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Sciorio R, Cariati F, Fleming S, Alviggi C. Exploring the Impact of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation and Non-Invasive Oocyte Assessment in ART Treatments. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1989. [PMID: 37895371 PMCID: PMC10608727 DOI: 10.3390/life13101989] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive and noninvasive features are normally applied to select developmentally competent oocytes and embryos that can increase the take-home baby rates in assisted reproductive technology. The noninvasive approach mainly applied to determine oocyte and embryo competence has been, since the early days of IVF, the morphological evaluation of the mature cumulus-oocyte complex at the time of pickup, first polar body, zona pellucida thickness, perivitelline space and cytoplasm appearance. Morphological evaluation of oocyte quality is one of the options used to predict successful fertilization, early embryo development, uterine implantation and the capacity of an embryo to generate a healthy pregnancy to term. Thus, this paper aims to provide an analytical revision of the current literature relating to the correlation between ovarian stimulation procedures and oocyte/embryo quality. In detail, several aspects of oocyte quality such as morphological features, oocyte competence and its surrounding environment will be discussed. In addition, the main noninvasive features as well as novel approaches to biomechanical parameters of oocytes that might be correlated with the competence of embryos to produce a healthy pregnancy and live birth will be illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Cariati
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology Institute (IEOS), National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Anaya Y, Cakmak H, Mata DA, Letourneau J, Zhang L, Lenhart N, Juarez-Hernandez F, Jalalian L, Cedars MI, Rosen M. Triggering with 1,500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin plus follicle-stimulating hormone compared to a standard human chorionic gonadotropin trigger dose for oocyte competence in in vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled noninferiority trial. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:266-278. [PMID: 35705380 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess if triggering with 1,500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with 450 IU of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) induces noninferior oocyte competence to a standard dose of hCG trigger used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). The alternative trigger will be considered noninferior if it is at least 80% effective in promoting oocyte competence. DESIGN Randomized, double-blinded, controlled noninferiority trial. SETTING Academic infertility practice. PATIENTS Women aged 18-41 undergoing IVF with antral follicle count ≥8, body mass index ≤30 kg/m2, and no history of ≥2 IVF cycles canceled for poor response were enrolled. Participants with a serum estradiol >5,000 pg/mL on the day of trigger were excluded because of high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized to receive an alternative trigger of 1,500 IU of hCG plus 450 IU of FSH or a standard trigger dose of hCG (5,000 or 10,000 IU) for final oocyte maturation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was total competent proportion, defined as the probability of 2 pronuclei from an oocyte retrieved. The alternative trigger will be considered noninferior to the standard trigger if a 1-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) of the relative risk (RR) is not <0.8. Secondary outcomes included oocyte recovery and maturity, intracytoplasmic sperm injection fertilization, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, as well as serum and follicular hormones. Secondary outcomes were compared using a 2-sided superiority test. Outcomes were analyzed by intention-to-treat and per-protocol. RESULTS A total of 105 women undergoing IVF were randomized from May 2015 to June 2018. The probability of the primary outcome was 0.59 with the alternative trigger and 0.65 with the standard trigger, with a RR of 0.91 and a 1-sided 95% CI of 0.83. Noninferiority of the alternative trigger was demonstrated. Live birthrate from all fresh transfers in the alternative trigger group vs. standard trigger was 46.9 vs. 46.4% (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.62-1.62), respectively. Live birthrate per randomized participant was 48.1% in the alternative trigger group vs. 62.7% with the standard trigger (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.48-1.11). No participants had a failed retrieval. CONCLUSION Triggering with 1,500 IU of hCG plus 450 IU of FSH promoted noninferior oocyte competence compared to a standard hCG trigger dose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02310919.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanett Anaya
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Hakan Cakmak
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Douglas A Mata
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Letourneau
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Nikolaus Lenhart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Flor Juarez-Hernandez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Liza Jalalian
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mitchell Rosen
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Xin Q, Ma N, Jiao H, Wang X, Li H, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Lin H. Dietary Energy and Protein Levels During the Prelay Period on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Expression of Genes in Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary Axis, and Bone Parameters in Aged Laying Hens. Front Physiol 2022; 13:887381. [PMID: 35574467 PMCID: PMC9096247 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.887381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition during the pre-lay period takes effect on the production performance in the laying flock. This study evaluated the effects of dietary energy and protein levels in pre-lay diet on performance during the whole laying period and the egg quality, bone quality, and mRNA expression of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis-related genes of hens at the end of the laying cycle. A total of 1,856 15-wk old Hy-Line brown pullets were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments: using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 energy levels (2,700 and 2,800 kcal/kg ME, respectively) and 2 protein levels (15 and 16.5% CP, respectively). Pullets were fed ad libitum from 15 to 20 wk and from 20 wk onward, fed with a similar laying diet till 72 wk of age. At 72 wk, the expression of genes in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovarian, and follicles and bone quality was evaluated. At 72wk, there were no differences in production performance, BW, organ index, and ovarian parameters among the dietary treatments. High-CP diet increased the egg shape index and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05), but the eggshell breaking strength, Haugh unit, and albumen height did not differ among the treatments. Neither dietary energy nor protein level took an effect of bone quality. Low-energy diet increased the mRNA expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) in the hypothalamus (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression level of estrogen receptor-1 (ESR-1) in the hypothalamus and ovary was elevated by the 2,700 ME-15%CP diet (p < 0.05). The expression of cytochrome family 17 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP17A1) in the large white follicle (LWF), small yellow follicles (SYF) and dominant follicle (DF) was decreased by the 2,800 kcal/kg diet (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the prelay diet had no influence on the production performance but had minimal effect on the eggshell characteristics and bone parameters. These results suggest that the energy and protein level of the prelay diet changes the expression of HPG axis-related genes of hens around the end of the laying cycle without changing the circulating sex hormone profile. The effect of prelay diet on the endocrinal adjustment at the end of the laying cycle needs to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xin
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Hongchao Jiao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Haifang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Yunlei Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Jingpeng Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Hai Lin
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
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Casarini L, Paradiso E, Lazzaretti C, D'Alessandro S, Roy N, Mascolo E, Zaręba K, García-Gasca A, Simoni M. Regulation of antral follicular growth by an interplay between gonadotropins and their receptors. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:893-904. [PMID: 35292926 PMCID: PMC9050977 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02456-6] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the growth and maturation of human antral follicles is based mainly on concepts and deductions from clinical observations and animal models. To date, new experimental approaches and in vitro data contributed to a deep comprehension of gonadotropin receptors' functioning and may provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating still unclear physiological events. Among these, the production of androgen in the absence of proper LH levels, the programming of follicular atresia and dominance are some of the most intriguing. Starting from evolutionary issues at the basis of the gonadotropin receptor signal specificity, we draw a new hypothesis explaining the molecular mechanisms of the antral follicular growth, based on the modulation of endocrine signals by receptor-receptor interactions. The "heteromer hypothesis" explains how opposite death and life signals are delivered by gonadotropin receptors and other membrane partners, mediating steroidogenesis, apoptotic events, and the maturation of the dominant follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- SIERR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara D'Alessandro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Kornelia Zaręba
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alejandra García-Gasca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, 82112, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
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Jonas KC, Rivero Müller A, Oduwole O, Peltoketo H, Huhtaniemi I. The Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Knockout Mouse as a Tool to Probe the In Vivo Actions of Gonadotropic Hormones/Receptors in Females. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6144965. [PMID: 33605422 PMCID: PMC8171189 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab035] [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: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models with altered gonadotropin functions have provided invaluable insight into the functions of these hormones/receptors. Here we describe the repurposing of the infertile and hypogonadal luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) knockout mouse model (LuRKO), to address outstanding questions in reproductive physiology. Using crossbreeding strategies and physiological and histological analyses, we first addressed the physiological relevance of forced LHR homomerization in female mice using BAC expression of 2 ligand-binding and signaling deficient mutant LHR, respectively, that have previously shown to undergo functional complementation and rescue the hypogonadal phenotype of male LuRKO mice. In female LuRKO mice, coexpression of signaling and binding deficient LHR mutants failed to rescue the hypogonadal and anovulatory phenotype. This was apparently due to the low-level expression of the 2 mutant LHR and potential lack of luteinizing hormone (LH)/LHR-dependent pleiotropic signaling that has previously been shown at high receptor densities to be essential for ovulation. Next, we utilized a mouse model overexpressing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with increased circulating "LH/hCG"-like bioactivity to ~40 fold higher than WT females, to determine if high circulating hCG in the LuRKO background could reveal putative LHR-independent actions. No effects were found, thus, suggesting that LH/hCG mediate their gonadal and non-gonadal effects solely via LHR. Finally, targeted expression of a constitutively active follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) progressed antral follicles to preovulatory follicles and displayed phenotypic markers of enhanced estrogenic activity but failed to induce ovulation in LuRKO mice. This study highlights the critical importance and precise control of functional LHR and FSHR for mediating ovarian functions and of the potential repurposing of existing genetically modified mouse models in answering outstanding questions in reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Carol Jonas
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London,
London SE1 1UL, UK
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism,
Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12
0NN, UK
- Correspondence: Dr Kim Jonas, Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London,
London SE1 1UL, UK; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of
Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
; or Prof. Ilpo Huhtaniemi, Institute of Reproductive and
Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial
College London, London, W12 0NN, UK; Institute for Biomedicine, Department of Physiology,
University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland.
