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Zhang J, Sun J, Ou M, Ouyang Y, Shi D, Lu F. Testosterone Supplementation Promotes Estrogen Synthesis of Buffalo Cumulus Cells Surrounding In Vitro-Matured Oocytes. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:79-84. [PMID: 38579133 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0121] [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] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cumulus cells (CCs) synthesize estrogens that are essential for follicular development. However, the effects of androgen on estrogen production in buffalo CCs remain unknown. In the present study, the impacts of testosterone on estrogen synthesis of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes were investigated. The results showed that testosterone supplementation improved both the expression levels of estrogen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and 17β-HSD) and the secretion levels of estradiol in buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes. Furthermore, testosterone treatment enhanced the sensitivity of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This study indicated that testosterone supplementation promoted the estrogen synthesis of buffalo CCs surrounding in vitro-matured oocytes mainly through strengthening the responsiveness of CCs to FSH. The present study serves as a foundation of acquiring high-quality recipient oocytes for buffalo somatic cell nuclear transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Junming Sun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Meizhen Ou
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yiqiang Ouyang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fenghua Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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2
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Bøtkjær JA, Kristensen SG, Olesen HØ, Larsson P, Mannaerts B, Andersen CY. Corrigendum: Dose-dependent stimulation of human follicular steroidogenesis by a novel rhCG during ovarian stimulation with fixed rFSH dosing. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1397017. [PMID: 38577569 PMCID: PMC10993000 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1397017] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1004596.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Alrø Bøtkjær
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanna Ørnes Olesen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Larsson
- Global Biometrics, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernadette Mannaerts
- Reproductive Medicine & Maternal Health, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Faizal AM, Elias MH, Jin NM, Abu MA, Syafruddin SE, Zainuddin AA, Suzuki N, Karim AKA. Unravelling the role of HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 gene expression in cumulus cells: implications for human oocyte development competency - a systematic review and integrated bioinformatic analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1274376. [PMID: 38524634 PMCID: PMC10957552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1274376] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The leading indicator for successful outcomes in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the quality of gametes in oocytes and sperm. Thus, advanced research aims to highlight the parameter in assessing these qualities - DNA fragmentation in sperm and oocyte development capacity (ODC) via evaluation of microenvironments involving its maturation process. Regarding oocytes, most evidence reveals the role of cumulus cells as non-invasive methods in assessing their development competency, mainly via gene expression evaluation. Our review aims to consolidate the evidence of GDF-9 derivatives, the HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 gene expression in cumulus cells used as ODC markers in relevant publications and tailored to current IVF outcomes. In addition to that, we also added the bioinformatic analysis in our review to strengthen the evidence aiming for a better understanding of the pathways and cluster of the genes of interest - HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 in cumulus cell level. Otherwise, the current non-invasive method can be used in exploring various causes of infertility that may affect these gene expressions at the cumulus cell level. Nevertheless, this method can also be used in assessing the ODC in various cohorts of women or as an improvement of markers following targeted tools or procedures by evaluating the advancement of these gene expressions following the targeted intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mohd Faizal
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marjanu Hikmah Elias
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Norazilah Mat Jin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Azrai Abu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ani Amelia Zainuddin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, St Marianna School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sachs MK, Makieva S, Velasco Gil A, Xie M, Ille F, Salvadori V, Schmidhauser M, Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ulbrich SE, Leeners B. Transcriptomic signature of luteinized cumulus cells of oocytes developing to live birth after women received intracytoplasmic sperm injection. F S Sci 2024; 5:24-38. [PMID: 38036000 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.11.004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the transcriptome of human cumulus cells (CCs) from oocytes with different outcomes (pregnancy yes/no, live birth [LB] yes/no), to identify noninvasive biomarkers for oocyte selection as well as new therapeutic targets to increase LB rates from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTINGS This study was conducted at a University Hospital in Switzerland. PATIENTS Subfertile couples undergoing controlled ovarian superstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with subsequent unbiopsied embryo transfer below the female age of 43 years. INTERVENTION(S) RNA sequencing of CCs from oocytes results in a pregnancy, no pregnancy, LB, or no LB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differential gene expression (DEG) between CCs of oocytes results in "no pregnancy" vs. "pregnancy" and "pregnancy only" vs. "live birth." RESULTS Although RNA sequencing did not reveal DEGs when comparing the transcriptomic profiles of the groups "no pregnancy" with "pregnancy," we identified 139 DEGs by comparing "pregnancy only" with "live birth," of which 28 belonged to clusters relevant to successful ART outcomes (i.e., CTGF, SERPINE2, PCK1, HHIP, HS3ST, and BIRC5). A functional enrichment analysis revealed that the transcriptome of CCs associated with LB depicts pathways of extracellular matrix, inflammatory cascades leading to ovulation, cell patterning, proliferation, and differentiation, and silencing pathways leading to apoptosis. CONCLUSION We identified a CCs transcriptomic profile associated with LB after embryo transfer that, after further validation, could serve to predict successful ART outcomes. The definition of relevant pathways of CCs related to oocyte competency contributes to a broader understanding of the cumulus oocyte complex and helps identify further therapeutic targets for improving ART success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike K Sachs
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sofia Makieva
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Velasco Gil
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ille
- Center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Obermattweg, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Salvadori
- Center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Obermattweg, Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Meret Schmidhauser
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mara D Saenz-de-Juano
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne E Ulbrich
- ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ma RJ, Zhang M, Wu JS, Wang ZP, Wang GL, He N, Luo MJ, Tan JH. Role of miRNAs in glucose metabolism of mouse cumulus cells. Biol Reprod 2024:ioae013. [PMID: 38267362 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae013] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
It is known that the oocyte has a limited capacity to acquire and metabolize glucose, and it must rely on cumulus cells (CCs) to take up glucose and produce pyruvate for use to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. We therefore propose that miRNAs might regulate glucose metabolism (GM) in CCs and might be used as markers for oocyte quality assessment. Here, mouse CC models with impaired glycolysis or pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were established, and miRNAs targeting the key enzymes in glycolysis/PPP were predicted using the miRNA target prediction databases. Expression of the predicted miRNAs was compared between CCs with normal and impaired glycolysis/PPP to identify candidate miRNAs. Function of the candidate miRNAs was validated by transfecting CCs or cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) with miRNA inhibitors and observing effects on glucose metabolites of CCs and on competence of oocytes. The results validated that miR-23b-3p, let-7b-5p, 34b-5p and 145a-5p inhibited glycolysis, and miR-24-3p, 3078-3p,183-5p and 7001-5p inhibited PPP of CCs. Our observation using a more physiologically relevant model (intact cultured COCs) further validated the 4 glycolysis-targeting miRNAs we identified. Furthermore, miR-let-7b-5p, 34b-5p and 145a-5p may also inhibit PPP, as they decreased production of glucose-6-phosphate. In conclusion, miRNAs play critical roles in GM of CCs and may be used as markers for oocyte quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Ma
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Shun Wu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Nan He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Jiu Luo
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, P. R. China
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Shirafuta Y, Tamura I, Shiroshita A, Fujimura T, Maekawa R, Taketani T, Sugino N. Analysis of cell-cell interaction between mural granulosa cells and cumulus granulosa cells during ovulation using single-cell RNA sequencing data of mouse ovary. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12564. [PMID: 38361634 PMCID: PMC10867398 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12564] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We investigated the interactions between mural granulosa cells (MGCs) and cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) during ovulation after the LH surge. Methods We performed clustering, pseudotime, and interactome analyses utilizing reported single-cell RNA sequencing data of mouse ovary at 6 h after eCG-hCG injection. Results Clustering analysis classified granulosa cells into two distinct populations, MGCs and CGCs. Pseudotime analysis divided granulosa cells into before and after the LH surge, and further divided them into two branches, the ovulatory MGCs and the ovulatory CGCs. Interactome analysis was performed to identify the interactions between MGCs and CGCs. Twenty-six interactions were acting from CGCs toward MGCs, involving ovulation and steroidogenesis. Thirty-six interactions were acting from MGCs toward CGCs, involving hyaluronan synthesis. There were 25 bidirectional interactions, involving the EGFR pathway. In addition, we found three novel interactions: Ephrins-Ephs pathway and Wnt-Lrp6 pathway from CGCs to MGCs, associated with steroidogenesis and lipid transport, respectively, and TGF-β-TGFBR1 pathway from MGCs to CGCs, associated with hyaluronan synthesis. Conclusions MGCs and CGCs interact with each other in the preovulatory follicle after the LH surge, and their interactions have roles in corpus luteum formation, oocyte maturation, and follicle rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Shirafuta
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Isao Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Amon Shiroshita
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Taishi Fujimura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Ryo Maekawa
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Toshiaki Taketani
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Norihiro Sugino
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
