1
|
Zhang J, Zhang N, Mai Q, Zhou C. Mechanisms and rescue measures of female ovarian dysfunction induced by environmental endocrine chemicals: A review. Reprod Toxicol 2025:108954. [PMID: 40414323 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.108954] [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: 03/12/2025] [Revised: 05/15/2025] [Accepted: 05/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine chemicals (EDCs) constitute a class of exogenous chemicals with the capacity to imitate or impede the processes of synthesis, secretion, transport, conjugation, reaction, and metabolism of natural hormones in living organisms. They elicit a broad spectrum of physiological effects, which may either mirror those of natural hormones or exhibit anti-natural characteristics. Prolonged exposure to EDCs has been demonstrated to exert significant effects on animal reproduction and development. It is noteworthy that the female reproductive system is more susceptible to the effects of EDCs than the male reproductive system. EDCs have the potential to cause significant damage to the structure and function of the female reproductive organs, and have been linked to an increased incidence of various tumors in the female reproductive system, including ovarian cancer. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to EDCs affects reproduction in five main ways: competitively binding to cell membrane-specific receptors, disruption of cellular signaling within germ cells, intracellular imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, alteration of epigenetic modifications, and control of early apoptosis. Nevertheless, the same in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated that the reproductive toxicity produced by EDCs can also be attenuated in a multitude of ways, such as by antioxidants, hormones, and compensatory mechanisms of signal transduction. Through comprehensive analysis of epidemiological studies, laboratory experiments, and clinical observations, this review details the mechanisms of the effects of EDCs leading to ovarian dysfunction and proposes a series of strategies to prevent EDCs exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Nan Zhang
- General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Qingyun Mai
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu C, Chen D, Stout MB, Wu M, Wang S. Hallmarks of ovarian aging. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2025; 36:418-439. [PMID: 40000274 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2025.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
Ovarian aging is considered to be the pacemaker of female aging, and is linked to various comorbidities such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive decline. Many efforts have been made to determine the mechanisms underlying ovarian aging, but their potential to act as hallmarks to predict and intervene in this process currently remains unclear. In this review we propose nine hallmarks as common features of ovarian aging: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, impaired autophagy, cellular senescence, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Understanding the interaction between these hallmarks poses a significant challenge but may also pave the way to the identification of pharmaceutical targets that can attenuate ovarian aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuqing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, 430030 Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jin Y, Wang J, Wang Y. Unraveling the complexity of radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis: insights into pathogenesis and intervention strategies. Support Care Cancer 2025; 33:195. [PMID: 39954082 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09239-6] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
Radiotherapy- or chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (RIOM/CIOM) presents significant challenges in cancer treatment, severely impacting patients' quality of life (QoL) and therapeutic outcomes. Despite advancements, existing prevention and treatment measures have notable limitations. RIOM/CIOM involves a multifaceted interplay of inflammatory cascades orchestrated by the innate immune response. Furthermore, dysbiosis of oral and intestinal microbiota, triggered by anticancer therapy, exacerbates mucosal damage through intricate interactions with the innate immune system. This review provides an update on pivotal signaling pathways governing the initiation and progression of RIOM/CIOM. It also elucidates the intricate relationship between microbiota dysbiosis and dysregulation of oral mucosal immune homeostasis. Moreover, potential interventions targeting these pathogenic mechanisms are summarized, offering valuable insights for further exploration of RIOM/CIOM's complex pathophysiology and the development of more effective interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiantao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center; Lung Cancer Center/Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Balough JL, Dipali SS, Velez K, Kumar TR, Duncan FE. Hallmarks of female reproductive aging in physiologic aging mice. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:1711-1730. [PMID: 39672896 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00769-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/15/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive axis is one of the first organ systems to age, which has consequences for fertility and overall health. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biological process of female reproductive aging across reproductive organs, tissues and cells based on research with widely used physiologic aging mouse models, and describe the mechanisms that underpin these phenotypes. Overall, aging is associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, perturbations of the ovarian stroma, reduced egg quantity and quality, and altered uterine morphology and function that contributes to reduced capacity for fertilization and impaired embryo development. Ultimately, these age-related phenotypes contribute to altered pregnancy outcomes and adverse consequences in offspring. Conserved mechanisms of aging, as well as those unique to the reproductive system, underlie these phenotypes. The knowledge of such mechanisms will lead to development of therapeutics to extend female reproductive longevity and support endocrine function and overall health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Balough
- Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Shweta S Dipali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahmed M, Riaz U, Lv H, Yang L. A Molecular Perspective and Role of NAD + in Ovarian Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4680. [PMID: 38731898 PMCID: PMC11083308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094680] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The decline in female fecundity is linked to advancing chronological age. The ovarian reserve diminishes in quantity and quality as women age, impacting reproductive efficiency and the aging process in the rest of the body. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme in cellular energy production, metabolism, cell signaling, and survival. It is involved in aging and is linked to various age-related conditions. Hallmarks associated with aging, diseases, and metabolic dysfunctions can significantly affect fertility by disturbing the delicate relationship between energy metabolism and female reproduction. Enzymes such as sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38 play essential roles in NAD+ biology, which actively consume NAD+ in their enzymatic activities. In recent years, NAD+ has gained much attention for its role in aging and age-related diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting its involvement in various pathophysiological processes. However, its impact on female reproduction is not well understood. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by comprehensively exploring the complex interplay between NAD+ biology and female reproductive aging and providing valuable information that could help develop plans to improve women's reproductive health and prevent fertility issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehboob Ahmed
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (U.R.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Umair Riaz
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (U.R.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haimiao Lv
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (U.R.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.A.); (U.R.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cho KH, Bahuguna A, Kang DJ, Kim JE. Prolonged Supplementation of Ozonated Sunflower Oil Bestows an Antiaging Effect, Improves Blood Lipid Profile and Spinal Deformities, and Protects Vital Organs of Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) against Age-Related Degeneration: Two-Years Consumption Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:123. [PMID: 38275648 PMCID: PMC10812828 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010123] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is renowned for its diverse therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, the consequences of extended dietary intake of OSO have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Herein, the effect of 2-year dietary supplementation of OSO was examined on the survivability, obesity, skeletal deformities, swimming behavior, and liver, kidney, ovary, and testis function of zebrafish. Results showed that the zebrafish feed supplemented with 20% (wt/wt) OSO for 2 years emerged with higher survivability and body weight management compared to sunflower oil (SO) and normal diet (ND)-supplemented zebrafish. Radio imaging (X-ray)-based analysis revealed 2.6° and 15.2° lower spinal curvature in the OSO-supplemented groups than in the SO and ND-supplemented groups; consistently, OSO-supplemented zebrafish showed better swimming behavior. The histology analysis of the liver revealed the least fatty liver change and interleukin (IL)-6 generation in the OSO-supplemented group. Additionally, a significantly lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptotic, and senescent cells were observed in the liver of the OSO-supplemented zebrafish. Also, no adverse effect on the kidney, testis, and ovary morphology was detected during 2 years of OSO consumption. Moreover, lower senescence with diminished ROS and apoptosis was noticed in the kidney and ovary in response to OSO consumption. The OSO supplementation was found to be effective in countering age-associated dyslipidemia by alleviating total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) and elevating high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C)/TC levels. Conclusively, prolonged OSO consumption showed no adverse effect on the morphology and functionality of vital organs; in fact, OSO supplementation displayed a protective effect against age-associated detrimental effects on spinal deformities, vital organ functionality, cell senescence, and the survivability of zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hyun Cho
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (A.B.); (D.-J.K.); (J.-E.K.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|