| | - Adolfo Rivero Müller
- Institute for Biomedicine, Department of Physiology, University of
Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of
Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Olayiwola Oduwole
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism,
Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12
0NN, UK
| | - Hellevi Peltoketo
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism,
Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12
0NN, UK
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumour Biology, Cancer and Translational
Medicine Research Unit, Biocenter Oulu and University of Oulu,
90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism,
Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12
0NN, UK
- Institute for Biomedicine, Department of Physiology, University of
Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Correspondence: Dr Kim Jonas, Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London,
London SE1 1UL, UK; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of
Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
; or Prof. Ilpo Huhtaniemi, Institute of Reproductive and
Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial
College London, London, W12 0NN, UK; Institute for Biomedicine, Department of Physiology,
University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland.
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Smirnova A, Anshina M, Paz ES, Ellenbogen A. Priming with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist before immature oocyte retrieval may improve maturity of oocytes and outcome in in vitro maturation (IVM) cycle: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:134. [PMID: 33771223 PMCID: PMC8004412 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-02706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The concept of using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) instead of human chorionic gonadotropin for triggering ovulation in patients treated with an antagonist protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a routine clinical practice. It may promote oocyte nuclear maturation, resumption of meiosis and cumulus expansion. It seems that this attempt could be beneficial in an in vitro maturation (IVM) oocyte cycle performed for polycystic ovarian syndrome as well as for other indications such as urgent fertility preservation in patients with malignancies or unusual indications. Case presentation We present the case of a Caucasian patient who needed fertility preservation when routine natural IVF treatment did not yield oocyte retrieval, followed by three IVM cycles, priming ovulation with a GnRH-a. In total, 12 oocytes were obtained, all matured 4.5 hours after incubation in maturation media. The fertilization rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection was 83%. Six good-quality embryos were vitrified. Conclusions It seems that triggering with a GnRH-a in selected cases may replace human chorionic gonadotropin in IVM of oocytes and could be highly beneficial in terms of obtaining high-grade embryos and possible pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smirnova
- IVF and Genetics Center "FertiMed", Moscow, Russia.,Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Medical Faculty, IVF Unit, Russian University of People's Friendship, Moscow, Russia
| | - M Anshina
- IVF and Genetics Center "FertiMed", Moscow, Russia.,Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Medical Faculty, IVF Unit, Russian University of People's Friendship, Moscow, Russia
| | - E Shalom Paz
- Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - A Ellenbogen
- Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Dashti S, Aflatoonian A, Tabibnejad N. Comparison of Oocyte Maturation Trigger Using Follicle Stimulating Hormone Plus Human Chorionic Gonadotropin versus hCG Alone in Assisted Reproduction Technology Cycles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2019; 13:102-107. [PMID: 31037919 PMCID: PMC6500079 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2019.5701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The goal of this study was to investigate oocyte maturation, fertilization and pregnancy rates among
infertile women, by concomitant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) administration at the time of human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG) trigger, compared to hCG trigger alone. Materials and Methods In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 109 infertile women between the ages of
20 and 40 years, received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and fresh embryo transfer. Following
the procedure, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups on the oocyte-triggering day. In the experimental
group, final oocyte maturation was achieved by 5000 IU hCG plus 450 IU FSH. In the control group, however, oocyte
triggering was performed by 5000 IU hCG, only. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy and the secondary out-
comes included oocyte recovery rate, oocyte maturity rate, fertilization proportion rate, fertilization rate, implantation
rate and chemical pregnancy rate. Results Fifty-four women were appointed to the group with the FSH bolus injection at the time of hCG trigger and
55 women were assigned to the hCG alone group. Women in the FSH group had a significantly higher metaphase II
(MII) oocyte (7.17 ± 3.50 vs. 5.87 ± 3.19), 2 pronuclear embryos (2PNs) (5.44 ± 3.20 vs. 3.74 ± 2.30) and total em-
bryos (4.57 ± 2.82 vs. 3.29 ± 2.13) compared to hCG alone group, respectively. Furthermore, fertilization rate (0.75
± 0.19 vs. 0.68 ± 0.25), implantation rate (14.2 vs. 8.5%) as well as clinical (27.9 vs. 15.9%) and chemical (32.6 vs.
20.5%) pregnancy rates were higher in the FSH group, but no statistically significant difference was found (P>0.05). Conclusion Combination of FSH and hCG for oocyte triggering improves oocyte maturity and fertilization propor-
tion rates without increasing the chance of implantation, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates (Registration number:
IRCT2017082724512N5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Dashti
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abbas Aflatoonian
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Nasim Tabibnejad
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Zhu K, Li S, Liu J, Hong Y, Chen ZJ, Du Y. Role of RAB5A in FSHR-mediated signal transduction in human granulosa cells. Reproduction 2018; 155:505-514. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common condition characterized by endocrine dysfunction, menstrual irregularity, anovulation and polycystic ovaries, affects 5–7% of reproductive-age women. RAB5B, which is identified by a genome-wide association study as a risk locus for this syndrome, encodes a small GTPase involved in control of receptor internalization and early endosome fusion. We found that RAB5A mRNA levels in luteinized granulosa cells of obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were lower than in those of obese women without the syndrome. RAB5A regulated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-mediated translocation of the FSH receptor (FSHR) from the membrane to the cytoplasm and the subsequent FSH–FSHR signaling pathway. We showed that RAB5A negatively regulated aromatase expression and estradiol synthesis in human granulosa cells in association with changes in FSHR levels by way of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. The regulation of FSHR by RAB5A may have been associated with two transcription factors, USF1 and USF2. In conclusion, RAB5A gene was abnormally expressed in luteinized granulosa cells of obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, which may help explain high FSHR levels found in this syndrome.
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Casarini L, Santi D, Simoni M, Potì F. 'Spare' Luteinizing Hormone Receptors: Facts and Fiction. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2018; 29:208-217. [PMID: 29429918 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It is common opinion that maximal activation of luteinizing hormone (LH)-dependent steroidogenic signal occurs at <1% of human LH/choriogonadotropin (hCG) receptor (LHCGR) occupancy. This effect would be a consequence of an excess of receptors expressed on the surface of theca cells, resulting in a pool of LHCGRs remaining unbound (spare). This concept was borrowed from historical pharmacological studies, when discrepancies between ligand-receptor binding and dose-response curves of cAMP were evaluated by treating mouse or rat Leydig cells with hCG in vitro. Recent findings demonstrated the specificity of LH- and hCG-dependent effects, receptor heterodimerization, and differing behaviors of rodent versus human gonadotropin-responsive cells, which may help to revise the 'spare' LHCGRs concept applied to human ovarian physiology and assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery - Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, via Volturno 39/F, 43125 Parma, Italy.
