2 ± 1.7 years) visiting the Centre of Andrology, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. RESULTS Rs10835638 (allele frequencies: G 87.6%, T 12.4%) was significantly associated with serum FSH level (analysis of variance: F = 13.0, P = 0.0016, df = 1; regression testing for a linear trend: P = 0.0003). Subjects with the GG genotype exhibited higher FSH levels (3.37 ± 1.79 IU/l, n = 423) compared with heterozygotes (2.84 ± 1.54 IU/l, n = 125) (P = 0.0005), the group of T-allele carriers (GT+TT, 2.78 ± 1.51 IU/l, n = 131) (P = 0.0005) and TT-homozygotes (2.02 ± 0.81 IU/L, n = 6) (P = 0.031). Rs10835638 was also associated with significant (P < 0.05) reduction in free testosterone index and testes volume, but increased semen volume, sex hormone-binding globulin, serum testosterone and estradiol. LH and inhibin-B levels did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a regulatory SNP in FSHB promoter paves the way to study the effect of constitutively low FSH on male health and fertility. As FSH contributes to follicular development and sex steroid production in women, the role of this FSHB variant in female reproductive success is still to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia Street 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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26
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Hancock AM, Rienzo AD. Detecting the Genetic Signature of Natural Selection in Human Populations: Models, Methods, and Data. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANTHROPOLOGY 2008; 37:197-217. [PMID: 20622977 PMCID: PMC2901121 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.anthro.37.081407.085141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of DNA sequence variation in the genome contain a record of past selective events. The ability to collect increasingly large data sets of polymorphisms has allowed investigators to perform hypothesis-driven studies of candidate genes as well as genome-wide scans for signatures of adaptations. This genetic approach to the study of natural selection has identified many signals consistent with predictions from anthropological studies. Selective pressures related to variation in climate, diet, and pathogen exposure have left strong marks on patterns of human variation. Additional signals of adaptations are observed in genes involved in chemosensory perception and reproduction. Several ongoing projects aim to sequence the complete genome of 1000 individuals from different human populations. These large-scale projects will provide data for more complete genome scans of selection, but more focused studies aimed at testing specific hypotheses will continue to hold an important place in elucidating the history of adaptations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Hancock
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637
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Haller K, Salumets A, Grigorova M, Talja I, Salur L, Béné MC, Laan M, Uibo R. Putative Predictors of Antibodies Against Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Female Infertility: A Study Based on In Vitro Fertilization Patients. Am J Reprod Immunol 2007; 57:193-200. [PMID: 17295898 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00462.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We have previously demonstrated the presence of naturally occurring antibodies against follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we investigated the parameters associated with anti-FSH antibodies in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. METHODS OF STUDY The following parameters were studied in 135 patients: peripheral FSH levels, FSH beta-subunit gene (FSHB) haplotypes, history of previous IVF, and susceptibility to autoimmune reactions in general [seven common autoantibodies (against nuclear antigens on human and rodent substrates, smooth muscle, gastric parietal cells, beta2-glycoprotein I, cardiolipin, and thyroid peroxidase) and HLA-DQB1 alleles]. RESULTS Although the anti-FSH levels were higher in patients when compared with controls, those higher levels were not associated with FSHB haplotypes. The anti-FSH IgM associated with (i) the levels of FSH in women with male and tubal factor infertility; (ii) the history of IVF in patients with PCOS, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility; and (iii) the production of common autoantibodies among all IVF patients. The anti-FSH IgA associated with HLA-DQB1*03. The anti-FSH IgG correlated with the values of anti-FSH IgA and IgM. CONCLUSION Anti-FSH may be naturally occurring antibodies associated with peripheral FSH concentrations, but increased in infertile women with dysregulation of immune reactions and repeatedly performed IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadri Haller
- Department of Immunology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, Centre of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Biomedicum, Ravila Str. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
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