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Okamoto A, Nakanishi T, Tonai S, Shimada M, Yamashita Y. Neurotensin induces sustainable activation of the ErbB-ERK1/2 pathway, which is required for developmental competence of oocytes in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12571. [PMID: 38510925 PMCID: PMC10951886 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12571] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose LH induces the expression of EGF-like factors and their shedding enzyme (ADAM17) in granulosa cells (GCs), which is essential for ovulation via activation of the ErbB-ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells (CCs). Neurotensin (NTS) is reported as a novel regulator of ovulation, whereas the NTS-induced maturation mechanism in oocytes remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the role of NTS in the expression of EGF-like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity, during oocyte maturation and ovulation in mice. Methods The expression and localization in GC and CC were examined. Next, hCG and NTS receptor 1 antagonist (SR) were injected into eCG-primed mice, and the effects of SR on ERK1/2 phosphorylation were investigated. Finally, we explored the effects of SR on the expression of EGF-like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity in GC and CC. Results NTS was significantly upregulated in GC and CC following hCG injection. SR injection suppressed oocyte maturation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. SR also downregulated part of the expression of EGF-like factors and their receptors, and ADAM17 activity. Conclusions NTS induces oocyte maturation through the sustainable activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway by upregulating part of the EGF-like factor-induced pathway during oocyte maturation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Okamoto
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for LifeHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐HiroshimaJapan
| | - Tomoya Nakanishi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
| | - Shingo Tonai
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for LifeHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐HiroshimaJapan
| | - Yasuhisa Yamashita
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaShobaraJapan
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Liu J, Zhang J, Zheng Y, Zhao G, Jiang H, Yuan B. miR-302d Targeting of CDKN1A Regulates DNA Damage and Steroid Hormone Secretion in Bovine Cumulus Cells. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2195. [PMID: 38137018 PMCID: PMC10743266 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122195] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: DNA damage in cumulus cells hinders oocyte maturation and affects steroid hormone secretion. It is crucial to identify the key factors that regulate cellular DNA damage and steroid hormone secretion. (2) Methods: Treatment of bovine cumulus cells with bleomycin to induce DNA damage. The effects of DNA damage on cell biology were determined by detecting changes in DNA damage degree, cell cycle, viability, apoptosis, and steroid hormones. It was verified that mir-302d targeted regulation of CDKN1A expression, and then affected DNA damage and steroid hormone secretion in cumulus cells. (3) Results: Bleomycin induced increased DNA damage, decreased G1-phase cells, increased S-phase cells, inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis, affected E2 and P4 secretion, increased CDKN1A expression, and decreased miR-302d expression. Knockdown of CDKN1A reduced DNA damage, increased G1-phase cells, decreased G2-phase cells, promoted proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, increased E2 and P4 secretion, and increased the expression of BRCA1, MRE11, ATM, CDK1, CDK2, CCNE2, STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1. The expression of RAD51, CCND1, p53, and FAS was decreased. Overexpression of CDKN1A resulted in the opposite results. miR-302d targets CDKN1A expression to regulate DNA damage and then affects the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, steroid hormone secretion, and the expression of related genes. (4) Conclusions: miR-302d and CDKN1A were candidate molecular markers for the diagnosis of DNA damage in bovine cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (J.L.); (J.Z.); (G.Z.); (H.J.)
- Experimental Testing Center, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (J.L.); (J.Z.); (G.Z.); (H.J.)
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (J.L.); (J.Z.); (G.Z.); (H.J.)
| | - Guokun Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (J.L.); (J.Z.); (G.Z.); (H.J.)
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (J.L.); (J.Z.); (G.Z.); (H.J.)
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (J.L.); (J.Z.); (G.Z.); (H.J.)
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Miglietta S, Cristiano L, Battaglione E, Macchiarelli G, Nottola SA, De Marco MP, Costanzi F, Schimberni M, Colacurci N, Caserta D, Familiari G. Heavy Metals in Follicular Fluid Affect the Ultrastructure of the Human Mature Cumulus-Oocyte Complex. Cells 2023; 12:2577. [PMID: 37947655 PMCID: PMC10650507 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that exposure to heavy metal such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has several adverse effects, particularly on the human reproductive system. Pb and Cd have been associated with infertility in both men and women. In pregnant women, they have been associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and impairment of the development of the fetus. Since these heavy metals come from both natural and anthropogenic activities and their harmful effects have been observed even at low levels of exposure, exposure to them remains a public health issue, especially for the reproductive system. Given this, the present study aimed to investigate the potential reproductive effects of Pb and Cd levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women and non-smokers exposed to heavy metals for professional reasons or as a result of living in rural areas near landfills and waste disposal areas in order to correlate the intrafollicular presence of these metals with possible alterations in the ultrastructure of human cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which are probably responsible for infertility. Blood and FF metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. COCs corresponding to each FF analyzed were subjected to ultrastructural analyses using transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrated for the first time that intrafollicular levels of Pb (0.66 µg/dL-0.85 µg/dL) and Cd (0.26 µg/L-0.41 µg/L) could be associated with morphological alterations of both the oocyte and cumulus cells' (CCs) ultrastructure. Since blood Cd levels (0.54 µg/L-1.87 µg/L) were above the current reference values established by the guidelines of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (0.4 µg/L), whereas blood Pb levels (1.28 µg/dL-3.98 µg/dL) were below the ATSDR reference values (≤5 µg/dL), we believe that these alterations could be due especially to Cd, even if we cannot exclude a possible additional effect of Pb. Our results highlighted that oocytes were affected in maturation and quality, whereas CCs showed scarcely active steroidogenic elements. Regressing CCs, with cytoplasmic alterations, were also numerous. According to Cd's endocrine-disrupting activity, the poor steroidogenic activity of CCs might correlate with delayed oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. So, we conclude that levels of heavy metals in the blood and the FF might negatively affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy, compromising oocyte competence in fertilization both directly and indirectly, impairing CC steroidogenic activity, and inducing CC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Maria Paola De Marco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Mauro Schimberni
- GENERA Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Department of Woman Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
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Martínez-Moro Á, González-Brusi L, Querejeta-Fernández A, Padilla-Ruiz E, García-Blanco J, Bermejo-Álvarez P. Metabolomics analysis of human cumulus cells obtained from cumulus-oocyte complexes with different developmental potential. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2187-2195. [PMID: 37697661 PMCID: PMC10628504 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead181] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the abundance of certain biochemical compounds in human cumulus cells (CCs) related to oocyte quality? SUMMARY ANSWER Malonate, 5-oxyproline, and erythronate were positively associated with pregnancy potential. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CCs are removed and discarded prior to ICSI, thereby constituting an interesting biological material on which to perform molecular analysis aimed to predict oocyte developmental competence. Mitochondrial DNA content and transcriptional analyses in CC have been shown to provide a poor predictive value of oocyte competence, but the untargeted analysis of biochemical compounds (metabolomics) has been unexplored. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION CCs were obtained from three groups of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) of known developmental potential: oocytes not developing to blastocyst following ICSI (Bl-); oocytes developing to blastocyst but failing to establish pregnancy following embryo transfer (P-); and oocytes developing to blastocyst able to establish a pregnancy (P+). Metabolomics analyses were performed on 12 samples per group, each sample comprising the CC recovered from a single COC. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human CC samples were obtained from IVF treatments. Only unfrozen oocytes and embryos not submitted to preimplantation genetic testing were included in the analysis. Metabolomics analysis was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The analysis identified 98 compounds, five of which were differentially abundant (P < 0.05) between groups: asparagine, proline, and malonate were less abundant in P- compared to Bl-, malonate and 5-oxoproline were less abundant in P- group compared to P+, and erythronate was less abundant in Bl- group compared to P+. No significant association between the abundance of the compounds identified and donor age or BMI was noted. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data dispersion and the lack of coherence between developmental groups preclude the direct use of metabolic markers in clinical practice, where the uterine environment plays a major role in pregnancy outcome. The abundance of other compounds not detected by the analysis may be associated with oocyte competence. As donors were lean (only two with BMI > 30 kg/m2) and young (<34 years old), a possible effect of obesity or advanced age on the CC metabolome could not be determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The abundance of malonate, 5-oxyproline, and erythronate in CC was significantly higher in COCs ultimately establishing pregnancy, providing clues on the pathways required for oocyte competence. The untargeted analysis uncovered the presence of compounds that were not expected in CC, such as β-citrylglutamate and the neurotransmitter N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, which may play roles in chromatin remodeling and signaling, respectively. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research was supported by the Industrial Doctorate Project IND2017/BIO-7748 funded by Madrid Region Government. The authors declare no competing interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Martínez-Moro
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- IVF Spain, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Querejeta-Fernández