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Anaya Y, Mata DA, Letourneau J, Cakmak H, Cedars MI, Rosen MP. A novel oocyte maturation trigger using 1500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin plus 450 IU of follicle-stimulating hormone may decrease ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome across all in vitro fertilization stimulation protocols. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:297-307. [PMID: 29086322 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Modification of the trigger used to induce final oocyte maturation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a major strategy used to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). A novel trigger composed of 1500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plus 450 IU of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been developed to reduce OHSS risk. This study compares outcomes of the novel trigger to conventional triggers used in high-risk OHSS patients undergoing IVF. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, IVF cycles at high risk for OHSS based on a serum estradiol > 5000 pg/ml on trigger day conducted between January 2008 and February 2016 were evaluated. Oocyte maturation was induced with the novel trigger (1500 IU hCG plus 450 IU FSH) or a conventional trigger [3300 IU hCG, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) alone, or GnRHa plus 1500 IU hCG]. IVF cycle outcomes were compared. Trigger strategies were examined for associations with OHSS development using logistic regression. RESULTS Among 298 eligible IVF cycles identified, there were no differences in oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo quality, or pregnancy outcomes among all triggers. After adjusting for serum estradiol level and number of follicles, the novel trigger was associated with lower odds of OHSS symptom development compared to the 3300 IU hCG and GnRHa plus hCG 1500 IU triggers (p = 0.007 and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that 1500 IU hCG plus 450 IU FSH may be associated with decreased OHSS symptoms compared to conventional triggers, while producing similar IVF and pregnancy outcomes. More important, this novel trigger may provide a superior alternative in down-regulated cycles and in patients with hypothalamic dysfunction where GnRHa triggers cannot be utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanett Anaya
- Center for Reproductive Health and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Douglas A Mata
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joseph Letourneau
- Center for Reproductive Health and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Hakan Cakmak
- Center for Reproductive Health and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- Center for Reproductive Health and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mitchell P Rosen
- Center for Reproductive Health and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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11
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Murine ovarian follicle culture in PEG-hydrogel: Effects of mechanical properties and the hormones FSH and LH on development. Macromol Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-015-3045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Abstract
Rhythmic events in the female reproductive system depend on the coordinated and synchronized activity of multiple neuroendocrine and endocrine tissues. This coordination is facilitated by the timing of gene expression and cellular physiology at each level of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, including the basal hypothalamus and forebrain, the pituitary gland, and the ovary. Central to this pathway is the primary circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that, through its myriad outputs, provides a temporal framework for gonadotropin release and ovulation. The heart of the timing system, a transcription-based oscillator, imparts SCN pacemaker cells and a company of peripheral tissues with the capacity for daily oscillations of gene expression and cellular physiology. Although the SCN sits comfortably at the helm, peripheral oscillators (such as the ovary) have undefined but potentially critical roles. Each cell type of the ovary, including theca cells, granulosa cells, and oocytes, harbor a molecular clock implicated in the processes of follicular growth, steroid hormone synthesis, and ovulation. The ovarian clock is influenced by the reproductive cycle and diseases that perturb the cycle and/or follicular growth can disrupt the timing of clock gene expression in the ovary. Chronodisruption is known to negatively affect reproductive function and fertility in both rodent models and women exposed to shiftwork schedules. Thus, influencing clock function in the HPO axis with chronobiotics may represent a novel avenue for the treatment of common fertility disorders, particularly those resulting from chronic circadian disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Sellix
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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13
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Shahid B, Jalali S, Khan MI, Shami SA. Different Methods of Oocytes Recovery for in Vitro Maturation in Nili Ravi Buffalo'S Oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apcbee.2014.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Dias FCF, Khan MIR, Sirard MA, Adams GP, Singh J. Differential gene expression of granulosa cells after ovarian superstimulation in beef cattle. Reproduction 2013; 146:181-91. [PMID: 23740080 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microarray analysis was used to compare the gene expression of granulosa cells from dominant follicles with that of those after superstimulatory treatment. Cows were allocated randomly to two groups (superstimulation and control, n=6/group). A new follicular wave was induced by ablation of follicles ≥5 mm in diameter, and a progesterone-releasing device controlled internal drug release (CIDR) was placed in the vagina. The superstimulation group was given eight doses of 25 mg FSH at 12-h intervals starting from the day of wave emergence (day 0), whereas the control group was not given FSH treatment. Both groups were given prostaglandin F2α twice, 12 h apart, on day 3 and the CIDR was removed at the second injection; 25 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) was given 24 h after CIDR removal, and cows were ovariectomized 24 h later. Granulosa cells were collected for RNA extraction, amplification, and microarray hybridization. A total of 190 genes were downregulated and 280 genes were upregulated. To validate the microarray results, five genes were selected for real-time PCR (NTS, FOS, THBS1, FN1, and IGF2). Expression of four genes increased significantly in the three different animals tested (NTS, FOS, THBS1, and FN1). The upregulated genes are related to matrix remodeling (i.e. tissue proliferation), disturbance of angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress response. We conclude that superstimulation treatment i) results in granulosa cells that lag behind in maturation and differentiation (most of the upregulated genes are markers of the follicular growth stage), ii) activates genes involved with the NFE2L2 oxidative stress response and endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and iii) disturbs angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C F Dias
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5B4
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15
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Kwak DH, Seo BB, Chang KT, Choo YK. Roles of gangliosides in mouse embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell differentiation. Exp Mol Med 2011; 43:379-88. [PMID: 21654188 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2011.43.7.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides have been suggested to play important roles in various functions such as adhesion, cell differentiation, growth control, and signaling. Mouse follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization during the estrous cycle are regulated by several hormones and cell-cell interactions. In addition, spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules of adult testes is also regulated by several hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and cell-cell interactions. The regulation of these processes by hormones and cell-cell interactions provides evidence for the importance of surface membrane components, including gangliosides. During preimplantation embryo development, a mammalian embryo undergoes a series of cleavage divisions whereby a zygote is converted into a blastocyst that is sufficiently competent to be implanted in the ma ternal uterus and continue its development. Mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from mouse embryo, specifically, from the inner cell mass of blastocysts. Differentiated neuronal cells are derived from mES cells through the formation of embryonic bodies (EBs). EBs recapitulate many aspects of lineage-specific differentiation and temporal and spatial gene expression patterns during early embryogenesis. Previous studies on ganglioside expression during mouse embryonic development (including during in vitro fertilization, ovulation, spermatogenesis, and embryogenesis) reported that gangliosides were expressed in both undifferentiated and differentiated (or differentiating) mES cells. In this review, we summarize some of the advances in our understanding of the functional roles of gangliosides during the stages of mouse embryonic development, including ovulation, spermatogenesis, and embryogenesis, focusing on undifferentiated and differentiated mES cells (neuronal cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Kwak
- Department of Biological Science College of Natural Sciences Biotechnology Institute Wonkwang University Iksan, Korea
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16
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Abstract
During the last two decades a large number of genetically modified mouse lines with altered gonadotropin action have been generated. These mouse lines fall into three categories: the lack-of-function mice, gain-of-function mice, and the mice generated by breeding the abovementioned lines with other disease model lines. The mouse strains lacking gonadotropin action have elucidated the necessity of the pituitary hormones in pubertal development and function of gonads, and revealed the processes from the original genetic defect to the pathological phenotype such as hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Conversely, the strains of the second group depict consequences of chronic gonadotropin action. The lines vary from those expressing constitutively active receptors and those secreting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with slowly increasing amounts to those producing human choriogonadotropin (hCG), amount of which corresponds to 2000-fold luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG biological activity. Accordingly, the phenotypes diverge from mild anomalies and enhanced fertility to disrupted gametogenesis, but eventually chronic, enhanced and non-pulsatile action of both FSH and LH leads to female and male infertility and/or hyper- and neoplasias in most of the gonadotropin gain-of-function mice. Elevated gonadotropin levels also alter the function of several extra-gonadal tissues either directly or indirectly via increased sex steroid production. These effects include promotion of tumorigenesis in tissues such as the pituitary, mammary and adrenal glands. Finally, the crossbreedings of the current mouse strains with other disease models are likely to uncover the contribution of gonadotropins in novel biological systems, as exemplified by the recent crossbreed of LHCG receptor deficient mice with Alzheimer disease mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellevi Peltoketo
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, DuCane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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17
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Lamb JD, Shen S, McCulloch C, Jalalian L, Cedars MI, Rosen MP. Follicle-stimulating hormone administered at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin trigger improves oocyte developmental competence in in vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:1655-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Bianchi V, Dal Prato L, Maccolini A, Mazzone S, Borini A. Inadvertent recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone bolus instead of human chorionic gonadotrophin leads to the retrieval of competent oocytes in IVF program. Fertil Steril 2009; 92:1747.e1-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.07.998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that, together with luteinizing hormone (LH), controls development, maturation and function of the gonad. Like the related hormones, LH, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), FSH consists of two polypeptide chains, α and β, bearing carbohydrate moietiesN-linked to asparagine (Asn) residues. The α subunit is common to all members of the glycoprotein hormone family, whereas the β subunit, although structurally very similar, differs in each hormone and confers specificity of action.
