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Affdal AO, Salama M, Ravitsky V. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal girls: a critical interpretive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03059-z. [PMID: 38430324 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the increasing number of childhood cancer survivors, significant advances in ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) technique and medical societies' recommendations, fertility preservation (FP) and FP discussions are not always offered as a standard of care in the pediatric context. The aim of this literature review is to understand what ethical, legal, social, and policy issues may influence the provision of FP by OTC in prepubertal girls with cancer. METHODS A critical interpretive review of peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and January 2023 was conducted, guided by the McDougall's version of the critical interpretive synthesis (Dixon-Woods), to capture recurring concepts, principles, and arguments regarding FP by OTC for prepubertal girls. RESULTS Of 931 potentially relevant papers, 162 were included in our analysis. Data were grouped into seven thematic categories: (1) risks of the procedure, (2) unique decision-making issues in pediatric oncofertility, (3) counseling, (4) cultural and cost issues, and (5) disposition of cryopreserved reproductive tissue. CONCLUSION This first literature review focusing on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues surrounding OTC in prepubertal girls highlights concerns in the oncofertility debate. Although OTC is no longer experimental as of December 2019, these issues could limit its availability and the child's future reproductive autonomy. This review concludes that specific actions must be provided to enable the offer of FP, such as supporting families' decision-making in this unique and complex context, and providing pediatric patients universal and full access to free or highly subsidized OTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vardit Ravitsky
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- The Hastings Center, Garrison, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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2
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Fragomeni G, De Napoli L, De Gregorio V, Genovese V, Barbato V, Serratore G, Morrone G, Travaglione A, Candela A, Gualtieri R, Talevi R, Catapano G. Enhanced solute transport and steady mechanical stimulation in a novel dynamic perifusion bioreactor increase the efficiency of the in vitro culture of ovarian cortical tissue strips. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1310696. [PMID: 38390358 PMCID: PMC10882273 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1310696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: We report the development and preliminary evaluation of a novel dynamic bioreactor to culture ovarian cortical tissue strips that leverages tissue response to enhanced oxygen transport and adequate mechanical stimulation. In vitro multistep ovarian tissue static culture followed by mature oocyte generation, fertilization, and embryo transfer promises to use the reserve of dormant follicles. Unfortunately, static in vitro culture of ovarian tissue does not promote development of primordial to secondary follicles or sustain follicle viability and thereby limits the number of obtainable mature oocytes. Enhancing oxygen transport to and exerting mechanical stimulation on ovarian tissue in a dynamic bioreactor may more closely mimic the physiological microenvironment and thus promote follicle activation, development, and viability. Materials and Methods: The most transport-effective dynamic bioreactor design was modified using 3D models of medium and oxygen transport to maximize strip perifusion and apply tissue fluid dynamic shear stresses and direct compressive strains to elicit tissue response. Prototypes of the final bioreactor design were manufactured with materials of varying cytocompatibility and assessed by testing the effect of leachables on sperm motility. Effectiveness of the bioreactor culture was characterized against static controls by culturing fresh bovine ovarian tissue strips for 7 days at 4.8 × 10-5 m/s medium filtration flux in air at -15% maximal total compressive strain and by assessing follicle development, health, and viability. Results and Conclusions: Culture in dynamic bioreactors promoted effective oxygen transport to tissues and stimulated tissues with strains and fluid dynamic shear stresses that, although non-uniform, significantly influenced tissue metabolism. Tissue strip culture in bioreactors made of cytocompatible polypropylene preserved follicle viability and promoted follicle development better than static culture, less so in bioreactors made of cytotoxic ABS-like resin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gionata Fragomeni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luigi De Napoli
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Vincenza De Gregorio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Genovese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Serratore
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Morrone
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Angela Travaglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Candela
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Catapano
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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3
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Frost ER, Gilchrist RB. Making human eggs in a dish: are we close? Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:168-178. [PMID: 37625913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
In the space of 50 years, we have seen incredible achievements in human reproductive medicine. With these leaps forward, it is no wonder that there is a major interest in women's reproductive health research, including extension of reproductive lifespan. Substantial effort is currently being made to address this challenge, including from the commercial sector. In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) in mice is a spectacular breakthrough and has the potential to offer hope to women with intractable infertility. However, with such lofty goals, some reflection may be called for: mastering all of the techniques required for complete and safe IVG in women is likely to be extraordinarily difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Frost
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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4
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Dahmardeh T, Ghanian MH, Ebrahimi B. A self-gelling hydrogel based on thiolated hyaluronic acid for three-dimensional culture of ovine preantral follicles. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127147. [PMID: 37778594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) ovarian follicle culture offers a promising option for fertility preservation in patients who cannot receive ovarian tissue transplantation. Our research evaluated the potential of a hydrogel composed of thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) for ovine preantral follicle development compared to routinely used alginate hydrogel (ALG). Synthesized via a carbodiimide reaction, HA-SH facilitated a self-crosslinking hydrogel through disulfide bond formation. Ovine preantral follicles (200-300 μm) retrieved through mechanical and enzymatic methods were encapsulated individually in either ALG or HA-SH hydrogels. Although both hydrogels adequately supported follicle survival, 3D integrity, and antrum formation over a 17-day in vitro culture, follicle growth was significantly higher within the HA-SH hydrogel. Gene expression analysis underscored that some folliculogenesis-related genes (ZP3, BMP7, and GJA1) and a steroidogenic gene (CYP19A1) demonstrated higher expression levels in HA-SH encapsulated follicles versus ALG. Collectively, our findings advocate for HA-SH hydrogel as a potent biomaterial for in vitro follicle cultures, attributing its efficacy to facile gelation, bio-responsiveness, and superior support for follicle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Dahmardeh
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Basic Science and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Ghanian
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bita Ebrahimi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Albamonte MI, Vitullo AD. Preservation of fertility in female and male prepubertal patients diagnosed with cancer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2755-2767. [PMID: 37770817 PMCID: PMC10656407 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02945-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the importance of fertility preservation has grown not only in the realm of medical and clinical patient care, but also in the field of basic and applied research in human reproduction. With advancements in cancer treatments resulting in higher rates of patient survival, it is crucial to consider the quality of life post-cure. Therefore, fertility preservation must be taken into account prior to antitumor treatments, as it can significantly impact a patient's future fertility. For postpubertal patients, gamete cryopreservation is the most commonly employed preservation strategy. However, for prepubertal patients, the situation is more intricate. Presently, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the standard practice for prepubertal girls, but further scientific evidence is required in several aspects. Testicular tissue cryopreservation, on the other hand, is still experimental for prepubertal boys. The primary aim of this review is to address the strategies available for possible fertility preservation in prepubertal girls and boys, such as ovarian cryopreservation/transplantation, in vitro follicle culture and meiotic maturation, artificial ovary, transplantation of cryopreserved spermatogonia, and cryopreservation/grafting of immature testicular tissue and testicular organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Itatí Albamonte
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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6
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Ito K, Takae S, Nakamura K, Furuyama S, Nakajima M, Suzuki Y, Iwahata H, Sugishita Y, Horage Y, Suzuki N. The study of the efficiency of in vitro maturation of ovarian tissue oocytes in pediatric patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2787-2797. [PMID: 37779181 PMCID: PMC10656375 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02958-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although recent in vitro maturation (IVM) studies in pediatric patients have demonstrated successful retrieval and maturation of oocytes, the studies included only a small number of premenarchal patients. In the present study, we examined the potential use of oocyte retrieval and maturation for pediatric patients who undergo ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). METHODS We retrospectively examined the clinical records of pediatric patients who underwent OTC at our institution between October 2015 and December 2022. Data on the age, primary disease, menstrual history, pre-procedure chemotherapy, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, number of oocytes collected ex vivo from ovarian tissue, and number of mature oocytes from IVM were examined. RESULTS Data of 60 pediatric patients (aged 1 to 17 years) were included for analysis. Oocytes were retrieved from 36 patients; the oocytes of 18 of these patients could be cryopreserved. The IVM rate was significantly lower in the premenarchal patients than in the postmenarchal patients. The number of mature oocytes retrieved from IVM was higher in the no-chemotherapy group than in the chemotherapy group. A significant positive correlation was observed between the AMH level and the IVM outcomes. CONCLUSION Oocyte retrieval and maturation in pediatric patients undergoing OTC is particularly useful in those not receiving chemotherapy. In patients receiving chemotherapy, the AMH level may be useful for predicting the IVM outcome. Activation of the oocyte maturation process in vivo in pediatric patients and better understanding of the major regulators of oocyte maturation are necessary to improve the utility of the IVM procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Seido Takae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Sayako Furuyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Mariko Nakajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Yuki Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Yodo Sugishita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Yuki Horage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan.