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Tutt DAR, Guven-Ates G, Kwong WY, Simmons R, Sang F, Silvestri G, Canedo-Ribeiro C, Handyside AH, Labrecque R, Sirard MA, Emes RD, Griffin DK, Sinclair KD. Developmental, cytogenetic and epigenetic consequences of removing complex proteins and adding melatonin during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1280847. [PMID: 38027209 PMCID: PMC10647927 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1280847] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro maturation (IVM) of germinal vesicle intact oocytes prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) is practiced widely in animals. In human assisted reproduction it is generally reserved for fertility preservation or where ovarian stimulation is contraindicated. Standard practice incorporates complex proteins (CP), in the form of serum and/or albumin, into IVM media to mimic the ovarian follicle environment. However, the undefined nature of CP, together with batch variation and ethical concerns regarding their origin, necessitate the development of more defined formulations. A known component of follicular fluid, melatonin, has multifaceted roles including that of a metabolic regulator and antioxidant. In certain circumstances it can enhance oocyte maturation. At this stage in development, the germinal-vesicle intact oocyte is prone to aneuploidy and epigenetic dysregulation. Objectives To determine the developmental, cytogenetic and epigenetic consequences of removing CP and including melatonin during bovine IVM. Materials and methods The study comprised a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement comparing (i) the inclusion or exclusion of CP, and (ii) the addition (100 nM) or omission of melatonin, during IVM. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were retrieved from stimulated cycles. Following IVM and IVF, putative zygotes were cultured to Day 8 in standard media. RNAseq was performed on isolated cumulus cells, cytogenetic analyses (SNP-based algorithms) on isolated trophectoderm cells, and DNA methylation analysis (reduced representation bisulfite sequencing) on isolated cells of the inner-cell mass. Results Removal of CP during IVM led to modest reductions in blastocyst development, whilst added melatonin was beneficial in the presence but detrimental in the absence of CP. The composition of IVM media did not affect the nature or incidence of chromosomal abnormalities but cumulus-cell transcript expression indicated altered metabolism (primarily lipid) in COCs. These effects preceded the establishment of distinct metabolic and epigenetic signatures several days later in expanded and hatching blastocysts. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of lipid, particularly sterol, metabolism by the COC during IVM. They lay the foundation for future studies that seek to develop chemically defined systems of IVM for the generation of transferrable embryos that are both cytogenetically and epigenetically normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond A. R. Tutt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Gizem Guven-Ates
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Wing Yee Kwong
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Simmons
- Paragon Veterinary Group, Carlisle, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Sang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alan H. Handyside
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marc-André Sirard
- CRDSI, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Richard D. Emes
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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Luongo FP, Perez Casasus S, Haxhiu A, Barbarulo F, Scarcella M, Governini L, Piomboni P, Scarica C, Luddi A. Exposure to Cumulus Cell Secretome Improves Sperm Function: New Perspectives for Sperm Selection In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:2349. [PMID: 37830563 PMCID: PMC10571658 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192349] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the literature, there is a well-known correlation between poor semen quality and DNA sperm integrity, which can turn into negative outcomes in terms of embryo development and clinical pregnancy. Sperm selection plays a pivotal role in clinical practice, and the most widely used methods are mainly based on sperm motility and morphology. The cumulus oophorus complex (COC) during natural fertilization represents a barrier that spermatozoa must overcome to reach the zona pellucida and fertilize the oocyte. Spermatozoa that can pass through the COC have better structural and metabolic characteristics as well as enhanced acrosome reaction (AR). The present study aimed to evaluate the exposure of sperm to cumulus cell secretome during swim-up treatment (SUC) compared with the routinely used swim-up method (SU). To determine the effectiveness of this method, biological factors critical for the ability of sperm to fertilize an oocyte, including capacitation, AR, tyrosine phosphorylation signature, DNA integrity, and mitochondrial functionality, were assessed. The SUC selection assures recovery of high-quality spermatozoa, with enhanced mitochondrial functionality and motility compared with both SU-selected and unselected (U) sperm. Furthermore, using this modified swim-up procedure, significantly reduced sperm DNA damage (p < 0.05) was detected. In conclusion, the SUC approach is a more physiological and integrated method for sperm selection that deserves further investigation for its translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paola Luongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Silvia Perez Casasus
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Alesandro Haxhiu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Fabio Barbarulo
- New Fertility Group—European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine (NFG), 00148 Rome, (M.S.)
| | - Marta Scarcella
- New Fertility Group—European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine (NFG), 00148 Rome, (M.S.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Catello Scarica
- New Fertility Group—European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine (NFG), 00148 Rome, (M.S.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.P.C.); (A.H.); (F.P.L.); (L.G.); (A.L.)
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Lu X, Lv X, Dong X, Li Y, Turathum B, Liu S, Wang X, Shi H, Liu Y. Increased serine synthesis in cumulus cells of young infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1723-1732. [PMID: 37533289 PMCID: PMC10477940 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead155] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the differences in gene expression of cumulus cells (CCs) between young women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and those of similar age with normal ovarian reserve (NOR)? SUMMARY ANSWER Gene expression and metabolome profiling analysis demonstrate that the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP) is increased in the CCs of young women with DOR. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The incidence of DOR has risen, tending to present at younger ages. Its mechanisms and aetiologies are still poorly understood. Abnormal metabolism is present in luteinized CCs of patients with DOR. Previous studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxidative phosphorylation in CCs are related to DOR in women of advanced age. The pathogenic mechanisms likely differ between young women with DOR and cases associated with advanced maternal age. Several studies have examined amino acid metabolism in the follicle, with a focus on embryo development, but less information is available about CCs. The physiological significance of de novo serine synthesis in follicles and oocytes remains largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION CC samples were obtained from 107 young infertile women (age <38 years) undergoing ICSI, from July 2017 to June 2019, including 54 patients with DOR and 53 patients with NOR. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Oocyte development data were analysed retrospectively. Comprehensive genome-wide transcriptomics of CCs was performed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to categorize the functions of the DEGs and identify significantly enriched pathways. The transcript and protein levels of key enzymes involved in serine synthesis were verified in additional samples using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) (n = 10) and capillary western blotting (n = 36). Targeted metabolomics of amino acids in CC extracts was performed by ultrahigh-performance liquid MS (UHPLC-MS/MS). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The number of oocytes (2.4 ± 2.2 versus 12.1 ± 5.3) and metaphase II oocytes (2.1 ± 2.0 versus 9.9 ± 4.9) retrieved was significantly decreased in the DOR versus the NOR group, respectively (P < 0.0001). The rates of fertilization (80.7% versus 78.8%), viable embryos (73.7% versus 72.5%), and high-quality embryos (42.8% versus 49.0%) did not differ between the DOR and NOR groups, respectively (P > 0.05). A total of 95 DEGs were found by transcriptome sequencing. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the DEGs were linked to amino acid metabolism and suggested significantly higher activity of the de novo SSP in the CCs of young women with DOR. Further qRT-PCR and capillary western blotting revealed that key enzymes (PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, and SHMT2) involved in de novo serine synthesis were upregulated, and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed increases in serine and glycine (a downstream product of serine) levels in the CCs of young patients with DOR. Our data clearly demonstrate that the de novo SSP, which diverts 3-phosphoglycerate from glycolysis to serine synthesis, was upregulated in young DOR CCs. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Regarding the reproductive capacity of young patients DOR, the pregnancy outcomes were not analysed. The sample size was limited, and only women undergoing ICSI were examined since this was a prerequisite for the acquisition of CCs, which may cause selection bias. The exact mechanisms by which the SSP in CCs regulates ovarian reserve still require further study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our research presents new evidence that alterations of the SSP in CCs of young infertile women are associated with DOR. We believe this is a significant contribution to the field, which should be key for understanding the cause and mechanisms of ovarian hypofunction in young women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2018YFC1005001) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (31601197). There were no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bongkoch Turathum
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suying Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Pharmacy School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubing Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ribeiro Junior JP, Rocha CD, Pires JVG, Alves KA, Marquini GV, Goulart LR. Effect of three-dimensional collagen membrane culture and presence of cumulus cells on maturation of bovine oocytes. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27. [PMID: 37579265 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230017] [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] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of animals as experimental models has been proposed to improve the techniques applied in human reproduction clinics. This prospective and observational study evaluates the effects of the use of cumulus cells and collagen membrane on the maturation process of bovine oocytes. METHODS Design and Setting: Bovine oocytes with or without cumulus cells were cultured in maturation medium for 24 hours in the conventional system (2D), central well plates and in the three-dimensional (3D) system. Intervention: The oocytes were positioned in the collagen membrane and matured for the same period. The morphological evaluation was carried out with the parameters of maturation. Main Outcome Measure: Presence or absence of the first polar corpuscle, which were observed and classified as germinal vesicle (GV), meiosis I (MI) and meiosis II (MII). RESULTS The percentage of oocytes in GV was higher (p<0.05) in treatments without cumulus cells than those with cells. The rates of MII were higher (p<0.05) in the treatments with cumulus cells, independent of the culture system. In general, oocytes with presence of cumulus cells have approximately 1.7 times more chances (p<0.001) of reaching MII after MIV than those matured without cells. CONCLUSIONS The presence of the cells in the cumulus is essential for the maturation process of bovine oocytes; the three-dimensional collagen membrane culture system is favorable for the maturation process of bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pires Ribeiro Junior
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Nucleus of the Health Assistance to the Worker from Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Vita Human Reproduction Clinic. Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carina Diniz Rocha
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Kele Amaral Alves