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20
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Rosen MP, Zamah AM, Shen S, Dobson AT, McCulloch CE, Rinaudo PF, Lamb JD, Cedars MI. The effect of follicular fluid hormones on oocyte recovery after ovarian stimulation: FSH level predicts oocyte recovery. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:35. [PMID: 19389255 PMCID: PMC2679036 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) overcomes the physiologic process to develop a single dominant follicle. However, following stimulation, egg recovery rates are not 100%. The objective of this study is to determine if the follicular fluid hormonal environment is associated with oocyte recovery. METHODS This is a prospective study involving patients undergoing ART by standard ovarian stimulation protocols at an urban academic medical center. A total of 143 follicular fluid aspirates were collected from 80 patients. Concentrations of FSH, hCG, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and prolactin were determined. A multivariable regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the follicular fluid hormones and oocyte recovery. RESULTS Intrafollicular FSH was significantly associated with oocyte recovery after adjustment for hCG (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.21, 95%CI 1.03-1.42). The hCG concentration alone, in the range tested, did not impact the odds of oocyte recovery (AOR = 0.99, 95%CI 0.93-1.07). Estradiol was significantly associated with oocyte recovery (AOR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99). After adjustment for progesterone, the strength of association between FSH and oocyte recovery increased (AOR = 1.84, 95%CI 1.45-2.34). CONCLUSION The relationship between FSH and oocyte recovery is significant and appears to work through mechanisms independent of the sex hormones. FSH may be important for the physiologic event of separation of the cumulus-oocyte complex from the follicle wall, thereby influencing oocyte recovery. Current methods for inducing the final stages of oocyte maturation, with hCG administration alone, may not be optimal. Modifications of treatment protocols utilizing additional FSH may enhance oocyte recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell P Rosen
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - A Musa Zamah
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Shehua Shen
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Anthony T Dobson
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Charles E McCulloch
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Paolo F Rinaudo
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Julie D Lamb
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- UCSF Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 2356 Sutter Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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21
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Yang W, Lu CL, Yu FQ, Liu T, Hu ZY, Liu YX. Mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates FSH-induced expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator through an activator protein 1 response element. Endocrine 2008; 34:101-7. [PMID: 18982462 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-008-9105-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 08/14/2008] [Accepted: 09/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have analyzed a possible role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the regulation of FSH-induced tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) production in granulosa cells (GCs) prepared from DES-treated immature rats; Treatment of the cells in the presence of FSH with MAPK inhibitors, such as UO126 or SB203580, significantly decreased the FSH-induced tPA production, suggesting that multiple signaling pathways may be involved in FSH-regulated tPA expression. We further examined possible signaling action involved in FSH-activated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK on tPA production, and observed that FSH receptor occupancy led to both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Such action might be through a protein kinase A-dependent pathway because the observed activation was destroyed by the addition of its specific inhibitor H89 to the culture. The inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation by their specific inhibitors remarkably reduced FSH-induced tPA mRNA and its protein production. We further examined whether AP-1 located in the tPA promoter is involved in FSH-regulated tPA production, and demonstrated that FSH significantly stimulated AP-1 expression, whereas inclusion of H89, UO126, or SB20358 in the culture significantly decreased FSH-induced AP-1 expression. In summary, FSH-induced ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation is capable of regulating tPA production in cultured primary GCs, and that the transcript factor AP-1 may be important in the regulation of FSH-induced tPA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Da Tun Lu, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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22
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Celik O, Tagluk ME, Hascalik S, Elter K, Celik N, Aydin NE. Spectrotemporal changes in electrical activity of myometrium due to recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone preparations follitropin alfa and beta. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1348-56. [PMID: 18068163 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.1391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Revised: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 07/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of follitropin alfa and beta on the myoelectrical activity of rat myometrium using signal-processing techniques. DESIGN Prospective, placebo-controlled study. SETTING Animal and pharmacology laboratory at Inonu University. ANIMAL(S) Forty-five female Wistar albino rats. INTERVENTION(S) Thirty of 45 animals involved in the experiment were registered as the superovulation group. After two successive normal estrous cycles, these animals were put into three equal subgroups. Group 1 was the control; animals were given 0.9% saline. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with follitropin alfa (Gonal-f) and follitropin beta (Puregon), respectively. The other 15 animals were ovariectomized (OVX) and subjected to the same protocol. The uterine myoelectrical signals were recorded and analyzed using a Matlab environment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Power/second, variance, and the effects of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on myoelectrical signals were assessed through temporal, spectral, and joint time-frequency analysis. The uterine endometrium and ovarian morphology were also assessed concerning primary follicles, antral follicles, and corpora lutea. RESULT(S) The power and some characteristic spectral components of myoelectrical signal were reduced with the administration of follitropin alfa and beta. No statistically significant difference was detected between endometrial and ovarian histology of the rats treated with these follitropins. CONCLUSION(S) Uterine myoelectrical signals change with administration of recombinant human FSH preparations. Follitropin beta and, more precisely, follitropin alfa suppress the spectral components and power of the myoelectrical signals, which provides uterine quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onder Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.
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23
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Farin CE, Rodriguez KF, Alexander JE, Hockney JE, Herrick JR, Kennedy-Stoskopf S. The role of transcription in EGF- and FSH-mediated oocyte maturation in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 98:97-112. [PMID: 17101244 PMCID: PMC1820482 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms responsible for meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes is critical for the identification of strategies to enhance developmental competence of in vitro-matured oocytes. Improvement of in vitro oocyte maturation systems is dependent on a better understanding of mechanisms that regulate oocyte maturation both in vivo and in vitro as well as on the identification of methods to manipulate the meiotic progression of oocytes matured in vitro in a physiological manner. The purpose of this review is two-fold: first, to examine the mechanisms that underlie the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence and regulation of oocyte maturation in vivo and in vitro; second, to present data examining the role of transcription in mediating the ability of EGF and FSH to induce oocyte maturation in vitro. Results presented support the conclusions that (1) EGF-induced oocyte maturation does not require nascent gene transcription in both mice and domestic cats; (2) FSH requires gene transcription to induce oocyte maturation in both species; (3) EGF must be present in the maturation medium to optimize the effectiveness of FSH to promote oocyte maturation; (4) the mechanism used by FSH to induce oocyte maturation in vitro appears to predominate over that used by EGF when both EGF and FSH are present in maturation medium used for either murine or feline cumulus oocyte complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Farin
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA.
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24
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Russell DL, Robker RL. Molecular mechanisms of ovulation: co-ordination through the cumulus complex. Hum Reprod Update 2007; 13:289-312. [PMID: 17242016 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful ovulation requires that developmentally competent oocytes are released with appropriate timing from the ovarian follicle. Somatic cells of the follicle sense the ovulatory stimulus and guide resumption of meiosis and release of the oocyte, as well as structural remodelling and luteinization of the follicle. Complex intercellular communication co-ordinates critical stages of oocyte maturation and links this process with release from the follicle. To achieve these outcomes, ovulation is controlled through multiple inputs, including endocrine hormones, immune and metabolic signals, as well as intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural and cumulus granulosa cells and the oocyte itself. This review focuses on the recent advances in understanding of molecular mechanisms that commence after the gonadotrophin surge and culminate with release of the oocyte. These mechanisms include intracellular signalling, gene regulation and remodelling of tissue structure in each of the distinct ovarian compartments. Most critical ovulatory mediators exert effects through the cumulus cell complex that surrounds and connects with the oocyte. The convergence of ovulatory signals through the cumulus complex co-ordinates the key mechanistic processes that mediate and control oocyte maturation and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl L Russell
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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25
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Ahtiainen P, Rulli S, Pakarainen T, Zhang FP, Poutanen M, Huhtaniemi I. Phenotypic characterisation of mice with exaggerated and missing LH/hCG action. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 260-262:255-63. [PMID: 17029767 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Accepted: 11/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In order to study the physiology and pathophysiology of gonadotrophin action, we have produced transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) alpha and beta subunits (hCG+ mice) and knockout (KO) mice for the luteinising hormone receptor (LHR; LuRKO mice). The two extremes in LH function, i.e. strong LH/hCG stimulation and total blockade of this action, confirm numerous earlier concepts about LH function, but they also reveal new aspects about gonadal function during excessive LH production and in the absence of this trophic stimulus. The purpose of this review is to summarise the key findings on these two genetically modified mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Ahtiainen
