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Simopoulou M, Rapani A, Grigoriadis S, Pantou A, Tsioulou P, Maziotis E, Tzanakaki D, Triantafyllidou O, Kalampokas T, Siristatidis C, Bakas P, Vlahos N. Getting to Know Endometriosis-Related Infertility Better: A Review on How Endometriosis Affects Oocyte Quality and Embryo Development. Biomedicines 2021; 9:273. [PMID: 33803376 PMCID: PMC7998986 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis-related infertility describes a case of deteriorated fecundity when endometriosis is diagnosed. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed in an effort to delineate the multifaceted pathophysiology that induces impairment of reproductive dynamics in patients with endometriosis. In this critical analysis, authors present the plethora of molecular events that are entailed and elaborate on how they potentially impair the oocyte's and embryo's competence in patients with endometriosis. Reactive oxygen species, dysregulation of the immune system and cellular architectural disruption constitute the crucial mechanisms that detrimentally affect oocyte and embryo developmental potential. The molecular level impairment of the reproductive tissue is discussed, since differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis constitute focal regulatory cellular functions that appear severely compromised in cases of endometriosis. Mapping the precise molecular mechanisms entailed in endometriosis-related infertility may help delineate the complex nature of the disorder and bring us a step closer to a more personalized approach in understanding, diagnosing and managing endometriosis-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (A.P.); (P.T.); (E.M.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Anna Rapani
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (A.P.); (P.T.); (E.M.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (A.P.); (P.T.); (E.M.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Agni Pantou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (A.P.); (P.T.); (E.M.)
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Petroula Tsioulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (A.P.); (P.T.); (E.M.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (A.P.); (P.T.); (E.M.)
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Despina Tzanakaki
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Olga Triantafyllidou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Theodoros Kalampokas
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Charalampos Siristatidis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Panagiotis Bakas
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.T.); (O.T.); (T.K.); (C.S.); (P.B.); (N.V.)
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Mousazadeh S, Ghaheri A, Shahhoseini M, Aflatoonian R, Afsharian P. The Effect of Imbalanced Progesterone Receptor-A/-B Ratio on Gelatinase Expressions in Endometriosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2019; 13:127-134. [PMID: 31037923 PMCID: PMC6500082 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2019.5604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Gelatinases degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) components to allow for physiological remodeling and contribute to pathological tissue destruction in endometriosis. It is known that the function of gelatinases is resistant to suppression by progesterone in endometriosis. The ability of progesterone to impact gene expression depends on the progesterone receptor-A/-B(PR-A/PR-B) ratio. An imbalanced PR-A/PR-B ratio in endometriotic tissue may be the result of the differential expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which could be important in the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease. Hence, we decided to study the association of PR-A/PR-B ratio and gelatinases expression in endometriosis. Materials and Methods In this prospective case-control study, we enrolled 40 women, 20 in the case group who were diagnosed with stage III/IV endometriosis and 20 normal subjects without endometriosis (controls) who referred to Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran during 2013-2014. We obtained 60 tissue samples [ectopic (n=20), eutopic (n=20), and normal endometrium (n=20)]. RNA was extracted from the tissue samples in order to analyze PR-A, PR-B, MMP-2, and MMP-9 mRNA levels through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results There was significantly lower expression of the PR-B isoform in ectopic tissues compared to the control (P=0.002) and eutopic endometrium (P=0.006) tissues. PR-A expression was higher, but not significantly so, in the same ectopic and eutopic endometrium tissues compared to the control tissues (P=0.643). There was significant overexpression of MMP-9 in ectopic samples compared to control (P=0.014) and eutopic endometrium (P=0.012) samples. The PR-A/PR-B ratio was not significantly higher in either eutopic or ectopic samples compared to the control samples (P=0.305). Conclusion Our findings support an altered PR-B expression in endometriosis, which may be associated with MMP-9 overexpression. This finding can be important for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mousazadeh