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gisele Vissoci Marquini
- Nucleus of the Health Assistance to the Worker from Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Goulart
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Gordon CE, Combelles CM, Lanes A, Patel J, Racowsky C. Cumulus cell co-culture in media drops does not improve rescue in vitro maturation of vitrified-warmed immature oocytes. F S Sci 2023; 4:185-192. [PMID: 37201752 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.05.004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether co-culture with vitrified-warmed cumulus cells (CCs) in media drops improves rescue in vitro maturation (IVM) of previously vitrified immature oocytes. Previous studies have shown improved rescue IVM of fresh immature oocytes when cocultured with CCs in a three-dimensional matrix. However, the scheduling and workload of embryologists would benefit from a simpler IVM approach, particularly in the setting of time-sensitive oncofertility oocyte cryopreservation (OC) cases. Although the yield of developmentally competent mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes is increased when rescue IVM is performed before cryopreservation, it is unknown whether maturation of previously vitrified immature oocytes is improved after coculture with CCs in a simple system not involving a three-dimensional matrix. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Academic hospital. PATIENTS A total of 320 (160 germinal vesicles [GVs] and 160 metaphase I [MI]) immature oocytes and autologous CC clumps were vitrified from patients who were undergoing planned OC or intracytoplasmic sperm injection from July 2020 until September 2021. INTERVENTIONS On warming, the oocytes were randomized to culture in IVM media with CCs (+CC) or without CCs (-CC). Germinal vesicles and MI oocytes were cultured in 25 μL (SAGE IVM medium) for 32 hours and 20-22 hours, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Oocytes with a polar body (MII) were randomized to confocal microscopy for analysis of spindle integrity and chromosomal alignment to assess nuclear maturity or to parthenogenetic activation to assess cytoplasmic maturity. Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables and the chi square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables assessed statistical significance. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Patient demographic characteristics were similar for both the GV and MI groups after randomization to +CC vs. -CC. No statistically significant differences were observed between +CC vs. -CC groups regarding the percentage of MII from either GV (42.5% [34/80] vs. 52.5% [42/80]; RR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.57-1.15]) or MI (76.3% [61/80]; vs. 72.5% [58/80]; RR 1.05; 95% CI: 0.88-1.26]) oocytes. An increased percentage of GV-matured MIIs underwent parthenogenetic activation in the +CC group (92.3% [12/13] vs. 70.8% [17/24]), but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.30; 95% CI: 0.97-1.75), whereas the activation rate was identical for MI-matured oocytes (74.3% [26/35] vs. 75.0% [18/24], CC+ vs. CC-; RR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.74-1.32). No significant differences were observed between +CC vs. -CC groups for cleavage of parthenotes from GV-matured oocytes (91.7% [11/12] vs. 82.4% [14/17]) or blastulation (0 for both) or for MI-matured oocytes (cleavage: 80.8% [21/26] vs. 94.4% [17/18]; blastulation: 0 [0/26] vs. 16.7% [3/18]). Further, no significant differences were observed between +CC vs. -CC for GV-matured oocytes regarding incidence of bipolar spindles (38.9% [7/18] vs. 33.3% [5/15]) or aligned chromosomes (22.2% [4/18] vs. 0.0 [0/15]); or for MI-matured oocytes (bipolar spindle: 38.9% [7/18] vs. 42.9% [2/28]); aligned chromosomes (35.3% [6/17] vs. 24.1% [7/29]). CONCLUSIONS Cumulus cell co-culture in this simple two-dimensional system does not improve rescue IVM of vitrified, warmed immature oocytes, at least by the markers assessed here. Further work is required to assess the efficacy of this system given its potential to provide flexibility in a busy, in vitro fertilization clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Gordon
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Andrea Lanes
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jay Patel
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
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Widyanugraha MA, Widjiati W, Hendarto H. Effect of Endometriosis on Cumulus ATP, Number of Mitochondria and Oocyte Maturity in Cumulus Oocyte Complex in Mice. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2023; 45:e393-e400. [PMID: 37595596 PMCID: PMC10438966 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772186] [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: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis causes a decrease in oocyte quality. However, this mechanism is not fully understood. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of endometriosis on cumulus cell adenosine triphosphate ATP level, the number of mitochondria, and the oocyte maturity level. METHODS A true experimental study with a post-test only control group design on experimental animals. Thirty-two mice were divided into control and endometriosis groups. Cumulus oocyte complex (COC) was obtained from all groups. Adenosine triphosphate level on cumulus cells was examined using the Elisa technique, the number of mitochondria was evaluated with a confocal laser scanning microscope and the oocyte maturity level was evaluated with an inverted microscope. RESULTS The ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondria in the endometriosis group increased significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.05) while the oocyte maturity level was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocyte (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between cumulus cell ATP level and the number of mitochondrial oocytes with oocyte maturity level (p > 0.01; p > 0.01). The ROC curve showed that the number of mitochondrial oocytes (AUC = 0.672) tended to be more accurate than cumulus cell ATP level (AUC = 0.656) in determining the oocyte maturity level. CONCLUSION In endometriosis model mice, the ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocytes increased while the oocyte maturity level decreased. There was a correlation between the increase in ATP level of cumulus cells and an increase in the number of mitochondrial oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Widjiati Widjiati
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Hendy Hendarto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Yuan WS, Abu MA, Ahmad MF, Elias MH, Abdul Karim AK. Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation on Ovarian Cumulus Cells following In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)/Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Treatment-A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1237. [PMID: 37374020 DOI: 10.3390/life13061237] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite many studies exploring the effects of DHEA supplementation, its application in IVF procedure continues to be a subject of debate owing to the inconsistent findings and the lack of rigorously designed, large-scale, randomized trials. Our review aims to explore the effectiveness of DHEA supplementation in ovarian cumulus cells following IVF/ICSI treatment. We conducted a literature search of Pub-Med, Ovid MEDLINE, and SCOPUS (inception to June 2022) for all relevant articles, including the keywords of "dehydroepiandrosterone/DHEA", "oocyte", and "cumulus cells". From the preliminary search, 69 publications were identified, and following a thorough screening process, seven studies were ultimately incorporated into the final review. Four hundred twenty-four women were enrolled in these studies, with DHEA supplementation being administered exclusively to women exhibiting poor ovarian response/diminished ovarian reserve or belonging to an older age demographic. The intervention in the studies was DHEA 75-90 mg daily for at least 8-12 weeks. The only randomized controlled trial showed no difference in clinical or cumulus cell-related outcomes between the control and treatment groups. However, the remaining six studies (two cohorts, four case-controls) showed significant beneficial effects of DHEA in cumulus cell-related outcomes compared to the group (older age or POR/DOR) without DHEA supplementation. All studies revealed no significant difference in stimulation and pregnancy outcomes. Our review concludes that DHEA supplementation did show beneficial effect on ovarian cumulus cells in improving oocyte quality for women of advanced age or with poor ovarian responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon Shu Yuan
- Advanced Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Azrai Abu
- Advanced Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Faizal Ahmad
- Advanced Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Marjanu Hikmah Elias
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai 71800, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Advanced Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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Makhijani RB, Bartolucci AF, Pru CA, Pru JK, Peluso JJ. Nonerythroid hemoglobin promotes human cumulus cell viability and the developmental capacity of the human oocyte. F S Sci 2023; 4:121-132. [PMID: 36933864 PMCID: PMC11003276 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.03.003] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between the levels of cumulus cell (CC) hemoglobin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and the developmental potential of the associated oocyte and whether hemoglobin protects the CCs from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. DESIGN Laboratory-based study. SETTING University laboratory and university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S) Cumulus cells from the oocytes of patients who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection with and without preimplantation genetic testing between 2018 and 2020. INTERVENTION(S) Studies on individual and pooled CCs collected at the time of oocyte retrieval or cultured under 20% or 5% O2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of individual and pooled patient CC samples were used to monitor the hemoglobin mRNA levels. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to assess genes that regulate oxidative stress in CCs associated with aneuploid and euploid blastocysts. Studies were conducted to assess the effect of oxidative stress on the rate of apoptosis, level of reactive oxygen species, and gene expression in CCs in vitro. RESULT(S) Compared with CCs associated with arrested and aneuploid blastocysts, the mRNA levels encoding the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin increased by 2.9- and 2.3-fold in CCs associated with euploid blastocysts, respectively. The mRNA levels encoding the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin also increased by 3.8- and 4.5-fold in CCs cultured under 5% O2 vs. 20% O2, respectively, and multiple regulators of oxidative stress were overexpressed in cells cultured under 20% O2 compared with those under 5% O2. However, the rate of apoptosis and amount of mitochondrial reactive oxidative species increased by 1.25-fold in CCs cultured under 20% O2 compared with those under 5% O2. Variable amounts of the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin were also detected within the zona pellucida and oocytes. CONCLUSION(S) Higher levels of nonerythroid hemoglobin in CCs are associated with oocytes that result in euploid blastocysts. Hemoglobin may protect CCs from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, which may enhance cumulus-oocyte interactions. Moreover, CC-derived hemoglobin may be transferred to the oocytes and protect it from the adverse effects of oxidative stress that occurs in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison F Bartolucci
- Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Farmington, Connecticut; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Cindy A Pru
- Department of Animal Science, Program in Reproductive Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - James K Pru
- Department of Animal Science, Program in Reproductive Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - John J Peluso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut; Department of Cell Biology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut.