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7
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Nagashima JB, Zenilman S, Raab A, Aranda-Espinoza H, Songsasen N. Comparative Tensile Properties and Collagen Patterns in Domestic Cat ( Felis catus) and Dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) Ovarian Cortical Tissues. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1285. [PMID: 38002409 PMCID: PMC10669533 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the ovarian extracellular environment and tissue rigidity on follicle survival and development has gained attention in recent years. Our laboratory has anecdotally observed differences in the rigidity of domestic cat and dog ovarian cortical tissues, which have been postulated to underlie the differences in in vitro culture responses between the species, wherein cat ovarian tissues display higher survival in extended incubation. Here, the tensile strengths of cat and dog ovarian cortical tissues were compared via micropipette aspiration. The underlying collagen patterns, including fiber length, thickness, alignment, curvature, branch points and end points, and overall tissue lacunary and high-density matrix (HDM) were quantified via picrosirius red staining and TWOMBLI analysis. Finally, we explored the potential of MMP (-1 and -9) and TIMP1 supplementation in modulating tissue rigidity, collagen structure, and follicle activation in vitro. No differences in stiffness were observed between cat or dog cortical tissues, or pre- versus post-pubertal status. Cat ovarian collagen was characterized by an increased number of branch points, thinner fibers, and lower HDM compared with dog ovarian collagen, and cat tissues exposed to MMP9 in vitro displayed a reduced Young's modulus. Yet, MMP exposure had a minor impact on follicle development in vitro in either species. This study contributes to our growing understanding of the interactions among the physical properties of the ovarian microenvironment, collagen patterns, and follicle development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Nagashima
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA;
| | - Shoshana Zenilman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 144 East Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - April Raab
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 784 Wilson Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Helim Aranda-Espinoza
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3108 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA;
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8
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Schallmoser A, Einenkel R, Färber C, Hüren V, Emrich N, John J, Sänger N. Comparison of angiogenic potential in vitrified vs. slow frozen human ovarian tissue. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12885. [PMID: 37558708 PMCID: PMC10412559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39920-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitrification of ovarian tissue is a promising alternative approach to the traditional slow freezing method. Few empirical investigations have been conducted to determine the angiogenic profiles of these two freezing methods. In this study we aimed to answer the question whether one of the cryopreservation methods should be preferred based on the secretion of angiogenic factors. Tissue culture with reduced oxygen (5%) was conducted for 48 h with samples of fresh, slow frozen/thawed and vitrified/rapid warmed ovarian cortex tissue from 20 patients. From each patient, tissue was used in all three treatment groups. Tissue culture supernatants were determined regarding cytokine expression profiles of angiogenin, angiopoietin-2, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, heparin binding epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, Leptin, Platelet-derived growth factor B, placental growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor A via fluoroimmunoassay. Apoptotic changes were assessed by TUNEL staining of cryosections and supplemented by hematoxylin and eosin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining. Comparing the angiogenic expression profiles of vitrified/rapid warmed tissue with slow frozen/thawed tissue samples, no significant differences were observed. Detection of apoptotic DNA fragmentation via TUNEL indicated minor apoptotic profiles that were not significantly different comparing both cryopreservation methods. Vitrification of ovarian cortical tissue does not appear to impact negatively on the expression profile of angiogenic factors and may be regarded as an effective alternative approach to the traditional slow freezing method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schallmoser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cara Färber
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vanessa Hüren
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Norah Emrich
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia John
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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9
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Daponte A, Rajender S, Anifandis G. A comprehensive review and update on human fertility cryopreservation methods and tools. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151254. [PMID: 37143497 PMCID: PMC10151698 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The broad conceptualization of fertility preservation and restoration has become already a major concern in the modern western world since a large number of individuals often face it in the everyday life. Driven by different health conditions and/or social reasons, a variety of patients currently rely on routinely and non-routinely applied assisted reproductive technologies, and mostly on the possibility to cryopreserve gametes and/or gonadal tissues for expanding their reproductive lifespan. This review embraces the data present in human-focused literature regarding the up-to-date methodologies and tools contemporarily applied in IVF laboratories' clinical setting of the oocyte, sperm, and embryo cryopreservation and explores the latest news and issues related to the optimization of methods used in ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
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10
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Schallmoser A, Einenkel R, Färber C, Emrich N, John J, Sänger N. The effect of high-throughput vitrification of human ovarian cortex tissue on follicular viability: a promising alternative to conventional slow freezing? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:591-599. [PMID: 36175682 PMCID: PMC9918590 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard procedure most frequently used for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is slow freezing, while vitrification has been proposed as promising alternative and has built an impressive catalog of success in fertility laboratories regarding cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos. METHODS We developed and evaluated a high-throughput protocol for vitrification of human ovarian tissue suitable for clinical processing. Follicular viability was assessed via calcein staining prior and after cryopreservation analyzing ovarian tissue of a cohort of 30 patients. RESULTS We found no significant differences regarding follicular viability between slow frozen and vitrified cortex tissue samples 24 h after thawing and rapid warming. Follicular viability of thawed and rapid warmed samples was not significantly different in comparison to fresh samples, indicating high proportions of follicular survival rates with both methods. CONCLUSIONS High-throughput vitrification is a promising option in a clinical setting. More research is required to determine the status of other tissue-specific quality indicators potentially influencing on autotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schallmoser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cara Färber
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Norah Emrich
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia John
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Buckenmeyer MJ, Sukhwani M, Iftikhar A, Nolfi AL, Xian Z, Dadi S, Case ZW, Steimer SR, D’Amore A, Orwig KE, Brown BN. A bioengineered in situ ovary (ISO) supports follicle engraftment and live-births post-chemotherapy. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231197282. [PMID: 38029018 PMCID: PMC10656812 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231197282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Female cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy have an elevated risk of developing ovarian dysfunction and failure. Experimental approaches to treat iatrogenic infertility are evolving rapidly; however, challenges and risks remain that hinder clinical translation. Biomaterials have improved in vitro follicle maturation and in vivo transplantation in mice, but there has only been marginal success for early-stage human follicles. Here, we developed methods to obtain an ovarian-specific extracellular matrix hydrogel to facilitate follicle delivery and establish an in situ ovary (ISO), which offers a permissive environment to enhance follicle survival. We demonstrate sustainable follicle engraftment, natural pregnancy, and the birth of healthy pups after intraovarian microinjection of isolated exogenous follicles into chemotherapy-treated (CTx) mice. Our results confirm that hydrogel-based follicle microinjection could offer a minimally invasive delivery platform to enhance follicle integration for patients post-chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Buckenmeyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Meena Sukhwani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aimon Iftikhar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexis L Nolfi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ziyu Xian
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Srujan Dadi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zachary W Case
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah R Steimer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Antonio D’Amore
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Fondazione RiMED, Palermo, Italy
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bryan N Brown
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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12
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Schallmoser A, Einenkel R, Färber C, Sänger N. In vitro growth (IVG) of human ovarian follicles in frozen thawed ovarian cortex tissue culture supplemented with follicular fluid under hypoxic conditions. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1299-1311. [PMID: 35871693 PMCID: PMC9470640 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06672-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite its clinical success rates, transplantation after ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) remains a matter of concern. Certain cancer subtypes may lead to the transfer of malignant cells when transplantation of affected ovarian tissue is conducted. IVG and subsequent isolation of vital follicles obtained from frozen thawed ovarian tissue for further in vitro maturation (IVM) would expand current fertility protection techniques while reducing the risk of retransplanting malignant cells. Methods A total of 216 cortical biopsies from 3 patients were included in this study in 4 treatment groups. After freezing, thawing and 8 days of hypoxic tissue culture supplemented with different concentrations of human follicular fluid (HuFF) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), follicles were isolated enzymatically and stained with calcein to determine follicular viability. Numbers and size of vital follicles were assessed by fluorescence microscopy (Ti2, Nikon) and specified by computer assisted, semi-automated measurement (NIS software, Nikon). To estimate the effect of in vitro culture on apoptosis, tissue sections were stained for nicked DNA (TUNEL) prior and after tissue culture. Results Analysing 3025 vital follicles, we observed significant differences [P < 0.01] regarding follicle size when hypoxic tissue culture was supplemented with HuFF compared with the control group on day 1, individual follicles reached sizes > 100 µm. Conclusions The results implicate that HuFF contains valuable factors contributing to significant IVG of follicles in human ovarian tissue and could be regarded as an additional tool in personalized fertility restoration prior to retransplantation of ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schallmoser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cara Färber
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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13
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Thuwanut P, Pimpin A, Thatsanabunjong F, Srisuwatanasagul S, Sereepapong W, Sirayapiwat P. A modified hydrostatic microfluidic pumpless device for in vitro murine ovarian tissue culture as research model for fertility preservation. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2022. [PMID: 35707972 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.22012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the efficacies of conventional and non-conventional (modified hydrostatic microfluidic pumpless device, MHPD) systems on ovarian tissue culture and in vitro follicle growth using a mouse model. A total of 56 ovarian cortical tissues retrieved from seven wild-type mice were divided into three groups: 1) fresh control, 2) conventional culture system (control), and 3) non-conventional system with MHPD. Ovarian tissues were cultured for 96 hours and evaluated for follicle morphology, developmental stage, intact follicle density, and relative gene expression levels (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, insulin like growth factor 1, BAX, and Bcl-2). Our major data demonstrated that the mean percentage of primary follicle development was increased by the MHPD (P<0.05). In addition, this device could maintain and support follicle development better than the conventional culture systems. However, the overall outcomes were not significantly improved by our first-design prototype. Consequently, next-generation platforms should be developed as alternative medical tools for fertility preservation research.
