Resveratrol ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome via transzonal projections within oocyte-granulosa cell communication

Tributyltin affects the growth of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome by upregulating YY1-mediated CDKN1C via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) poses a significant threat to women's fertility and quality of life. Studies have found a close association between the environmental contaminant tributyltin (TBT) and the occurrence of PCOS. The main objective of this study was to investigate the specific mechanisms by which TBT adversely affects the growth of ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability, cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis were measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry. Simultaneously, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and Caspase-3 activity were measured by the corresponding kits. Besides, western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 C (CDKN1C) and the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1). TBT severely impaired the viability, cell cycle, and proliferation capacity of granulosa cells, and induced their apoptosis. Silencing CDKN1C and YY1 alleviated the damage caused by TBT to the cells, but these repair effects were weakened by CDKN1C overexpressed. By inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway, TBT upregulated the YY1-mediated CDNK1C, and further exacerbated the damage to granulosa cells. This study revealed the mechanism that TBT induced the loss of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS patients by upregulating YY1-mediated CDKN1C expression, which provided new ideas and targets for the pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS.

Targeting autophagy in premature ovarian failure: Therapeutic strategies from molecular pathways to clinical applications

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition where the ovaries lose their function before the age of 40, leading to significant impacts on reproductive health and overall well-being. Current treatment options are limited and often ineffective at restoring ovarian function. This review explores the role of autophagy- a cellular process that helps maintain homeostasis by recycling damaged components-in the development and potential treatment of POF. Autophagy is crucial for the survival of follicle cells and can be disrupted by various stressors associated with POF, such as oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. We review several key molecular pathways involved in autophagy, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, PINK1-Parkin, JAK2/STAT3, MAPK and AMPK/FOXO3a pathways, which have been implicated in POF. Each pathway offers unique insights into how autophagy can be modulated to counteract POF-related damage. Additionally, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies that target these pathways, including chemical compounds, peptides, hormones, RNA therapy, extracellular vesicles and traditional Chinese medicine. These approaches aim to restore autophagic balance, promote follicle survival and improve ovarian function. By targeting autophagy, new treatments may offer hope for better management and potential reversal of POF, thus improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Gut microbiota: an emerging target connecting polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly heterogeneous metabolic disorder, with oligomenorrhea and hirsutism as patients' primary complaints. Hyperinsulinemia is a crucial pathophysiological mechanism in the development of PCOS, with 50-70% of patients exhibiting insulin resistance (IR). This condition not only exacerbates ovulatory dysfunction but also leads to various adverse metabolic outcomes, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes, and increases the risk of cardiovascular events both before and after menopause. Gut microbiota is a microbial community within the host that possesses significant metabolic potential and is shaped by external environmental factors, the neuro-immune network, and metabolism. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis is closely related to the development and progression of PCOS. Despite the growing recognition of the potential role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS, its clinical application remains in its infancy. Currently, most clinical guidelines and expert consensus still emphasize traditional therapeutic approaches, such as hormonal treatments, lifestyle modifications, and insulin sensitizers. However, accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota may influence the metabolic and reproductive health of PCOS patients through various mechanisms. Therefore, understanding the role of gut microbiota between PCOS and IR is essential. This review describes the changes in the gut microbiota of IR-PCOS patients, examines the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota contributes to IR in PCOS patients, and updates the evidence supporting the gut microbiota as a potential metabolic regulatory target in IR-PCOS. In summary, gut microbiota dysbiosis may be involved in the development and progression of IR in PCOS patients, and improving gut microbiota may offer metabolic stability benefits.

Apoptosis in polycystic ovary syndrome: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that affects the female reproductive system, with an incidence of 8 % to 15 %. It is characterized by irregular menstruation, hyperandrogenemia, and polycystic abnormalities in the ovaries. Nevertheless, there is still much to learn about the molecular pathways underlying PCOS. Apoptosis is the process by which cells actively destroy themselves, and it is vital to an organism's ability to develop normally and maintain homeostasis. In recent years, a growing body of research has indicated a connection between the pathophysiology of PCOS and apoptosis. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the relationship between PCOS and apoptosis in greater detail, identify the pathophysiological underpinnings of PCOS, and provide fresh perspectives and targets for its treatment. This review aims to summarize the relationship between PCOS and apoptosis, discuss how apoptosis affects normal ovarian function and how it becomes dysfunctional in the ovaries of PCOS patients, and investigate the signaling pathways associated with apoptosis in PCOS, including PI3K-Akt, TNF, NF-κB, and p53. Additionally, potential therapeutic approaches for PCOS treatment are provided by summarizing the role of apoptosis in PCOS therapy.

Natural compounds in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review of hormonal regulation and therapeutic potential

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder characterized by irregularities in gonadotropin secretion, hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. In addition, it is often associated with metabolic dysfunctions, most notably insulin resistance (IR). This disorder affects approximately 6-20% of individuals, primarily emerging during early adolescence, and considerably increases the risk of conditions such as impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, and postpartum complications. To date, there is no standardized protocol for treating PCOS. Existing therapies primarily rely on personalized pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modifications. However, these treatments may often lead to adverse effects, and most medications prescribed for PCOS are used off-label and have not secured approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for this condition. Recently, natural compounds have garnered considerable attention due to their efficacy in hormone modulation and minimal toxicity. Substances such as myo-inositol, resveratrol, berberine, and quercetin have shown promise in mitigating PCOS symptoms. Their multi-target properties offer the potential to achieve outcomes unattainable by single-target pharmaceuticals, particularly in managing heterogeneous conditions. This review aims to comprehensively analyze in vivo and in vitro research alongside clinical interventions to evaluate the influence of natural compounds on the prevalence of PCOS and their therapeutic potential. These investigations lay the groundwork for developing innovative therapeutic strategies for PCOS.

Anti-Müllerian hormone regulates ovarian granulosa cell growth in PCOS rats through SMAD4

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse condition with an unknown cause. The precise mechanism underlying ovulatory abnormalities in PCOS remains unclear. It is widely believed that malfunction of granulosa cells is the primary factor contributing to aberrant follicular formation in PCOS.

METHODS

A DHEA-induced PCOS rat model was established, and ovarian granulosa cells were extracted and identified. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) expression was detected in the serum, ovarian tissue and ovarian granulosa cells of each group, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), BCL2-associated 2 (BAX), cleaved caspase-3 and BCL-2 protein expression was detected by Western blot in ovarian granulosa cells. Recombinant anti-Müllerian hormone (rAMH) was administered at different concentrations to act on normal rat ovarian granulosa cells, cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and SMAD4, caspase-3, BCL-2 and cyclin A proteins were detected by Western blot. SMAD4-siRNA was transfected into rat ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group, and PCNA and BAX were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the control group, the expression of AMH and SMAD4 was increased in the ovarian tissues and granulosa cells of rats in the PCOS group, the expression of PCNA and BCL-2 proteins was decreased in the ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group, the expression of BAX proteins was increased, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was increased. Western blot results indicated that rAMH upregulated SMAD4 and caspase-3 protein expression in granulosa cells and downregulated cyclin A and BCL-2 protein expression. CCK-8 and flow cytometry results indicated that AMH decreased granulosa cells proliferation and increased apoptosis. SiRNA knockdown of SMAD4 gene increased PCNA and BCL-2 protein expression in the granulosa cells of PCOS rats and decreased BAX and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

AMH may be involved in regulating impaired ovarian granulosa cells development in PCOS rats via SMAD4.

