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Nadri P, Zahmatkesh A, Bakhtari A. The potential effect of melatonin on in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo development in animals. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:529-542. [PMID: 38753882 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae077] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a hormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland during the circadian cycle, with low levels during the daytime and prominent levels during the night. It is involved in numerous physiological functions including the immune system, circadian rhythm, reproduction, fertilization, and embryo development. In addition, melatonin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects inside the body by scavenging reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, increasing antioxidant defenses, and blocking the transcription factors of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its protective activity has been reported to be effective in various reproductive biotechnological processes, including in vitro maturation (IVM), embryo development, and survival rates. In this comprehensive review, our objective is to summarize and debate the potential mechanism and impact of melatonin on oocyte maturation and embryo development through various developmental routes in different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Nadri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azadeh Zahmatkesh
- Department of Anaerobic Bacterial Vaccines Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Azizollah Bakhtari
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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2
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Harvey AJ, Willson BE, Surrey ES, Gardner DK. Ovarian stimulation protocols: impact on oocyte and endometrial quality and function. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)01973-3. [PMID: 39197516 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.08.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian stimulation (OS) truly is an art. There exists a myriad of protocols used to achieve the same goal: stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one mature oocyte to improve the chance of a live birth. However, considerable debate remains as to whether OS impacts oocyte and endometrial quality to affect in vitro fertilization outcomes. Although "more is better" has long been considered the best approach for oocyte retrieval, this review challenges that notion by examining the influence of stimulation on oocyte quality. Likewise, improved outcomes after frozen blastocyst transfer suggest that OS perturbs endometrial preparation and/or receptivity, although correlating changes with implantation success remains a challenge. Therefore, the focus of this review is to summarize our current understanding of perturbations in human oocyte quality and endometrial function induced by exogenous hormone administration. We highlight the need for further research to identify more appropriate markers of oocyte developmental competence as well as those that define the roles of the endometrium in the success of assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Harvey
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bryn E Willson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eric S Surrey
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado
| | - David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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3
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Apetroaei MM, Fragkiadaki P, Velescu BȘ, Baliou S, Renieri E, Dinu-Pirvu CE, Drăgănescu D, Vlăsceanu AM, Nedea MI(I, Udeanu DI, Docea AO, Tsatsakis A, Arsene AL. Pharmacotherapeutic Considerations on Telomere Biology: The Positive Effect of Pharmacologically Active Substances on Telomere Length. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7694. [PMID: 39062937 PMCID: PMC11276808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147694] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are part of chromatin structures containing repeated DNA sequences, which function as protective caps at the ends of chromosomes and prevent DNA degradation and recombination, thus ensuring the integrity of the genome. While telomere length (TL) can be genetically inherited, TL shortening has been associated with ageing and multiple xenobiotics and bioactive substances. TL has been characterised as a reliable biomarker for the predisposition to developing chronic pathologies and their progression. This narrative review aims to provide arguments in favour of including TL measurements in a complex prognostic and diagnostic panel of chronic pathologies and the importance of assessing the effect of different pharmacologically active molecules on the biology of telomeres. Medicines used in the management of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, schizophrenia, hormone replacement therapy at menopause, danazol, melatonin, and probiotics have been studied for their positive protective effects against TL shortening. All these classes of drugs are analysed in the present review, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miruna-Maria Apetroaei
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (P.F.); (S.B.); (E.R.); (A.T.)
- Lifeplus S.A., Science & Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Bruno Ștefan Velescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Stella Baliou
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (P.F.); (S.B.); (E.R.); (A.T.)
- Lifeplus S.A., Science & Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (P.F.); (S.B.); (E.R.); (A.T.)
- Lifeplus S.A., Science & Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Cristina Elena Dinu-Pirvu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Doina Drăgănescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Ana Maria Vlăsceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Marina Ionela (Ilie) Nedea
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Denisa Ioana Udeanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Artistidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (P.F.); (S.B.); (E.R.); (A.T.)
- Lifeplus S.A., Science & Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andreea Letiția Arsene
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-M.A.); (C.E.D.-P.); (D.D.); (A.M.V.); (M.I.N.); (D.I.U.); (A.L.A.)
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Inoue Y, Aoki S, Ito J, Hara S, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. Telomere length determines the mitochondrial copy number in blastocyst-stage embryos. Mitochondrion 2024; 77:101887. [PMID: 38663837 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101887] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mt-cn) are associated with embryonic development. Here, we investigated the correlation between TL and mt-cn in bovine embryos to determine whether TL regulates mt-cn. TL and mt-cn were closely correlated in embryos derived from six bulls. Treatment of embryos with a telomerase inhibitor (TMPyP) and siTERT shortened the TL and reduced mt-cn in blastocysts. RNA-sequencing of blastocysts developed with TMPyP revealed differentially expressed genes associated with transforming growth factor-β1 signaling and inflammation. In conclusion, TL regulates mt-cn in embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Inoue
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Sogo Aoki
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Jun Ito
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Hara
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Komei Shirasuna
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Tokyo University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan.