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Huang X, Yu Q. Bioinformatic analysis confirms differences in circular RNA expression profiles of cumulus cells between patients with ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis-associated infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1137235. [PMID: 37008951 PMCID: PMC10050890 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1137235] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis has a detrimental effect on oocyte quality, and ovarian endometriosis (OEM) and peritoneal endometriosis (PEM) may have different effects on female fertility. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore the circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles of cumulus cells (CCs) in patients with OEM (n = 3), PEM (n = 3), and tubal factor infertility (TFI, n = 3) using high-throughput sequencing techniques and attempted to identify common and unique circRNAs in the OEM and PEM groups. The CIRCexplorer2 program was used to identify circRNAs. Seven candidate circRNAs were validated in 30 samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to annotate the function of circRNA-targeted genes, which were verified by sequencing results and constructed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. A total of 11833 circRNAs were identified in nine samples. The numbers of differentially expressed circRNAs between the OEM and TFI groups, PEM and TFI groups, and OEM and PEM groups were 130, 71, and 191, respectively. After taking intersections, 11 circRNAs were considered common circRNAs in the OEM and PEM groups; 39 circRNAs in the OEM group and 17 circRNAs in the PEM group were identified as unique key circRNAs. During qRT-PCR validation, hsa_circ_0003638 was significantly upregulated in the PEM group compared to that in the OEM and TFI groups. Functional analysis of circRNA-targeted genes revealed that apoptosis, PI3K-AKT, and p53 signaling pathways were enriched in the PEM-TFI comparison groups, whereas the functions of target genes involved in the JAK-STAT and TGF-β signaling pathways were enriched in the PEM-OEM comparison groups. Our findings confirmed differences in circRNA expression profiles of CCs between patients with OEM and PEM infertility and provide new insights into the different effects of various endometriosis phenotypes on oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric and Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
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Casillas F, Flores-González A, Juárez-Rojas L, López A, Betancourt M, Casas E, Bahena I, Bonilla E, Retana-Márquez S. Chronic stress decreases fertility parameters in female rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:234-244. [PMID: 36848400 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2171822] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple effects of stress on health have been reported; however, reproductive alterations in oocytes and cumulus cells have not been fully described. In females, chronic stress has been shown to produce alterations in the estrous cycle, to decrease oocyte in vivo maturation, and to increase the percentage of abnormal oocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the oocytes from chronically stressed female rats could recover and mature in vitro by providing them with all the necessary culture conditions, as well as to evaluate the functionality of the GAP junctions, and the viability and DNA integrity of the cumulus cells, which are crucial for the complete maturation and development of the oocyte. For this, rats were stressed daily by cold water immersion (15 °C) during 15 min for 30 consecutive days. Corticosterone serum levels in rats increased as an indicator of stress. Chronic stress decreased the percentage of in vitro matured oocytes because the cumulus cells presented irreparable damage to their DNA that led to their death, being unable to establish bidirectional communication with the oocyte for its meiotic resumption through the GAP junctions, which were also damaged. These findings could partially explain an association between stress and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Flores-González
- Master's Degree in Animal Reproduction Biology, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma López
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Bahena
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Bonilla
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
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Wen X, Yang Q, Sun D, Jiang ZY, Wang T, Liu HR, Han Z, Wang L, Liang CG. Cumulus Cells Accelerate Postovulatory Oocyte Aging through IL1-IL1R1 Interaction in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043530. [PMID: 36834943 PMCID: PMC9959314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043530] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocytes of female mammals will undergo aging after ovulation, also known as postovulatory oocyte aging (POA). Until now, the mechanisms of POA have not been fully understood. Although studies have shown that cumulus cells accelerate POA over time, the exact relationship between the two is still unclear. In the study, by employing the methods of mouse cumulus cells and oocytes transcriptome sequencing and experimental verification, we revealed the unique characteristics of cumulus cells and oocytes through ligand-receptor interactions. The results indicate that cumulus cells activated NF-κB signaling in oocytes through the IL1-IL1R1 interaction. Furthermore, it promoted mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive ROS accumulation, and increased early apoptosis, ultimately leading to a decline in the oocyte quality and the appearance of POA. Our results indicate that cumulus cells have a role in accelerating POA, and this result lays a foundation for an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism of POA. Moreover, it provides clues for exploring the relationship between cumulus cells and oocytes.
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Liu JB, Zhang JB, Yan XM, Xie PG, Fu Y, Fu XH, Sun XL, Han DX, Li SP, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Kim NH, Yuan B, Jiang H. DNA Double-Strand Break-Related Competitive Endogenous RNA Network of Noncoding RNA in Bovine Cumulus Cells. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14. [PMID: 36833217 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are the most serious form of DNA damage that affects oocyte maturation and the physiological state of follicles and ovaries. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in DNA damage and repair. This study aims to analyze and establish the network of ncRNAs when DSB occurs and provide new ideas for next research on the mechanism of cumulus DSB. (2) Methods: Bovine cumulus cells (CCs) were treated with bleomycin (BLM) to construct a DSB model. We detected the changes of the cell cycle, cell viability, and apoptosis to determine the effect of DSBs on cell biology, and further evaluated the relationship between the transcriptome and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and DSBs. (3) Results: BLM increased γH2AX positivity in CCs, disrupted the G1/S phase, and decreased cell viability. Totals of 848 mRNAs, 75 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), 68 circular RNAs (circRNAs), and 71 microRNAs (miRNAs) in 78 groups of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks, 275 groups of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks, and five groups of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression regulatory networks were related to DSBs. Most differentially expressed ncRNAs were annotated to cell cycle, p53, PI3K-AKT, and WNT signaling pathways. (4) Conclusions: The ceRNA network helps to understand the effects of DNA DSBs activation and remission on the biological function of CCs.