Identification of molecular characteristics in polycystic ovary syndrome using single-cell and transcriptome analysis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of childbearing age, and we aimed to reveal its underlying molecular mechanisms. Gene expression profiles from GSE138518 and GSE155489, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from PRJNA600740 were collected and subjected to bioinformatics analysis to identify the complex molecular mechanisms of PCOS. The expression of genes was detected by RT-qPCR. Through differential analysis, we identified 230 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE138518 and GSE155489. GSEA results showed significant enrichment of purine metabolism and oocyte meiosis in the control group, while GSVA results indicated significant activation of ECM receptor interaction, and antigen processing and presentation in PCOS. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed 7 co-expression modules, with the bisque4 module showing the highest positive correlation with PCOS. Enrichment analysis revealed that genes in the bisque4 module were mainly involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Pseudotime trajectory analysis of cell subpopulations revealed the potential developmental trajectory of PCOS. The gene expression consistent with the potential developmental trajectory was validated by RT-qPCR. Our study, by analyzing multiple datasets, has revealed the complex molecular network of PCOS, offering new insights into understanding its pathophysiological basis.

Characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome rat models induced by letrozole, testosterone propionate and high-fat diets

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the long-term effects of different models of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and which model could be used in future research?

DESIGN

PCOS models induced by letrozole, letrozole plus high-fat diet (LE+HFD), testosterone propionate (TP) or testosterone propionate plus HFD (TP+HFD) were established in rats. Body weight, energy intake, blood glucose, sex hormone concentrations, lipid profiles and the oestrus cycle were observed. Histology of ovaries, large intestine and fat was displayed. Protein and mRNA levels relating to hormone synthesis, oocyte maturation, the gut barrier, lipid metabolism and inflammation were evaluated using western blotting, immunohistochemistry and PCR. The composition of the microbial community was measured using 16S RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Letrozole treatment induced hyperandrogenaemia, polycystic ovarian morphology, a disrupted oestrus cycle and impaired ovarian function, which could be restored within 42 days. Concurrently, letrozole disturbed glucose, fat, and energy metabolism, affected the inflammatory state and compromised intestinal homeostasis. HFD could amplify the disturbances in the metabolism and intestinal microenvironment, and the pituitary-ovarian axis was more efficiently and consistently affected by testosterone propionate. Testosterone propionate and TP+HFD treatment also disturbed the intestinal microenvironment. Although the metabolic effects of testosterone propionate were not as profound as those of letrozole, they were enhanced by HFD.

CONCLUSIONS

Letrozole is useful for studies on metabolic disturbances in PCOS, and LE+HFD treatment is suitable for investigations on PCOS metabolic abnormalities and the gut-PCOS link. Testosterone propionate injection is appropriate for studying reproductive abnormalities in PCOS, while TP+HFD treatment is the most comprehensive for studying PCOS reproductive abnormalities, metabolic disturbances and the gut-PCOS link.

Age-related calcium signaling disturbance restricted cAMP metabolism and induced ovarian oxidation stress in laying ducks

The ovary is the main controller of female fertility, unfortunately, its onset of aging processes was earlier than other organs. Our previous studies showed calcium (Ca) deficiency reduced ovarian weight and declined numbers of dominant follicles in an avian model. However, whether Ca provided a functional role in follicle development of aged avian, and its further mechanism was still unknown. In this study, fifty180-day-old and fifty 700-day-old female Longyan ducks were divided into the young group and the aged group to illustrate the differences of Ca signaling and further mechanisms. We found the poor productive performance of aged ducks was correlated with follicle decreased numbers and atrophied microstructure, and restricted antioxidant ability of granulosa cells (GCs). Then, according to RNA-Seq analysis, we detected those aged ducks displayed lower Ca concentration in the ovary, while Ca channel related gene expression was increased in GCs to maintain homeostasis. Moreover, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration and cAMP synthase family related genes were also decreased in GCs of aged ducks. Fortunately, medium supplemented with Ca channel-activator A23187 enhanced GC viability, antioxidant ability, tight junction ability, and increased cAMP concentration by improved cAMP metabolism, otherwise, the opposite changes were observed with Ca2+-chelating agent EGTA or Ca channel-inhibitor Verapamil supplementation. In conclusion, aging disordered Ca signaling to limit cAMP metabolism, then decreased antioxidant ability and inhibited proliferation and migration ability of GCs. Thus, the follicle development and reproductive performance were restricted in aged avian.

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of CD36: Implications for glucose metabolism and inflammatory dysregulation in follicles of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by menstrual irregularities, metabolic imbalances and infertility. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and not fully understood, and chronic inflammation and insulin resistance are implicated in its progression. In this study, we investigated the role of m6A methylation, an important epigenetic modification, in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we mapped the m6A methylation profile in granulosa cells from patients with PCOS and identified a significant regulatory effect on gene expression. CD36 is a novel m6A-regulated gene that may facilitate the progression of PCOS. We demonstrated that METTL3, an m6A methyltransferase, modulated CD36 expression and influenced glucose metabolism and inflammatory responses in PCOS. Employing KGN cells as a model of insulin resistance, we observed that CD36 knockdown ameliorated the impaired glucose uptake and significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings are consistent with the results of CD36 inhibition in a mouse model of PCOS, indicating a role of CD36 in modulating the disease phenotype. Our study delineates a previously unrecognized epigenetic mechanism involving m6A methylation in PCOS, highlighting the potential of targeting the METTL3-CD36 axis as a therapeutic strategy for managing ovarian inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in patients with PCOS.

Eicosatrienoic acid inhibits estradiol synthesis through the CD36/FOXO1/CYP19A1 signaling pathway to improve PCOS in mice

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder characterized by abnormal elevation in hormone levels, with currently lacking effective treatment options. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have broad pharmacological activity and play a beneficial role in the development of PCOS. In this study, we observed that n-3 PUFA-eicosatrienoic acid (ETA) improves the estrous cycle and ovarian morphology in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mice, particularly serum hormone levels. Additionally, it suppresses the expression of CYP19A1 and E2 synthesis in human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) cells. Further investigation revealed that ETA significantly upregulates the expression of CD36, cAMP, P-PKA, and FOXO1 in KGN cells and mouse ovaries to lower E2 levels. This conclusion was supported by inhibiting CD36 and FOXO1 at both the mouse and cellular levels. Additionally, ETA treatment decreased the expression of ESR1, Kiss1, Gnrh in the hypothalamus, and GnRHR, Lhβ, Egr1, Pitx1, Sf1 in the pituitary of PCOS mice. No differences were observed after ETA treatment in the CD36 and FOXO1 inhibitor groups, indicating that ETA improves PCOS mice by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary axis through E2 synthesis inhibition. In summary, we have elucidated for the first time the mechanism by which CD36 regulates E2 synthesis in ovarian granulosa cells and demonstrated that ETA activates the CD36 receptor to inhibit E2 synthesis through the cAMP/PKA/FOXO1/CYP19A1 signaling pathway, thereby improving hormonal imbalance and treating PCOS. This provides a new strategy for the effective prevention and treatment of PCOS.

