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Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Roca J, Martínez EA, Rodríguez-Martínez H. Mating modifies the expression of crucial oxidative-reductive transcripts in the pig oviductal sperm reservoir: is the female ensuring sperm survival? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1042176. [PMID: 37351104 PMCID: PMC10282951 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1042176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mating induces large changes in the female genital tract, warranting female homeostasis and immune preparation for pregnancy, including the preservation of crucial oxidative status among its pathways. Being highly susceptible to oxidative stress, sperm survival and preserved function depend on the seminal plasma, a protection that is removed during sperm handling but also after mating when spermatozoa enter the oviduct. Therefore, it is pertinent to consider that the female sperm reservoir takes up this protection, providing a suitable environment for sperm viability. These aspects have not been explored despite the increasing strategies in modulating the female status through diet control and nutritional supplementation. Aims To test the hypothesis that mating modifies the expression of crucial oxidative-reductive transcripts across the entire pig female genital tract (cervix to infundibulum) and, particularly in the sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction, before ovulation, a period dominated by estrogen stimulation of ovarian as well as of seminal origin. Methods The differential expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and of 59 oxidative-reductive transcripts were studied using a species-specific microarray platform, in specific segments of the peri-ovulatory sow reproductive tract in response to mating. Results Mating induced changes along the entire tract, with a conspicuous downregulation of both ER and PR and an upregulation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutaredoxin (GLRX3), and peroxiredoxin 1 and 3 (PRDX1, PRDX3), among other NADH Dehydrogenase Ubiquinone Flavoproteins, in the distal uterus segment. These changes perhaps helped prevent oxidative stress in the area adjacent to the sperm reservoir at the utero-tubal junction. Concomitantly, there were a downregulation of catalase (CAT) and NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) oxidoreductases 1 beta subcomplex, subunit 1 (NDUFB1) in the utero-tubal junction alongside an overall downregulation of CAT, SOD1, and PRDX3 in the ampullar and infundibulum segments. Conclusions Natural mating is an inducer of changes in the expression of female genes commanding antioxidant enzymes relevant for sperm survival during sperm transport, under predominant estrogen influence through the bloodstream and semen. The findings could contribute to the design of new therapeutics for the female to improve oxidative-reductive balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Chalvon-Demersay T, Gaudichon C, Moro J, Even PC, Khodorova N, Piedcoq J, Viollet B, Averous J, Maurin AC, Tomé D, Foretz M, Fafournoux P, Azzout-Marniche D. Role of liver AMPK and GCN2 kinases in the control of postprandial protein metabolism in response to mid-term high or low protein intake in mice. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:407-417. [PMID: 36071290 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Protein synthesis and proteolysis are known to be controlled through mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and general control non-derepressible 2 (GCN2) pathways, depending on the nutritional condition. This study aimed at investigating the contribution of liver AMPK and GCN2 on the adaptation to high variations in protein intake. METHODS To evaluate the answer of protein pathways to high- or low-protein diet, male wild-type mice and genetically modified mice from C57BL/6 background with liver-specific AMPK- or GCN2-knockout were fed from day 25 diets differing in their protein level as energy: LP (5%), NP (14%) and HP (54%). Two hours after a 1 g test meal, protein synthesis rate was measured after a 13C valine flooding dose. The gene expression of key enzymes involved in proteolysis and GNC2 signaling pathway were quantified. RESULTS The HP diet but not the LP diet was associated with a decrease in fractional synthesis rate by 29% in the liver compared to NP diet. The expression of mRNA encoding ubiquitin and Cathepsin D was not sensitive to the protein content. The deletion of AMPK or GCN2 in the liver did not affect nor protein synthesis rates and neither proteolysis markers in the liver or in the muscle, whatever the protein intake. In the postprandial state, protein level alters protein synthesis in the liver but not in the muscle. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results suggest that liver AMPK and GCN2 are not involved in this adaptation to high- and low-protein diet observed in the postprandial period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Gaudichon
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Paris, France
| | - Joanna Moro
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Paris, France
| | - Patrick C Even
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Paris, France
| | - Nadezda Khodorova
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Paris, France
| | - Julien Piedcoq
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Julien Averous
- UMR 1019 Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand-Theix, Université Clermont 1, 63122, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Anne-Catherine Maurin
- UMR 1019 Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand-Theix, Université Clermont 1, 63122, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Daniel Tomé
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Paris, France
| | - Marc Foretz