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Ma R, Yu S, Cui Y, Pan Y, Wang M, Wang L, Wang J, Zhao L, Zhang H. Epidermal growth factor regulates autophagy activity and endocytosis of yak cumulus cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1081643. [PMID: 36699336 PMCID: PMC9868291 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1081643] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autophagy and endocytosis are crucial biological activities in mammalian follicle development and oocyte maturation, which are easily affected by external environmental factors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), as an important component of follicular fluid, regulates the growth and apoptosis of follicular cells. However, its regulatory mechanism of autophagy and endocytosis in mammals, especially in large domestic animals such as plateau yak, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of EGF on autophagy and endocytosis in yak cumulus cells. Methods Yak cumulus cells were treated with different concentrations of EGF and appropriate concentrations of EGFR inhibitor gefitinib (10 μM). The dynamic expression levels of Atg5, Beclin1, LC3, Cav1 and Cav2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR and Western-blot. Results EGF inhibited autophagy in yak cumulus cells by down-regulating the expression of Atg5, Beclin1, and LC3. The level of autophagy varied with the concentration of ligands, and the inhibition was most significant at 100 ng/mL. Noteworthy, EGF can promote endocytosis by regulating the expression of Cav1 and Cav2, but the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway is not the main way to regulate the expression of these proteins. Discussion These results provide a reference for further exploring the effects of growth factors on livestock germ cells and the regulatory role of autophagy-endocytosis crosstalk mechanism in follicle development and oocyte maturation, to improve the fecundity of yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,*Correspondence: Sijiu Yu ✉
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Yan Cui ✉
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Libin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Gou M, Li J, Yi L, Li H, Ye X, Wang H, Liu L, Sun B, Zhang S, Zhu Z, Liu J, Liu L. Reprogramming of ovarian aging epigenome by resveratrol. PNAS Nexus 2022; 2:pgac310. [PMID: 36743471 PMCID: PMC9896145 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac310] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Resveratrol is an antiaging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory natural polyphenolic compound. Growing evidence indicates that resveratrol has potential therapeutic effects for improving aging ovarian function. However, the mechanisms underlying prolonged reproductive longevity remain elusive. We found that resveratrol ameliorates ovarian aging transcriptome, some of which are associated with specific changes in methylome. In addition to known aging transcriptome of oocytes and granulosa cells such as decline in oxidoreductase activity, metabolism and mitochondria function, and elevated DNA damage and apoptosis, actin cytoskeleton are notably downregulated with age, and these defects are mostly rescued by resveratrol. Moreover, the aging-associated hypermethylation of actin cytoskeleton is decreased by resveratrol. In contrast, deletion of Tet2, involved in DNA demethylation, abrogates resveratrol-reprogrammed ovarian aging transcriptome. Consistently, Tet2 deficiency results in additional altered pathways as shown by increased mTOR and Wnt signaling, as well as reduced DNA repair and actin cytoskeleton with mouse age. Moreover, genes associated with oxidoreductase activity and oxidation-reduction process were hypermethylated in Tet2-deficient oocytes from middle-age mice treated with resveratrol, indicating that loss of Tet2 abolishes the antioxidant effect of resveratrol. Taking together, our finding provides a comprehensive landscape of transcriptome and epigenetic changes associated with ovarian aging that can be reprogrammed by resveratrol administration, and suggests that aberrantly increased DNA methylation by Tet2 deficiency promotes additional aging epigenome that cannot be effectively restored to younger state by resveratrol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huiyu Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiaoying Ye
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Huasong Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Baofa Sun
- Department of Zoology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | | | - Jiang Liu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed.
| | - Lin Liu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed.
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Li S, Jiang H, Liu Z, Yu W, Cai X, Liu C, Xie W, Quan F, Gao W, Kim N, Yuan B, Chen C, Zhang J. TBX2 affects proliferation, apoptosis and cholesterol generation by regulating mitochondrial function and autophagy in bovine cumulus cell. Vet Med Sci 2022; 9:326-335. [PMID: 36446749 PMCID: PMC9857127 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1009] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) is a member of T-box gene family whose members are highly conserved in evolution and encoding genes and are involved in the regulation of developmental processes. The encoding genes play an important role in growth and development. Although TBX2 has been widely studied in cancer cell growth and development, its biological functions in bovine cumulus cells remain unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of TBX2 in bovine cumulus cells. METHODS TBX2 gene was knockdown with siRNA to clarify the function in cellular physiological processes. Cell proliferation and cycle changes were determined by xCELLigence cell function analyzer and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential and autophagy were detected by fluorescent dye staining and immunofluorescence techniques. Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression changes of proliferation and autophagy-related proteins. Aadenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, glucose metabolism, and cholesterol synthesis of cumulus cells were measured by optical density and chemiluminescence analysis. RESULTS After inhibition of TBX2, the cell cycle was disrupted. The levels of apoptosis, ratio of light chain 3 beta II/I, and reactive oxygen species were increased. The proliferation, expansion ability, ATP production, and the amount of cholesterol secreted by cumulus cells were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS TBX2 plays important roles in regulating the cells' proliferation, expansion, apoptosis, and autophagy; maintaining the mitochondrial function and cholesterol generation of bovine cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng‐Peng Li
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Zi‐Bin Liu
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Wen‐Jie Yu
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Xiao‐Shi Cai
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Chang Liu
- School of GrainsJilin Business and Technology CollegeChangchunJilinChina
| | - Wen‐Yin Xie
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Fu‐shi Quan
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Nam‐Hyung Kim
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina,School of Biotechnology and HealthcareWuyi UniversityJiangmenGuangdongChina
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Cheng‐Zhen Chen
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Jia‐Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsJilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal ModelJilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
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Xu R, Wang J, Wang M, Gao L, Zhang R, Zhao L, Liu B, Han X, Baloch AR, Cui Y, Yu S, Pan Y. Exosomes Derived from Yak Follicular Fluid Increase 2-Hydroxyestradiol Secretion by Activating Autophagy in Cumulus Cells. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12. [PMID: 36428401 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223174] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes in the follicular fluid can carry and transfer regulatory molecules to recipient cells, thus influencing their biological functions. However, the specific effects of yak follicular fluid exosomes on 2-hydroxyestrodiol (2-OHE2) secretion remain unknown. Here, we investigated whether yak follicular fluid exosomes can increase 2-OHE2 secretion through the activation of autophagy in cumulus cells (YCCs). In vitro cultured YCCs were treated with yak follicular fluid exosomes for 6, 12, and 24 h. The effects of yak follicular fluid exosomes on autophagy and 2-OHE2 secretion were evaluated through real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting (WB), transfected with RFP-GFP-LC3, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. To further investigate whether 2-OHE2 secretion was related to autophagy, YCCs were administered with yak follicular fluid exosomes, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and rapamycin (RAPA). The results revealed that treatment with yak follicular fluid exosomes activated autophagy in YCCs and increased 2-OHE2 secretion. Conversely, the inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA blocked these effects, suggesting that autophagy has an important role in 2-OHE2 secretion in YCCs. Treatment of YCCs with rapamycin showed similar results with yak follicular fluid exosomes as there was an increase in 2-OHE2 secretion due to the activation of autophagy in the treated cumulus cells. Our results demonstrate that autophagy is enhanced by yak follicular fluid exosomes, and this is associated with an increase in 2-OHE2 secretion in YCCs.