Mangiferin ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome in rats by modulating insulin resistance, gut microbiota, and ovarian cell apoptosis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, prolonged anovulation and polycystic ovaries. However, there are no effective interventions to treat this disorder. As previously shown, mangiferin modulated the AMPK and NLRP3 signal pathways to alleviate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In recent years, mangiferin has emerged as a promising drug candidate for treating metabolic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of mangiferin on a letrozole (LET) combined with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced PCOS rat model through estrous cycle detection, serum/tissue biochemical analysis, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of ovarian tissue. The mechanisms of mangiferin's effects on PCOS rats were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, RNA-seq, western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Our results displayed that mangiferin showed a promising effect in PCOS rats. It improved lipid metabolism, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, ovarian dysfunction, and adipocyte abnormalities. RNA-seq analysis indicated that mangiferin may be involved in several signal pathways, including apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation. Furthermore, western blot and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that mangiferin regulates Caspase-3 and Cytc, exhibiting anti-apoptotic activity in the ovaries. Additionally, mangiferin significantly altered the gut microbiota community of PCOS rats, changing the abundance of firmicutes, bacteroidota, proteobacteria, and actinobacteria at the phylum level and the abundance of Blautia, Coprococcus, Roseburia, and Pseudomonas at the genus level. In conclusion, mangiferin is a promising and novel therapeutic agent for PCOS as it ameliorates insulin resistance, gut microbiota and ovarian cell apoptosis.

SPRY4 regulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation to affect oxidative stress and steroidogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. The role of Sprouty RTK Signaling Antagonist 4 (SPRY4) in ovarian function in PCOS was investigated herein, focusing on its regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. PCOS models were established in mice using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The expression levels of SPRY4 in ovarian tissues were analyzed through RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. SPRY4 knockdown was achieved via lentivirus, and its effects on endocrine function, ovarian morphology, oxidative stress, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were evaluated. Afterwards, granulosa cells were isolated and treated with DHEA and ERK2 agonist tert-Butylhydroquinone. The impacts of ERK2 activation on the regulation of SPRY4 knockdown were assessed using ELISA, fluorescent probes, western blotting, and biochemical assays. SPRY4 knockdown normalized the estrous cycle, reduced serum levels of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone, and luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, and improved ovarian morphology. Additionally, SPRY4 knockdown alleviated oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels while increasing superoxide dismutase activity. It also restored steroidogenic enzyme expression, which were disrupted by DHEA induction. In vitro, SPRY4 knockdown enhanced granulosa cell viability and reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, with tert-Butylhydroquinone reversing these effects and restoring oxidative stress and steroidogenesis disruptions. Together, SPRY4 modulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation to influence oxidative stress and steroidogenesis in PCOS. Targeting SPRY4 may provide novel therapeutic avenues for improving ovarian function and managing PCOS.

RNA-Seq Analysis Revealed circRNAs Associated with Resveratrol-Induced Apoptosis of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of circular non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in the intricate and dynamic networks governing cell growth, development, and apoptosis. Resveratrol (RSV), a non-flavonoid polyphenol, is known to participate in follicular development and ovulation. In our previous research, we established a model using porcine ovarian granulosa cells (POGCs) treated with resveratrol, which confirmed its regulatory effects on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) within these cells. However, the influence of resveratrol on circRNA expression has not been thoroughly investigated. To explore how resveratrol affects circRNA levels in POGCs, we designed an experiment with three groups: a control group (CON, n = 3, 0 μM RSV), a low-dose RSV group (LOW, n = 3, 50 μM RSV), and a high-dose RSV group (HIGH, n = 3, 100 μM RSV) for circRNA sequencing. We identified a total of 10,045 candidate circRNAs from POGCs treated with different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 50, and 100 μM). Differential expression analysis indicated that 96 circRNAs were significantly altered in the LOW vs. CON group, while 109 circRNAs showed significant changes in the HIGH vs. CON group. These circRNAs were notably enriched in biological processes associated with cell metabolism, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Functional enrichment analysis of the host genes revealed their involvement in critical signaling pathways, including mTOR, AMPK, and apoptosis pathways. Additionally, we identified potential miRNA sponge candidates among the differentially expressed circRNAs, particularly novel_circ_0012954 and novel_circ_0004762, which exhibited strong connectivity within miRNA-target networks. Our findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in the context of resveratrol-induced apoptosis in POGCs, highlighting their potential as innovative therapeutic targets in reproductive biology.

Ferrostatin-1 ameliorates Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II)-induced ovarian toxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis

Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (CDDP), while widely utilized in tumor therapy, results in toxic side effects that patients find intolerable. The specific mechanism by which CDDP inflicts ovarian damage remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the involvement of ferrostatin-1 (FER-1) and ferroptosis in CDDP-induced ovarian toxicity. This study established models of CDDP-induced injury in granulosa cells (GCs) and rat model of premature ovarian failure (POF). CCK-8 assessed the effects of CDDP and FER-1 on GC viability. FerroOrange and Mito-FerroGreen, DCFH-DA and MitoSox-Red, Rhodamine 123 and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measured Fe2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and the mitochondrial morphology in GC cells, respectively. Serum hormone levels; organ indices; malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione analyses; and western blotting were performed to examine ferroptosis's role in vitro. Molecular docking simulation was evaluated the interaction between FER-1 and GPX4 or FER-1 and NRF2. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to evaluate the interactions between FER-1 and GPX4, as well as FER-1 and NRF2. The findings revealed that CDDP-induced ovarian toxicity involved iron accumulation, increased ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to endocrine disruption and tissue damage in rats. These changes correlated with NRF2, HO-1, and GPX4 levels. However, FER-1 decreased the extent of ferroptosis. Thus, ferroptosis appears to be a crucial mechanism of CDDP-induced ovarian injury, with GPX4 as potential protective targets.

Liraglutide improves follicle development in polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibiting CXCL10 secretion

BACKGROUND

At present, a number of clinical trials have been carried out on GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the effect of liraglutide on follicle development and its specific mechanism are still unclear.

METHODS

RNA sequencing was used to explore the molecular characteristics of granulosa cells from patients with PCOS treated with liraglutide. The levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in follicular fluid were detected by ELISA, the expression levels of ovulation related genes and inflammatory factor genes in follicles and granulosa cells were detected by qPCR and the protein levels of connexin 43 (Cx43), Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphorylated JAK2 were detected by Western blot. The mouse ovarian follicles culture system in vitro was used to detect the status of follicle development and ovulation.

RESULTS

In the present study, we found that liraglutide inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in PCOS granulosa cells, among which CXCL10 was the most significant. In addition, CXCL10 was significantly higher in granulosa cells and follicular fluid in PCOS patients than in non-PCOS patients. We applied in vitro follicle culture and other techniques to carry out the mechanism exploration which revealed that CXCL10 disrupted the homeostasis of gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) between oocyte and granulosa cells before physiological ovulation, thus inhibiting follicular development and ovulation. Liraglutide inhibited CXCL10 secretion in PCOS granulosa cells by inhibiting the JAK signaling pathway and can improved dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced follicle development disorders, which is reversed by CXCL10 supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that liraglutide inhibits CXCL10 secretion in granulosa cells through JAK signaling pathway, thereby improving the homeostasis of GJA1 between oocyte and granulosa cells before physiological ovulation and ultimately improving the follicular development and ovulation of PCOS, which provides more supportive evidence for the clinical application of liraglutide in the treatment of ovulatory disorders in PCOS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Identification of MAP1LC3A as a promising mitophagy-related gene in polycystic ovary syndrome

Increasing evidence suggests that mitophagy is crucially involved in the progression of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Exploration of PCOS-specific biomarkers related to mitophagy is expected to provide critical insights into disease pathogenesis. In this study, we employed bioinformatic analyses and machine learning algorithms to determine novel biomarkers for PCOS that may be tied with mitophagy. A grand total of 12 differential expressed mitophagy-related genes (DE-MRGs) associated with PCOS were identified. TOMM5 and MAP1LC3A among the 12 DE-MRGs were recognized as potential marker genes by LASSO, RF and SVM-RFE algorithms. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of MAP1LC3A were all greater than 0.8 both in the training set and validation sets. The CIBERSORT analysis indicated a potential association between alterations in the immune microenvironment of PCOS individuals and MAP1LC3A expression. In addition, we found that MAP1LC3A was positively related to the testosterone levels of PCOS patients. Overall, MAP1LC3A was identified as optimal PCOS-specific biomarkers related to mitophagy. Our findings created a diagnostic strength and offered a perspective for investigating the mitophagy process in PCOS.