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fafournoux
- UMR 1019 Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand-Theix, Université Clermont 1, 63122, Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
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Dvoran M, Nemcova L, Kalous J. An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071689. [PMID: 35884994 PMCID: PMC9313063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
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Prenatal Low-Protein Diet Affects Mitochondrial Structure and Function in the Skeletal Muscle of Adult Female Offspring. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061158. [PMID: 35334815 PMCID: PMC8954615 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational low-protein (LP) diet leads to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in adult offspring. We had earlier demonstrated that LP programming affects glucose disposal in females. Mitochondrial health is crucial for normal glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. In this study, we sought to analyze mitochondrial structure, function, and associated genes in skeletal muscles to explore the molecular mechanism of insulin resistance LP-programmed female offspring. On day four of pregnancy, rats were assigned to a control diet containing 20% protein or an isocaloric 6% protein-containing diet. Standard laboratory diet was given to the dams after delivery until the end of weaning and to pups after weaning. Gestational LP diet led to changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure in the gastrocnemius muscles, including a nine-fold increase in the presence of giant mitochondria along with unevenly formed cristae. Further, functional analysis showed that LP programming caused impaired mitochondrial functions. Although the mitochondrial copy number did not show significant changes, key genes involved in mitochondrial structure and function such as Fis1, Opa1, Mfn2, Nrf1, Nrf2, Pgc1b, Cox4b, Esrra, and Vdac were dysregulated. Our study shows that prenatal LP programming induced disruption in mitochondrial ultrastructure and function in the skeletal muscle of female offspring.
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Nwachukwu CU, Woad KJ, Barnes N, Gardner DS, Robinson RS. Maternal protein restriction affects fetal ovary development in sheep. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:161-171. [PMID: 35128451 PMCID: PMC8815062 DOI: 10.1530/raf-20-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal malnutrition has important developmental consequences for the foetus. Indeed, adverse fetal ovarian development could have lifelong impact, with potentially reduced ovarian reserve and fertility of the offspring. This study investigated the effect of maternal protein restriction on germ cell and blood vessel development in the fetal sheep ovary. Ewes were fed control (n = 7) or low protein (n = 8) diets (17.0 g vs 8.7 g crude protein/MJ metabolizable energy) from conception to day 65 of gestation (gd65). On gd65, fetal ovaries were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analysis to quantify germ cells (OCT4, VASA, DAZL), proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (caspase 3) and vascularisation (CD31). Protein restriction reduced the fetal ovary weight (P < 0.05) but had no effect on fetal weight (P > 0.05). The density of germ cells was unaffected by maternal diet (P > 0.05). In the ovarian cortex, OCT4+ve cells were more abundant than DAZL+ve (P < 0.001) and VASA+ve cells (P < 0.001). The numbers, density and estimated total weight of OCT4, DAZL, and VASA+ve cells within the ovigerous cords were similar in both dietary groups (P > 0.05). Similarly, maternal protein restriction had no effect on germ cell proliferation or apoptotic indices (P > 0.05) and the number, area and perimeter of medullary blood vessels and degree of microvascularisation in the cortex (P > 0.05). In conclusion, maternal protein restriction decreased ovarian weight despite not affecting germ cell developmental progress, proliferation, apoptosis, or ovarian vascularity. This suggests that reduced maternal protein has the potential to regulate ovarian development in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinwe U Nwachukwu
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK.,Department of Agricultural Science, School of Agriculture and Vocational Studies, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Kathryn J Woad
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Nicole Barnes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK.,Medivet Oxted, Oxted, UK
| | - David S Gardner
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Robert S Robinson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
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Fleming TP, Sun C, Denisenko O, Caetano L, Aljahdali A, Gould JM, Khurana P. Environmental Exposures around Conception: Developmental Pathways Leading to Lifetime Disease Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9380. [PMID: 34501969 PMCID: PMC8431664 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environment around conception can influence the developmental programme with lasting effects on gestational and postnatal phenotype and with consequences for adult health and disease risk. Peri-conception exposure comprises a crucial part of the 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease' (DOHaD) concept. In this review, we consider the effects of maternal undernutrition experienced during the peri-conception period in select human models and in a mouse experimental model of protein restriction. Human datasets indicate that macronutrient deprivation around conception affect the epigenome, with enduring effects on cardiometabolic and neurological health. The mouse model, comprising maternal low protein diet exclusively during the peri-conception period, has revealed a stepwise progression in altered