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
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26
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Kim MO, Kim SH, Lee SR, Shin MJ, Min KS, Lee DB, Lee SW, Kim KS, Kim SJ, Ryoo ZY. Ectopic expression of tethered human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) gene in transgenic mice. Transgenic Res 2006; 16:65-75. [PMID: 17103026 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-006-9031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/27/2006] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether the mammary gland can be used to secrete large quantities of a bioactive heterodimeric protein into milk, we used a bovine beta-casein promoter to target and express human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) in the mammary gland into the milk of transgenic mice. We also identified the effects of hFSH leaked into the bloodstream. Transgenic mice produced a high level (up to 300 mIU/ml) of recombinant hFSH in the mammary gland. Human FSH was expressed in the mammary gland and brain, as determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. In vitro bioactivity was also identified by cyclic AMP (cAMP) assay. The highest activity was showed in the transgenic mice line 11. However, hFSH leaked into the bloodstream was a powerful factor in the generation of breast and ovarian tumors from the transgenic mice line 11. These results suggest that change of endogenous hormones (FSH and progesterone) may affect the morphology and blood cell counts of peripheral blood and, especially, provoke breast and ovarian tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Blood Cell Count
- Caseins/genetics
- Cattle
- DNA Primers/genetics
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human/blood
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human/genetics
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human/metabolism
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mammary Glands, Animal/anatomy & histology
- Mammary Glands, Animal/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Mice, Transgenic
- Milk/metabolism
- Ovary/anatomy & histology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Recombinant Proteins/blood
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Ok Kim
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, 1370 Sankyuk-dong, Buk-ku, Daegu, 702-701, Korea
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Huhtaniemi I, Ahtiainen P, Pakarainen T, Rulli SB, Zhang FP, Poutanen M. Genetically modified mouse models in studies of luteinising hormone action. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2006; 252:126-35. [PMID: 16675102 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2006.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Numerous genetically modified mouse models have recently been developed for the study of the pituitary-gonadal interactions. They include spontaneous or engineered knockouts (KO) of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its receptor, the gonadotrophin common-alpha(Calpha), luteinising hormone (LH) beta and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) beta subunits, and the two gonadotrophin receptors (R), LHR and FSHR. In addition, there are also transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing gonadotrophin subunits and producing supraphysiological levels of these hormones. These models have offered relevant phenocopies for similar mutations in humans and to a great extent expanded our knowledge on normal and pathological functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The purpose of this article is to review some of our recent findings on two such mouse models, the LHR KO mouse (LuRKO), and the hCG overexpressing TG mouse (hCG+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Pakarainen T, Zhang FP, Nurmi L, Poutanen M, Huhtaniemi I. Knockout of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Abolishes the Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone on Preovulatory Maturation and Ovulation of Mouse Graafian Follicles. Mol Endocrinol 2005; 19:2591-602. [PMID: 15941853 DOI: 10.1210/me.2005-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
It is considered a dogma that a secretory peak of LH is indispensable as the trigger of ovulation. However, earlier studies on hypophysectomized rodents have shown that stimulation with recombinant FSH, devoid of any LH activity, is able to boost the final stages of follicular maturation and trigger ovulation. As the expression of ovarian LH receptors (LHRs) still persists after hypophysectomy, such studies cannot totally exclude the possibility that LHR activation is involved in the apparently pure FSH effects. To revisit this question, we analyzed in LHR knockout (LuRKO) mice the progression of folliculogenesis and induction of ovulation by human chorionic gonadotropin and human recombinant FSH treatments. The results provide clear evidence that follicular development and ovulation could not be induced by high doses of FSH in the absence of LHR expression. Ovarian histology and oocyte analyses indicated that follicular maturation did not advance in LuRKO mice beyond the antral follicle stage. Neither were ovulations detected in LuRKO ovaries after any of the gonadotropin treatments. The ovarian resistance to FSH treatment in the absence of LHR was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses of a number of gonadotropin-dependent genes, which only responded to the treatments in wild-type control mice. Negative findings were not altered by estradiol priming preceding the gonadotropin stimulations. Hence, the present study shows that, in addition to ovulation, the expression of LHR is essential for follicular maturation in the progression from antral to preovulatory stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomi Pakarainen
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Fin-20500 Turku, Finland
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Donadeu FX, Ascoli M. The differential effects of the gonadotropin receptors on aromatase expression in primary cultures of immature rat granulosa cells are highly dependent on the density of receptors expressed and the activation of the inositol phosphate cascade. Endocrinology 2005; 146:3907-16. [PMID: 15919743 PMCID: PMC1262674 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Signaling pathways mediating the divergent effects of FSH and LH on aromatase in immature rat granulosa cells were studied by infecting cells with increasing amounts of adenoviral vectors for the human LH receptor (hLHR) or FSH receptor (hFSHR). Increasing amounts of Ad-hLHR, used at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 20 or 200 viable viral particles/cell, increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) binding and hCG-induced cAMP and Akt phosphorylation, but inositol phosphates only increased in response to hCG in cells infected with 200 MOI Ad-hLHR. In contrast, hCG increased aromatase expression in cells infected with 20, but not in cells infected with 200, MOI Ad-hLHR. Cells infected with 20 or 200 MOI Ad-hFSHR showed increased hFSH binding and hFSH-induced Akt phosphorylation, but the hFSH-induced cAMP response was unchanged relative to control cells. However, hFSH was able to stimulate the inositol phosphate cascade in the Ad-hFSHR-infected cells, and the hFSH induction of aromatase was abolished. We also found that activation of C kinase or expression of a constitutively active form of Galphaq inhibited the induction of aromatase by hFSH or 8Br-cAMP. We conclude that the differential effects of FSH and LH on aromatase in immature granulosa cells are highly dependent on gonadotropin receptor density and on the signaling pathways activated. We propose that aromatase is induced by common signals generated by activation of the FSHR and LHR (possibly cAMP and Akt) and that the activation of the inositol phosphate cascade in cells expressing a high density of LHR or FSHR antagonizes this induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Ascoli
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Mario Ascoli, Department of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, 2-319B BSB, 51 Newton Road, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, Phone 319-335-9907, Fax 319-335-8930, Email
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Zhang YM, Roy SK. Downregulation of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)-Receptor Messenger RNA Levels in the Hamster Ovary: Effect of the Endogenous and Exogenous FSH1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1580-8. [PMID: 14749302 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.026898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gonadotropins have been reported to downregulate FSH-receptor (FSHR) mRNA levels in the ovaries of female rats, the effect of the gonadotropin surge, particularly FSH, on hamster follicular FSHR mRNA levels warrants further examination. The objectives of the present study were to clone and determine the complete FSHR cDNA sequence of the hamster and to delineate the effects of endogenous and exogenous FSH on the steady-state levels of ovarian FSHR mRNA. Complete FSHR cDNA was derived from hamster ovarian total RNA by the strategy of 3'- and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Ovaries were obtained before and after the endogenous gonadotropin surge or exogenous FSH administration, and the steady-state levels of FSHR mRNA were assessed by Northern blot hybridization. Cloned FSHR cDNA consists of a reading frame corresponding to exons 1-10 of the human FSHR gene and the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the reading frame were at least 87% and 92% identical, respectively, to that of human, rat, and mouse FSHR. Furthermore, the amino acid sequence contained seven transmembrane domains characteristic of the FSHR. The steady-state levels of FSHR mRNA increased from estrus (Day 1) to reach a peak on proestrus (Day 4) noon; however, significant attenuation was noted following the gonadotropin surge, which was blocked by phenobarbital. Exogenous FSH also downregulated, both dose- and time-dependently, ovarian FSHR mRNA levels. These data indicate that the nucleic acid sequence of hamster FSHR has been identified and that FSH modulates FSHR mRNA levels in the hamster ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198-4515, USA
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Gómez R, Lima I, Simón C, Pellicer A. Administration of low-dose LH induces ovulation and prevents vascular hyperpermeability and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in superovulated rats. Reproduction 2004; 127:483-9. [PMID: 15047939 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The administration, to rats, of a combination of pregnant mares serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in high doses induces the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which is characterized by increased vascular permeability (VP) and simultaneous overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ovarian cells. hCG has a longer half-life than LH and a greater biological activity, expressed in a higher incidence of complications such as OHSS. Similarly, FSH may also be related to the ovulatory changes within the follicle as there is a simultaneous surge in spontaneous cycles. The aim of this study was to compare the capacity of hCG, FSH and LH to induce ovulation and simultaneously prevent OHSS in the animal model. Immature female rats were treated with 10 IU PMSG for 4 days, and ovulation was triggered with saline, 10 IU hCG, 10 IU FSH, 10 IU LH or 60 IU LH. The number of oocytes ovulated into the tubes, VP and mRNA VEGF expression were evaluated and compared.