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Bøtkjær JA, Kristensen SG, Olesen HØ, Larsson P, Mannaerts B, Andersen CY. Dose-dependent stimulation of human follicular steroidogenesis by a novel rhCG during ovarian stimulation with fixed rFSH dosing. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1004596. [PMID: 36339420 PMCID: PMC9632659 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1004596] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Choriogonadotropin (CG) beta (FE 999302), a novel recombinant human (h)CG produced by a human cell line, has a longer half-life and higher potency than CG alfa produced by a Chinese hamster ovary cell line. hCG augments steroid production, but the extent of which CG beta treatment during ovarian stimulation (OS) increases steroidogenesis is unknown. Objective To explore how increasing doses of CG beta during OS augment follicular steroidogenesis and change gene expression in cumulus cells. Study design This study is part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of CG beta plus recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) in women undergoing OS during a long gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist protocol. The study primary endpoint was intrafollicular steroid concentrations after CG beta administration. Secondary outcomes were gene expression of FSHR , LHR, CYP19a1, and androgen receptor (AR). Participants/methods 619 women with anti-Müllerian hormone levels 5-35 pmol/L were randomized to receive placebo or 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 µg/day CG beta from Day 1 of OS plus rFSH. Follicular fluid (FF) (n=558), granulosa (n=498) and cumulus cells (n=368) were collected at oocyte retrieval. Steroid FF hormones were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, gene expression was analyzed in cumulus cells by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed in granulosa cells. Results 17-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol concentrations significantly increased in a CG-beta dose-dependent manner during OS (p<0.0001), reaching up to 10 times higher values in the highest dose group versus placebo. There was no difference between CG beta dose groups and placebo for progesterone. Expression levels of CYP19a1 increased significantly in the highest dose group of CG beta (p=0.0325) but levels of FSHR , LHR and AR were not affected by CG beta administration. There were no differences between the FSHR (307) or LHR(312) SNP genotypes for dose-dependent effects of CG beta in relation to number of oocytes, intrafollicular steroid hormone levels, or gene expression levels. Conclusions These results reflect the importance of the combined effect of FSH and hCG/LH during OS on granulosa cell activity, follicle health and potentially oocyte quality. Trial Registration number 2017-003810-13 (EudraCT Number). Trial Registration date 21 May 2018. Date of first patient’s enrolment 13 June 2018. Presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, P-567, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Alrø Bøtkjær
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Gry Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanna Ørnes Olesen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Larsson
- Global Biometrics, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernadette Mannaerts
- Reproductive Medicine & Maternal Health, Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ortiz I, Dorado J, Pereira B, Diaz‐Jimenez M, Consuegra C, Gosalvez J, Hidalgo M. DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells from Cumulus-Oocyte complexes submitted to vitrification and its relationship to the developmental competence of the oocyte. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57 Suppl 5:64-67. [PMID: 35770452 PMCID: PMC9795872 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14197] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of vitrification on the DNA fragmentation rate of equine cumulus cells and to assess its relationship to oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) after vitrification. Cumulus cells (CC) from 14 mares were recovered from COCs, previously submitted to vitrification (VIT) and IVM. The DNA fragmentation rate of the cumulus cells (CC-DF) was assessed using a chromatin dispersion test. CC-DF rates between vitrified and control COCs were statistically compared by Student's t-test. The rates of CC-DF from control COCs were lower than in vitrified COCs. The percentage of CC-DF was not significantly different (p > .05) between groups of COCs able to reach metaphase II (MII > 0) and those in which oocyte maturation was not achieved (MII = 0). In conclusion, vitrification has a deleterious effect on the DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells; however, this parameter cannot be used as a predictor for IVM success after COCs vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortiz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction GroupUniversity of CordobaCordobaSpain
| | - Jesús Dorado
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction GroupUniversity of CordobaCordobaSpain
| | - Blasa Pereira
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction GroupUniversity of CordobaCordobaSpain
| | - María Diaz‐Jimenez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction GroupUniversity of CordobaCordobaSpain
| | - César Consuegra
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction GroupUniversity of CordobaCordobaSpain
| | - Jaime Gosalvez
- Department of BiologyAutonomous University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction GroupUniversity of CordobaCordobaSpain
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Konstantinidou F, Budani MC, Marconi GD, Gonnella F, Sarra A, Trubiani O, Stuppia L, Tiboni GM, Gatta V. The Aftermath of Long-Term Cigarette Smoking on Telomere Length and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Human Cumulus Cells Prior to In Vitro Fertilization-A Pilot Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091841. [PMID: 36139914 PMCID: PMC9495883 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091841] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking among women of reproductive age is known to take a toll on systemic health and fertility potential by severely impacting ovarian tissues and cells, such as granulosa and cumulus cells (CCs). The purpose of this study was to determine the potential damage caused by tobacco smoke at a molecular level in the CCs of females who had undergone in vitro fertilization. The level of intracellular damage was determined by estimating the average telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), as well as the expression profile of telomere maintenance genes TERF1, TERF2, POT1 and microRNAs miR-155, miR-23a and miR-185. Western blotting analysis was performed to detect consequent protein levels of TERF1, TERF2 and POT1. Our results evidenced significantly lower relative TL and mtDNA-CN and a down-regulation pattern for all three described genes and corresponding proteins in the CCs of smokers compared with controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the miRNAs’ modulation. Combined, our data add another piece to the puzzle of the complex regulatory molecular networks controlling the general effects of tobacco smoke in CCs. This pilot study extends the until now modest number of studies simultaneously investigating the mtDNA-CN and TL pathways in the human CCs of smoking women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Konstantinidou
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Faculty of Bioscience, Agri-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Budani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Guya Diletta Marconi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Gonnella
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Faculty of Bioscience, Agri-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annalina Sarra
- Department of Philosophical, Pedagogical and Quantitative Economic Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Oriana Trubiani
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gian Mario Tiboni
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence:
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30
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Clark ZL, Ruebel ML, Schall PZ, Karl KR, Ireland JJ, Latham KE. Follicular Hyperstimulation Dysgenesis: New Explanation for Adverse Effects of Excessive FSH in Ovarian Stimulation. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac100. [PMID: 35833461 PMCID: PMC9342683 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
High follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) doses during ovarian stimulation protocols for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are detrimental to ovulatory follicle function and oocyte quality. However, the mechanisms are unclear. In a small ovarian reserve heifer model, excessive FSH doses lead to phenotypic heterogeneity of ovulatory size follicles, with most follicles displaying signs of premature luteinization and a range in severity of abnormalities. By performing whole transcriptome analyses of granulosa cells, cumulus cells, and oocytes from individual follicles of animals given standard or excessive FSH doses, we identified progressive changes in the transcriptomes of the 3 cell types, with increasing severity of follicular abnormality with the excessive doses. The granulosa and cumulus cells each diverged progressively from their normal phenotypes and became highly similar to each other in the more severely affected follicles. Pathway analysis indicates a possible dysregulation of the final stages of folliculogenesis, with processes characteristic of ovulation and luteinization occurring concurrently rather than sequentially in the most severely affected follicles. These changes were associated with disruptions in key pathways in granulosa and cumulus cells, which may account for previously reported reduced estradiol production, enhanced progesterone and oxytocin production and diminished ovulation rates. Predicted deficiencies in oocyte survival, stress response, and fertilization suggest likely reductions in oocyte health, which could further compromise oocyte quality and ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaramasina L Clark
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program and the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Meghan L Ruebel
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program and the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- USDA-ARS Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center 15 Children’s Way Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Peter Z Schall
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program and the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Human Genetics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kaitlin R Karl
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program and the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - James J Ireland
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program and the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Keith E Latham
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program and the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Sangalli JR, Nociti RP, Del Collado M, Sampaio RV, da Silveira JC, Perecin F, Smith LC, Ross PJ, Meirelles FV. Characterization of histone lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation in bovine tissues, cells, and cumulus-oocyte complexes. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:375-398. [PMID: 35802460 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Besides their canonical roles as energy sources, short-chain fatty acids act as metabolic regulators of gene expression through histone posttranslational modifications. Ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) causes a novel epigenetic modification, histone lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb), which is associated with genes upregulated in starvation-responsive metabolic pathways. Dairy cows increase BHB in early lactation, and the effects of this increase on cellular epigenomes are unknown. We searched for and identified that Kbhb is present in bovine tissues in vivo and confirmed that this epigenetic mark is responsive to BHB in bovine and human fibroblasts cultured in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes with high concentrations of BHB did not affect the competence to complete meiotic maturation or to develop until the blastocyst stage. BHB treatment strongly induced H3K9bhb in cumulus cells, but faintly in oocytes. RNA-seq analysis in cumulus cells indicated that BHB treatment altered the expression of 345 genes. The downregulated genes were mainly involved in glycolysis and ribosome assembly pathways, while the upregulated genes were involved in mitochondrial metabolism and oocyte development. The genes and pathways altered by BHB will provide entry points to carry out functional experiments aiming to mitigate metabolic disorders and improve fertility in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano R Sangalli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Ricardo Perecin Nociti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maite Del Collado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Vilar Sampaio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale (CRRA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Juliano C da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lawrence Charles Smith