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14
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Abstract
Considerable progress has been made with the development of culture systems for the in vitro growth and maturation (IVGM) of oocytes from the earliest-staged primordial follicles and from the more advanced secondary follicles in rodents, ruminants, nonhuman primates, and humans. Successful oocyte production in vitro depends on the development of a dynamic culture strategy that replicates the follicular microenvironment required for oocyte activation and to support oocyte growth and maturation in vivo while enabling the coordinated and timely acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. Significant heterogeneity exists between the culture protocols used for different stages of follicle development and for different species. To date, the fertile potential of IVGM oocytes derived from primordial follicles has been realized only in mice. Although many technical challenges remain, significant advances have been made, and there is an increasing consensus that complete IVGM will require a dynamic, multiphase culture approach. The production of healthy offspring from in vitro-produced oocytes in a secondary large animal species is a vital next step before IVGM can be tested for therapeutic use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Picton
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom;
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15
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Bottini AL, Reis VMSFD, Capp E, Silva ISBD, Kliemann LM, Corleta HVE. Ovarian Tissue Culture to Preserve Fertility in Transgender Male Patients after Hormonal Treatment. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2022; 44:251-257. [PMID: 35139567 PMCID: PMC9948281 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reproductive and histological characteristics of fresh cultured ovarian tissue from transgender male patients. METHODS An in vitro pilot study in which samples were collected during sex reassignment surgery for transgender male patients. The ovarian cortex was cut into fragments of 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm, and placed in a 96-well plate suitable for cultivation at days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, when the histology was analyzed. RESULTS Stromal hyperplasia was observed in all samples, and it was not associated with the obtainment of primordial or primary follicles. Peripheral reduction in cell count was also a recurrent finding. Primordial and primary follicles were identified with a heterogeneous pattern in fragments from the same patient and from different patients, and follicles in more advanced stages of development (secondary and antral) were not found. There was an association between the diameter of the ovarian fragments and the identification of primary follicles (p = 0.036). The number of days in culture was associated with histological signs of tissue damaging in the fragments (p = 0.002). The total number of follicles identified in the samples with 2 mm in diameter was significantly lower than in those that measured 4 mm in diameter (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION A diameter of 4 mm is suitable for ovarian tissue culture with the benefit of ease of handling. Even after prolonged exposure to testosterone, the ovarian fragments presented primordial and primary follicles, maintaining viability throughout the days they were exposed to the culture. Freezing the ovarian cortex of transgender patients who will undergo surgery for gender reassignment would be an interesting option, in the future, for the preservation of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Leal Bottini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Edison Capp
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Ilma Simoni Brum da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Maria Kliemann
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil
| | - Helena von Eye Corleta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil.,Generar, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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16
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Ghezelayagh Z, Khoshdel-Rad N, Ebrahimi B. Human ovarian tissue in-vitro culture: primordial follicle activation as a new strategy for female fertility preservation. Cytotechnology 2022; 74:1-15. [PMID: 35185282 PMCID: PMC8816997 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-021-00510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue is the only fertility preservation option used for prepubertal girls and women who don't have a chance for embryo or oocyte vitrification. For women with aggressive cancer, hormone-responsive malignancies, autoimmune diseases, etc. ovary transplantation cannot be performed so an alternative technology called in-vitro follicle activation is thinkable. In this method, dormant primordial follicles are activated from the resting primordial pool by in-vitro culture and enter their growth phase. Different in-vitro culture media and supplements in addition to various culturing methods have been conducted for activating these dormant follicles. Furthermore, several signaling pathways such as Hippo, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and mTOR influence follicle activation. Therefore, the addition of different activators of these signaling pathways can beneficially regulate this culture system. This review summarizes the findings on different aspects of human ovarian tissue culture strategies for in-vitro follicular activation, their medium, and different factors involved in this activation. Afterward, signaling pathways important for follicle activation and their clinical applications towards improving activation in culture are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ghezelayagh
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Khoshdel-Rad
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Ebrahimi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Almeida JZ, Vieira LA, Maside C, Ferreira ACA, Sá NAR, Correia HHV, Araújo VR, Raposo RS, Smitz J, Campello CC, Figueiredo JR, Oriá RB. In vitro cytotoxic effects of 5-Fluorouracil on isolated murine ovarian preantral follicles. Theriogenology 2022; 178:60-66. [PMID: 34775200 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
5 fluorouracil (5FU), an antineoplastic drug, is often utilized in the therapeutic regimen for several types of cancer, including the hepatoblastoma in children. The effects of 5FU on the population of ovarian preantral follicles, which is the largest oocyte reservoir, is still poorly understood. The integrity of the ovarian preantral follicle pool is important for lifelong fertility. The better understanding of such effects may favor intervention strategies to protect fertility in 5FU-treated children and women coping with cancer. To analyze the effects of 5FU on isolated murine secondary follicles in vitro, ovaries were collected from young mice (28-30 days old), and secondary follicles were isolated and cultured for 12 days in basic culture medium, with or without 5FU at concentrations of 0.3 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM, 10 mM, and 30 mM. In the in vitro study, we analyzed the percentage of morphologically normal follicles, antrum formation, follicular diameter, and hormone production. On day 12, oocytes were recovered for in vitro maturation. 5FU treatment did not alter the percentage of morphologically normal follicles. On day 12, only 1, 10, and 30 mM 5FU significantly reduced the percentage of antrum. From day 4 onwards, 5FU treatments significantly reduced follicle diameter. The meiosis resumption rate was significantly lower in all 5FU treatments. 5FU concentrations ≥3 mM reduced estradiol levels. In conclusion, 5FU does not affect follicular morphology. However, 5FU deleteriously affects follicular growth, estradiol production, and oocyte maturation in isolated ovarian follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Z Almeida
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition (LABICONTE), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), 1315 Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | - L A Vieira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - C Maside
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - A C A Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - N A R Sá
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - H H V Correia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - V R Araújo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - R S Raposo
- Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), 1321 Av. Washington Soares, Fortaleza, CE, 60811-905, Brazil
| | - J Smitz
- Laboratory of Follicle Biology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, B-1090, Brazil
| | - C C Campello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceara (UECE), 1700 Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, Fortaleza, CE, 60741-000, Brazil.