developmental programming following induction through maternal metabolite deficiency. This progression includes differential effects in extra-embryonic and embryonic cell lineages and tissues, leading to maladaptation in the growth trajectory and increased chronic disease comorbidities. The timeline embraces an array of mechanisms across nutrient sensing and signalling, cellular, metabolic, epigenetic and physiological processes with a coordinating role for mTORC1 signalling proposed. Early embryos appear active participants in environmental sensing to optimise the developmental programme for survival but with the trade-off of later disease. Similar adverse health outcomes may derive from other peri-conception environmental experiences, including maternal overnutrition, micronutrient availability, pollutant exposure and assisted reproductive treatments (ART) and support the need for preconception health before pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom P. Fleming
- Biological Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (L.C.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Congshan Sun
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Oleg Denisenko
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Rm 242, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Laura Caetano
- Biological Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (L.C.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Anan Aljahdali
- Biological Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (L.C.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Alfaisaliah campus, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joanna M. Gould
- Clinical Neurosciences and Psychiatry, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;
| | - Pooja Khurana
- Biological Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (L.C.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Cardoso LC, Costa BFMD, Felicioni F, Oliveira DR, Caliari MV, Bloise E, Chiarini-Garcia H, Almeida FRCL. Maternal protein restriction before and during pregnancy leads to a gestational day-dependent response of folliculogenesis in outbred mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:655-664. [PMID: 34112314 DOI: 10.1071/rd21028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of follicle development during pregnancy under experimental conditions could be a key factor to understanding maternal ovarian activity. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of maternal protein restriction before and during pregnancy on folliculogenesis. Swiss outbred female mice were allocated to either a control (CC; 20% protein) or treated (TT; 8% protein) group. Pregnant females were killed either on Gestational day (GD) 7.5 or GD17.5 and the ovaries were evaluated using histomorphometric and immunohistochemical methods. TT females showed higher feed and energy intakes, but lower bodyweight gain at GD17.5 (P <0.05). They also had lower number of secondary follicles at GD7.5 and a higher proportion of primordial follicles at GD17.5 (P <0.05). In addition, the areas of the secondary follicles and their granulosa layer were smaller in the TT group on GD7.5, whereas the areas of the oocyte and granulosa layer from atretic follicles were larger (P <0.05). Notwithstanding the slight increase in the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) receptor expression on GD7.5 in the TT group, there was a marked reduction in IGF1 expression detected in secondary follicles on GD17.5 (P <0.05). Collectively, these results demonstrate that protein restriction during pregnancy negatively affects follicle quality by reducing the size and activation capacity, which is more severe in late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas C Cardoso
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Beatriz F M D Costa
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando Felicioni
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; and School of Medicine, Atenas University Centre, Av. Prefeito Alberto Moura, 6000, 35701-383, Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil
| | - Dirce R Oliveira
- Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Governador Valadares, Av. Dr Raimundo Monteiro de Rezende, 330, Centro - Governador Valadares, MG, CEP 35010-177, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Hélio Chiarini-Garcia
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R C L Almeida
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; and Corresponding author
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The Impact of Unbalanced Maternal Nutritional Intakes on Oocyte Mitochondrial Activity: Implications for Reproductive Function. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010091. [PMID: 33440800 PMCID: PMC7826933 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence on the effect of nutrition on reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies. A healthy dietary pattern and nutrient supplementation, especially during the peri-conceptional period, might be helpful to achieve a live birth, although the mechanisms implicated are not fully understood. The endocrine system and the ooplasmic organelles apparatus, in particular the mitochondria, are clearly key elements during oogenesis and subsequent embryo development, and their proper functioning is associated with nutrition, even beyond maternal aging. Several studies in animal models have reported various adverse effects on mitochondria caused by unbalanced dietary intakes such as high fat diet, high fat high sugar diet, and low protein diet. The alterations produced might include mitochondrial intracellular distribution, content, structure, biogenesis, and functioning. This review summarizes the key role of mitochondria in female reproduction and the effects of different dietary macronutrient compositions on oocyte mitochondrial activity with their possible short-, medium-, and long-term effects.