- Department of Genetics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Ghaheri
- Department of Epidemiology and Reproductive Health, Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahhoseini
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Afsharian
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. Electronic Address:
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Duffy DM, Ko C, Jo M, Brannstrom M, Curry TE. Ovulation: Parallels With Inflammatory Processes. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:369-416. [PMID: 30496379 PMCID: PMC6405411 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The midcycle surge of LH sets in motion interconnected networks of signaling cascades to bring about rupture of the follicle and release of the oocyte during ovulation. Many mediators of these LH-induced signaling cascades are associated with inflammation, leading to the postulate that ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response. First responders to the LH surge are granulosa and theca cells, which produce steroids, prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, which are also mediators of inflammatory processes. These mediators, in turn, activate both nonimmune ovarian cells as well as resident immune cells within the ovary; additional immune cells are also attracted to the ovary. Collectively, these cells regulate proteolytic pathways to reorganize the follicular stroma, disrupt the granulosa cell basal lamina, and facilitate invasion of vascular endothelial cells. LH-induced mediators initiate cumulus expansion and cumulus oocyte complex detachment, whereas the follicular apex undergoes extensive extracellular matrix remodeling and a loss of the surface epithelium. The remainder of the follicle undergoes rapid angiogenesis and functional differentiation of granulosa and theca cells. Ultimately, these functional and structural changes culminate in follicular rupture and oocyte release. Throughout the ovulatory process, the importance of inflammatory responses is highlighted by the commonalities and similarities between many of these events associated with ovulation and inflammation. However, ovulation includes processes that are distinct from inflammation, such as regulation of steroid action, oocyte maturation, and the eventual release of the oocyte. This review focuses on the commonalities between inflammatory responses and the process of ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Misung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats Brannstrom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Curry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Álamos-Musre AS, Escobar A, Tapia CV, Christodoulides M, Rodas PI. Use of Human Fallopian Tube Organ in Culture (FTOC) and Primary Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells (FTEC) to Study the Biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1997:377-402. [PMID: 31119635 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9496-0_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells represent one of the most important physical barriers to many bacterial pathogens. In the case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the epithelial cell response is critical because they are the main target of the tissue damage triggered by the pathogen, particularly when the organism reaches the Fallopian tube (FT). Although the irreversible damage triggered by N. gonorrhoeae in the FT has been previously reported (ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility), the mechanisms of gonococcal-induced tissue damage are not fully understood. In addition, the lack of animal models that efficiently mimic the human disease and the complexity of gonococcus-host interactions make studying gonococcal pathogenesis particularly difficult. The use of human immortalized cells is also limited, since a variety of commercial FT cell lines is not yet available. Finally, the phase and antigenic variation of many gonococcal surface molecules involved in attachment and invasion of epithelial tissues leads to a failure to reproduce results using different human cells lines used in previous studies. The FT organ in culture (FTOC) and primary human fallopian tube epithelial cell (FTEC) represent the closest ex vivo cell models to explore the biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae during infection of the FT, since it is a natural host target of the gonococcus. In this chapter, we describe protocols to process human FT samples to obtain FTOC and FTEC and assess their response to infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Said Álamos-Musre
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Región del Bío-Bío, Chile
| | - Alejandro Escobar
- Laboratorio Biología celular y molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Cecilia V Tapia
- Laboratorio de Especialidad, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paula I Rodas
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Región del Bío-Bío, Chile.