| | - R B Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition (LABICONTE), Department of Morphology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), 1315 Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B Nagashima
- Centerfor Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrea M Hill
- Centerfor Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Centerfor Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
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19
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Pais AS, Reis S, Laranjo M, Caramelo F, Silva F, Botelho MF, Almeida-Santos T. The challenge of ovarian tissue culture: 2D versus 3D culture. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:147. [PMID: 34724957 PMCID: PMC8561954 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is a powerful technique for preserving female fertility, as it can restore fertility and endocrine function. To increase the longevity of the transplant and decrease the risk of reimplantation of neoplastic cells, several studies have been carried out with culture of ovarian tissue. The aim of this study was to compare a conventional (2D) culture with an alginate matrix three-dimensional (3D) model for ovarian tissue culture. RESULTS The ovarian tissue culture within the alginate matrix (3D) was similar to 2D culture, regarding follicular density and cell apoptosis in follicles and stroma. The proliferation rate remained stable in both models for follicles, but for stromal cell proliferation it decreased only in 3D culture (p = 0.001). At 24 h of culture, cytotoxicity was lower in the 3D model (p = 0.006). As culture time increased, cytotoxicity seemed similar. Degradation of the tissue was suggested by the histological score analysis of tissue morphology after 72 h of culture. Tissue injury was greater (p = 0.01) in 3D culture due to higher interstitial oedema (p = 0.017) and tissue necrosis (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION According to our results, 3D culture of ovarian tissue has no advantage over 2Dculture; it is more time consuming and difficult to perform and has worse reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Pais
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), E.P.E., Coimbra, Portugal.
- Obstetrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sandra Reis
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), E.P.E., Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), CIBB, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Laranjo
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fátima Silva
- Pathology Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), E.P.E., Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), E.P.E., Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), CIBB, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
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20
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Abstract
The female reproductive tract is a highly complex physiological system that consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. An enhanced understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of the tract will allow for the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, therapeutics, and screening strategies for female specific disorders. Traditional 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional static culture systems may not always reflect the cellular and physical contexts or physicochemical microenvironment necessary to understand the dynamic exchange that is crucial for the functioning of the reproductive system. Microfluidic systems present a unique opportunity to study the female reproductive tract, as these systems recapitulate the multicellular architecture, contacts between different tissues, and microenvironmental cues that largely influence cell structure, function, behavior, and growth. This review discusses examples, challenges, and benefits of using microfluidic systems to model ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and placenta. Additionally, this review also briefly discusses the use of these systems in studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and diseases such as ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedant V Bodke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
- Correspondence: Joanna E. Burdette, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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21
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Fan Y, Flanagan CL, Brunette MA, Jones AS, Baker BM, Silber SJ, Shikanov A. Fresh and cryopreserved ovarian tissue from deceased young donors yields viable follicles. F S Sci 2021; 2:248-258. [PMID: 35146457 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is one of the crucial options for fertility preservation. Transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue was proven to restore ovarian endocrine function in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. Ovaries from deceased donors potentially serve as an excellent and readily available tissue for the translational and basic research. In this study, we used ovaries obtained from 5 deceased donors aged 18-26 years, to evaluate the number and quality of ovarian follicles isolated before and after cryopreservation. DESIGN Preclinical. SETTING Academic biomedical research laboratory. PATIENTS De-identified deceased human donors. INTERVENTIONS Slow-freeze cryopreservation and thawing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Follicle count, follicle density, follicle viability using immunohistochemical staining (TUNEL). RESULTS The follicle density negatively correlated with age in both cryopreserved/thawed and fresh group. A total of 2803 follicles from fresh and 1608 follicles from cryopreserved tissues were classified and analyzed using Hematoxylin and eosin staining. There was no significant difference in the percent of morphologically normal follicles between two groups. TUNEL assay indicated no higher DNA damage in the follicles and the stroma cells after cryopreservation. Morphologically normal preantral follicles were enzymatically isolated from both fresh and cryopreserved tissue with 88.51 ± 5.93% (mean ± SD) of the isolated follicles confirmed viable using LIVE/DEAD evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the ovarian tissue from deceased donors maintain high quality after long time extracorporeal circulation and transportation from the hospital to the laboratory. High survival rate of follicles at different developmental stages suggested tolerance to the cryopreservation process. Human ovarian tissues obtained from deceased donors is an ample source tissue and can be applied to promoting research and future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Infertility Center of St Louis, St Luke's Hospital, St, Louis, MO 463017, USA
| | - Colleen L Flanagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Margaret A Brunette
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrea S Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Infertility Center of St Louis, St Luke's Hospital, St, Louis, MO 463017, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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22
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Abstract
Fertility preservation is the process of saving gametes, embryos, gonadal tissues and/or gonadal cells for individuals who are at risk of infertility due to disease, medical treatments, age, genetics, or other circumstances. Adult patients have the options to preserve eggs, sperm, or embryos that can be used in the future to produce biologically related offspring with assisted reproductive technologies. These options are not available to all adults or to children who are not yet producing mature eggs or sperm. Gonadal cells/tissues have been frozen for several thousands of those patients worldwide with anticipation that new reproductive technologies will be available in the future. Therefore, the fertility preservation medical and research communities are obligated to responsibly develop next-generation reproductive technologies and translate them into clinical practice. We briefly describe standard options to preserve and restore fertility, but the emphasis of this review is on experimental options, including an assessment of readiness for translation to the human fertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatchanan Doungkamchan
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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23
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Jiao Z, Bukulmez O. Potential roles of experimental reproductive technologies in infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2507-2517. [PMID: 34100154 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology treatment, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition of utmost clinical and scientific relevance because of its negative influence on patient outcomes. The current methods of infertility treatment may be unsuitable for many women with DOR, which support the need for development of additional approaches to achieve fertility restoration. Various techniques have been tried to improve the quality and increase the quantity of oocytes in DOR patients, including mitochondrial transfer, activation of primordial follicles, in vitro culture of follicles, and regeneration of oocytes from various stem cells. Herein, we review the science behind these experimental reproductive technologies and their potential use to date in clinical studies for infertility treatment in women with DOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Jiao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Fertility and Advanced Reproductive Medicine Assisted Reproductive Technologies Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Fertility and Advanced Reproductive Medicine Assisted Reproductive Technologies Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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24
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Kristensen SG, Duncan FE. Autonomous follicle growth and the production of mature human eggs in vitro: with or without the ovary? Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1163-1165. [PMID: 33681977 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Center for Women, Children, and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesca Elizabeth Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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25
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Vo KCT, Kawamura K. In Vitro Activation Early Follicles: From the Basic Science to the Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073785. [PMID: 33917468 PMCID: PMC8038686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of early follicles, especially the activation of primordial follicles, is strictly modulated by a network of signaling pathways. Recent advance in ovarian physiology has been allowed the development of several therapies to improve reproductive outcomes by manipulating early folliculogenesis. Among these, in vitro activation (IVA) has been recently developed to extend the possibility of achieving genetically related offspring for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysfunction. This method was established based on basic science studies of the intraovarian signaling pathways: the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the Hippo signaling pathways. These two pathways were found to play crucial roles in folliculogenesis from the primordial follicle to the early antral follicle. Following the results of rodent experiments, IVA was implemented in clinical practice. There have been multiple recorded live births and ongoing pregnancies. Further investigations are essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of IVA before used widely in clinics. This review aimed to summarize the published literature on IVA and provide future perspectives for its improvement.