UCHL1 promotes the proliferation of porcine granulosa cells by stabilizing CCNB1

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of porcine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is essential to follicular development and the ubiquitin-proteasome system is necessary for maintaining cell cycle homeostasis. Previous studies found that the deubiquitinase ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) regulates female reproduction, especially in ovarian development. However, the mechanism by which UCHL1 regulates porcine GC proliferation remains unclear.

RESULTS

UCHL1 overexpression promoted GC proliferation, and knockdown had the opposite effect. UCHL1 is directly bound to cyclin B1 (CCNB1), prolonging the half-life of CCNB1 and inhibiting its degradation, thereby promoting GC proliferation. What's more, a flavonoid compound-isovitexin improved the enzyme activity of UCHL1 and promoted the proliferation of porcine GCs.

CONCLUSIONS

UCHL1 promoted the proliferation of porcine GCs by stabilizing CCNB1, and isovitexin enhanced the enzyme activity of UCHL1. These findings reveal the role of UCHL1 and the potential of isovitexin in regulating proliferation and provide insights into identifying molecular markers and nutrients that affect follicle development.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside protects Zearalenone-induced in vitro maturation disorders of porcine oocytes by alleviating NOX4-dependent oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in cumulus cells

Zearalenone (ZEN) is widely found in foodstuffs and has serious harmful effects on female fertility, especially in pigs. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a type of anthocyanin, exists in most dark fruits and vegetables; it has many positive dietary effects including as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-apoptotic agent. However, the beneficial effects of C3G alongside ZEN-induced damage in porcine oocytes and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been investigated. In this work, porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were divided into Control (Ctrl), ZEN, ZEN + C3G (Z + C), and C3G, and treated for 44-46 h in vitro. The results showed that C3G could alleviate ZEN-induced disorders of first polar body (PBI) extrusion, abnormalities of spindle assembly, cortical granule distribution, and mitochondrial distribution; these results were produced via restoring transzonal projections (TZPs), and inhibiting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX4)-dependent oxidative stress and 'glucose regulatory protein 78/protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α/activating transcription factor 4/C/EBP-homologous protein' (GRP78/PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) during oocyte maturation. Moreover, the over-expression of NOX4 in cumulus cells could result in a significant increase in ROS levels and ER fluorescence intensity in oocytes. In conclusion, C3G promoted in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes exposed to ZEN via mitigating NOX4-dependent oxidative stress and ERS in cumulus cells. These results contribute to our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of C3G against ZEN toxicity in porcine oocytes, and they provide a novel theoretical foundation and strategy for future applications of C3G in the improvement of female reproduction.

Electro-Metabolic Coupling of Cumulus-Oocyte Complex

Oocyte-cumulus cell interaction is essential for oocyte maturation and competence. The bidirectional crosstalk network mediated by gap junctions is fundamental for the metabolic cooperation between these cells. As cumulus cells exhibit a more glycolytic phenotype, they can provide metabolic substrates that the oocyte can use to produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. The impairment of mitochondrial activity plays a crucial role in ovarian aging and, thus, in fertility, determining the success or failure of assisted reproductive techniques. This review aims to deepen the knowledge about the electro-metabolic coupling of the cumulus-oocyte complex and to hypothesize a putative role of potassium channel modulators in order to improve fertility, promote intracellular Ca2+ influx, and increase the mitochondrial biogenesis and resulting ATP levels in cumulus cells.

Modulation of the RAC1/MAPK/ERK signalling pathway by farnesyl diphosphate synthase regulates granulosa cells proliferation in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex gynaecological endocrine disease that occurs in women of childbearing age. The pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear and further exploration is needed. Here, proteomic analysis indicated that the expression of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) protein in ovarian tissue of PCOS mice was significantly decreased. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between potential biomarkers of PCOS and granulosa cells (GCs) function. The mechanisms by which FDPS affected the proliferation of granulosa cells were also explored both in vitro and in vivo. We found that knockdown of FDPS inhibited the proliferation of KGN (human ovarian granulosa cell line), while overexpression of FDPS had the opposite effect. FDPS activated Rac1 (Rac Family Small GTPase 1) activity and regulated MAPK/ERK signalling pathway, which affecting the proliferation of KGN cells significantly. In addition, treatment with the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-FDPS reverses the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS-phenotype in mice. Our data indicated that FDPS could regulate the proliferation of ovarian GCs by modulating MAPK/ERK (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinases) pathway via activating Rac1 activity. These findings suggest that FDPS could be of great value for the regulation of ovarian granulosa cell function and the treatment of PCOS.

Letrozole induced a polycystic ovary syndrome model in zebrafish by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disease in women of childbearing age, with an incidence of 5-10%. This study compared the traits of zebrafish with three diagnostic criteria for human PCOS, and the diagnostic criteria for zebrafish PCOS were proposed: decreased fecundity, elevated testosterone (T) or 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels and increased cortical-alveolar oocyte (CO) ratio, enhancing the zebrafish PCOS model's accuracy. According to the mammalian PCOS classification, the type of zebrafsh PCOS is divided into four phenotypes (A, B, C and D), but the four phenotypes of zebrafish PCOS are not fully covered in the existing studies (A and D). In this study, we successfully induced phenotype B zebrafish PCOS model using the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole (LET). That is, wild-type female zebrafish were exposed to 1000 μg/L LET for 30 days. Reproductive tests showed decreased fecundity in female zebrafish exposed to LET (Control: 132.63, 146.00, 173.00; LET: 29.20, 90.00, 82.71). Hormone analysis showed that female zebrafish exposed to LET had significantly lower 17β-estradiol/testosterone (E2/T) ratios, indicating elevated T levels. Meanwhile, levels of 11-KT in the ovaries exposed to LET were significantly up-regulated (Control: 0.0076 pg/μg; LET: 0.0138 pg/μg). Pathological sections of the ovary showed fewer CO in the LET-exposed group (Control: 16.27%; LET: 8.38%). In summary, the zebrafish PCOS model summarized and studied in this study provide a reliable and economical tool for the screening of therapeutic drugs, as well as for the etiology research and treatment strategies of PCOS.

Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi decoction ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome via oocyte-granulosa cell communication

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (JWBZYQ), from records of FuqingzhuNvke, is a classical formula for treating obese women related infertility. JWBZYQ has been shown to be effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in both clinical studies and practical practice, with the pharmacological mechanism remaining unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the potential therapeutic effects and mechanistic insights of JWBZYQ in PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An overweight PCOS rat model was established via testosterone propionate (TP) injection and 45% high-fat diet (HFD). Then they were categorized into five distinct groups: Control group, Model group, low-dose of JWBZYQ (JWBZYQ1) group, high-dose of JWBZYQ (JWBZYQ2) group, and metformin (Met) group. Body weight, estrous cycle, and sex hormone levels were observed. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was employed to investigate the histological characteristics of the ovaries. To identify the pathways that changed significantly, transcriptome analysis was performed. The protein and mRNA levels of key molecules in ovarian zona pellucida (ZP) organization, transzonal projections (TZPs) assembly, steroid hormone receptors, and steroidogenesis were assessed using phalloidin staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that regulation of hormone secretion, cilium assembly, cell projection assembly, and ZP production may all have crucial impact on the etiology of PCOS and therapeutic effect of JWBZYQ. In particular, PCOS rats exhibited elevated expressions of ZP1-3, which can be reversed by JWBZYQ2 particularly. Simultaneously, TZPs assembly was totally disrupted in PCOS rats, evidenced by the phalloidin staining, upregulated calcium-/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II beta (CaMKIIβ), and deficient p-CaMKIIβ, myosin X (MYO10), proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), and Fascin. Nonetheless, JWBZYQ or metformin treatment revived the disturbance, repairing the oocyte-granulosa cell communication, regulating steroidogenesis in PCOS rats. In this way, JWBZYQ and metformin exerted remarkable effects in alleviating altered ovarian morphology and function in PCOS rats, with JWBZYQ2 revealing the best effect.

CONCLUSIONS

JWBZYQ restored the altered ovarian morphology and function by regulating the oocyte-granulosa cell communication, which was related with ZP organization and TZPs assembly in the ovary.

Molecular Mechanism of Resveratrol and Its Therapeutic Potential on Female Infertility

Resveratrol is a polyphenol present in various plant sources. Studies have reported numerous potential health benefits of resveratrol, exhibiting anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-carcinogenic activity. Due to the reported effects, resveratrol is also being tested in reproductive disorders, including female infertility. Numerous cellular, animal, and even human studies were performed with a focus on the effect of resveratrol on female infertility. In this review, we reviewed some of its molecular mechanisms of action and summarized animal and human studies regarding resveratrol and female infertility, with a focus on age-related infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis.

Tributyltin causes generational neurodevelopmental toxicity and the protective effect of folic acid in zebrafish

Tributyltin (TBT), a common organotin environmental pollutant, may pose a threat to human development during critical early-life periods. We aimed to assess the neurodevelopmental intergenerational toxicity of early-life exposure to TBT and the protective effect of DNA methyl donor folic acid (FA). Specifically, after early-life exposure (1-21 days post-fertilization, dpf) to TBT (0, 1, 10 and 100 ng/L), zebrafish (Danio rerio) were cultured in clean medium until sexual maturity. The exposed females were mated with unexposed males to produce embryos (F1). The F1 generation were cultured (4-120 hours post-fertilization, hpf) with and without 1 mmol/L FA. The neurotoxic effects of early-life TBT exposure for zebrafish and their offspring (F1) were significantly enhanced anxiety and reduced aggression, decreased gene expression of DNA methyltransferase in the brain and increased serotonin levels in the body. Moreover, the intergenerational neurodevelopmental toxicity, as manifested in the F1 generation, was attenuated by FA supplementation. In summary, early-life TBT exposure led to intergenerational neurodevelopmental deficits in zebrafish, and DNA methyl donors had a protective effect on F1 neurodevelopment, which can inform the prevention and treatment of intergenerational neurotoxicity due to organotin pollutants.

The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system

Reproductive system diseases pose prominent threats to human physical and mental well-being. Besides being influenced by genetic material regulation and changes in lifestyle, the occurrence of these diseases is closely connected to exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), characterized by hormone-like effects, have a wide range of influences on the reproductive system. EDCs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are present in a wide range of industrial and everyday products. Currently, thousands of chemicals have been reported to exhibit endocrine effects, and this number is likely to increase as the testing for potential EDCs has not been consistently required, and obtaining data has been limited, partly due to the long latency of many diseases. The ability to avoid exposure to EDCs, especially those of artificially synthesized origin, is increasingly challenging. While EDCs can be divided into persistent and non-persistent depending on their degree of degradation, due to the recent uptick in research studies in this area, we have chosen to focus on the research pertaining to the detrimental effects on reproductive health of exposure to several EDCs that are widely encountered in daily life over the past six years, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. By focusing on the impact of EDCs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which leads to the occurrence and development of reproductive system diseases, this review aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of EDCs' damage to human health and to encourage further in-depth research to clarify the potentially harmful effects of EDC exposure through various other mechanisms. Ultimately, it offers a scientific basis to enhance EDCs risk management, an endeavor of significant scientific and societal importance for safeguarding reproductive health.

Resveratrol-βcd inhibited premature ovarian insufficiency progression by regulating granulosa cell autophagy

BACKGROUND

The ovarian environment of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients exhibits immune dysregulation, which leads to excessive secretion of numerous proinflammatory cytokines that affect ovarian function. An abnormal level of macrophage polarization directly or indirectly inhibits the differentiation of ovarian granulosa cells and steroid hormone production, ultimately leading to POI. Resveratrol, as a health supplement, has been widely recognized for its safety. There is a substantial amount of evidence indicating that resveratrol and its analogs possess significant immune-regulatory functions. It has also been reported that resveratrol can effectively inhibit the progression of POI. However, the underlying immunological and molecular mechanisms through which resveratrol inhibits the progression of POI are still unclear.

RESULTS

Our preliminary reports have shown that resveratrol-βcd, the beta-cyclodextrin complex of resveratrol, significantly enhances the stability of resveratrol. Resveratrol-βcd could regulate the dysfunctional immune status of macrophages and T cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we treated busulfan and cyclophosphamide (B/C)-treated mice, which were used as a POI model, with resveratrol-βcd. After resveratrol-βcd treatment, the levels of IL-6 in the ovaries were significantly increased, and the progression of POI was suppressed. IL-6 activated granulosa cells (GCs) through soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), promoting autophagy in GCs. Resveratrol-βcd and IL-6 had a synergistic effect on enhancing autophagy in GCs and promoting E2 secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

We partially elucidated the immune mechanism by which resveratrol inhibits the progression of POI and the autophagy-regulating function of GCs. This provides a theoretical basis for using resveratrol to prevent POI in future studies and clinical guidance.

Alternative treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: pre-clinical and clinical basis for using plant-based drugs

The most common cause of infertility and metabolic problems among women of reproductive age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a multifaceted disorder. It is an endocrine disorder that occurs in approximately one in seven women. Among these PCOS patients, two thirds will not ovulate on a regular basis and seek treatment for ovulation induction. The symptoms vary in their severity, namely ovulation disorders, excessive androgen levels, or polycystic ovarian morphology. All these symptoms require a therapeutic approach. Many drugs are used to eradicate PCOS symptoms, like metformin, clomiphene citrate, spironolactone, and pioglitazone. Long-term treatment is required to achieve the desired outcome, which is often accompanied by significant adverse reactions. Some herbs and phytochemicals are equally effective for treating PCOS and produce minimal side effects. Recently, herbal products are gaining popularity due to their wide biological activities, safety, availability, and efficacy. The present review covers aetiology, current treatment, pathophysiology, and detailed pre-clinical and clinical studies on plants and phytochemicals that are proven to be useful for the treatment of symptoms associated with PCOS.

Screening of potential biomarkers for polycystic ovary syndrome and identification of expression and immune characteristics

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seriously affects the fertility and health of women of childbearing age. We look forward to finding potential biomarkers for PCOS that can aid clinical diagnosis.