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Rodríguez-Varela C, Labarta E. Clinical Application of Antioxidants to Improve Human Oocyte Mitochondrial Function: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121197. [PMID: 33260761 PMCID: PMC7761442 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while also generating high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from oxygen metabolism. ROS are small but highly reactive molecules that can be detrimental if unregulated. While normally functioning mitochondria produce molecules that counteract ROS production, an imbalance between the amount of ROS produced in the mitochondria and the capacity of the cell to counteract them leads to oxidative stress and ultimately to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction impairs cellular functions through reduced ATP output and/or increased oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction may also lead to poor oocyte quality and embryo development, ultimately affecting pregnancy outcomes. Improving mitochondrial function through antioxidant supplementation may enhance reproductive performance. Recent studies suggest that antioxidants may treat infertility by restoring mitochondrial function and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. However, further randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine their clinical efficacy. In this review, we discuss the use of resveratrol, coenzyme-Q10, melatonin, folic acid, and several vitamins as antioxidant treatments to improve human oocyte and embryo quality, focusing on the mitochondria as their main hypothetical target. However, this mechanism of action has not yet been demonstrated in the human oocyte, which highlights the need for further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodríguez-Varela
- IVI Foundation—IIS La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Labarta
- IVI Foundation—IIS La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- IVIRMA Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain
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Mikwar M, MacFarlane AJ, Marchetti F. Mechanisms of oocyte aneuploidy associated with advanced maternal age. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 785:108320. [PMID: 32800274 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that maternal age is associated with a rapid decline in the production of healthy and high-quality oocytes resulting in reduced fertility in women older than 35 years of age. In particular, chromosome segregation errors during meiotic divisions are increasingly common and lead to the production of oocytes with an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy. When an aneuploid oocyte is fertilized by a sperm it gives rise to an aneuploid embryo that, except in rare situations, will result in a spontaneous abortion. As females advance in age, they are at higher risk of infertility, miscarriage, or having a pregnancy affected by congenital birth defects such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Here, we review the potential molecular mechanisms associated with increased chromosome segregation errors during meiosis as a function of maternal age. Our review shows that multiple exogenous and endogenous factors contribute to the age-related increase in oocyte aneuploidy. Specifically, the weight of evidence indicates that recombination failure, cohesin deterioration, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) disregulation, abnormalities in post-translational modification of histones and tubulin, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the leading causes of oocyte aneuploidy associated with maternal aging. There is also growing evidence that dietary and other bioactive interventions may mitigate the effect of maternal aging on oocyte quality and oocyte aneuploidy, thereby improving fertility outcomes. Maternal age is a major concern for aneuploidy and genetic disorders in the offspring in the context of an increasing proportion of mothers having children at increasingly older ages. A better understanding of the mechanisms associated with maternal aging leading to aneuploidy and of intervention strategies that may mitigate these detrimental effects and reduce its occurrence are essential for preventing abnormal reproductive outcomes in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myy Mikwar
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Marchetti
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Mechanistic Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Amino acids are not only the building blocks of proteins, an indispensable component of cells, but also play versatile roles in regulating cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation and growth by themselves or through their derivatives. At the whole body level, the bioavailability and metabolism of amino acids, interacting with other macronutrients, is critical for the physiological processes of reproduction including gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, placentation, fetal growth and development. In fertilization and early pregnancy, histotroph in oviductal and uterine secretions provides nutrients and microenvironment for conceptus (embryo and extraembryonic membranes) development. These nutrients include select amino acids in histotroph (arginine, leucine and glutamine of particular interest) that stimulate conceptus growth and development, as well as interactions between maternal uterus and the conceptus, thus impacting maintenance of pregnancy, placental growth, development and functions, fetal growth and development, and consequential pregnancy outcomes. Gestational protein undernutrition causes fetal growth restriction and predisposes cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and others in offspring via multiple mechanisms, whereas the supplementation of glycine, leucine and taurine during pregnancy partially rescues growth restriction and beneficially modulates fetal programming. Thus, amino acids are essential for the fertility of humans and all animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
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