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26
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Herta AC, Akin N, Billooye K, Saucedo-Cuevas L, Lolicato F, Segers I, Anckaert E, Smitz J. Reversing complete mechanical transzonal projections disruption during mouse in vitro follicle culture with unaltered oocyte competence†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1373-1385. [PMID: 33709109 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro oocyte growth is widely studied as an alternative fertility preservation approach. Several animal models are used to generate extensive information on this complex process regulated by the constant and dynamic interaction between the oocyte and its somatic compartment throughout follicle growth and maturation. A two-dimensional attachment mouse secondary follicle culture system was used to assess the oocyte's capacity to overcome disconnection from its somatic companions at different developmental stages for final competence acquisition. To test this, complete mechanical denudation of oocytes from preantral (PA) and early antral (EA) follicles was performed. Established endpoints were the oocyte's potential to reconnect with somatic cells and the impact of connectivity disruption on mature oocyte quality. This study proves that oocytes from PA and EA cultured mouse follicles can overcome complete denudation, restoring likely functional transzonal projections with no significant differences in meiotic and developmental competence compared with those from intact cultured follicles. These novel findings constitute good premises for developing successful strategies to rescue human oocyte competence in the context of in vitro culture approaches such as nonhuman chorionic gonadotropin triggered in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Segers
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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27
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Abstract
Androgens are important in female reproduction, but the molecular actions of androgens in female reproductive tissues are not fully understood. We investigated the androgen-responsive transcriptome in human and mouse granulosa cells (GCs) and surprisingly found that the gene-regulation activity of androgen receptor (AR) in these cells is negligible. We then investigated extranuclear actions of AR and found that in human and mouse GCs, as well as in prostate cancer cells, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) dramatically increases the half-life of its own receptor protein. Using the human granulosa-like KGN cells, we show that this effect is not the result of increased AR gene transcription or protein synthesis, nor is it fully abrogated by proteasome inhibition. Knockdown of PTEN, which contributes to degradation of cytoplasmic AR, did not diminish AR accumulation in the presence of DHT. Using immunofluorescence cellular localization studies, we show that nuclear AR is selectively protected from degradation in the presence of DHT. Knockdown of importin 7 expression, a potential regulator of AR nuclear import, does not affect DHT-mediated nuclear accumulation of AR, suggesting importin 7-independent nuclear import of AR in GCs. Further, DNA binding is not required for this protective mechanism. In summary, we show that ligand binding sequesters AR in the nucleus through enhanced nuclear localization independent of DNA binding, thereby protecting it from proteasome degradation in the cytoplasm. This phenomenon distinguishes AR from other sex steroid receptors and may have physiological significance through a positive feedback loop in which androgen induces its own activity in male and female reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Astapova
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Christina Seger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Stephen R Hammes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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28
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Abbassi L, El-Hayek S, Carvalho KF, Wang W, Yang Q, Granados-Aparici S, Mondadori R, Bordignon V, Clarke HJ. Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling uncouples germ cells from the somatic follicular compartment at ovulation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1438. [PMID: 33664246 PMCID: PMC7933413 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cells are physically coupled to somatic support cells of the gonad during differentiation, but this coupling must be disrupted when they are mature, freeing them to participate in fertilization. In mammalian females, coupling occurs via specialized filopodia that project from the ovarian follicular granulosa cells to the oocyte. Here, we show that signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the granulosa, which becomes activated at ovulation, uncouples the germ and somatic cells by triggering a massive and temporally synchronized retraction of the filopodia. Although EGFR signaling triggers meiotic maturation of the oocyte, filopodial retraction is independent of the germ cell state, being regulated solely within the somatic compartment, where it requires ERK-dependent calpain-mediated loss of filopodia-oocyte adhesion followed by Arp2/3-mediated filopodial shortening. By uncovering the mechanism regulating germ-soma uncoupling at ovulation, our results open a path to improving oocyte quality in human and animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Abbassi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephany El-Hayek
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karen Freire Carvalho
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Wusu Wang
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qin Yang
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Rafael Mondadori
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hugh J Clarke
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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29
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Vo KCT, Kawamura K. Ovarian Fragmentation and AKT Stimulation for Expansion of Fertile Lifespan. Front Reprod Health 2021; 3:636771. [PMID: 36304045 PMCID: PMC9580792 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.636771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first baby was born after in vitro fertilization, the female infertility treatment has been well-developed, yielding successful outcomes. However, successful pregnancies for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve are still difficult and diverse therapies have been suggested to improve the chances to have their genetically linked offspring. Recent studies demonstrated that the activation Akt pathway by using a phosphatase and tensin homolog enzyme inhibitor and a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase stimulator can activate dormant primordial follicles in both mice and human ovaries. Subsequent researches suggested that the disruption of Hippo signaling pathway by ovarian fragmentation increased the expression of downstream growth factors and secondary follicle growth. Based on the combination of ovarian fragmentation and Akt stimulation, the in vitro activation (IVA) approach has resulted in successful follicle growth and live births in premature ovarian insufficiency patients. The approach with disruption of Hippo signaling only was also shown to be effective for treating poor ovarian responders with diminishing ovarian reserve, including advanced age women and cancer patients undergoing sterilizing treatments. This review aims to summarize the effectiveness of ovarian fragmentation and Akt stimulation on follicle growth and the potential of IVA in extending female fertile lifespan.
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30
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Zhang S, Zhu D, Mei X, Li Z, Li J, Xie M, Xie HJW, Wang S, Cheng K. Advances in biomaterials and regenerative medicine for primary ovarian insufficiency therapy. Bioact Mater 2020; 6:1957-1972. [PMID: 33426370 PMCID: PMC7773538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an ovarian dysfunction that affects more than 1 % of women and is characterized by hormone imbalances that afflict women before the age of 40. The typical perimenopausal symptoms result from abnormal levels of sex hormones, especially estrogen. The most prevalent treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. However, HRT cannot restore ovarian functions, including secretion, ovulation, and fertility. Recently, as part of a developing field of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy has been proposed for the treatment of POI. Thus, we recapitulate the literature focusing on the use of stem cells and biomaterials for POI treatment, and sum up the underlying mechanisms of action. A thorough understanding of the work already done can aid in the development of guidelines for future translational applications and clinical trials that aim to cure POI by using regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering strategies. This paper illustrates the in-vivo, in-vitro, and cell-free treatments for POI using stem cells and biomaterials. We provide basic theories and suggestions for future research and clinical therapy translation. This review can help researcher to develop guidelines on stem cells treating POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, China. No.1 DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, PR China.,Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, NO.9 Dong Dan Santiao, Beijing, 100730, PR China.,Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Dashuai Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Xuan Mei
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Junlang Li
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Mengjie Xie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, China. No.1 DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, PR China.,Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, NO.9 Dong Dan Santiao, Beijing, 100730, PR China.,Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Halle Jiang Williams Xie
- Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, NO.9 Dong Dan Santiao, Beijing, 100730, PR China.,Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Shaowei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, China. No.1 DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, PR China.,Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, NO.9 Dong Dan Santiao, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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31
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Jones ASK, Shikanov A. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and novel bioengineering approaches for fertility preservation. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 2020; 12:351-360. [PMID: 33569092 PMCID: PMC7869826 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-020-00390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Breast cancer patients who cannot delay treatment or for whom hormone stimulation and egg retrieval are contraindicated require alternative methods of fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic treatment. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an alternative approach that may offer patients the opportunity to preserve fertility and carry biologically-related children later in life. Various experimental approaches are being explored to obtain mature gametes from cryopreserved and thawed ovarian tissue for fertilization and implantation using biomimetic tissue culture in vitro. Here we review the most recent developments in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and exciting advances in bioengineering approaches to in vitro tissue and ovarian follicle culture. RECENT FINDINGS Slow freezing is the most widely accepted method for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, but efforts have been made to modify vitrification for this application as well. Numerous approaches to in vitro tissue and follicle culture are in development, most prominently two-step culture systems for ovarian cortical tissue and encapsulation of ovarian follicles in biomimetic matrices for in vitro culture. SUMMARY Refinements to slow freeze and vitrification protocols continue to address challenges associated with cryopreservation, such as ice crystal formation and damage to the stroma. Similarly, improvements to in vitro tissue and follicle culture show promise for utilizing patients' cryopreserved tissues to obtain mature gametes after disease treatment and remission. Development of an effective and reproducible culture system for human ovarian follicles will serve as a broad assisted reproductive technology for cancer survivors who cryopreserved tissue prior to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S K Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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32
