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Jiang Y, Xu J, Tao C, Lin Y, Lin X, Li K, Liu Q, Saiyin H, Hu S, Yao G, Sun Y, Zhang F, Kang Y, Xu C, Zhang L. Chronic stress induces meiotic arrest failure and ovarian reserve decline via the cAMP signaling pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1177061. [PMID: 37720535 PMCID: PMC10499613 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1177061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is suspected to be a causal factor of female subfertility; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that chronic stress inhibited the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, leading to ovarian reserve decline in mice. A chronic stress model was constructed using restraint stress for 8 weeks. An elongated estrous cycle and a significant increase in the number of atretic follicles were observed in the stress group. We identified a significant increase in meiotic arrest failure (MAF) in oocytes in the stress group, characterized by condensed metaphase chromosomes, assembled spindles, or polar bodies in the oocytes. Whole-mount ovarian reserve estimation at the single-oocyte level using the CUBIC method (clear, unobstructed brain/body imaging cocktails and computational analysis) revealed a significant decrease in quiescent oocytes from 2,261/ovary in the control group to 1,373/ovary in the stress group. The number of growing oocytes also significantly decreased from 220/ovary in the control group to 150/ovary in the stress group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of the meiotic arrest maintenance pathways revealed significant downregulation of Gpr3, Nppc, and Npr2 in the stress group. These results indicate that blocking cAMP production contributes to MAF and a decline in ovarian reserve. Overall, we present new insights into the mechanisms underlying chronic-stress-induced oocyte loss and potential targets for ovarian reserve preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Jiang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengqiu Tao
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunying Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medical, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hexige Saiyin
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medical, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medical, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medical, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Kang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medical, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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Bhaumik S, Lockett J, Cuffe J, Clifton VL. Glucocorticoids and Their Receptor Isoforms: Roles in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1104. [PMID: 37626990 PMCID: PMC10452123 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and associated changes in circulating levels of glucocorticoids are integral to an organism's response to stressful stimuli. Glucocorticoids acting via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) play a role in fertility, reproduction, placental function, and foetal development. GRs are ubiquitously expressed throughout the female reproductive system and regulate normal reproductive function. Stress-induced glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit reproduction and affect female gonadal function by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis at each level. Furthermore, during pregnancy, a mother's exposure to prenatal stress or external glucocorticoids can result in long-lasting alterations to the foetal HPA and neuroendocrine function. Several GR isoforms generated via alternative splicing or translation initiation from the GR gene have been identified in the mammalian ovary and uterus. The GR isoforms identified include the splice variants, GRα and GRβ, and GRγ and GR-P. Glucocorticoids can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects and both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in the ovary, in vitro. In the placenta, thirteen GR isoforms have been identified in humans, guinea pigs, sheep, rats, and mice, indicating they are conserved across species and may be important in mediating a differential response to stress. Distinctive responses to glucocorticoids, differential birth outcomes in pregnancy complications, and sex-based variations in the response to stress could all potentially be dependent on a particular GR expression pattern. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the structure and function of the GR in relation to female fertility and reproduction and discusses the changes in the GR and glucocorticoid signalling during pregnancy. To generate this overview, an extensive non-systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with a focus on original research articles, meta-analyses, and previous review papers addressing the subject. This review integrates the current understanding of GR variants and their roles in glucocorticoid signalling, reproduction, placental function, and foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeparna Bhaumik
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane 4102, Australia
| | - James Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia;
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
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Casillas F, Flores-González A, Juárez-Rojas L, López A, Betancourt M, Casas E, Bahena I, Bonilla E, Retana-Márquez S. Chronic stress decreases fertility parameters in female rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:234-244. [PMID: 36848400 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2171822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple effects of stress on health have been reported; however, reproductive alterations in oocytes and cumulus cells have not been fully described. In females, chronic stress has been shown to produce alterations in the estrous cycle, to decrease oocyte in vivo maturation, and to increase the percentage of abnormal oocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the oocytes from chronically stressed female rats could recover and mature in vitro by providing them with all the necessary culture conditions, as well as to evaluate the functionality of the GAP junctions, and the viability and DNA integrity of the cumulus cells, which are crucial for the complete maturation and development of the oocyte. For this, rats were stressed daily by cold water immersion (15 °C) during 15 min for 30 consecutive days. Corticosterone serum levels in rats increased as an indicator of stress. Chronic stress decreased the percentage of in vitro matured oocytes because the cumulus cells presented irreparable damage to their DNA that led to their death, being unable to establish bidirectional communication with the oocyte for its meiotic resumption through the GAP junctions, which were also damaged. These findings could partially explain an association between stress and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Flores-González
- Master's Degree in Animal Reproduction Biology, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma López
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Bahena
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Bonilla
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
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Li H, Hart JE, Mahalingaiah S, Nethery RC, James P, Bertone-Johnson E, Eliassen AH, Laden F. Environmental Exposures and Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Mixture Analysis in the Nurses' Health Study II. Epidemiology 2023; 34:150-161. [PMID: 36455251 PMCID: PMC9720700 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have linked environmental exposures with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve. However, associations with multiple environment factors has to our knowledge not been addressed. METHODS We included a total of 2,447 premenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII) who provided blood samples during 1996-1999. We selected environmental exposures linked previously with reproductive outcomes that had measurement data available in NHSII, including greenness, particulate matter, noise, outdoor light at night, ultraviolet radiation, and six hazardous air pollutants (1,3-butadiene, benzene, diesel particulate matter, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, and tetrachloroethylene). For these, we calculated cumulative averages from enrollment (1989) to blood draw and estimated associations with AMH in adjusted single-exposure models, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS Single-exposure models showed negative associations of AMH with benzene (percentage reduction in AMH per interquartile range [IQR] increase = 5.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0, 9.8) and formaldehyde (6.1%, 95% CI = 1.6, 10). PCA identified four major exposure patterns but only one with high exposure to air pollutants and light at night was associated with lower AMH. Hierarchical BKMR pointed to benzene, formaldehyde, and greenness and suggested an inverse joint association with AMH (percentage reduction comparing all exposures at the 75th percentile to median = 8.2%, 95% CI = 0.7, 15.1). Observed associations were mainly among women above age 40. CONCLUSIONS We found exposure to benzene and formaldehyde to be consistently associated with lower AMH levels. The associations among older women are consistent with the hypothesis that environmental exposures accelerate reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichu Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel C. Nethery