METHODS

We acquired PCOS and normal granulosa cell (GC) expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After data preprocessing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by limma package, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed. Recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis were used to acquire feature genes as potential biomarkers. Time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) and Confusion matrix were used to verify the classification performance of biomarkers. Then, the expression characteristics of biomarkers in PCOS and normal cells were analyzed, and the insulin resistance (IR) score of samples was computed by ssGSEA. Immune characterization of biomarkers was evaluated using MCP counter and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Finally, the correlation between biomarkers and the scores of each pathway was assessed.

RESULTS

We acquired 93 DEGs, and the enrichment results indicated that most of DEGs in PCOS group were significantly enriched in immune-related biological pathways. Further screening results indicated that JDP2 and HMOX1 were potential biomarkers. The area under ROC curve (AUC) value and Confusion matrix of the two biomarkers were ideal when separated and combined. In the combination, the training set AUC = 0.929 and the test set AUC = 0.917 indicated good diagnostic performance of the two biomarkers. Both biomarkers were highly expressed in the PCOS group, and both biomarkers, which should be suppressed in the preovulation phase, were elevated in PCOS tissues. The IR score of PCOS group was higher, and the expression of JDP2 and HMOX1 showed a significant positive correlation with IR score. Most immune cell scores and immune infiltration results were significantly higher in PCOS. Comprehensive analysis indicated that the two biomarkers had strong correlation with immune-related pathways.

CONCLUSION

We acquired two potential biomarkers, JDP2 and HMOX1. We found that they were highly expressed in the PCOS and had a strong positive correlation with immune-related pathways.

Single-cell sequencing provides insights into the landscape of ovary in PCOS and alterations induced by CUMS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder related to psychological distress. However, the mechanism underlying increased prevalence of depression in PCOS remained unclear. This study aimed to explore the unique transcriptional landscape of ovary and offered a platform to explore the mechanism of PCOS, as well as the influences caused by depression. The PCOS rat model was established by letrozole whereas PCOS rat model with depression was established by letrozole combined with chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS). Then single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) was applied to analyze the transcriptional features of rat ovaries. Granulosa cells (GCs) and fibroblasts (Fibros) accounted for the top two clusters of total 12 cell types. There were nine clusters in GCs, related to inflammatory response, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and steroidogenesis. The expression of differentially expressed genes (DEG) Hes1 was higher in PCOS and PCOS + CUMS groups, exhibiting enhanced expression by pseudotime and positively related to inflammation. Pseudotemporal analysis revealed that inflammation contributed to the different GCs distributions. Moreover, analysis of DEGs and gene ontology (GO) function enrichment revealed CUMS aggravated inflammation in PCOS GCs possibly via interferon signaling pathway. In theca cells (TCs), nine clusters were observed and some of them were relevant to inflammation, ER stress, and lipid metabolism. DEGs Ass1, Insl3, and Ifi27 were positively related to Cyp17a1, and Ces1d might contribute to the different trajectory of TCs. Subsequent scRNA-seq revealed a signature profile of endothelial cells (ECs) and Fibros, which suggest that inflammation-induced damage of ECs and Fibro, further exacerbated by CUMS. Finally, analysis of T cells and mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) revealed the existence of immune dysfunction, among which interferon signaling played a critical role. These findings provided more knowledge for a better understanding PCOS from the view of inflammation and identified new biomarkers and targets for the treatment of PCOS with psychological diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we mapped the landscape of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ovary with rat model induced by letrozole and provided a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of PCOS accompanied by chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) at single-cell transcriptomic level. These observations highlight the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of PCOS, which might also be the bridge between PCOS and psychological diseases.

A novel model based on necroptosis to assess progression for polycystic ovary syndrome and identification of potential therapeutic drugs

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine and reproductive disorder, lacks precise diagnostic strategies. Necroptosis was found to be crucial in reproductive and endocrine disorders, but its function in PCOS remains unclear. We aimed to identify differentially diagnostic genes for necroptosis (NDDGs), construct a diagnostic model to assess the progression of PCOS and explore the potential therapeutic drugs.

Methods

Gene expression datasets were combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and necroptosis gene sets to screen the differentially expressed genes for PCOS. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to construct a necroptosis-related gene signatures. Independent risk analyses were performed using nomograms. Pathway enrichment of NDDGs was conducted with the GeneMANIA database and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immune microenvironment analysis was estimated based on ssGSEA algorithm analysis. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to explore potential therapeutic drugs for NDDGs. The expression of NDDGs was validated in GSE84958, mouse model and clinical samples.

Results

Four necroptosis-related signature genes, IL33, TNFSF10, BCL2 and PYGM, were identified to define necroptosis for PCOS. The areas under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for training set and validation in diagnostic risk model were 0.940 and 0.788, respectively. Enrichment analysis showed that NDDGs were enriched in immune-related signaling pathways such as B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Immune microenvironment analysis revealed that NDDGs were significantly correlated with 13 markedly different immune cells. A nomogram was constructed based on features that would benefit patients clinically. Several compounds, such as resveratrol, tretinoin, quercetin, curcumin, etc., were mined as therapeutic drugs for PCOS. The expression of the NDDGs in the validated set, animal model and clinical samples was consistent with the results of the training sets.

Conclusion

In this study, 4 NDDGs were identified to be highly effective in assessing the progression and prognosis of PCOS and exploring potential targets for PCOS treatment.

A New Approach to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Related Cardio-metabolic Risk Factors: Dietary Polyphenols

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology and causing various reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, oncological, and psychological complications. Recent meta-analyses and systemic reviews showed that PCOS increases the risk factor for various cardio-metabolic complications like insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction. In addition to these, it was suggested that chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are the underlying mechanisms of PCOS-mediated metabolic consequences and might trigger cardio-metabolic risk in women with PCOS. At this point, there is substantial evidence to suggest that various non-nutrient food components modulate cardio-metabolic health together with inflammation and oxidative stress.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increasing the intake of dietary polyphenols might reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and thus alleviate the risk of metabolic, endothelial, and cardiovascular disorders. Nowadays, there are an increasing number of studies related to the effects of dietary polyphenols on PCOS and its accompanying cardio-metabolic disturbances. Currently, there is a cumulative number of studies connected to the effects of dietary polyphenols on PCOS and accompanying cardio-metabolic disturbances. However, there is a lack of knowledge in combining the probable mechanisms of dietary polyphenols on PCOS and related cardio-metabolic consequences. Thus, the effects of dietary polyphenols on PCOS and accompanying cardio-metabolic disturbances need to be discussed and evaluated with underlying mechanisms. Consequently, this review was written to reveal the potential effects of dietary polyphenols on PCOS and related metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in all their aspects.