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The Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases Activated Differently on In-Vitro Maturation of oocytes Cytoplasm and Cumulus Cells in Bovine. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.12750/jet.2018.33.3.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Shah JS, Sabouni R, Cayton Vaught KC, Owen CM, Albertini DF, Segars JH. Biomechanics and mechanical signaling in the ovary: a systematic review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1135-1148. [PMID: 29691711 PMCID: PMC6063820 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mammalian oogenesis and folliculogenesis share a dynamic connection that is critical for gamete development. For maintenance of quiescence or follicular activation, follicles must respond to soluble signals (growth factors and hormones) and physical stresses, including mechanical forces and osmotic shifts. Likewise, mechanical processes are involved in cortical tension and cell polarity in oocytes. Our objective was to examine the contribution and influence of biomechanical signaling in female mammalian gametogenesis. METHODS We performed a systematic review to assess and summarize the effects of mechanical signaling and mechanotransduction in oocyte maturation and folliculogenesis and to explore possible clinical applications. The review identified 2568 publications of which 122 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The integration of mechanical and cell signaling pathways in gametogenesis is complex. Follicular activation or quiescence are influenced by mechanical signaling through the Hippo and Akt pathways involving the yes-associated protein (YAP), transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) gene. CONCLUSIONS There is overwhelming evidence that mechanical signaling plays a crucial role in development of the ovary, follicle, and oocyte throughout gametogenesis. Emerging data suggest the complexities of mechanotransduction and the biomechanics of oocytes and follicles are integral to understanding of primary ovarian insufficiency, ovarian aging, polycystic ovary syndrome, and applications of fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimin S Shah
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reem Sabouni
- Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Kamaria C Cayton Vaught
- Howard W. and Georgeanna Seegar Jones Division of Reproductive Sciences and Women's Health Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carter M Owen
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - James H Segars
- Howard W. and Georgeanna Seegar Jones Division of Reproductive Sciences and Women's Health Research, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, 720 Rutland Avenue/Ross 624, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Yang WJ, Liu FC, Hsieh JS, Chen CH, Hsiao SY, Lin CS. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 level in human follicular fluid is a reliable marker of human oocyte maturation in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:102. [PMID: 26337061 PMCID: PMC4559921 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in human follicular fluid, have any relationships with oocyte maturation in vivo and subsequent fertilization during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. METHODS The follicular fluids were obtained from 150 female patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles and a total of 1504 oocytes were retrieved for analysis. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were measured using zymography assay. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 concentrations were quantitatively assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Human follicular fluid MMP-2 level was significantly associated with the rate of maturity of oocytes (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the MMP-2 was significantly associated with the higher fertilization rate (P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between follicular MMP-9 and the maturation rate of oocytes. The TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 also showed no correlation with the oocyte maturation rate. CONCLUSIONS The level of gelatinase MMP-2 in human follicular fluid might be a reliable marker of mature oocytes during IVF/ICSI cycles. Furthermore, the MMP-2 expression has a strong association with higher fertilization rate. Further studies are needed to support this theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jui Yang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
- Department of Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Ton-Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu County, Taiwan.
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Medicine, Taiwan IVF Group Center, Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
| | - Fon-Chang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Wei Gong Memorial Hospital, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
| | - Jih-Sheng Hsieh
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Hung Chen
- Department of Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Ton-Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu County, Taiwan.
| | - Shun-Yu Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, No.690, Sec. 2, Guangfu Road, Hsinchu City, 30071, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Sheng Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