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter James
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse (CoRAL), Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - A. Heather Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Chen Y, Liu Y, Chu M. miRNA-mRNA analysis of sheep adrenal glands reveals the network regulating reproduction. BMC Genom Data 2022; 23:44. [PMID: 35710353 PMCID: PMC9205095 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-022-01060-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The adrenal gland participates in the process of sheep reproduction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous small noncoding RNAs, regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. However, the miRNA-mRNA network profile of adrenal glands relating to reproduction in sheep is still not well-studied. As sheep with FecBBB genotype show higher lambing number compare with the sheep with FecB++ genotype. This research aims to compare gene expression by small RNA-seq in adrenal tissues at follicular (F) and luteal (L) phases in FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (ww) sheep. After analysis of gene expression, significant differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) and corresponding target genes were identified. Results A total of 180 miRNAs were found in this study, of which 19 DEMs were expressed in the four comparison groups (MM_F_A vs. MM_L_A, MM_F_A vs. ww_F_A, MM_L_A vs. ww_L_A, ww_F_A vs. ww_L_A). Subsequently, 354 target genes of 19 DEMs were predicted by integrated analysis. Cluster analysis was performed by K_means_cluster, and the expression patterns of these DEMs were separated into four subclusters. Functional analysis of target genes was performed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The results indicated that the target genes were involved mainly in the Notch signaling pathway, signal transduction, cell communication, innate immune response and amino acid metabolism. Specifically, the Notch signaling pathway, biosynthetic process and metabolic process of pyrimidine nucleotide and amino acid metabolism appear to play key regulatory roles in the sheep fertility trait. Furthermore, miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were constructed by differentially expressed genes combined with our previous study of transcriptome data. The results showed that several key genes, including TDRD3, ANAPC7, CCNL2, BRD2 and MUT, were related to the transformation from the follicular phase to the luteal phase. PLAC8L1, NFAT5, DDX24 and MBD1 were related to the high fecundity of small tail Han sheep. Conclusions In this study, the miRNA transcriptome profile was identified, and miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were constructed in adrenal gland tissue of small tail Han sheep, the interaction between miR-370-3p and its targets were considered to play a major role in the reproduction regulation process. The results enriched the number of known miRNAs in adrenal glands and provided novel ideas and further information to demonstrate posttranscriptional regulation mechanisms at follicular and luteal phases in different genotypes of small tail Han sheep. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01060-y.
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Helmy H, Hamid Sadik NA, Badawy L, Sayed NH. Mechanistic insights into the protective role of eugenol against stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in female rat model. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 367:110181. [PMID: 36108715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110181] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The challenging and highly demanding life rhythm nowadays subjects people to unavoidable chronic stress. Chronic stress is associated with a wide array of serious health complications including neuroendocrine dysregulations. Women are more prone to chronic stress-related hormonal disturbances and their physical and psychological consequences, especially reproductive impairment. Eugenol is a natural phenolic anti-oxidant that has several beneficial biological activities. The current study intended to scrutinize the potential protective effect of eugenol in female Wistar rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups; group 1 received olive oil, group 2 received eugenol in olive oil, groups 3 and 4 were subjected to CUMS protocol for 8 weeks, with pre- and concomitant treatment with eugenol (50 mg/kg/day; p.o.) in group 4. The results showed that CUMS exposure led to weight loss and depressive-like behaviours. CUMS induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation with subsequent elevation of serum corticosterone level which, in turn, caused decline in ovarian release of estradiol and antimullerian hormones together with an increased production of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones by the anterior pituitary, leading to reproductive disturbances. In ovaries, CUMS imposed oxidative stress, insulin resistance and molecular damage. Intriguingly, all these adverse effects were significantly mitigated by the administration of eugenol that improved animals' behaviours, corrected corticosterone upsurge, tempered hormonal disturbances, and amended ovarian damage. All biochemical results were further confirmed by hippocampal and ovarian histopathological examinations. In conclusion, the current study highlights the prophylactic role of eugenol against reproductive disturbances induced by chronic stress in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatullah Helmy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Noha H Sayed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Levinson AL, Igonina TN, Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Amstislavsky SY. Psycho-emotional stress, folliculogenesis, and reproductive technologies: clinical and experimental data. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:431-441. [PMID: 36128573 PMCID: PMC9450030 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern life, especially in large cities, exposes people to a high level of noise, high density of population, disrupted sleeping, large amount of excessive and controversial information as well as to other negative factors; all this may cause chronic psycho-emotional stress. The latest publications often use the term “Syndrome of megalopolis”, which means disruption of sleeping, high anxiety, and altered reproductive function. Medical treatment of infertility may also be considered as a stress factor, especially when infertility lasts for years and is aggravated with emotional frustration. Long-lasting distress may worsen health in general and suppress reproductive function, in particular. The review presents the data on the effects of maternal stress on folliculogenesis, especially when assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are used. Clinical data are presented alongside data from laboratory animal experiments. Different maternal stress models are taken into account in respect of their inf luence on oocyte maturation and embryo development. The interfering of psycho-emotional stress and reproductive function is the focus of the review. In these situations, exogenous hormones compensate for the stress-related disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. When ARTs are implemented, stress-induced disruption of oogenesis is realized not via a decrease in hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, but by other ways, which involve paracrine mechanisms described in this review. Based on the literature analysis, one may conclude that stress negatively affects oocyte maturation in the ovary and suppresses subsequent embryo development. The role of some ovarian paracrine factors, such as BDNF, GDF-9, HB-EGF, TNF-α, and some others has been elucidated
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Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Levinson
- Novosibirsk Center of Reproductive Medicine; Novosibirsk State University
| | - T. N. Igonina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - I. N. Rozhkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - E. Yu. Brusentsev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - S. Ya. Amstislavsky
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Novosibirsk State University
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Du X, He X, Liu Q, Di R, Liu Q, Chu M. Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals the Key lncRNA and mRNA of Sunite Sheep Adrenal Gland Affecting Seasonal Reproduction. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:816241. [PMID: 35464356 PMCID: PMC9024317 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.816241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis plays an important role in the growth and development of mammals. Recently, lncRNA transcripts have emerged as an area of importance in sheep photoperiod and seasonal estrus studies. This research aims to identify lncRNA and mRNA that are differentially expressed in the sheep adrenal gland in long (LP) or short (SP) photoperiods using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis based on the OVX + E2 (Bilateral ovariectomy and estradiol-implanted) model. We found significant differences in the expression of lncRNAs in LP42 (where LP is for 42 days) vs. SP-LP42 (where SP is for 42 days followed by LP for 42 days) (n = 304), SP42 (where SP is for 42 days) vs. SP-LP42 (n = 1,110) and SP42 vs. LP42 (n = 928). Cluster analysis and enrichment analysis identified SP42 vs. LP42 as a comparable group of interest and found the following candidate genes related to reproductive phenotype: FGF16, PLGF, CDKN1A, SEMA7A, EDG1, CACNA1C and ADCY5. FGF16 (Up-regulated lncRNA MSTRG.242136 and MSTRG.236582) is the only up-regulated gene that is closely related to oocyte maturation. However, EDG1 (Down-regulated lncRNA MSTRG.43609) and CACNA1C may be related to precocious puberty in sheep. PLGF (Down-regulated lncRNA MSTRG.146618 and MSTRG.247208) and CDKN1A (Up-regulated lncRNA MSTRG.203610 and MSTRG.129663) are involved in the growth and differentiation of placental and retinal vessels, and SEMA7A (Up-regulated lncRNA MSTRG.250579) is essential for the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. These results identify novel candidate genes that may regulate sheep seasonality and may lead to new methods for the management of sheep reproduction. This study provides a basis for further explanation of the basic molecular mechanism of the adrenal gland, but also provides a new idea for a comprehensive understanding of seasonal estrus characteristics in Sunite sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Mingxing Chu