All the hormones employed were as effective at triggering ovulation, with similar significant P values when compared with the control for which saline was used. The use of 10 IU LH resulted in significantly lower VP and VEGF expression than that seen in the groups treated with 10 IU hCG, 10 IU FSH or 60 IU LH. In conclusion, FSH and hCG, as well as a sixfold increase in LH, displayed similar biological activities, including increased VP due to excessive VEGF expression. The use of lower doses of LH produced similar rates of ovulation, while preventing the undesired changes in permeability. These experiments should therefore encourage clinicians to determine the optimal dose of LH to be employed in women in order to trigger ovulation and, at the same time, avoid the risk of OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gómez
- IVI foundation, (fIVI), C/Guadassuar no. 1, 46015 Valencia, Spain
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Abstract
Immature human oocytes can be matured and fertilized in vitro. However, subsequent embryonic development is different when the immature oocytes are retrieved in different situations. Exposure to the LH surge in vivo may be important for the oocytes to acquire the competence for maturation and subsequent embryonic development. The size of the follicles may also be an important feature for subsequent embryonic development. However, the developmental competence of oocytes derived from small antral follicles does not seem to be adversely affected by the presence of a dominant follicle. Oocyte maturation in vitro is profoundly affected by culture conditions. Gonadotrophins are required for oocyte maturation in vivo, but any requirement in vitro is still unclear. Recent clinical results from in-vitro matured (IVM) human oocytes are promising, although further research remains to be done in order to address the mechanisms of oocyte maturation and to improve culture conditions and also the implantation rate of embryos generated from IVM oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri-Cheng Chian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Park JY, Richard F, Chun SY, Park JH, Law E, Horner K, Jin SLC, Conti M. Phosphodiesterase regulation is critical for the differentiation and pattern of gene expression in granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle. Mol Endocrinol 2003; 17:1117-30. [PMID: 12649328 DOI: 10.1210/me.2002-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Feedback regulations are integral components of the cAMP signaling required for most cellular processes, including gene expression and cell differentiation. Here, we provide evidence that one of these feedback regulations involving the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase PDE4D plays a critical role in cAMP signaling during the differentiation of granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle. Gonadotropins induce PDE4D mRNA and increase the cAMP hydrolyzing activity in granulosa cells, demonstrating that a feedback regulation of cAMP is operating in granulosa cells in vivo. Inactivation of the PDE4D by homologous recombination is associated with an altered pattern of cAMP accumulation induced by the gonadotropin LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), impaired female fertility, and a markedly decreased ovulation rate. In spite of a disruption of the cAMP response, LH/hCG induced P450 side chain cleavage expression and steroidogenesis in a manner similar to wild-type controls. Morphological examination of the ovary of PDE4D-/- mice indicated luteinization of antral follicles with entrapped oocytes. Consistent with the morphological finding of unruptured follicles, LH/hCG induction of genes involved in ovulation, including cyclooxygenase-2, progesterone receptor, and the downstream genes, is markedly decreased in the PDE4D-/- ovaries. These data demonstrate that PDE4D regulation plays a critical role in gonadotropin mechanism of action and suggest that the intensity and duration of the cAMP signal defines the pattern of gene expression during the differentiation of granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jy-Young Park
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, California 94305-5317, USA
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Conti M. Specificity of the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate signal in granulosa cell function. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1653-61. [PMID: 12444038 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.004952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP signaling is involved in most aspects of differentiation and maturation of the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicle. As the genetic programs activated at different stages of follicle growth maturation are being elucidated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile the simplicity of the cAMP cascade with the complexity and the divergent patterns of gene expression activated in these cells. To account for these divergent outcomes of the cAMP signal, three aspects of this signaling cascade in granulosa cells will be reviewed. We will discuss the evidence for gonadotropin receptors coupling to different G proteins and effectors. Next, we will explore the possibility that the temporal and spatial dimensions of the cAMP signal itself may contribute to the diverse outcomes. Finally, we will summarize available data showing that the cAMP signal is distributed through several cascades of kinase activation. It is hoped this compendium will provide a framework with which to understand how the initial signals activated by gonadotropins control the complex patterns of gene expression that are required for follicle maturation and ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Conti
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305, USA.
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Koh SB, Seo KS, Kim SC, Ahn BO, Kim WB, Lee SH. Efffect of recombinant human FSH on ovulation, pregnancy and in vitro fertilization in androgen-sterilized mice. Arch Pharm Res 2002; 25:357-63. [PMID: 12135110 DOI: 10.1007/bf02976639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of a new rhFSH, PG-0801, on oocyte quality, ovulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) was examined in androgen-sterilized mice. Experimental sterility was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP, 1 mg/head) into 5 day old female mice. Ovulation was generated in the 10 to 13-week old TP-injected mice by a subcutaneous rhFSH injection (1, 5 or 10 IU/head) followed 48 hours later by a second rhFSH injection (1, 5 or 10 IU/head). For comparison, a subcutaneous PMSG (5 IU/head) injection was used for folliculogenesis and a hCG (5 IU/head) injection was used for ovulation. These were administered using the same protocol. The eggs were harvested from the oviducts and counted 17 to 20 hours after the second injection. IVF was performed by adding sperms (2 x 10(5)/ml to 2 x 106/ ml) to determine the functional activity of the eggs, and the fertilization rate was measured. In addition, the pregnancy rate and fetal development were examined after 15-17 days of gestation. The number of oocytes recovered from the rhFSH/rhFSH group increased dose-dependently and was slightly higher than that of the PMSG/hCG group. The pregnancy rates of the group receiving 1, 5, and 10 IU of rhFSH/rhFSH were 50%, 66.7%, and 75%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of the control (untreated) group (0%). The numbers of viable fetuses in the 1, 5, and 10 IU/head of the rhFSH/rhFSH group (8.0 +/- 1.50, 8.9 +/- 1.02, and 8.9 +/- 1.12 fetuses/dam, respectively) were comparable to that of the 5 IU/head PMSG/ hCG group (9.4 +/- 0.94). The mice receiving rhFSH/rhFSH and PMSG/hCG showed similar fertilization rates (around 65%) via the IVF procedure. These results demonstrate that a new rhFSH, PG-0801, may be useful for inducing ovulation in functionally infertile patients and for superovulation in ovulatory patients participating in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Bum Koh
- Research Laboratories, Dong-A Pharm Co Ltd, Yongin, Kyunggi, Korea
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Tsafriri A, Cao X, Vaknin KM, Popliker M. Is meiosis activating sterol (MAS) an obligatory mediator of meiotic resumption in mammals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 187:197-204. [PMID: 11988328 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(01)00685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In-vitro studies of mouse oocytes have provided evidence that two closely related sterols, subsequently named meiosis-activating sterols (MAS), can overcome the inhibitory effect of hypoxanthine on resumption of meiosis. These sterols are synthesized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (LDM), a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Our studies in the rat with specific inhibitors and molecular approaches did not support the hypothesis that MAS is an obligatory step in the stimulation of the resumption of meiosis. (i) Specific inhibitors of MAS synthesizing enzymes did not prevent spontaneous or LH-stimulated meiosis at doses that have previously been shown to effectively suppress LDM activity. At higher doses, they caused degeneration of oocytes. (ii) The timing of LDM expression in the ovary was incompatible with a role for MAS in meiosis. (iii) The preferential localization of LDM protein in the oocytes suggests MAS production in oocytes, rather than its transport from the somatic compartment as expected by the suggested role of MAS in the regulation of meiosis as a putative cumulus-oocyte signal molecule. (iv) AY-9944, which supposedly increases MAS levels by inhibiting its metabolism, induced the maturation of follicle-enclosed oocytes that was much delayed as compared with gonadotropic stimulation. Thus, the resumption of meiosis induced by added MAS [Biol. Reprod. 61 (1999) 1362, Biol. Reprod. 64 (2001) 418] or presumed endogenous MAS accumulation by AY-9944, resulted in oocyte maturation with remarkably slower kinetics than observed with LH stimulation. This delay in meiosis after MAS stimulation, the studies with LDM inhibitors and its spatial and temporal expression, cast serious doubts whether MAS is indeed mediating the meiosis inducing action of the gonadotropins, as suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Tsafriri
- Bernhard Zondek Hormone Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
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LaPolt PS, Lu JK. Effects of aging on luteinizing hormone secretion, ovulation, and ovarian tissue-type plasminogen activator expression. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2001; 226:127-32. [PMID: 11446436 DOI: 10.1177/153537020122600210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of aging on LH surge magnitude, ovulation, and ovarian expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), a protease implicated in follicular rupture. While mean LH levels and ovulation rates were similar in middle-aged cyclic and young groups, there was a significant correlation between peak LH levels and ovulation rates in individual rats, such that females with lower LH surges ovulated fewer ova. In a separate experiment, proestrous LH levels were characterized in young and middle-aged rats, followed by in situ hybridization analysis of ovarian tPA mRNA. In young proestrous rats, tPA expression was observed in thecal-interstitial cells and oocytes, but not granulosa cells, prior to the LH surge. After the LH surge, there was a marked increase in tPA mRNA levels in granulosa cells of preovulatory, but not smaller follicles, peaking at 0200 hr estrus. By 0500 hr estrus, ovarian tPA expression declined, and ovulation had occurred. In contrast, LH-induced follicular tPA mRNA levels were dramatically lower in middle-aged rats with attenuated LH surges, and persisting preovulatory follicles were common in ovaries of these females on estrus morning. These findings suggest that age-related declines in ovulatory function result in part from altered induction of ovarian tPA expression, likely due to decreased proestrous LH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S LaPolt
- Department of Biology & Microbiology, California State University, Los Angeles 90032, USA.
