Effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 1 expression, granulosa cell apoptosis, and folliculogenesis repair in endometriosis mouse models

Altered Mitochondrial Morphology and Reduced Cardiolipin Levels in Oocytes of Endometriosis Model Mice: Implications for Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Infertility

BACKGROUND Women with endometriosis experience significantly reduced fertility, potentially linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This study investigates the impact of endometriosis on oocyte mitochondrial morphology and cardiolipin levels, key indicators of mitochondrial health and function. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two healthy mice were randomly allocated into 2 groups: a control group (P0, n=16) and an endometriosis model group (P1, n=16). Endometriosis was induced via intraperitoneal injection of endometrial tissue, and oocytes were retrieved following superovulation. Mitochondrial morphology was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, and cardiolipin levels were measured via ELISA. Statistical analyses included the Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation. RESULTS Mitochondrial morphology in oocytes from the endometriosis group exhibited significant structural abnormalities, compared with controls (P<0.001). Class III and IV mitochondria, characterized by disrupted membranes and cristae, were predominantly observed in the endometriosis group. Cardiolipin levels were significantly reduced in the endometriosis group, compared with controls (P<0.001). A positive correlation (r=0.73, P<0.001) was identified between mitochondrial morphological changes and cardiolipin levels, indicating that structural mitochondrial damage was strongly associated with reduced cardiolipin levels. CONCLUSIONS Endometriosis induces significant mitochondrial abnormalities and decreases cardiolipin levels in oocytes, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction as a critical factor in reduced fertility. These findings underscore the potential of targeting mitochondrial health to improve reproductive outcomes in women with endometriosis.

The Impact of Endometriosis on Intracellular Calcium Levels, Cyclic Dependent Kinase 1 (Cdk1) Expression, and Cyclin B Expression in Post-Ovulation Oocytes of Mice Model

Background

Since endometriosis causes a decrease in oocyte quality, the success rate of in vitro fertilization cycles decreases. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the effect of endometriosis on intracellular calcium levels, Cdk1 expression, and cyclin B expression in oocytes.

Methods

Thirty-two mice (Mus musculus) were divided into control and endometriosis groups. The cumulus oocyte complex (COC) were obtained in all groups. Denudated cells were assessed for calcium levels by calorimetric examinations. Complex oocytes were examined for Cdk1 and cyclin B expression by immune-cytochemistry and were read under a microscope.

Results

Intercellular calcium levels, Cdk1, and cyclin B expression were significantly lower in the endometriosis group than in the control group. There was a significant relationship between calcium levels and Cdk1 expression (p<0.05, r=0.659), a significant relationship between calcium levels and cyclin B expression (p<0.05, r=0.885), and also a significant correlation between Cdk1 and cyclin B expression (p<0.05, r=0.537).

Conclusion

The data presented in this study suggested that the intracellular oocyte calcium level, Cdk1 expression, and cyclin B expression were lower in mice with endometriosis. A positive correlation was observed between calcium levels and the expression of Cdk1 and cyclin B. Furthermore, a positive correlation was also found between Cdk1 and cyclin B expression.

Exploring the future potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and their derivatives to support assisted reproductive technology for female infertility applications

Women's infertility impacts the quality of life of both patients and couples and has multifaceted dimensions that increase the number of challenges associated with female infertility and how to face them. Female reproductive disorders, such as premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, Asherman syndrome (AS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and preeclampsia, can stimulate infertility. In the last decade, translational medicine has advanced, and scientists are focusing on infertility therapy with innovative attitudes. Recent investigations have suggested that stem cell treatments could be safe and effective. Stem cell therapy has established a novel method for treating women's infertility as part of a regeneration approach. The chief properties and potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in the future of women's infertility should be considered by researchers. Due to their high abundance, great ability to self-renew, and high differentiation capacity, as well as less ethical concerns, MSC-based therapy has been found to be an effective alternative strategy to the previous methods for treating female infertility, such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, medicines, and surgical procedures. These types of stem cells exert their beneficial role by releasing active mediators, promoting cell homing, and contributing to immune modulation. Here we first provide an overview of MSCs and their crucial roles in both biological and immunological processes. The next large chapter covers current preclinical and clinical studies on the application of MSCs to treat various female reproductive disorders. Finally, we deliberate on the extant challenges that hinder the application of MSCs in female infertility and suggest plausible measures to alleviate these impediments.

Effect of Endometriosis on Cumulus ATP, Number of Mitochondria and Oocyte Maturity in Cumulus Oocyte Complex in Mice

OBJECTIVE

 Endometriosis causes a decrease in oocyte quality. However, this mechanism is not fully understood. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of endometriosis on cumulus cell adenosine triphosphate ATP level, the number of mitochondria, and the oocyte maturity level.

METHODS

 A true experimental study with a post-test only control group design on experimental animals. Thirty-two mice were divided into control and endometriosis groups. Cumulus oocyte complex (COC) was obtained from all groups. Adenosine triphosphate level on cumulus cells was examined using the Elisa technique, the number of mitochondria was evaluated with a confocal laser scanning microscope and the oocyte maturity level was evaluated with an inverted microscope.

RESULTS

 The ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondria in the endometriosis group increased significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.05) while the oocyte maturity level was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocyte (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between cumulus cell ATP level and the number of mitochondrial oocytes with oocyte maturity level (p > 0.01; p > 0.01). The ROC curve showed that the number of mitochondrial oocytes (AUC = 0.672) tended to be more accurate than cumulus cell ATP level (AUC = 0.656) in determining the oocyte maturity level.

CONCLUSION

 In endometriosis model mice, the ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocytes increased while the oocyte maturity level decreased. There was a correlation between the increase in ATP level of cumulus cells and an increase in the number of mitochondrial oocytes.