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9
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Hull MA, Reynolds PS, Nunamaker EA. Effects of non-aversive versus tail-lift handling on breeding productivity in a C57BL/6J mouse colony. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263192. [PMID: 35089969 PMCID: PMC8797240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-aversive handling is a well-documented refinement measure for improving rodent welfare. Because maternal stress is related to reduced productivity, we hypothesized that welfare benefits associated with non-aversive handling would translate to higher production and fewer litters lost in a laboratory mouse breeding colony. We performed a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a standard method of handling (tail-lift with forceps) versus non-aversive handling with transfer tunnels ('tunnel-handled') on breeding performance in 59 C57BL/6J mouse pairs. Intervention assignments could not be concealed from technicians, but were concealed from assessors and data analyst. An operationally significant effect of tunnel-handling (large enough differences to warrant programmatic change) was defined before study initiation as a 5% increase in productivity, or one extra pup over the reproductive lifetime of each pair. Pairs were randomly allocated to handling intervention and cage rack location, and monitored over an entire 6-month breeding cycle. For each group, we measured number of pups born and weaned, and number of entire litters lost prior to weaning. Differences between transfer methods were estimated by two-level hierarchical mixed models adjusted for parental effects and parity. Compared to tail-lift mice, tunnel-handled mice averaged one extra pup per pair born (+1.0; 95% CI 0.9, 1.1; P = 0.41) and weaned (+1.1, 95% CI 0.9, 1.2; P = 0.33). More tunnel-handled pairs successfully weaned all litters produced (13/29 pairs, 45% vs 4/30 pairs, 13%; P = 0.015), averaged fewer litter losses prior to weaning (11/29 pairs [38%] vs 26/30 pairs [87%]; P <0.001), and had a 20% lower risk of recurrent litter loss. The increase in numbers of pups produced and weaned with tunnel handling met threshold requirement for operational significance. These data and projected cost savings persuaded management to incorporate tunnel handling as standard of care across the institution. These data also suggest that overlooked husbandry practices such as cage transfer may be major confounders in studies of mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Hull
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Penny S. Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology; Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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10
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Gao L, Gao H, Wang W. Androgens improve ovarian follicle function impaired by glucocorticoids through an androgen-IGF1-FSH synergistic effect. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:951928. [PMID: 36339442 PMCID: PMC9627217 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.951928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
High concentrations of glucocorticoids caused by chronic stress are known to affect ovarian function and cause diminished ovarian reserve. Androgens are essential for early-stage ovarian follicle development, but the effects and mechanisms of androgens on follicle development under chronic stress remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of high concentrations of glucocorticoids on the function of in vitro cultured ovarian cells and mouse early-stage ovarian follicles and to validate the hypothesis that androgen-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synergistic signaling helps to ameliorate the damage caused by high concentrations of glucocorticoids. KGN cells (human granulosa cell line) and mouse primary cells were treated with different concentrations of glucocorticoids, and the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and sex hormone secretion were detected. The effects of glucocorticoid and androgens on IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and FSH receptor (FSHR) expression in KGN cells were detected by Western blot. Steroidogenic synthase expressions under androgens and androgen-IGF1-FSH combination treatment were examined by qPCR after manipulation using low and high concentrations of glucocorticoids. The mechanism of androgen regulation of IGF1R and FSHR was explored by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR. Damage of glucocorticoids and the treatment effects of androgens were further validated in mouse ovarian follicles cultured in vitro. The results demonstrated that prolonged treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids reduced cell viability of granulosa cells, inhibited their sex hormone secretion, and impaired their sensitivity to IGF1 and FSH signaling by affecting IGF1R and FSHR functions. Androgens at an appropriate dose range improved early-stage follicle development and their hormone secretion under high-dose glucocorticoid treatment, which was related to increased transcription of Igf1r and Fshr. This work showed that excessive glucocorticoids impaired ovarian function and validated that balanced concentrations of androgens synergized with IGF1 and FSH to improve the function of early-stage ovarian follicles under conditions of chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Gao
- Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongna Gao
- Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjun Wang,
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11
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Abstract
A recent study published in The Lancet predicts a remarkable drop in population numbers following a peak that will be reached by 2064. A unique feature of the upcoming population drop is that it will be almost exclusively caused by decreased reproduction, rather than factors that increase rates of mortality. The reasons for decreased reproduction are also unique, as, unlike previous centuries, limited reproduction today is hardly due to a shortage in resources. In other words, the predicted population drop is almost exclusively due to changes in reproductive behavior and reproductive physiology. Today, global changes in reproductive behavior are mostly explained by social sciences in a framework of demographic transition hypotheses, while changes in reproductive physiology are usually attributed to effects of endocrine-disrupting pollutants. This review outlines a complementary/alternative hypothesis, which connects reproductive trends with population densities. Numerous wildlife and experimental studies of a broad range of animal species have demonstrated that reproductive behavior and reproductive physiology are negatively controlled via endocrine and neural signaling in response to increasing population densities. The causal chain of this control system, although not fully understood, includes suppression of every level of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal cascade by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, activated in response to increasing stress of social interactions. This paper discusses evidence in support of a hypothesis that current trends in reproductive physiology and behavior may be partly explained by increasing population densities. Better understanding of the causal chain involved in reproduction suppression by population density-related factors may help in developing interventions to treat infertility and other reproductive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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12