Purinergic receptor P2X7 activates NOX2/JNK signaling to participate in granulosa cell inflammation and apoptosis in polycystic ovary syndrome

Increasing evidence shows that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often accompanied by an inflammatory response, hence, appropriately managing granulosa cell inflammation is critical to regaining ovarian function in PCOS. In this study, the differential levels of purinergic receptor P2X7 between the control and PCOS samples in the dataset GSE34526 were assessed, then PCOS mouse models were established. Following evaluating the fluctuations in hormone levels, inflammatory cytokines, and P2X7, mice received treatment with the P2X7 antagonist A740003. Its effects on hormones, inflammation, apoptosis, and NOX2 signaling in mice were examined. Afterward, primary mouse granulosa cells were isolated, and the mediating role of NOX2 signaling in the P2X7 regulatory pathway was confirmed by transfection of NOX2 overexpression plasmids. The results demonstrated that P2X7 was significantly elevated in the PCOS samples in the dataset. Compared with the control group, PCOS mice had significant differences in the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone, inflammatory factors, and P2X7. Treatment with A740003 partially restored these parameter levels, including NOX2 signaling. Based on in vitro experiments on primary mouse granulosa cells, the above findings were re-verified, and the overexpression of NOX2 could reverse the regulatory function of P2X7. The present study highlights that P2X7 level increases in PCOS, and inhibition of P2X7 can reduce disease symptoms. It is involved in inflammation and apoptosis in granulosa cells through NOX2/JNK signaling.

Transgenerational Effects and Mechanisms of Tributyltin Exposure on Neurodevelopment in the Male Offspring of Rats

This study aimed to investigate the transgenerational effects of tributyltin exposure on rat neurodevelopment in male offspring and the potential mechanisms. Neonatal female rats were exposed to the environmental level of tributyltin and then mated with nonexposed males after sexual maturity to produce the F1 generation. The F1 generation (with primordial germ cell exposure) was mated with nonexposed males to produce nonexposed offspring (the F2 and F3 generations). Neurodevelopmental indicators and behavior were observed for the F1, F2, and F3 generations during postnatal days 1-25 and 35-56, respectively. We found premature eye-opening and delayed visual positioning in newborn F1 rats and anxiety and cognitive deficits in prepubertal F1 male rats. These neurodevelopmental impacts were also observed in F2 and F3 males. Additionally, F1-F3 males exhibited increased serotonin and dopamine levels and a loose arrangement of neurons in the hippocampus. We also observed a reduction in the expression of genes involved in intercellular adhesion and increased DNA methylation of the Dsc3 promoter in F1-F3 males. We concluded that tributyltin exposure led to transgenerational effects on neurodevelopment via epigenetic reprogramming in male offspring. These findings provide insights into the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring from parents exposed to tributyltin.

Protocatechuic acid alleviates polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms in mice by PI3K signaling in granulosa cells to relieve ROS pressure and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated gynecological endocrine disease that occurs in women of childbearing age. Protocatechuic acid is a phenol-rich compound derived from herbs and owns vital functions in numerous diseases. Howbeit, protocatechuic acid's impact on PCOS is unknown.

METHODS

A combination of in vivo and in vitro models was examined in this study. C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously daily with dehydroepiandrosterone to establish a PCOS mouse model, and protocatechuic acid was intraperitoneally injected into PCOS mice. Granulosa cells of PCOS ovaries were also isolated. The function of protocatechuic acid was appraised using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin-eosin staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and LC3 levels analysis, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot. Meanwhile, the mechanism of protocatechuic acid was assessed with a series of molecular experiments.

RESULTS

Protocatechuic acid owned no apparent toxic effect on mice. Functionally, protocatechuic acid owned a function of mitigating PCOS in vivo. Meanwhile, protocatechuic acid repressed ROS, autophagy, and apoptosis of PCOS ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Mechanistically, rescue assays elucidated that the protective function of protocatechuic acid against PCOS was interrelated to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.

CONCLUSION

Protocatechuic acid alleviated PCOS symptoms in mice through PI3K signaling in granulosa cells to reduce ROS levels and apoptosis.

Formulation of Resveratrol-Loaded Polycaprolactone Inhalable Microspheres Using Tween 80 as an Emulsifier: Factorial Design and Optimization

Resveratrol (RSV) is a bioactive phytoconstituent that has potential applications in respiratory diseases. However, poor oral bioavailability is the major hurdle to its clinical use. In the present work, resveratrol-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) inhalable microspheres (MSs) were formulated to improve their therapeutic potential. The inhalable microspheres were formulated using the emulsion-solvent evaporation method. In this research, inhalable resveratrol microspheres were prepared using Tween 80 in place of polyvinyl alcohol which formed insoluble lumps. A 3² factorial design was applied taking polymer (PCL) and emulsifier (Tween 80) as independent variables and drug loading (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) as dependent variables. The DL and EE of the optimized formulation were found to be 30.6% and 63.84% respectively. The in vitro aerosolization study performed using the Anderson cascade impactor showed that the fine particle fraction (FPF) of optimized resveratrol polycaprolactone microspheres (RSV-PCL-MSs) blended with lactose, and RSV-PCL-MSs were significantly higher than those of the pure drugs. The MMAD_T (theoretical mass median aerodynamic diameter) of optimized RSV-PCL-MSs was found to be 3.25 ± 1.15. The particle size of microspheres was within the inhalable range, i.e., between 1 and 5 µm. The morphological analysis showed spherical-shaped particles with smooth surfaces. The in vitro release study showed sustained drug release from the microspheres for up to 12 h. The study concluded that resveratrol-loaded inhalable microspheres may be an efficient delivery system to treat COPD.

Regulation of SIRT1 in Ovarian Function: PCOS Treatment

The sirtuin family, a group of NAD+-dependent class 3 histone deacetylases (HDACs), was extensively studied initially as a group of longevity genes that are activated in caloric restriction and act in concert with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides to extend the lifespan. Subsequent studies have found that sirtuins are involved in various physiological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and insulin signaling, and they have been extensively studied as cancer genes. In recent years, it has been found that caloric restriction increases ovarian reserves, suggesting that sirtuins may play a regulatory role in reproductive capacity, and interest in the sirtuin family has continued to increase. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the existing studies and analyze the role and mechanism of SIRT1, a member of the sirtuin family, in regulating ovarian function. Research and review on the positive regulation of SIRT1 in ovarian function and its therapeutic effect on PCOS syndrome.

Lineage tracing of mutant granulosa cells reveals in vivo protective mechanisms that prevent granulosa cell tumorigenesis

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) originate from granulosa cells (GCs) and represent the most common sex cord-stromal tumor in humans. However, the developmental regulations and molecular mechanisms underlying their etiology are largely unknown. In the current study, we combined a multi-fluorescent reporter mouse model with a conditional knockout mouse model, in which the tumor suppressor genes Pten and p27 were deleted in GCs, to perform cell lineage tracing of mutant GCs. We found that only 30% of ovaries with substantial mutant GCs developed into GCTs that derived from a single mutant GC. In-depth molecular analysis of the process of tumorigenesis demonstrated that up-regulation of immune evasion genes Cd24a and Cd47 led, in part, to the transition of mutant GCs to GCTs. Therefore, treatment with the Cd47 inhibitor RRX-001 was tested and found to efficiently suppress the growth of GCTs in vivo. Together, our study has revealed an immune evasion mechanism via CD24/CD47 upregulation to GCT formation, shedding light on the future potential clinical therapies for GCTs.