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Fragkiadaki P, Kouvidi E, Angelaki A, Nikolopoulou D, Vakonaki E, Tsatsakis A. Evaluation of telomere length and telomerase activity on predicting in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1463-1473. [PMID: 38695985 PMCID: PMC11224194 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The current article is a literature review aiming to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on the association between telomere length and telomerase activity and in vitro fertilization. Recently, telomeres have been used as an effective biomarker to determine biological age, which may differ from chronological age due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Cellular senescence, along with other exogenous and mainly environmental factors, can enhance telomere wear, further shortening their ends and may also affect reproductive aging. IVF is a common fertility treatment caused by female reasons (age, ovulation disorders, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis), male reasons (low sperm quantity or quality), or unexplained infertility. A growing number of studies have proposed a relationship between telomere length and telomerase activity and IVF success and have suggested their use as candidate biomarkers for IVF outcome. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to be conducted, in order to clarify the possible implication of telomeres in IVF and to evaluate their possible role as valuable predictors of IVF result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elisavet Kouvidi
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Phenotypos Lab, Katehaki 40A, 115 25, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitra Nikolopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Greece.
- Lifeplus S.A., Science &Technological Park of Crete, C Building, Vassilika Vouton, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Tire B, Talibova G, Ozturk S. The crosstalk between telomeres and DNA repair mechanisms: an overview to mammalian somatic cells, germ cells, and preimplantation embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:277-291. [PMID: 38165506 PMCID: PMC10894803 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03008-2] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are located at the ends of linear chromosomes and play a critical role in maintaining genomic stability by preventing premature activation of DNA repair mechanisms. Because of exposure to various genotoxic agents, telomeres can undergo shortening and genetic changes. In mammalian cells, the basic DNA repair mechanisms, including base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, double-strand break repair, and mismatch repair, function in repairing potential damages in telomeres. If these damages are not repaired correctly in time, the unfavorable results such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cancerous transition may occur. During lifespan, mammalian somatic cells, male and female germ cells, and preimplantation embryos experience a number of telomeric damages. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the crosstalk between telomeres and the DNA repair mechanisms in the somatic cells, germ cells, and embryos. Infertility development resulting from possible defects in this crosstalk is also discussed in the light of existing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Tire
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gunel Talibova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
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Sacdalan DB, Ul Haq S, Lok BH. Plasma Cell-Free Tumor Methylome as a Biomarker in Solid Tumors: Biology and Applications. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:482-500. [PMID: 38248118 PMCID: PMC10814449 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, its detection in cell-free DNA in plasma using liquid biopsies constitutes an area of interest in biomarker research. The advent of next-generation sequencing and newer computational technologies have allowed for the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that utilize methylation profiling to diagnose disease and stratify risk. Methylome-based predictive biomarkers can determine the response to anti-cancer therapy. An additional emerging application of these biomarkers is in minimal residual disease monitoring. Several key challenges need to be addressed before cfDNA-based methylation biomarkers become fully integrated into practice. The first relates to the biology and stability of cfDNA. The second concerns the clinical validity and generalizability of methylation-based assays, many of which are cancer type-specific. The third involves their practicability, which is a stumbling block for translating technologies from bench to clinic. Future work on developing pan-cancer assays with their respective validities confirmed using well-designed, prospective clinical trials is crucial in pushing for the greater use of these tools in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Benedict Sacdalan
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sami Ul Haq
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Benjamin H. Lok
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Room 15-701, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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Chang CL. Facilitation of Ovarian Response by Mechanical Force-Latest Insight on Fertility Improvement in Women with Poor Ovarian Response or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14751. [PMID: 37834198 PMCID: PMC10573075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914751] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline in fertility in aging women, especially those with poor ovarian response (POR) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a major concern for modern IVF centers. Fertility treatments have traditionally relied on gonadotropin- and steroid-hormone-based IVF practices, but these methods have limitations, especially for women with aging ovaries. Researchers have been motivated to explore alternative approaches. Ovarian aging is a complicated process, and the deterioration of oocytes, follicular cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the stromal compartment can all contribute to declining fertility. Adjunct interventions that involve the use of hormones, steroids, and cofactors and gamete engineering are two major research areas aimed to improve fertility in aging women. Additionally, mechanical procedures including the In Vitro Activation (IVA) procedure, which combines pharmacological activators and fragmentation of ovarian strips, and the Whole Ovary Laparoscopic Incision (WOLI) procedure that solely relies on mechanical manipulation in vivo have shown promising results in improving follicle growth and fertility in women with POR and POI. Advances in the use of mechanical procedures have brought exciting opportunities to improve fertility outcomes in aging women with POR or POI. While the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to fertility decline in aging women remains a major challenge for further improvement of mechanical-manipulation-based approaches, recent progress has provided a better view of how these procedures promote folliculogenesis in the fibrotic and avascular aging ovaries. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the potential mechanisms that contribute to ovarian aging in POI and POR patients, followed by a discussion of measures that aim to improve ovarian folliculogenesis in aging women. At last, we discuss the likely mechanisms that contribute to the outcomes of IVA and WOLI procedures and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
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