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Zhao X, Ma R, Zhang X, Wang B, Rong B, Jiang N, Feng W, Chen M, Huo Z, Li S, Xia T. Transcriptomic study of the mechanism by which the Kai Yu Zhong Yu recipe improves oocyte quality in a stressed mouse model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114298. [PMID: 34090913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114298] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Kai Yu Zhong Yu recipe (KYZY) is a classic herbal formula in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been used to treat infertility associated with psychological stress for more than three hundred years. AIM OF THE STUDY Psychological stress has major impacts on fertility, with variable outcomes depending on the nature, strength, and duration of the stress. Stress can directly disturb ovulation, oocyte quality, maturation, and embryo development. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism by which KYZY improves oocyte developmental potential under psychological stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS ICR female mice aged 4-5 weeks were randomly divided into five groups: control, stressed in the chronic unpredictable stress model (CUSM), and stressed plus KYZY treatment at 38.2 g/kg (KYZYH), 19.1 g/kg (KYZYM), or 9.6 g/kg (KYZYL). Ovary function was assessed by measuring serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Oocyte quality was evaluated in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptotic DNA fragmentation, and mitochondria distribution. We used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups and then further analyzed the DEGs for gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and protein-protein interactions. RESULTS Mice in the stressed group had reduced serum E2, LH, and FSH as well as increased ROS levels, increased apoptosis, and disturbed mitochondria distribution in oocytes. Treatment with KYZY at all three doses reversed or ameliorated these negative effects of stress. DEG analysis identified 187 common genes between the two comparisons (stressed vs. control and KYZYM vs. stressed), 33 of which were annotated with six gene ontology (GO)'s biological process (BP) terms: cell differentiation, apoptosis, ATP synthesis, protein homo-oligomerization, neuron migration, and negative regulation of peptidase activity. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEGs identified key hub genes. Notably, the genes Atp5o and Cyc1 were both involved in the ATP synthesis and among the top three hub genes, suggesting that regulation of oocyte mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis is important in the response to stress and also is a possible mechanism of action for KYZY. CONCLUSIONS KYZY was effective in ameliorating the adverse effects of stress on oocyte competence, possibly by targeting the mitochondrial respiratory chain and ATP synthase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Ruihong Ma
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Baojuan Wang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Beilei Rong
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Weihua Feng
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Mingli Chen
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Zhipeng Huo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Shuming Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, And National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China.
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13
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Gui W, Yang X, Jiang H, Wu H, Zeng M, Wen Y, Qiu T, Zhang Y, Ma Z, Tong C, Luo L, Zhao Y, Wang L. Prevalence of anxiety and its associated factors among infertile patients after 'two-child' policy in Chongqing, China: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Health 2021; 18:193. [PMID: 34593017 PMCID: PMC8482576 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01140-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the prevalence of infertility increasing every year around the world, it has seriously impacted the individual quality of family and social life. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders among infertile patients. After the two-child policy, whether it affected the prevalence of anxiety is controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and its potential risk factors among Chinese infertile women after the enforcement of 'two-child policy'. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 693 infertile patients in a reproductive medical center in Chongqing, China, between February 2016 and December 2018. Data was collected by Self-filling questionnaires including basic demographic information and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). SPSS statistical software (IBM SPSS version 25) was used to analyse the obtained data. Descriptive analysis was used to describe basic information and anxiety scores, the chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the relationship between anxiety and other variables. RESULTS The prevalence of anxiety among total infertile patients was 21.8%, and its 23.5% among first-child infertile patients (FI), and 18.4% among second-child infertile patients (SI) respectively (P > 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed that patients with lower education levels were more likely to have anxiety (P < 0.01). Patients with middle salary incomes were more likely to have anxiety (OR = 1.860, 95% CI: 1.068-3.238). Oral contraception taking history (OR = 1.778, 95% CI: 1.186-2.667), and history of allergy (OR = 2.098, 95% CI: 1.219-3.612) were associated with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Under the full liberalization of the "two-child policy", the total prevalence of anxiety among Chinese infertile female is comparatively high. Low education levels, middle incomes, oral contraception taking and allergy history can be the related risk factors of anxiety. We promote that all infertile patients should be evaluated for the prevalence of anxiety, especially those with potential risks, and receive consultant or targeted treatment when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Gui
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongwen Wu
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Mao Zeng
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yidi Wen
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Qiu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhi Ma
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Canada-China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Li Luo
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.,The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China. .,The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Lianlian Wang
- Department of Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Youyi Road, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China. .,Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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14
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Casillas F, Betancourt M, Juárez-Rojas L, Ducolomb Y, López A, Ávila-Quintero A, Zamora J, Ommati MM, Retana-Márquez S. Chronic Stress Detrimentally Affects In Vivo Maturation in Rat Oocytes and Oocyte Viability at All Phases of the Estrous Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092478. [PMID: 34573444 PMCID: PMC8465826 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, a significant relationship between stress and reproductive failure in women was reported; being one of the possible causes of infertility. The World Health Organization recognizes infertility as a global public health issue; therefore, the interest in understanding the main causes of this issue has increased over the last few decades. Thus, many studies have reported that stress can adversely alter the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; as well as being one of the reasons of subfertility in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Therefore, it can be assumed that stress is closely related to poor in vitro fertilization outcomes. In chronically stressed female rats, irregular estrous cyclicity, increased corticosterone levels, decreased oocyte viability, and increased percentage of abnormal oocytes were obtained in all estrous cycle phases, resulting in reduced oocyte maturation during proestrus. Oocyte maturation disturbed by chronic stress is a crucial factor by which chronic stress disrupts female reproduction. Abstract Background: Stress has been considered as one of the causes of decreased reproductive function in women. However, direct evidence of the effect of chronic stress on oocytes depending on estrous cycle phases is limited. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic stress on the viability, integrity, and maturation of rat oocytes depending on estrous cycle phases, specifically proestrus, estrus, and diestrus. Methods: For this purpose, adult female rats were stressed daily by cold water immersion (15 °C) for 30 consecutive days. Results: In chronically stressed female rats, irregular estrous cyclicity, increased corticosterone levels, decreased oocyte viability, and an increased percentage of abnormal oocytes were obtained in all the estrous cycle phases, resulting in reduced oocyte maturation during proestrus. Conclusion: Oocyte maturation disturbed by chronic stress is a crucial factor by which chronic stress disrupts female reproduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (M.B.); (Y.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- Department of Health Sciences, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (M.B.); (Y.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Alma López
- Department of Health Sciences, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (M.B.); (Y.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Alejandra Ávila-Quintero
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jimena Zamora
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China;
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-4050-5395
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15