Identification of risk for ovarian disease enhanced by BPB or BPAF exposure

The ban on bisphenol A (BPA) has led to a rapid increase in the use of BPA analogs, and they are increasingly being detected in the natural environment and biological organisms. Studies have pointed out that BPA analogs can lead to adverse health outcomes. However, their interference with ovarian tissue has not been fully elucidated. In this study, seven- to eight-week-old CD-1 mice were exposed to corn oil containing 300 μg/kg/day bisphenol B (BPB) or bisphenol AF (BPAF) through oral gavage, and ovarian tissues were collected at 14 and 28 days of exposure. Ovarian toxicity was evaluated by the ovarian index, ovarian area, and follicle number. mRNA-seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and infer the association of DEGs with ovarian diseases. BPB or BPAF exposure induced morphological changes in ovarian tissue in CD-1 mice. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed disturbances in biological processes (BP) associated with steroid biosynthetic process (GO:0006694) and cellular calcium ion homeostasis (GO:0006874). Subsequently, regulatory networks of BPA analogs (BPB or BPAF)-DEGs-ovarian diseases were constructed. Importantly, the expression levels of DEGs and transcription factors (TFs) associated with ovarian disease were altered. BPB or BPAF exposure causes damage to ovarian morphology through the synergistic effects of multiple biological processes and may be associated with altered mRNA expression profiles as a risk factor for ovarian diseases.

Integrated analysis of lncRNA and mRNA for the apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after polyphenol resveratrol treatment

Resveratrol (RES) is a non-flavonoid polyphenol compound that can be involved in follicular development and ovulation. However, the mechanism by which resveratrol regulates the apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells (POGCs) through long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is poorly understood. We generated POGCs models of different doses of RES (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM). It was observed that the cell viability was the highest in the 50 μM group, and the highest apoptosis rates were recorded in the 100 μM group. Therefore, a control group (n = 3, 0 μM RES group), a low RES group (n = 3, 50 μM RES group), and a high RES group (n = 3, 100 μM RES group) of POGCs were created for next RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with apoptotic process were highly enriched. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of lncRNA target genes found that the Wnt signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were both enriched. Furthermore, we constructed lncRNA-mRNA networks related to Metabolic and Cell Apoptosis, respectively. In the networks, five key-lncRNAs were screened, which may play a significant role in the process of POGCs metabolism and apoptosis. Furthermore, we focused on the function of a lnc-GAM (lncRNA associated with Granulosa cells Apoptosis and Metabolism) and verified that lnc-GAM could influence cell apoptosis in POGCs development by affecting the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related markers, and also affects the secretion of steroid hormones and related genes expression in POGCs cultured in vitro. Our study provides seminal data and important new insights into the regulation of reproductive mechanisms in porcine and other female mammals.

Advancements in lead therapeutic phytochemicals polycystic ovary syndrome: A review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in women of reproductive age and features complex pathological symptoms and mechanisms. Existing medical treatments have, to some extent, alleviated the deterioration of PCOS. However, these strategies only temporarily control symptoms, with a few side effects and no preventive effect. Phytochemicals extracted from medicinal herbs and plants are vital for discovering novel drugs. In recent years, many kinds of research have proven that phytochemicals isolated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medicinal plants show significant potential in preventing, alleviating, and treating PCOS. Nevertheless, compared to the abundance of experimental literature and minimal specific-topic reviews related to PCOS, there is a lack of systematic reviews to summarize these advancements in this promising field. Under this background, we systematically document the progress of bioactive phytochemicals from TCM and medicinal plants in treating PCOS, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids. According to the literature, these valuable phytochemicals demonstrated therapeutic effects on PCOS supported by in vivo and in vitro experiments, mainly depending on anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, improvement of hormone disorder and insulin resistance (IR), and alleviation of hyperinsulinemia. Based on the current progress, future research directions should emphasize 1) exploring bioactive phytochemicals that potentially mediate bone metabolism for the treatment of PCOS; 2) improving unsatisfactory bioavailability by using advanced drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles and antibody-conjugated drugs, as well as a chemical modification; 3) conducting in-depth research on the pathogenesis of PCOS to potentially impact the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the evolution of PCOS; 4) revealing the pharmacological effects of these bioactive phytochemicals on PCOS at the genetic level; and 5) exploring the hypothetical and unprecedented functions in regulating PCOS by serving as proteolysis-targeting chimeras and molecular glues compared with traditional small molecule drugs. In brief, this review aims to provide detailed mechanisms of these bioactive phytochemicals and hopefully practical and reliable insight into clinical applications concerning PCOS.

Protective effect of astaxanthin and metformin in the liver of rats in which the polycystic ovary syndrome model was formed by giving letrozole

Objectives

In this study, the effects of astaxanthin on liver tissue in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-four Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into 9 groups: Groups: Control, PCOS, PCOS+Metformin (Met), PCOS+ Astaxanthin (ASX)10, PCOS+ASX20, PCOS+ASX40, PCOS+Met+ASX10, PCOS+Met+ASX20, and PCOS+Met+ASX40. PCOS was induced in female rats by oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. Rats were treated with ASX (10 mg/kg), ASX (20 mg/kg), ASX (40 mg/kg), and metformin (20 mg/kg) for 7 days after PCOS induction. At the end of the experiment, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured in the liver tissue. The liver was stained with hematoxylin/eosin for histological examination. Additionally, NF-kB and caspase 3 were analyzed immunohistochemically.

Results

A remarkable abnormality was observed in the biochemical and histological parameters in the liver tissue of the PCOS model rats. Astaxanthin dose-dependently normalized the MDA level. Additionally, astaxanthin showed a protective effect by increasing the SOD level and increasing its antioxidant activities. We observed that administration of astaxanthin in addition to metformin applied in the standard was more effective. Caspase 3 and NF-kB immune positivity was lower in the groups given astaxanthin compared with PCOS. Histologically, it was observed that astaxanthin improved the deteriorated liver morphology in the letrozole-induced PCOS group.

Conclusion

According to our results, it was observed that astaxanthin had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on PCOS in the treatment groups. Therefore, it was concluded that astaxanthin may have a protective effect against PCOS side effects.

Mammalian cumulus-oocyte complex communication: a dialog through long and short distance messaging

Communications are crucial to ovarian follicle development and to ovulation, and while both folliculogenesis and oogenesis are distinct processes, they share highly interdependent signaling pathways. Signals from distant organs such as the brain must be processed and compartments within the follicle have to be synchronized. The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis relies on long-distance signalling analogous to wireless communication by which data is disseminated in the environment and cells equipped with the appropriate receptors receive and interpret the messages. In contrast, direct cell-to-cell transfer of molecules is a very targeted, short distance messaging system. Numerous signalling pathways have been identified and proven to be essential for the production of a developmentally competent egg. The development of the cumulus-oocyte complex relies largely on short distance communications or direct transfer type via extensions of corona radiata cells through the zona pellucida. The type of information transmitted through these transzonal projections is still largely uncharacterized. This review provides an overview of current understanding of the mechanisms by which the gamete receives and transmits information within the follicle. Moreover, it highlights the fact that in addition to the well-known systemic long-distance based communications from the HPG axis, these mechanisms acting more locally should also be considered as important targets for controlling/optimizing oocyte quality.

Posttranslational modifications in pathogenesis of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong reproductive, metabolic, and psychiatric disorder that affects 5-18% of women, which is associated with a significantly increased lifetime risk of concomitant diseases, including type 2 diabetes, psychiatric disorders, and gynecological cancers. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in changes in protein function and are necessary to maintain cellular viability and biological processes, thus their maladjustment can lead to disease. Growing evidence suggests the association between PCOS and posttranslational modifications. This article mainly reviews the research status of phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, as well as their roles and molecular mechanisms in the development of PCOS. In addition, we briefly summarize research and clinical trials of PCOS therapy to advance our understanding of agents that can be used to target phosphorylated, methylated, acetylated, and ubiquitinated PTM types. It provides not only ideas for future research on the mechanism of PCOS but also ideas for PCOS treatments with therapeutic potential.