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Association study of five functional polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinase-2, -3, and -9 genes with risk of primary ovarian insufficiency in Korean women. Maturitas 2015; 80:192-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bilen E, Tola EN, Oral B, Doguç DK, Günyeli İ, Köse SA, İlhan I. Do follicular fluid gelatinase levels affect fertilization rates and oocyte quality? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 290:1265-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Jorge S, Chang S, Barzilai JJ, Leppert P, Segars JH. Mechanical signaling in reproductive tissues: mechanisms and importance. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1093-107. [PMID: 25001021 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114542023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The organs of the female reproductive system are among the most dynamic tissues in the human body, undergoing repeated cycles of growth and involution from puberty through menopause. To achieve such impressive plasticity, reproductive tissues must respond not only to soluble signals (hormones, growth factors, and cytokines) but also to physical cues (mechanical forces and osmotic stress) as well. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying the process of mechanotransduction-how signals are conveyed from the extracellular matrix that surrounds the cells of reproductive tissues to the downstream molecules and signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular adaptive response to external forces. Our objective was to examine how mechanical forces contribute significantly to physiological functions and pathogenesis in reproductive tissues. We highlight how widespread diseases of the reproductive tract, from preterm labor to tumors of the uterus and breast, result from an impairment in mechanical signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Jorge
- CRTP Scholars, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sydney Chang
- CRTP Scholars, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Field SL, Dasgupta T, Cummings M, Orsi NM. Cytokines in ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and luteinisation. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 81:284-314. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Field
- Women's Health Research Group; Leeds Institute of Cancer; Anatomy and Pathology; Wellcome Trust Brenner Building; St James's University Hospital; Leeds UK
| | - Tathagata Dasgupta
- Department of Systems Biology; Harvard Medical School; 200 Longwood Avenue Boston Massachusetts
| | - Michele Cummings
- Women's Health Research Group; Leeds Institute of Cancer; Anatomy and Pathology; Wellcome Trust Brenner Building; St James's University Hospital; Leeds UK
| | - Nicolas M. Orsi
- Women's Health Research Group; Leeds Institute of Cancer; Anatomy and Pathology; Wellcome Trust Brenner Building; St James's University Hospital; Leeds UK
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Singh AK, Chattopadhyay R, Chakravarty B, Chaudhury K. Altered circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their inhibitors and effect of progesterone supplementation in women with endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:127-34.e1. [PMID: 23557756 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate differences in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and their respective tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in follicular fluid of women with endometriosis, to correlate the findings with IVF outcome, and to examine the therapeutic potential of progesterone supplementation in restoring the fine balance between MMPs and TIMPs. DESIGN Prospective case-control clinical study. SETTING Infertility clinic and reproductive health research unit. PATIENT(S) A total of 340 infertile women undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S) Natural micronized progesterone capsules were administered for luteal support. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Association of MMPs 2 and 9 and TIMP-1 with oocyte maturity and embryo development. RESULT(S) An abnormal expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 with extensive MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance in women with endometriosis undergoing IVF was observed. Transforming growth factor β1 plays an important role in these women with possible involvement of Smad-2 and -3 proteins. Progesterone supplementation improves the imbalance in MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio significantly in women with endometriosis who conceive after IVF. CONCLUSION(S) Increase in MMP-2 and -9 and decrease in TIMP-1 expression was associated with poor oocyte and embryo development in women with endometriosis undergoing IVF. MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance was highly affected in these women, and progesterone supplementation appeared to restore this imbalance to a considerable degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Kumar Singh
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
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Malvezzi H, Aguiar VG, Paz CCPD, Tanus-Santos JE, Penna IADA, Navarro PA. Increased circulating MMP-2 levels in infertile patients with moderate and severe pelvic endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:557-62. [PMID: 23171686 DOI: 10.1177/1933719112459234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The current study compares the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile patients with and without endometriosis submitted to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization and the levels of MMP-2 in the serum of the same patients. We also evaluated whether the severity of endometriosis can influence serum and/or FF concentration of these metalloproteinases. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 patients: stage I/II endometriosis (n = 10), stage III/IV endometriosis (n = 10), and control (infertility due to tubal and/or male factor; n = 10). Blood samples for the analysis of MMP-2 levels were obtained during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The FF samples for the analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval. The concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by zymography. No intragroup or intergroup difference was observed in MMP-2 or MMP-9 levels in FF. Significantly higher MMP-2 levels were detected in the serum of infertile women with stage III/IV endometriosis compared to women with stage I/II endometriosis. In conclusion, no differences were observed in the follicular levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 between infertile patients with and without endometriosis. However, the levels of MMP-2 were significantly higher in the serum of infertile women with advanced stages of endometriosis. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that advanced pelvic endometriosis severity is related to higher serum MMP-2 levels but does not influence follicular MMP-2 or MMP-9 levels in periovulatory follicles obtained from stimulated cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Malvezzi