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Zhao X, Ma R, Zhang X, Cheng R, Jiang N, Guo M, Rong B, Liu Y, Chen M, Feng W, Xia T. Reduced growth capacity of preimplantation mouse embryos in chronic unpredictable stress model. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 88:80-95. [PMID: 33216405 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Psychological stress can affect female reproduction by deteriorating oocyte quality, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we used the chronic unpredictable stress model to study the effect of psychological stress on mouse oocyte competence during preimplantation stage, and RNA sequencing in single oocytes to analyze differential gene expression at the transcription level. Stress changed the serum levels of glucocorticoids and reduced oocyte developmental potential, depending on the strength of the stress. Strong stress (two stressors per day) reduced the fertilization rate and induced significant apoptosis in blastocysts. Moderate stress (one stressor per day) reduced the cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate. Weak stress (one stressor every 2 days) did not have any significant negative effect on the fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst formation. Hatching rate was not affected by stress, but stress retarded the development of the expanded blastocysts and inhibited the embryo development at early stages. Transcriptome analysis revealed that stress disturbed the expression of cell cycle regulators and apoptotic genes. The hub genes identified through protein-protein interaction analysis include Msln, Ceacam12, Psg16, Psg17, and Psg23, which are all carcinoembryonic or related genes involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Thus, stress was inhibitory on fertilization and early embryo development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruihong Ma
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengjia Guo
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Beilei Rong
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingli Chen
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Weihua Feng
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Reproductive Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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16
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Zhai QY, Wang JJ, Tian Y, Liu X, Song Z. Review of psychological stress on oocyte and early embryonic development in female mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:101. [PMID: 33050936 PMCID: PMC7552561 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress can cause adverse health effects in animals and humans. Accumulating evidence suggests that psychological stress in female mice is associated with ovarian developmental abnormalities accompanied by follicle and oocyte defects. Oocyte and early embryonic development are impaired in mice facing psychological stress, likely resulting from hormone signalling disorders, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and alterations in epigenetic modifications, which are primarily mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axes. The present evidence suggests that psychological stress is increasingly becoming the most common causative factor for female subfertility. Here, we review recent progress on the impact of psychological stress on female reproduction, particularly for oocyte and early embryonic development in female mice. This review highlights the connection between psychological stress and reproductive health and provides novel insight on human subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yue Zhai
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Yu Tian
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Zhenhua Song
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
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17
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Neuroendocrine disruption is associated to infertility in chronically stressed female rats. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:474-483. [PMID: 32807716 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a growing worldwide public health problem, and stress is a main factor exerting detrimental effects on female reproduction. However, knowledge regarding the neuroendocrine changes caused by chronic stress in females is limited. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of stress on hormones that control female reproduction during the proestrus and diestrus stages of the estrous cycle, as well as its effects on fertility. Adult females were assigned to either a control or a stress group. Stress consisted of exposure, for 15 min, to cold-water immersion daily for 30 days. Estrous cyclicity, female sexual behavior, as well as hypothalamic kisspeptin, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) content, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), corticosterone (CORT) and fertility were assessed after chronic stress. The results show that chronically stressed females exhibited disrupted estrous cyclicity, decreased receptivity, low pregnancy rates and lower numbers of fetuses. The content of Kisspeptin and GnRH in the Anteroventral Periventricular/medial Preoptic Area decreased during proestrus, while Kisspeptin increased in the Arcuate nucleus in proestrus and diestrus. Serum LH decreased only during proestrus, whereas E2 and P4 concentrations decreased during proestrus and diestrus, with a concomitant increase in CORT levels in both stages. As a whole, these results indicate that chronic stress decreases Kisspeptin content in AVPV nucleus and GnRH in POA in females, and might induce disruption of the LH surge, consequently disrupting estrous cyclicity and fertility, leading to lower rates of pregnancy and number of fetuses.
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18
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Guo Y, Sun J, Bu S, Li B, Zhang Q, Wang Q, Lai D. Melatonin protects against chronic stress-induced oxidative meiotic defects in mice MII oocytes by regulating SIRT1. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1677-1695. [PMID: 32453975 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1767403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress which is common in the current society can be harmful to female reproduction and is associated with oocyte defects. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Herein, by using a mouse model of chronic restraint stress, we demonstrated that chronic stress could induce meiotic spindle abnormalities, chromatin misalignment, mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated ROS levels in oocytes in vivo, all of which were normalized by the administration of melatonin. Consistently, melatonin treatment during in vitro maturation also attenuated the meiotic defects induced by H2O2 by regulating autophagy and SIRT1, which could be abolished by SIRT1 inhibitor, Ex527 and autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1). These data indicate that melatonin can mitigate chronic stress-induced oxidative meiotic defects in mice MII oocytes by regulating SIRT1 and autophagy, providing new understanding for stress-related meiotic errors in MII oocytes and suggesting melatonin and SIRT1 could be new targets for optimizing culture system of oocytes as well as fertility management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guo
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
| | - Shixia Bu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
| | - Boning Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuwan Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases , Shanghai, China
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Xia Q, Li Q, Gan S, Guo X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Chu M. Exploring the roles of fecundity-related long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in the adrenal glands of small-tailed Han Sheep. BMC Genet 2020; 21:39. [PMID: 32252625 PMCID: PMC7137433 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00850-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play important roles in uterine and ovarian functions. However, little researches have been done on the role of lncRNAs in the adrenal gland of sheep. Herein, RNA sequencing was used to compare and analyze gene expressions in adrenal tissues between follicular phases and luteal phases in FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (WW) sheep, respectively, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes associated with reproduction were identified. RESULTS In MM sheep, 38 lncRNAs and 545 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the adrenal gland between the luteal and follicular phases; In WW sheep, 513 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 2481 mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs and their target genes are mainly involved in the circadian rhythm, the mitogen activated protein kinase, thyroid, ovarian steroidogenesis and transforming growth factor beta signaling pathways. Differentially expressed lncRNAs can regulate reproduction by modulating genes involved in these signaling pathways and biological processes. Specifically, XLOC_254761, XLOC_357966, 105,614,839 and XLOC_212877 targeting CREB1, PER3, SMAD1 and TGFBR2, respectively, appear to play key regulatory roles. CONCLUSION These results broaden our understanding of lncRNAs in adrenal gland of sheep and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sheep reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Qiuling Li
- College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang, 065000, P.R. China
| | - Shangquan Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, 832000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, P. R. China
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, P. R. China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, P. R. China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China.