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Wall MA, Padmanabhan V, Shikanov A. Hormonal Stimulation of Human Ovarian Xenografts in Mice: Studying Folliculogenesis, Activation, and Oocyte Maturation. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5939202. [PMID: 33099627 PMCID: PMC7671278 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and banking provides a fertility preservation option for patients who cannot undergo oocyte retrieval; it is quickly becoming a critical component of assisted reproductive technology programs across the world. While the transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue has resulted in over 130 live births, the field has ample room for technological improvements. Specifically, the functional timeline of grafted tissue and each patient's probability of achieving pregnancy is largely unpredictable due to patient-to-patient variability in ovarian reserve, lack of a reliable method for quantifying follicle numbers within tissue fragments, potential risk of reintroduction of cancer cells harbored in ovarian tissues, and an inability to control follicle activation rates. This review focuses on one of the most common physiological techniques used to study human ovarian tissue transplantation, xenotransplantation of human ovarian tissue to mice and endeavors to inform future studies by discussing the elements of the xenotransplantation model, challenges unique to the use of human ovarian tissue, and novel tissue engineering techniques currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Anne Wall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Correspondence: Ariella Shikanov, PhD, 2126 LBME, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. E-mail:
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33
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Vilela JDMV, Dolmans MM, Amorim CA. Ovarian tissue transportation: a systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:351-365. [PMID: 33288476 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, some countries and fertility preservation networks have started adopting 24 h transportation for ovarian tissue, a practice that has the potential to spread very quickly due to the high costs and bureaucracy involved in the establishment of ovarian tissue cryobanks. While pregnancies and live births have been reported after such long periods of transportation, this, however, remains an empirical procedure. This review aims to prompt reflection on ovarian tissue transport, highlighting the lack of knowledge in humans by providing a counterpoint looking into more than 40 studies published in different animal models. By discussing these studies in animals, the findings of various models can be deciphered, and light shed on the patterns identified. Like the development of different assisted reproductive technology procedures, this is an important step in creating guidelines for future studies on human ovarian tissue transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christiani Andrade Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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34
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Bus A, Szymanska K, Pintelon I, Leroy JLMR, Leybaert L, Bols PEJ. Preservation of connexin 43 and transzonal projections in isolated bovine pre-antral follicles before and following vitrification. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 38:479-492. [PMID: 33159276 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gap junctions and transzonal projections play a crucial role in intercellular communication between different follicular components and are necessary for follicle development. We aimed to demonstrate gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) and transzonal projections (TZPs) in viable, category 1, isolated bovine pre-antral follicles (PAFs) during short-term culture and after vitrification and warming. METHODS This study involved four experimental groups: fresh control, 2-day culture, 4-day culture, and vitrified secondary PAFs. Isolated PAFs were vitrified using a simple and efficient cryopreservation method by means of mini cell strainers. RESULTS Cx43 and TZPs were detected in pre-antral follicles of all stages, as well as in every experimental group. The group fresh follicles showed a higher percentage of follicles that were positive for Cx43 (91.7%) than the follicles that were vitrified (77.4%). All follicles that were cultured for 2 days were Cx43-positive (100%). Follicles cultured for 4 days (65.8%) (P = 0.002) showed the lowest percentage of follicles that were Cx43-positive. The percentages of the presence or (partial) absence of the TZP network were shown to be very heterogeneous between follicles in different treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the maintenance of communication between the oocyte and the somatic companion cells after vitrification and warming. The varying percentages of the expression of the TZP network within groups suggests that it will be of interest to investigate whether this is truly due to variability in TZP integrity and follicle quality or due to methodological limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anniek Bus
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, U building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Szymanska
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences (BAMS), Physiology group, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, T building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, U building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences (BAMS), Physiology group, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter E J Bols
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, U building, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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35
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Cho HW, Lee S, Min KJ, Hong JH, Song JY, Lee JK, Lee NW, Kim T. Advances in the Treatment and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207792. [PMID: 33096794 PMCID: PMC7589665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to improvements in chemotherapeutic agents, cancer treatment efficacy and cancer patient survival rates have greatly improved, but unfortunately gonadal damage remains a major complication. Gonadotoxic chemotherapy, including alkylating agents during reproductive age, can lead to iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and loss of fertility. In recent years, the demand for fertility preservation has increased dramatically among female cancer patients. Currently, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are the only established options for fertility preservation in women. However, there is growing evidence for other experimental techniques including ovarian tissue cryopreservation, oocyte in vitro maturation, artificial ovaries, stem cell technologies, and ovarian suppression. To prevent fertility loss in women with cancer, individualized fertility preservation options including established and experimental techniques that take into consideration the patient’s age, marital status, chemotherapy regimen, and the possibility of treatment delay should be provided. In addition, effective multidisciplinary oncofertility strategies that involve a highly skilled and experienced oncofertility team consisting of medical oncologists, gynecologists, reproductive biologists, surgical oncologists, patient care coordinators, and research scientists are necessary to provide cancer patients with high-quality care.
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Vilela JDMV, Dolmans MM, Maruhashi E, Blackman MCNM, Sonveaux P, Miranda-Vilela AL, Amorim CA. Evidence of metabolic activity during low-temperature ovarian tissue preservation in different media. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2477-2486. [PMID: 32885380 PMCID: PMC7550475 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01935-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although ovarian tissue transportation has been validated for up to 24 h, there is no standard protocol to date. We aimed to elucidate how existing media currently used for ovarian tissue transportation affect ovarian tissue metabolism and cell viability. METHODS Cow ovarian fragments were immersed in 0.9% NaCl solution, IVF medium, Leibovitz 15 medium (L-15), or PBS for 1, 4, or 24 h at 4 °C. Media were analyzed for pH, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and glucose, pyruvate, and lactate concentrations, while apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assays in fixed fragments. Viability rates were assessed by flow cytometry (FACS). RESULTS There were lower pH levels in NaCl at all time points compared with other media. LDH activity increased with time and was lowest in NaCl at 1 and 4 h. There was no significant difference in glucose levels, but a significant pyruvate decrease in L-15 and a significant lactate increase in all media. TUNEL showed apoptosis rates ranging from 0 to 5%. FACS showed a mean of 4% necrotic cells and 15-19% apoptotic cells after 1 h of incubation, but less than 1% necrotic cells and 2-6% apoptotic cells after 24 h in all media. CONCLUSION Our results indicate marked metabolic activity in ovarian tissue at 4 °C and suggest that cells use internal sources of energy, which may influence transplantation outcomes. This highlights the importance of better understanding whole tissue dynamics to develop a standard protocol for ovarian tissue transportation. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice de M V Vilela
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emi Maruhashi
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marine C N M Blackman
- Pôle de Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pôle de Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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Pors SE, Ramløse M, Nikiforov D, Lundsgaard K, Cheng J, Andersen CY, Kristensen SG. Initial steps in reconstruction of the human ovary: survival of pre-antral stage follicles in a decellularized human ovarian scaffold. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1523-1535. [PMID: 31286144 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can a reconstructed ovary using decellularized human ovarian tissue (DCT) support survival of pre-antral stage follicles? SUMMARY ANSWER We have demonstrated an effective protocol for decellularization of human ovarian tissues and successful recellularization with isolated human ovarian cells and pre-antral follicles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Survivors of leukemia or ovarian cancer run a risk of reintroducing malignancy when cryopreserved ovarian tissue is transplanted to restore fertility. A reconstructed ovary free of malignant cells could provide a safe alternative. Decellularization of ovarian tissue removes all cells from the extracellular matrix (ECM) including possible malignancies and leaves behind a physiological scaffold. The ECM offers the complex milieu that facilitates the necessary interaction between ovarian follicles and their surroundings to ensure their growth and development. Previous studies have shown that decellularized bovine ovarian scaffolds supported murine follicle growth and restoration of ovarian function in ovariectomized mice. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Optimizing a decellularization protocol for human ovarian tissues and testing biofunctionality of the decellularized scaffolds in vitro and in vivo by reseeding with both murine and human pre-antral follicles and ovarian cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Donated human ovarian tissue and isolated pre-antral follicles were obtained from women undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation. Ovarian cortical and medullary tissues were decellularized using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for 3, 6, 18 and 24 hours followed by 24 hours of 1 mg/mL DNase treatment and washing. Decellularization of ovarian tissues and preservation of ECM were characterized by morphological evaluation using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, DNA quantification, histochemical quantification of collagen content and immunofluorescence analysis for collagen IA, laminin, fibronectin and DNA. Human ovarian stromal cells and isolated human pre-antral follicles were reseeded on the DCT and cultured in vitro. Isolated murine (N = 241) and human (N = 20) pre-antral follicles were reseeded on decellularized scaffolds and grafted subcutaneously to immunodeficient mice for 3 weeks. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Incubation in 0.1% SDS for 18-24 hours adequately decellularized both human ovarian medullary and cortical tissue by eliminating all cells and leaving the ECM intact. DNA content in DCT was decreased by >90% compared to native tissue samples. Histological examination using PAS staining confirmed that the cortical and medullary tissues were completely decellularized, and no visible nuclear material was found within the decellularized sections. DCT also stained positive for collagen I and collagen quantities in DCT constituted 88-98% of the individual baselines for native samples. Human ovarian stroma cells were able to recellularize the DCT and isolated human pre-antral follicles remained viable in co-culture. Xenotransplantation of DCT reseeded with human or murine pre-antral follicles showed, that the DCT was able to support survival of human follicles and growth of murine follicles, of which 39% grew to antral stages. The follicular recovery rates after three weeks grafting were low but similar for both human (25%) and murine follicles (21%). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further studies are needed to increase recovery and survival of the reseeded follicles. Longer grafting periods should be evaluated to determine the developmental potential of human follicles. Survival of the follicles might be impaired by the lack of stroma cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first time that isolated human follicles have survived in a decellularized human scaffold. Therefore, this proof-of-concept could be a potential new strategy to eliminate the risk of malignant cell re-occurrence in former cancer patients having cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplanted for fertility restoration. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study is part of the ReproUnion collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V ÖKS. Furthermore, Project ITN REP-BIOTECH 675526 funded by the European Union, European Joint Doctorate in Biology and Technology of the Reproductive Health, the Research Pools of Rigshospitalet, the Danish Cancer Foundation and Dagmar Marshalls Foundation are thanked for having funded this study. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and interpretation, or in the decision to submit the work for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Ramløse
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Nikiforov
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark.,University of Teramo, Teramo, Via Renato Balzarini, Italy
| | - K Lundsgaard
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Cheng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark.,People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, 6 Taoyuan Rd, Qingxiu Qu, Nanning City, Guangxi province, China Via Renato Balzarini, Teramo
| | - C Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
The development of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) specifically for felids has been propagated for two main reasons: (i) most felids are threatened and faced with extinction in all or part of their native habitats (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, www.catsg.org), and (ii) the domestic cat (Felis catus) can serve as a research model for the implementation of advanced assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to be applied in exotic cats. Domestic cat ovaries can be freshly obtained from veterinary clinics and are frequently used for research on preservation of genetic resources in feline species. The presented review will summarize recent advances and obstacles in biobanking of female genetic resources and discuss alternative approaches which are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Jewgenow
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jennifer Zahmel
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
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Vatanparast M, Moshrefi M, Yari N, Khalili MA, Macchiarelli G, Palmerini MG. Effective dosage of growth differentiation factor‐9β in folliculogenesis and angiogenesis in the sheep ovarian tissues grafted onto chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:1384-1392. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Vatanparast
- Molecular Medicine Research CenterRafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Rafsanjan Iran
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Mojgan Moshrefi
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research CenterYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Nahid Yari
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for InfertilityYazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of LifeHealth and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of LifeHealth and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila Italy
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Simon LE, Kumar TR, Duncan FE. In vitro ovarian follicle growth: a comprehensive analysis of key protocol variables†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:455-470. [PMID: 32406908 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is a complex process that requires integration of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors together with tightly regulated interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes for the growth and survival of healthy follicles. Culture of ovarian follicles is a powerful approach for investigating folliculogenesis and oogenesis in a tightly controlled environment. This method has not only enabled unprecedented insight into the fundamental biology of follicle development but also has far-reaching translational applications, including in fertility preservation for women whose ovarian follicles may be damaged by disease or its treatment or in wildlife conservation. Two- and three-dimensional follicle culture systems have been developed and are rapidly evolving. It is clear from a review of the literature on isolated follicle culture methods published over the past two decades (1980-2018) that protocols vary with respect to species examined, follicle isolation methods, culture techniques, culture media and nutrient and hormone supplementation, and experimental endpoints. Here we review the heterogeneity among these major variables of follicle culture protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah E Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - T Rajendra Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
Options for fertility preservation (FP) through cryopreservation methods are currently available for young adults, adolescents, and children. Guidelines for FP have been provided by international clinical societies, and emergency procedures aimed at FP have been implemented into clinical practice worldwide. In this article, we review the current data on clinical standards of emergency FP in patients who are facing gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment, and we also describe the methods that are still under development, usually denoted as experimental. In Sweden, programmes for FP have been established at large university hospitals, thus covering the whole country. The Swedish publicly financed health care covers both assisted reproduction for treatment of infertility and the cryopreservation of gametes or gonadal tissue when there is a medical indication, such as the risk to become infertile due to oncologic treatment; hence the access to FP is ensured for the whole population. At our centre at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, methods for FP have been offered since 1988. In this article, we also review the oncologic indications for FP in our patient cohort of >3000 individuals during the period 1988-2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- CONTACT Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, StockholmSE-141 86, Sweden
| | - Amandine Anastacio
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Vonheim
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Deen
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmros
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Birgit Borgström
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hosseini M, Salehpour S, Ghaffari Novin M, Shams Mofarahe Z, Abdollahifar MA, Piryaei A. Improvement of in situ Follicular Activation and Early Development in Cryopreserved Human Ovarian Cortical Tissue by Co-Culturing with Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 208:48-58. [PMID: 32203969 DOI: 10.1159/000506303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular loss and tissue degeneration are great challenges in ovarian tissue culture systems. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete a cocktail of growth factors and cytokines which supports adjacent cells and tissues. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of human bone marrow (hBM)-MSC, as co-culture cells, on human follicular development in ovarian cortical tissue (OCT) culture. For this purpose, warmed OCT fragments were co-cultured with hBM-MSC for 8 days and compared to monocultured OCT. During the culture period, ovarian follicle survival and development in the OCT were evaluated using histological observation, follicular developmental-related genes expression, and estradiol production. Furthermore, cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in conserved ovarian follicles with a normal morphology between the two groups. However, the percentage of developing follicles, as well as follicular developmental gene expression, significantly increased in the co-culture group compared to the monoculture group. On the other hand, compared with the monoculture group, the co-culture group demonstrated a significant increase in cell proliferation, indicated by Ki67 gene expression, as well as a dramatic decrease in apoptotic cell percentage, revealed by TUNEL assay. These findings indicated that co-culturing of hBM-MSC with OCT could improve follicular activation and early follicular development in human ovarian tissue culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Hosseini
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saghar Salehpour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventative Gynecology Research Center (PGRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,IVF Center, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, .,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,
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Pinto Y, Alves KA, Alves BG, Souza SS, Brandão FAS, Lima LF, Freitas VJF, Rodrigues APR, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL, Teixeira DIA. Heterotopic ovarian allotransplantation in goats: Preantral follicle viability and tissue remodeling. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106310. [PMID: 32216933 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An appropriate implantation site favors angiogenesis and avoids ovarian tissue damage after tissue grafting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) sites for ovarian grafts in goats by evaluating follicular morphology and activation, preantral follicle and stromal cell densities, tissue DNA fragmentation, collagen types I and III depositions, and graft revascularizations. Ovarian cortical tissue was transplanted in IM or SC sites and recovered 7 or 15 days post-transplantation. There was a greater percentage of developing follicles and lesser follicular and stromal cell densities in all grafted tissues as compared to ovarian tissues of the control group. The stromal cell density and percentage of normal follicles were positively associated. At 15 days post-transplantation, tissues at the SC and IM sites had similar amounts of DNA fragmentation and type III collagen content. In contrast, tissues at the SC, as compared with IM site, had greater abundances of collagen type I. Furthermore, there was a positive association between collagen type I and percentage of morphologically normal follicles post-transplantation. In addition to a marked decrease in follicular density 15 days post-transplantation in ovarian grafts at the SC and IM sites, low percentages of normal follicles and follicular activation were observed similarly in both transplantation sites. There were also positive associations of stromal cell density and abundance of type I collagen fibers with the percentage of intact follicles in grafted ovarian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yago Pinto
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Kele A Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Benner G Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Samara S Souza
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Fabiana A S Brandão
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Laritza F Lima
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula R Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - José R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.