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Horka P, Malickova K, Jarosova R, Janatkova I, Zima T, Kalousova M. Matrix metalloproteinases in serum and the follicular fluid of women treated by in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:1207-12. [PMID: 23054355 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in follicular fluids and sera of female patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, and discover the role of MMPs in IVF outcome prediction. METHODS Sera and follicular fluids were obtained from 58 female patients treated for infertility by IVF. Twenty-nine of them became pregnant after the embryo-transfer; another 29 were not successful in IVF and did not conceive. Forty female non-pregnant blood donors and 38 healthy pregnant patients in the first trimester after the physiological conception were examined as control groups. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were quantitively assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS IVF females successfully conceiving after the IVF have shown the highest MMP-9 concentrations in sera (833.5 {686.0;958.7} ng/mL) and follicular fluids (9.6 {6.0; 17.0} ng/mL) compared to all other examined cohorts. Different behavior of MMP-2 and MMP-9 during the artificial ovulation was confirmed, because only MMP-9 has shown a vast difference between serum and follicular concentrations. CONCLUSIONS MMP-9 could be a good predictor of the successful IVF outcome (pregnancy), which was proven for serum as well as follicular MMP-9 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Horka
- General University Hospital and 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague, U nemocnice 2, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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15
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Fedorcsák P, Polec A, Ráki M, Holm R, Jebsen P, Abyholm T. Differential release of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases by human granulosa-lutein cells and ovarian leukocytes. Endocrinology 2010; 151:1290-8. [PMID: 20051489 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tissue reorganization during ovulation and corpus luteum formation involves a coordinated action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue MMP inhibitors (TIMPs). In this study we investigated the cellular source of ovarian MMPs and TIMPs. Cells isolated from the preovulatory human follicle were cultured after immunobead depletion of CD45-expressing cells, which allowed differential assessment of leukocyte and granulosa-lutein cell fractions. Secretion of MMP-9 by follicular fluid-derived cells was associated with the presence of leukocytes. Granulosa-lutein cells synthesized low levels of MMP-9 but failed to secrete this enzyme that presumably accumulated in the cytoplasm, indicated by an increased MMP-9 expression of luteinized cells in sectioned midluteal phase corpora lutea. Synthesis and secretion of TIMP by follicular fluid-derived cells was associated with granulosa-lutein cells. TIMPs derived by granulosa-lutein cells failed to inhibit MMP-related pericellular proteolysis. The findings support a two-cell model of periovulatory MMP/TIMP release, in which leukocytes secrete MMPs and granulosa-lutein cells release TIMP, suggesting that there exists an intriguing interaction among cells that intertwingle during ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Fedorcsák
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway.
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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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17
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Pon YL, Auersperg N, Wong AST. Gonadotropins regulate N-cadherin-mediated human ovarian surface epithelial cell survival at both post-translational and transcriptional levels through a cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:15438-48. [PMID: 15701645 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m410766200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins are the major regulators of ovarian function and may be involved in the etiology of ovarian cancer. In this study, we report a new mechanism whereby gonadotropins regulate the survival of human ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), the tissue of origin of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Our results indicate that disruption of N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion is an important molecular event in the apoptosis of human OSE. Treatment with surge serum concentrations of gonadotropins reduced the amount of N-cadherin with a concomitant induction of apoptosis, and this effect was mediated by a cAMP/protein kinase A pathway but not the ERK1/2 and protein kinase C cascades. We further demonstrated that activation of the gonadotropins/cAMP signaling pathway in human OSE led to a rapid down-regulation of N-cadherin protein level followed by a reduction at the level of N-cadherin mRNA, indicating that expression of N-cadherin was regulated by post-translational and transcriptional mechanisms. The former mechanism was mediated by increased turnover of N-cadherin protein and could be reversed by inhibition of proteasomal or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) activity. On the other hand, at the transcriptional level, the addition of actinomycin D abolished the cAMP-mediated decrease in N-cadherin mRNA but did not change its stability. Inhibition of protein kinase A or expressing a dominant negative mutant of cAMP-response element-binding protein blocked this decrease of N-cadherin mRNA. Together, the combined operation of post-translational and transcriptional mechanisms suggests that regulation of N-cadherin is a crucial event and emphasizes the important role that N-cadherin has in controlling the survival capability of human OSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Lam Pon
- Department of Zoology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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