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20
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Čikoš Š, Babeľová J, Špirková A, Burkuš J, Kovaříková V, Šefčíková Z, Fabian D, Koppel J. Glucocorticoid receptor isoforms and effects of glucocorticoids in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:351-364. [PMID: 30188986 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate possible involvement of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in mediating effects of maternal stress or therapeutically administered glucocorticoids on early embryo, we analyzed the expression of GR subtypes in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. RT-PCR analysis results showed that GRα and GRγ transcripts are relatively highly expressed in mouse oocytes, and both transcripts are present at lower amounts in preimplantation embryos. We also detected low expression of two other splice variants, GRβ and a transcript orthologous to the human GR-P subtype, mainly at the blastocyst stage. Using western blot analysis, we detected several GR protein bands that differed in size between oocytes and preimplantation embryos. To compare the effects of corticosterone (a major endogenous glucocorticoid in rodents) and dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) on early embryos, we cultured mouse preimplantation embryos in the presence of these glucocorticoids. Corticosterone showed a strong inhibitory effect on embryo development (starting from a 50 μM concentration), without a significant influence on apoptosis incidence. On the other hand, dexamethasone induced apoptosis in early embryo cells (starting from a 1.5 μM concentration), and its effect on embryo development was less detrimental than that found with the same dose of corticosterone. In summary, our results showed that different GR subtypes are expressed in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos and that the composition of GR subtypes changes during early embryo development. Moreover, we found significant differences in the effects of the two glucocorticoids on early embryo development, which might be associated with activation of different GR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janka Babeľová
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Špirková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Burkuš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Kovaříková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Šefčíková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Fabian
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Koppel
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
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21
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Xu HX, Lin SX, Gong Y, Huo ZX, Zhao CY, Zhu HM, Xi SY. Chaiyu-Dixian Formula Exerts Protective Effects on Ovarian Follicular Abnormal Development in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) Rat Model. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:245. [PMID: 32265693 PMCID: PMC7105682 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic stress has been known to impair the female reproductive function, but the mechanism remains to be further investigated. Chaiyu-Dixian Formula (CYDXF) has been reported to regulate human endocrine disorders clinically. However, whether this formula can affect chronic stress-induced ovarian follicular development is not clear. Aim of the study To examine effects of CYDXF on follicular development and explore possible mech anisms in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Materials and Methods Adult female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups control group, CUMS group (saline treatment), CUMS+Estradiol (E2) (0.1 mg/kg) group, CUMS+CYDXF (2.73 g/kg) group, and CUMS+CYDXF (5.46 g/kg) group. Body weights and behavioral tests were documented. Serum hormone levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels in the PI3K/Akt pathway and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The follicles were analyzed and classified according to their morphological characterization. Results CYDXF relieved depression-like behaviors and ameliorated the abnormality in rat estrous cycle within the rat model of CUMS. Moreover, CYDXF could regulate endocrine disorders, increase the proportion of antral follicles as well as decrease the proportion of follicular atresia, which suggested that CYDXF could alleviate abnormal follicular development and improve overall ovarian function. Furthermore, CYDXF also activated the BDNF-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions CYDXF (at dose of both 2.73 and 5.46 g/kg) attenuated chronic stress-induced abnormal ovarian follicular development by relieving depression-like behaviors and improving ovarian function through partly the regulation of the BDNF-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xian Xu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shu-Xia Lin
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuewen Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Zi-Xuan Huo
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Zhao
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Sheng-Yan Xi
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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22
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Bei M, Wang Q, Yu W, Han L, Yu J. Effects of heat stress on ovarian development and the expression of HSP genes in mice. J Therm Biol 2020; 89:102532. [PMID: 32364978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress reduces oocyte competence, thereby causing lower fertility in animals. Chronic and acute heat stresses cause extensive morphological damage in animals, but few reports have focused on the effects of chronic and acute heat stresses on ovarian function and heat shock protein (HSP) gene expression during ovarian injury. In this study, we subjected female mice to chronic and acute heat stresses; we then calculated the ovary index, examined ovary microstructure, and measured the expression of multiple HSP family genes. Chronic heat stress reduced whole-body and ovarian growth but had little effect on the ovarian index; acute heat stress did not alter whole-body or ovarian weight. Both chronic and acute heat stresses impaired ovary function by causing the dysfunction of granular cells. Small HSP genes increased rapidly after heat treatment, and members of the HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90 families were co-expressed to function in the regulation of the heat stress response. We suggest that the HSP chaperone machinery may regulate the response to heat stress in the mouse ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Bei
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, 666 Wusu Street, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, 666 Wusu Street, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Wensai Yu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, 666 Wusu Street, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Lu Han
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, 666 Wusu Street, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, 666 Wusu Street, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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23
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Gao L, Zhao F, Zhang Y, Wang W, Cao Q. Diminished ovarian reserve induced by chronic unpredictable stress in C57BL/6 mice. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:49-54. [PMID: 31269828 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1631274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress has been considered to be a remarkable contributor to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). However, there is a lack of a psychological stress-induced DOR animal model. We aim to validate the effects of an 8-week chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) paradigm on the ovarian reserve and reproductive hormone secretion of C57BL/6 mice. We found that after an 8-week CUS exposure, the numbers of primordial and preantral follicles and corpus luteum were significantly decreased in CUS model mice. Model mice also presented higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone, corticosterone levels and lower luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone levels compared to those of control mice. Furthermore, we found that FSH receptor and AMH proteins were downregulated in model mouse ovaries. Although a significant litter size difference between the two groups was not found, the ovarian reserve remained significantly lower in the model group 6 weeks after CUS exposure. These results validated the hypothesis that the 8-week CUS paradigm that we adopted could induce the DOR phenotype in C57BL/6 mice and probably had a long-term adverse effect on ovarian reserve. Therefore, our results indicate that we have successfully established an animal model of psychological stress-induced DOR that can be used for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Gao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangui Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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24