| | - Dárcio I A Teixeira
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Fertility preservation in patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapy or gonadectomy: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:1022-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
Microfluidic-based technology attracts great interest in cell biology and medicine, in virtue of the ability to better mimic the in vivo cell microenvironment compared to conventional macroscale cell culture platforms. Recent Organs-on-chip (OoC) models allow to reproduce in vitro tissue and organ-level functions of living organs and systems. These models have been applied for the study of specific functions of the female reproductive tract, which is composed of several organs interconnected through intricate endocrine pathways and communication mechanisms. To date, a disease and toxicology study of this system has been difficult to perform. Thus, there is a compelling need to develop innovative platforms for the generation of disease model and for performing drug toxicity/screening in vitro studies. This review is focused on the analysis of recently published OoC models that recreate pathological and physiological characteristics of the female reproductive organs and tissues. These models aim to be used to assess changes in metabolic activity of the specific cell types and the effect of exposure to hormonal treatment or chemical substances on some aspects of reproduction and fertility. We examined these models in terms of device specifications, operating procedures, accuracy for studying the biochemical and functional activity of living tissues and the paracrine signalling that occurs within the different tissues. These models represent a powerful tool for understanding important diseases and syndromes affecting women all around the world. Immediate adoption of these models will allow to clarify diseases, causes and adverse events occurring during pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, infertility or preterm birth, endometriosis and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Mancini
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Virginia Pensabene
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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De Roo C, Tilleman K, Vercruysse C, Declercq H, T'Sjoen G, Weyers S, De Sutter P. Texture profile analysis reveals a stiffer ovarian cortex after testosterone therapy: a pilot study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1837-1843. [PMID: 31327130 PMCID: PMC6730976 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The importance of the surrounding ovarian stromal cells and extracellular matrix in the development and maturation of follicles has recently gained attention. An aberrant extracellular matrix has been described in ovaries of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome where a more rigid structural environment, possibly induced by endogenous testosterone, impairs normal folliculogenesis. In this context, we describe the textural parameters of the ovarian cortex of transgender men after prolonged testosterone administration compared to the textural parameters of the non-exposed ovarian cortex originating from female oncological patients. Methods Texture profile analysis (TPA) was performed on ovarian cortex (5 × 5 mm) of oncological and transgender patients in order to measure stiffness, hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness of the ovarian cortex (LRXplus universal testing system). Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measurements mixed models and the Spearman rank order correlation test (IBM SPSS Statistics 23). Results A total of 36 frozen-thawed cortical strips (5 × 5 mm) were subjected to TPA. The superficial part of cortex fragments originating from transgender persons (fragments < 1.4 mm; N = 10) appeared to be significantly stiffer compared to cortex derived from oncology patients (fragments < 1.4 mm; N = 7) (6.78 ± 1.38 N/mm versus 5.41 ± 0.9 N/mm respectively, p = 0.036). Conclusions This is the first application of TPA in ovarian cortex to study the physical properties. Comparing the physical properties, we objectively describe an increased cortical stiffness in the most outer part of the ovarian cortex following prolonged testosterone administration in transgender men compared to the ovarian cortex of oncological patients. This preliminary and novel approach could be the start of future research to understand the physical properties of ovarian tissue. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-019-01513-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C De Roo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - K Tilleman
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - C Vercruysse
- Bio print Core Facility, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Declercq
- Bio print Core Facility, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Weyers
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Catapano G, Fragomeni G, Falvo D’urso Labate G, De Napoli L, Barbato V, Di Nardo M, Costanzo V, Capriglione T, Gualtieri R, Talevi R. Do Bioreactor Designs with More Efficient Oxygen Supply to Ovarian Cortical Tissue Fragments Enhance Follicle Viability and Growth In Vitro? Processes (Basel) 2019; 7:450. [DOI: 10.3390/pr7070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is currently the main option to preserve fertility for cancer patients. To avoid cancer cell reintroduction at transplantation, a multi-step culture system has been proposed to obtain fully competent oocytes for in vitro fertilization. Current in vitro systems are limited by the low number and health of secondary follicles produced during the first step culture of ovarian tissue fragments. To overcome such limitations, bioreactor designs have been proposed to enhance oxygen supply to the tissue, with inconsistent results. This retrospective study investigates, on theoretical grounds, whether the lack of a rational design of the proposed bioreactors prevented the full exploitation of follicle growth potential. Methods: Models describing oxygen transport in bioreactors and tissue were developed and used to predict oxygen availability inside ovarian tissue in the pertinent literature. Results: The proposed theoretical analysis suggests that a successful outcome is associated with enhanced oxygen availability in the cultured tissue in the considered bioreactor designs. This suggests that a rational approach to bioreactor design for ovarian tissue culture in vitro may help exploit tissue potential to support follicle growth.
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Cao H, Lin W. A Systematic Study on Reproductive Endocrine Function Recovery From Subcutaneous Ovarian Autotransplantation in Mice After 2 Weeks. Transplant Proc 2019; 51:2099-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Bus A, Langbeen A, Martin B, Leroy JLMR, Bols PEJ. Is the pre-antral ovarian follicle the 'holy grail'for female fertility preservation? Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:119-30. [PMID: 31208845 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is not only a concern for humans with compromised fertility after cancer treatment. The preservation of genetic material from endangered animal species or animals with important genetic traits will also greatly benefit from the development of alternative fertility preservation strategies. In humans, embryo cryopreservation and mature-oocyte cryopreservation are currently the only approved methods for fertility preservation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is specifically indicated for prepubertal girls and women whose cancer treatment cannot be postponed. The cryopreservation of pre-antral follicles (PAFs) is a safer alternative for cancer patients who are at risk of the reintroduction of malignant cells. As PAFs account for the vast majority of follicles in the ovarian cortex, they represent an untapped potential, which could be cultivated for reproduction, preservation, or research purposes. Vitrification is being used more and more as it seems to yield better results compared to slow freezing, although protocols still need to be optimized for each specific cell type and species. Several methods can be used to assess follicle quality, ranging from simple viability stains to more complex xenografting procedures. In vitro development of PAFs to the pre-ovulatory stage has not yet been achieved in humans and larger animals. However, in vitro culture systems for PAFs are under development and are expected to become available in the near future. This review will focus on recent developments in (human) fertility preservation strategies, which are often accomplished by the use of in vitro animal models due to ethical considerations and the scarcity of human research material.
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Moraes CCD, Marinho VFW, Campos ALM, Guedes JDS, Xavier ÉBDS, Caetano JPJ, Marinho RM. Oocyte cryopreservation for future fertility: comparison of ovarian response between cancer and non-cancer patients. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:91-98. [PMID: 30875168 PMCID: PMC6501752 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess whether a diagnosis of cancer interferes with
ovarian function prior to the treatment of the disease. Methods: This observational retrospective study used data from medical records of
ovarian stimulation cycles performed for purposes of oocyte
cryopreservation. Results: The included patients had a mean age of 35.13±3.72 years and 51.6% of
them were aged between 36 and 40 years. More than half of the patients
(57.6%) were single and 82.1% had a normal body mass index (BMI). Most women
had not become pregnant (85.5%) or had babies (95.1%) or miscarriages
(89.6%) prior to cryopreservation. The mean number of oocytes obtained from
non-cancer patients was 11.4±8, while for cancer patients the number
was 13.8±9. The mean number of frozen mature oocytes was 9.7±7
for the non-cancer group and 11.2±7.2 for the cancer group. The
majority (63.1%) of the patients had up to 10 oocytes frozen per cycle.
Breast cancer had the highest incidence among the included patients. There
was no significant difference in ovarian response between patients with
different types of cancer. Conclusion: The number of harvested and frozen oocytes from cancer and non-cancer
patients indicated that in the two groups response to ovarian stimulation
was similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cruz de Moraes
- Pró-Criar Medicina Reprodutiva, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Faculdade Ciências Médicas Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Luísa Menezes Campos
- Pró-Criar Medicina Reprodutiva, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Faculdade Ciências Médicas Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Érica Becker de Sousa Xavier
- Pró-Criar Medicina Reprodutiva, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Mello Marinho
- Pró-Criar Medicina Reprodutiva, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Faculdade Ciências Médicas Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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