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Liu X, Andoh K, Mizunuma H, Kamijo T, Kikuchi N, Yamada K, Ibuki Y. Effects of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH), urinary purified FSH (uFSH), and hMG on small preantral follicles and tertiary follicles from normal adult and androgen-sterilized female mice. Fertil Steril 2000; 73:372-80. [PMID: 10685546 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the stage-specific follicular response to recombinant human FSH (rhFSH), urinary FSH (uFSH), and hMG preparations. SETTING In vitro follicle culture. INTERVENTION(S) Small preantral and tertiary follicles isolated from adult normal BDF-1 mice and androgen-sterilized mice were cultured with rhFSH, uFSH, and hMG for 4 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Follicular diameter. Immunoreactive inhibin, E2, and progesterone concentrations in cultured medium. RESULT(S) The minimal effective dose of rhFSH, uFSH, and hMG for the follicular growth of small preantral follicles from normal mice was 10 mIU/mL, 1 mIU/mL, and 0.1 mIU/mL, respectively. For tertiary follicles from normal mice, the minimal effective dose of rhFSH, uFSH, and hMG was 10 mIU/mL, 10 mIU/mL, and 1 mIU/mL, respectively. The minimal effective dose of hMG for the follicular growth of small preantral follicles from androgen-sterilized mice was 0.01 mIU/mL, and that of rhFSH and uFSH on tertiary follicles from androgen-sterilized mice was 1 mIU/mL and 10 mIU/mL, respectively. No significant increase was found in the follicular diameter of the tertiary follicles from androgen-sterilized mice as a result of stimulation by hMG, but an hMG dose of >10 mIU/mL produced a significant increase in progesterone secretion. CONCLUSION(S) Human menopausal gonadotropin preparation acts detrimentally on follicles from androgen-sterilized mice by increasing the sensitivity of small preantral follicles to FSH and by inducing the luteinization of tertiary follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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Leo CP, Hsu SY, Chun SY, Bae HW, Hsueh AJ. Characterization of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family member myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and the stimulation of its message by gonadotropins in the rat ovary. Endocrinology 1999; 140:5469-77. [PMID: 10579309 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.12.7171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The majority of ovarian follicles undergo atresia mediated by apoptosis. Bcl-2-related proteins act as regulators of apoptosis via the formation of dimers with proteins inside and outside the Bcl-2 family. Previous studies have identified BAD as a proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member expressed in the ovary. It is known that BAD phosphorylation induced by survival factors leads to its preferential binding to 14-3-3 and suppression of the death-inducing function of BAD. To identify ovarian binding partners for hypophosphorylated BAD, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screening of a rat ovary complementary DNA library using as bait a mutant BAD incapable of binding to 14-3-3. Screening of yeast transformants yielded positive clones encoding the rat ortholog of Mcl-1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1), an antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that rat and human Mcl-1 showed a complete conservation of the Bcl-2 homology domains BH1, BH2, and BH3. In the yeast two-hybrid system, Mcl-1 binds to the hypophosphorylated mutant of BAD and interacts preferentially with different proapoptotic (Bax, Bak, Bok, Bik, and BOD) compared with antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bcl-w, Bfl-1, CED-9, and BHRF-1). Northern blot hybridization demonstrated expression of Mcl-1 transcripts of 2.3 and 3.7 kb in the ovary and diverse other rat tissues. In immature rats, PMSG treatment led to a transient increase in the 2.3-kb Mcl-1 transcript, peaking at 6 h after injection and returning to baseline levels after 24 h. Moreover, the same transcript was induced in the PMSG-primed preovulatory rat ovary 6 h after the administration of ovulatory doses of either hCG or FSH. In situ hybridization studies revealed that the gonadotropin stimulation of ovarian Mcl-1 message occurs in both granulosa and thecal cells. In conclusion, rat Mcl-1 was identified as an ovarian BAD-interacting protein and the message for the antiapoptotic Mcl-1 protein was induced after treatment with gonadotropins in granulosa and thecal cells of growing follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Leo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University Medical Center, California 94305-5317, USA
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40
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Liu Y. Role of plasminogen activators and inhibitors in reproduction. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 1999. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02909700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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41
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Lee J, Park HJ, Choi HS, Kwon HB, Arimura A, Lee BJ, Choi WS, Chun SY. Gonadotropin stimulation of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) messenger ribonucleic acid in the rat ovary and the role of PACAP as a follicle survival factor. Endocrinology 1999; 140:818-26. [PMID: 9927311 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.2.6485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a novel neuropeptide with considerable homology to vasoactive intestinal peptide and GH-releasing hormone, exists in two biologically active forms, PACAP-38 and -27. The presence of PACAP in the ovary has been demonstrated, where it stimulates steroidogenesis and cAMP accumulation in cultured granulosa cells. In the present study, gonadotropin regulation of PACAP gene expression was examined in PMSG/human (h)CG-treated immature rat ovaries and cultured preovulatory follicles. Northern blot analysis of ovaries obtained from PMSG/hCG-treated immature animals revealed the transient induction of PACAP transcripts by hCG, reaching a maximum at 6 h. The major cell types expressing PACAP messenger RNA were granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles and some theca/interstitial cells. In preovulatory follicles cultured in serum-free medium, PACAP transcripts were transiently induced by LH and FSH, reaching a maximum 6-9 h after stimulation in granulosa cells but not in theca cells. Treatment with cycloheximide or alpha-amanitin abolished LH-induced PACAP transcripts, indicating that new protein synthesis and transcription are necessary. Treatment with MDL-12,330A, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, inhibited LH-induced PACAP messenger RNA, and forskolin mimicked the LH action, implying the role of adenylate cyclase activation. In contrast, treatment with chelerythrine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, and 2-O-tetradecanol-phorbol-13-acetate had no effect. We further tested the role of PACAP in follicle apoptosis using apoptotic DNA fragmentation analysis. Treatment with PACAP-38 suppressed follicle apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the LH suppression of follicle apoptosis was partially blocked by cotreatment with PACAP-38 antagonist, indicating mediation by endogenous PACAP-38. These results suggest that PACAP, transiently induced by the gonadotropin surge, could be a local regulator of a number of events and may act as a follicle survival factor during the periovulatory period.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lee
- Department of Biology, Chonnam National University, Kwangju, Republic of Korea
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Tejada F, Cremades A, Avilés M, Castells MT, Peñafiel R. Hypokalemia alters sex hormone and gonadotropin levels: evidence that FSH may be required for luteinization. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 275:E1037-45. [PMID: 9843747 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.1998.275.6.e1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypokalemia produced different effects on steroid sex hormone concentrations in plasma and ovary in the mouse. Estradiol levels were slightly increased, whereas circulating progesterone was markedly decreased in all estrous periods. The preovulatory surge of gonadotropins and the secondary surge of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at estrus were also decreased, but basal levels of both gonadotropins were unaffected. Supplementation with luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at proestrus rapidly normalized plasma and ovarian progesterone levels at this stage of the estrous cycle. Plasma progesterone levels at diestrus were restored only by combined treatment, at the periovulatory stage, with LH and FSH or GnRH but not by LH or FSH alone. The results demonstrate a lack of steroidogenic activity in the corpus luteum of the potassium-deficient mice and, furthermore, that FSH plays an important role in luteinization in the hypokalemic mice. We conclude that alteration of the transcellular potassium gradient may affect the regulation of the periovulatory surge of gonadotropins and progesterone secretion, probably by altering the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. In addition, the results suggest that FSH may play a certain role as a luteotropic hormone in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tejada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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Andersen CY, Baltsen M, Byskov AG. Gonadotropin-induced resumption of oocyte meiosis and meiosis-activating sterols. Curr Top Dev Biol 1998; 41:163-85. [PMID: 9784976 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(08)60273-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Centre for Children, Women, and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
Our understanding of the regulation of the menstrual cycle has recently improved with the development of various tools of investigation. The cycle is now thought to be determined mainly by the ovary itself, which sends various signals to the pituitary and the hypothalamus. The aim of the cycle is to produce a single mature oocyte each month from puberty to menopause. However, the most common evolution of a follicle is atresia, a consequence of the genetically controlled, ovarian apotosis (or "programmed cell death"). Follicular growth and maturation are mostly independent of gonadotropins, from the stage of primordial follicles to antral follicles. A complete intraovarian paracrine system is implied in this gonadotropin-independent follicular growth, and in the modulation of the actions of the gonadotropins in the ovary. FSH allows the rescue of a minority of follicles from atresia and is indispensable to only the final maturation of the preovulatory follicle. The cyclical variations of the gonadotropins are under the control of ovarian steroids (estradiol and progesterone) and peptides (inhibin). The cycle length is determined by follicular growth and by the fixed life span of the corpus luteum. The mechanism of action of gonadotropins is much better understood since the gonadotropins and their receptor cDNA have been cloned. The recent description of naturally occurring mutations has lead to a better understanding of the role of each gonadotropin, demonstrating the crucial role of FSH in the terminal maturation of the follicles. The ovarian cycle can also be monitored at the level of target tissues of steroids such as the endometrium. The cellular mechanisms of endometrial maturation, under the control of estradiol and progesterone, are better understood. The endometrial maturation is synchronized to follicular development and allows implantation of the conceptus. The genes implied in the implantation of the embryo are being identified (e.g., integrins). Last but not least, the mechanisms of endometrial shedding are being elucidated, especially the role of metalloproteases and angiogenic factors. These concepts will allow the development of new treatments for infertility, the design of new contraceptive techniques, and a better tolerance of treatments using sex steroids, particularly progestin-only pill.