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Di Natale MR, Soch A, Ziko I, De Luca SN, Spencer SJ, Sominsky L. Chronic predator stress in female mice reduces primordial follicle numbers: implications for the role of ghrelin. J Endocrinol 2019; 241:201-219. [PMID: 30959480 DOI: 10.1530/joe-19-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a known suppressor of female reproductive function. However, attempts to isolate single causal links between stress and reproductive dysfunction have not yet been successful due to their multi-faceted aetiologies. The gut-derived hormone ghrelin regulates stress and reproductive function and may therefore be pivotal in the neuroendocrine integration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and -gonadal (HPG) axes. Here, we hypothesised that chronic stress disrupts ovarian follicle maturation and that this effect is mediated by a stress-induced increase in acyl ghrelin and activation of the growth hormone secretatogue receptor (GHSR). We gave C57BL/6J female mice 30 min daily chronic predator stress for 4 weeks, or no stress, and gave them daily GHSR antagonist (d-Lys3-GHRP-6) or saline. Exposure to chronic predator stress reduced circulating corticosterone, elevated acyl ghrelin levels and led to significantly depleted primordial follicle numbers. GHSR antagonism stress-dependently altered the expression of genes regulating ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropins and was able to attenuate the stress-induced depletion of primordial follicles. These findings suggest that chronic stress-induced elevations of acyl ghrelin may be detrimental for ovarian follicle maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine R Di Natale
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alita Soch
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ilvana Ziko
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone N De Luca
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luba Sominsky
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Maduro MR. Developmental Programming and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2018; 25:801. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118777352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Stress and the HPA Axis: Balancing Homeostasis and Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102224. [PMID: 29064426 PMCID: PMC5666903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism’s reproductive fitness is sensitive to the environment, integrating cues of resource availability, ecological factors, and hazards within its habitat. Events that challenge the environment of an organism activate the central stress response system, which is primarily mediated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The regulatory functions of the HPA axis govern the cardiovascular and metabolic system, immune functions, behavior, and reproduction. Activation of the HPA axis by various stressors primarily inhibits reproductive function and is able to alter fetal development, imparting a biological record of stress experienced in utero. Clinical studies and experimental data indicate that stress signaling can mediate these effects through direct actions in the brain, gonads, and embryonic tissues. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which stress activation of the HPA axis impacts fertility and fetal development.
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27
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Sominsky L, Hodgson DM, McLaughlin EA, Smith R, Wall HM, Spencer SJ. Linking Stress and Infertility: A Novel Role for Ghrelin. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:432-467. [PMID: 28938425 DOI: 10.1210/er.2016-1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects a remarkable one in four couples in developing countries. Psychological stress is a ubiquitous facet of life, and although stress affects us all at some point, prolonged or unmanageable stress may become harmful for some individuals, negatively impacting on their health, including fertility. For instance, women who struggle to conceive are twice as likely to suffer from emotional distress than fertile women. Assisted reproductive technology treatments place an additional physical, emotional, and financial burden of stress, particularly on women, who are often exposed to invasive techniques associated with treatment. Stress-reduction interventions can reduce negative affect and in some cases to improve in vitro fertilization outcomes. Although it has been well-established that stress negatively affects fertility in animal models, human research remains inconsistent due to individual differences and methodological flaws. Attempts to isolate single causal links between stress and infertility have not yet been successful due to their multifaceted etiologies. In this review, we will discuss the current literature in the field of stress-induced reproductive dysfunction based on animal and human models, and introduce a recently unexplored link between stress and infertility, the gut-derived hormone, ghrelin. We also present evidence from recent seminal studies demonstrating that ghrelin has a principal role in the stress response and reward processing, as well as in regulating reproductive function, and that these roles are tightly interlinked. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that stress may negatively impact upon fertility at least in part by stimulating a dysregulation in ghrelin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luba Sominsky
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Deborah M Hodgson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and IT, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.,School of Environmental & Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Hannah M Wall
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
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28
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Murphy MO, Loria AS. Sex-specific effects of stress on metabolic and cardiovascular disease: are women at higher risk? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 313:R1-R9. [PMID: 28468942 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00185.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has traditionally been viewed as a male disease; however, the relative risk for obesity and hypertension morbidity and mortality, major risk factors for CVD, is higher for women in the United States. Emerging epidemiological data strongly support stressful experiences as a modifiable risk factor for obesity, insulin resistance, and heart disease in women at all ages. Therefore, primary prevention of these diseases may be associated with both identifying and increasing the knowledge regarding the sex differences in emotional functioning associated with physiological responses to stress. The purpose of this review is to highlight the growing body of clinical and experimental studies showing that stress, obesity-associated metabolic disturbances, and CVD comorbidities are more prevalent in females. Overall, this review reveals the need for investigations to decipher the early origins of these comorbidities. Targeting the sources of behavioral/emotional stress through the trajectory of life has the potential to reduce the alarming projected rates for chronic disease in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret O Murphy
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Analia S Loria
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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29