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Resnick CE, Fielder PJ, Rosenfeld RG, Adashi EY. Characterization and hormonal regulation of a rat ovarian insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 endopeptidase: an FSH-inducible granulosa cell-derived metalloprotease. Endocrinology 1998; 139:1249-57. [PMID: 9492060 DOI: 10.1210/endo.139.3.5845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies established the existence of an FSH-inducible rat granulosa cell-derived insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-5 endopeptidase. It was the objective of this communication to characterize this activity in some detail. Exposure of [125I]rhIGFBP-5 substrate to media conditioned by FSH-treated granulosa cells (a cell-free assay) produced two rhIGFBP-5 cleavage products (estimated size 19.5 and 17.5 kDa). The acquisition of IGFBP-5 endopeptidase activity in culture proved FSH (or PMSG) to be dose and time dependent. The addition of oFSH or rhFSH to the cell-free assay in turn, proved without effect on IGFBP-5 endopeptidase activity, thereby arguing against the possibility of an FSH receptor-independent phenomenon or of contaminating pituitary-derived contribution. The ability of FSH to induce IGFBP-5 endopeptidase activity proved relatively specific in that other granulosa cell agonists such as activin-A, IGF-I, GnRH, interleukin-1beta, TNF alpha, TGF beta1, EGF, or endothelin-1 failed to do so. However, the concurrent provision of GnRH, TNF alpha, EGF, or endothelin-1 proved inhibitory to the IGFBP-5 endopeptidase-inducing property of FSH. Activin-A and TGF beta1 in turn further stimulated the FSH effect. Sensitivity to EDTA, 1,10 phenanthroline, and high concentrations (> or = 0.1 mM) of Zn2+ suggested a Zn2+ metalloprotease. Insensitivity to TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 argued against a matrix metalloprotease (MMP). Relative insensitivity to PMSF, AMPSF, aprotinin, TPCK, and benzamidine argued against the possibility of a serine protease. Insensitivity to pepstatin A and E64 argued against aspartic and cysteine proteases, respectively. Insensitivity to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and the presumed lack of free plasminogen in serum-free culture media argued against plasmin. Proteolysis was completely inhibited over the acid pH range but proceeded unencumbered at neutral and basic pH. Competition studies using unlabeled IGFBPs (1-6) as well as cell-free proteolysis assays of [125I]-labeled IGFBP-1, 2, 3, and 6 suggested a significant level of specificity for the FSH-induced/IGFBP-5-directed endopeptidase. Centricon-mediated fractionation of FSH-conditioned media revealed the IGFBP-5 endopeptidase activity in the fraction representing proteins of molecular weight >100K. Taken together, these observations document a secreted, granulosa cell-derived, high molecular weight, FSH-inducible, IGFBP-5-selective, neutral/basic pH-favoring, non-MMP Zn2+ metalloprotease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Resnick
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA
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Inaba T, Mori J, Ohmura M, Tani H, Kato Y, Tomizawa K, Kato T, Ihara T, Sato I, Ueda S. Recombinant porcine follicle stimulating hormone produced in baculovirus-insect cells induces rat ovulation in vivo and gene expression of tissue plasminogen activator in vitro. Res Vet Sci 1998; 64:25-9. [PMID: 9557801 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-5288(98)90110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Superovulatory responses in cattle are known to be highly variable. In the present study, a recombinant porcine follicle stimulating hormone (rpFSH) produced in baculovirus-insect cells was utilised to evaluate the role of this recombinant FSH in control of the ovulatory process. Immature hypophysectomised rats were implanted with oestrogen pellet (10 mg diethylstilbestrol) and then primed with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG, 17.5 IU, sc). Fifty-two hours later, 100 microg rpFSH or saline was injected (sc) to induce ovulation. All rats that received rpFSH ovulated with about eight ova rat(-1), whereas none of the control animals did. Ovulation induced by rpFSH was associated with an increase in the ovarian activity and message levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), a protease important in the preovulatory degradation of the follicle wall. Furthermore, addition of rpFSH to the cultured rat granulosa cells resulted in a significant increase in tPA enzyme activity. These results demonstrate that rpFSH produced in baculovirus-insect cells has biological potency in ovulation as well as gene expression of tPA, providing a large advantage of this massive expression system in the reproduction of domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Inaba
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Agriculture, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Japan
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Simoni M, Gromoll J, Nieschlag E. The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor: biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and pathophysiology. Endocr Rev 1997; 18:739-73. [PMID: 9408742 DOI: 10.1210/edrv.18.6.0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Simoni
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Münster, Germany
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48
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Christenson LK, Stouffer RL. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor production by macaque granulosa cells from pre- and periovulatory follicles. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; 82:2135-42. [PMID: 9215284 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.82.7.4169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Granulosa cells in the ovulatory follicle express messenger ribonucleic acid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an agent that may mediate the neovascularization of the developing corpus luteum, but it is not known whether luteinizing granulosa cells synthesize and secrete VEGF during the periovulatory interval. Studies were designed to evaluate the effects of an in vivo gonadotropin surge on VEGF production by macaque granulosa cells (study 1) and to test the hypothesis that gonadotropins act directly on granulosa cells to regulate VEGF production (study 2). Monkeys received a regimen of exogenous gonadotropins to promote the development of multiple preovulatory follicles. Nonluteinized granulosa cells (i.e. preovulatory; NLGC) and luteinized granulosa cells (i.e. periovulatory; LGC) were aspirated from follicles before and 27 h after an ovulatory gonadotropin bolus, respectively. Cells were either incubated for 24 h in medium with or without 100 ng/mL hCG (study 1) or cultured for 6 days in medium with or without 100 ng/mL hCG or 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL of recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or r-hFSH (study 2). Culture medium was assayed for VEGF and progesterone. In study 1, LGC produced 8-fold greater levels of VEGF than NLGC (899 +/- 471 vs. 111 +/- 26 pg/mL, mean +/- SEM; P < 0.05). In vitro treatment with hCG increased (P < 0.05) VEGF production by NLGC to levels that were not different from the LGC incubated under control conditions. In vivo bolus doses of r-hCG (100 and 1000 IU) and r-hFSH (2500 IU) were equally effective in elevating granulosa cell VEGF production. In study 2, in vitro treatment with r-hFSH, r-hLH, and hCG markedly increased (P < 0.05) VEGF and progesterone production by the NLGC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. By comparison, the three gonadotropins (100 ng/mL dose) only modestly increased VEGF and progesterone production by LGC. These experiments demonstrate a novel role for the midcycle surge of gonadotropin (LH/CG or FSH) in primates to promote VEGF production by granulosa cells in the periovulatory follicle. Further, the data demonstrate that FSH-like as well as LH-like gonadotropins directly stimulate VEGF synthesis by granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Christenson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton 97006, USA
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49
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Kuran M, Broadbent P, Hutchinson J. Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulated differentiation and progesterone production of bovine granulosa cells in culture. Anim Reprod Sci 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/0378-4320(95)01403-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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50
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Abstract
The effects of gonadotropins on oocyte development are mediated through a variety of mechanisms, including production by granulosa cells of growth factors, cytokines, inhibins, activins, and steroids. Specific receptors for steroids, growth factors, and cytokines have been demonstrated on oocytes of several species. Gonadotropin modulation of follicular concentrations of these paracrine factors may ultimately be responsible for the precise regulation of oocyte function. As gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists and recombinant gonadotropins become available, the clinical use of more precise control of the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine regulation of follicle growth and oocyte development can be more thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Danforth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
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