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Divyashree S, Yajurvedi HN. Long-term chronic stress exposure induces PCO phenotype in rat. Reproduction 2016; 152:765-774. [PMID: 27651523 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thus far the effects of chronic stress on the ovary were studied for shorter durations. However, responses of the ovary may vary with durations of exposure to stress. Hence, we investigated the responses of the ovary following exposure to different durations of chronic stress. Exposure of rats to restraint (1 h) and after a gap of 4 h to forced swimming (15 min) daily for 4 or 8 weeks resulted in significant decreases in the activities of the ovarian antioxidant enzymes, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and percentage of healthy granulosa cells with concomitant increases in the number of atretic follicles, the percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells and ovarian malondialdehyde concentration. However, the response of the ovary to similar stress regime for 12 weeks was paradoxical as there were increases in the activities of ovarian antioxidant enzymes and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the number of healthy antral follicles, and decreases in ovarian malondialdehyde concentration and percentage of apoptotic granulosa cells. These changes were accompanied by hyperglycaemia and an increase in the serum levels of insulin, testosterone and oestradiol. In addition the cystic follicles were found in the ovaries of these rats. However, the number of oestrous cycles and active corpora lutea showed significant decrease in all the durations of stress exposure. The results demonstrate a differential response of ovary to short- and long-term exposure to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Divyashree
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - H N Yajurvedi
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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30
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Zheng LL, Tan XW, Cui XZ, Yuan HJ, Li H, Jiao GZ, Ji CL, Tan JH. Preimplantation maternal stress impairs embryo development by inducing oviductal apoptosis with activation of the Fas system. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:778-790. [PMID: 27475493 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the mechanisms by which the preimplantation restraint stress (PIRS) impairs embryo development and pregnancy outcome? SUMMARY ANSWER PIRS impairs embryo development by triggering apoptosis in mouse oviducts and embryos,and this involves activation of the Fas system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although it is known that the early stages of pregnancy are more vulnerable than later stages to prenatalstress, studies on the effect of preimplantation stress on embryo developmentare limited. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which psychological stress impairs embryo development are largely unknown. These issues are worth exploring using the mouse PIRS models because restraint of mice is an efficient experimental procedure developed for studies of psychogenic stress. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Mice of Kunming strain, the generalized lymphoproliferative disorder (gld) mice with a germline mutation F273L in FasL in a C57BL/6J genomic background and the wild-type C57BL/6J mice were used. Female and male mice were used 8-10 weeks and 10-12 weeks after birth, respectively. Female mice showing vaginal plugs were paired by weight and randomly assigned to restraint treatments or as controls. For restraint treatment, an individual mouse was put in a micro-cage with food and water available. Control mice remained in their cages with food and water during the time treated females were stressed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Female mice were exposed to PIRS for 48 h starting from 16:00 on the day of vaginal plug detection. At the end of PIRS, levels of glucorticoids (GC), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)and redox potential were measured in serum, while levels of GC, GC receptor (GR), CRH, CRH receptor (CRHR), Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) protein, mRNAs for brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis were examined in oviducts. Preimplantation development and levels of GR, Fas, redox potential and apoptosis were observed in embryos recovered at different times after the initiation of PIRS. The gld mice were used to confirm a role for the Fas system in triggering apoptosis of embryos and oviducts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Compared to those in control mice, while the number of blastocysts/mouse (5.0 ± 0.7 versus 11.1 ± 0.5), cell number/blastocyst (49.1 ± 1.3 versus 61.5 ± 0.9), percentages of term pregnancy (37.5% versus 90.9%) and litter size (3.7 ± 0.1versus 9.6 ± 0.6) decreased, blood CRH (560 ± 23 versus 455 ± 37 pg/ml), cortisol (27.3 ± 3.4 versus 5 ± 0.5 ng/ml) and OS index (OSI: 2.8 versus 1.7) increased significantly (all P < 0.05) following PIRS. In the oviduct, while levels of CRH (1175 ± 85 versus 881 ± 33 pg/100 mg), cortisol (28.9 ± 1.7 versus14 ± 4 ng/g), CRHR (2.3 ± 0.3 versus 1.0 ± 0.0), FasL (1.31 ± 0.06 versus 1.08 ± 0.05 ng/g), Fas (1.42 ± 0.13 versus 1.0 ± 0.0) and apoptotic cells (19.1 ± 0.5% versus 8.4 ± 0.4%) increased, levels of GR proteins (0.67 ± 0.14 versus 1.0 ± 0.0) and Igf-1 (0.6 ± 0.09 versus 1.0 ± 0.0) and Bdnf (0.73 ± 0.03 versus 1.0 ± 0.0) mRNAs decreased significantly (all P < 0.05 versus control) after PIRS. Mouse embryos expressed GR and Fas at all stages of preimplantation development and embryo OS (GSH/GSSG ratio: 0.88 ± 0.03 versus 1.19 ± 0.13) and annexin-positive cells (blastocysts: 31.4 ± 3.8% versus 10.96 ± 3.4%) increased significantly (P < 0.05) following PIRS. Furthermore, the detrimental effects of PIRS on embryo development and oviductal apoptosis were much reduced in gld mice. Thus, PIRS triggered apoptosis in oviductal cells with activation of the Fas/FasL system. The apoptotic oviductal cells promoted embryo apoptosis with reduced production of IGF-1 and BDNF and increased production of FasL. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although important, the conclusions were drawn from limited results obtained using a single model in one species and thus they need further verification using other models and/or in other species. Furthermore, as differences in stressed samples were modest and sometimes not significant between gld and wild-type mice whereas differences between control and stressed samples were always present within gld mice, it is deduced that signaling pathways other than the Fas/FasL system might be involved as well in the PIRS-triggered apoptosis of oviducts and embryos. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The data are important for studies on the mechanisms by which psychological stress affects female reproduction, as FasL expression has been observed in human oviduct epithelium. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China (Nos. 2014CB138503 and 2012CB944403), the China National Natural Science Foundation (Nos. 31272444 and 30972096) and the Animal breeding improvement program of Shandong Province. All authors declare that their participation in the study did not involve factual or potential conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Liang Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Xiu-Wen Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Xiang-Zhong Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Guang-Zhong Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Chang-Li Ji
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Shandong Province,Tai-an City 271018, PR China
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Crestani CC. Emotional Stress and Cardiovascular Complications in Animal Models: A Review of the Influence of Stress Type. Front Physiol 2016; 7:251. [PMID: 27445843 PMCID: PMC4919347 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotional stress has been recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The impact of stress on physiological and psychological processes is determined by characteristics of the stress stimulus. For example, distinct responses are induced by acute vs. chronic aversive stimuli. Additionally, the magnitude of stress responses has been reported to be inversely related to the degree of predictability of the aversive stimulus. Therefore, the purpose of the present review was to discuss experimental research in animal models describing the influence of stressor stimulus characteristics, such as chronicity and predictability, in cardiovascular dysfunctions induced by emotional stress. Regarding chronicity, the importance of cardiovascular and autonomic adjustments during acute stress sessions and cardiovascular consequences of frequent stress response activation during repeated exposure to aversive threats (i.e., chronic stress) is discussed. Evidence of the cardiovascular and autonomic changes induced by chronic stressors involving daily exposure to the same stressor (predictable) vs. different stressors (unpredictable) is reviewed and discussed in terms of the impact of predictability in cardiovascular dysfunctions induced by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos C Crestani
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brasil
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