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale (CRRA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Flávio V Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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Martínez-Moro Á, Lamas-Toranzo I, González-Brusi L, Pérez-Gómez A, Padilla-Ruiz E, García-Blanco J, Bermejo-Álvarez P. mtDNA content in cumulus cells does not predict development to blastocyst or implantation. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac029. [PMID: 35864920 PMCID: PMC9295767 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is relative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in cumulus cells (CCs) related to embryo developmental competence in humans and/or the bovine model? SUMMARY ANSWER mtDNA content in CCs provides a poor predictive value of oocyte developmental potential, both in vitro and following embryo transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CCs are closely connected to the oocyte through transzonal projections, serving essential metabolic functions during folliculogenesis. These oocyte-supporting cells are removed and discarded prior to ICSI, thereby providing interesting biological material on which to perform molecular analyses designed to identify markers that predict oocyte developmental competence. Previous studies have positively associated oocyte mtDNA content with developmental potential in animal models and women. However, it remains debatable whether mtDNA content in CCs could be used as a proxy to infer oocyte developmental potential. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION mtDNA content was analyzed in CCs obtained from 109 human oocytes unable to develop to blastocyst, able to develop to blastocyst but failing to establish pregnancy or able to develop to blastocyst and to establish pregnancy. mtDNA analysis was also performed on bovine cumulus samples collected from 120 oocytes unable to cleave, oocytes developing into cleaved embryos but arresting development prior to the blastocyst stage or oocytes developing to blastocysts. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Human CCs samples were obtained from women undergoing IVF. Only unfrozen oocytes and embryos not submitted to preimplantation genetic testing were included in the analysis. Bovine samples were obtained from slaughtered cattle and individually matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro. Relative mtDNA was assessed by quantitative PCR analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE mtDNA content in human and bovine CCs did not differ according to the developmental potential of their enclosed oocyte. Moreover, mtDNA content in bovine oocytes did not correlate with that of their corresponding CCs. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The lack of correlation found between mtDNA content in human CCs and oocytes was also assessed in bovine samples. Although bovine folliculogenesis, mono-ovulatory ovulation and early embryo development exhibit considerable similarities with that of humans, they may not be fully comparable. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The use of molecular markers for oocyte developmental potential in CCs could be used to enhance success rates following single embryo transfer. However, our data indicate that mtDNA in CCs is not a good proxy for oocyte quality. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This research was supported by the Industrial Doctorate Project IND2017/BIO-7748 funded by the Madrid Region Government. The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Martínez-Moro
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA, CSIC, Madrid, Spain,IVF Spain, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Bermejo-Álvarez
- Correspondence address. Animal Reproduction Department, INIA, CSIC, Avda. Puerta de Hierro 18, 28040 Madrid, Spain. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9907-2626
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Hartley F, Alageel A, Appeltant R, Gray N, Repapi E, Wells D, Williams SA, Poulton J. No evidence for age-related differences in mitochondrial RNA quality in the female germline. Reprod Fertil 2022; 3:198-206. [PMID: 36001349 PMCID: PMC9513661 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0025] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Mitochondrial quality is implicated as a contributor to declining fertility with aging. We investigated mitochondrial transcripts in oocytes and their associated cumulus cells from mice of different ages using RNA-seq. Mice aged 3 weeks, 9 weeks, and 1 year were superovulated, and 48 h later, oocyte cumulus complexes were collected by follicle puncture. We did not detect any major differences that could be attributed to aging. However, mitochondrial RNA transcripts which deviated from the consensus sequence were found at a higher frequency in cumulus cells than in their corresponding oocyte. Previous investigations have shown that variation in the sequence of mtRNA transcripts is substantial, and at least some of this can be accounted for by post-transcriptional modifications which impact base calling during sequencing. Our data would be consistent with either less post-transcriptional modification in mitochondrial RNA from oocytes than cumulus cells or with lower mtDNA mutational load. Lay summary Women become less fertile as they age. Shortage of energy contributes to this, caused by a decline in the quality of mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cell) in the egg. Genes are the blueprint for the cell. They are made of DNA which is copied into an RNA message, or instructions, for making proteins. We counted differences in the RNA message of developing eggs and the cells that support them during development (cumulus cells). We compared the number of these differences in mice of different ages. These age groups represent mice had not reached puberty, those of prime reproductive age, and old mothers. We did not find any differences linked to the age of the mice. However, we did find differences between the egg and the cumulus cells. In most cases, there were lower levels of mutations in eggs than there were in cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Hartley
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arwa Alageel
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ruth Appeltant
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicki Gray
- Analysis, Visualisation & Informatics Group / Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit at the University of Oxford MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS
| | - Emmanouela Repapi
- Analysis, Visualisation & Informatics Group / Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit at the University of Oxford MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS
| | - Dagan Wells
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Juno Genetics, Winchester House, Oxford, UK
| | - Suzannah A Williams
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Poulton
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Mario T, Yvonne D, Veronica S, Alejandro D, Juan RM, Diana F, Edmundo B, Eduardo C, Mario A, Alma L, Ivan B, Concepcion G, Fahiel C, Miguel B. Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid in oxidative stress generation, DNA damage in cumulus cells, and its impact on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. Environ Toxicol 2022; 37:1394-1403. [PMID: 35187785 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic compound mostly used in a wide range of consumer products with several adverse effects on somatic cells and gametes. It has been linked to hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects, alterations in the immune system, endocrine, and reproductive alterations. In vivo studies show an increase in reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. However, the mechanisms by which this compound affects fertility, remain contradictory. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of perfluorooctanoic acid on oocyte viability and maturation, as well as the viability, generation of oxidative stress, and genotoxic damage in the cumulus cells exposed during in vitro maturation. This compound had a negative effect on oocyte viability (lethal concentration, LC50 = 269 μM) and maturation (inhibition maturation concentration IM50 = 75 μM), while in cumulus cells the LC50 was 158 μM. The generation of reactive oxygen species evaluated in cumulus cells, protein carbonylation, and DNA damage, was significantly increased at 40 μM perfluorooctanoic acid. This study provides evidence that perfluorooctanoic acid causes reactive oxygen species generation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage in cumulus cells, compromising the maturation and viability of porcine oocyte, which may affect fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teteltitla Mario
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ducolomb Yvonne
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Souza Veronica
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Domínguez Alejandro
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodríguez-Mercado Juan
- Research Unit in Genetics and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Superior Studies Zaragoza, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Flores Diana
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bonilla Edmundo
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Casas Eduardo
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Altamirano Mario
- Research Unit in Genetics and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Superior Studies Zaragoza, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - López Alma
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bahena Ivan
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gutierrez Concepcion
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Casillas Fahiel
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Betancourt Miguel
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
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Sagvekar P, Shinde G, Mangoli V, Desai SK, Mukherjee S. Evidence for TET-mediated DNA demethylation as an epigenetic alteration in cumulus granulosa cells of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6595033. [PMID: 35640568 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral and tissue-specific alterations in global DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) profiles have been charted as biomarkers for disease prediction and as hallmarks of dysregulated localized gene networks. Global and gene-specific epigenetic alterations in the 5mC profiles have shown widespread implications in etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, there has been no study in PCOS that integrates the quantification of 5mC and 5hmC signatures alongside the expression levels of DNA methylating and demethylating enzymes as respective indicators of methylation and demethylation pathways. Having previously shown that the 5mC signatures are not greatly altered in PCOS, we assessed the global 5hmC levels in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) of 40 controls and 40 women with PCOS. This analysis revealed higher 5hmC levels in CGCs of PCOS women, indicating a more dominant demethylation pathway. Further, we assessed the transcript and protein expression levels of DNA demethylating and methylating enzymes, i.e. ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TET1, TET2, TET3) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B), respectively, in CGCs. The relative transcript and protein expression levels of all three TETs were found to be higher in women with PCOS; and the TET mRNA expression profiles were positively correlated with 5hmC levels in CGCs. Also, all three DNMT genes showed altered transcript expression in PCOS, although only the downregulated DNMT3A transcript was correlated with decreasing 5mC levels. At the protein level, the expression of DNMT1 (maintenance methylation enzyme) was higher, while that of DNMT3A (denovo methylation enzyme) was found to be lower in PCOS compared to controls. Overall, these results indicate that DNA methylation changes in CGCs of PCOS women may arise partly due to intrinsic alterations in the transcriptional regulation of TETs and DNMT3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sagvekar
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRH), J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Gayatri Shinde
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRH), J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Vijay Mangoli
- Fertility Clinic and IVF Center, 12-Springfield, 19-Vachha Gandhi Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai-, 400007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sadhana K Desai
- Fertility Clinic and IVF Center, 12-Springfield, 19-Vachha Gandhi Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai-, 400007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Srabani Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRH), J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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Silveira CO, Oliveira RM, Moraes LM, Oliveira GG, Aguiar LPT, Souza FHS, Coelho SS, Prazeres PHDM, Del Puerto HL, Ferreira MCF. The Effect of Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole in Apoptotic Pathways and Cell Cycle in Human Primary Cumulus Cells and the Protective Effect of Estradiol. Reprod Sci 2022. [PMID: 35513593 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00961-8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole are ovulatory stimulants that, despite high ovulation rates, achieve low pregnancy rates. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of CC and letrozole, alone or in combination with estradiol, on apoptosis in human cumulus cells. We performed a controlled prospective study using primary cumulus cell cultures from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (n=22). Alpha-inhibin immunocytochemistry was used to assess cell culture purity and morphology. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, cell cycle status by flow cytometry, and Caspase-3, Bax and SOD-2, and S26 gene expression by qPCR. Cells were treated for 24 hours in 5 conditioned media: CC, CC + estradiol, letrozole, letrozole + estradiol and control. None of the treatments affected cell viability, but letrozole reduced the mean percentage of cells in the S phase compared to control (24.79 versus 21.70, p=0.0014). Clomiphene treatment increased mRNA expression of Bax (4 fold) and SOD-2 (2 fold), which was reversed by co-treatment with estradiol. SOD-2 expression increased in cells treated with letrozole compared to control (4 fold), which was also reversed by estradiol. These findings suggest that clomiphene citrate and letrozole do not significantly affect the viability of human cumulus cells. Still, the expression of genes involved in apoptosis was modulated by these drugs alone and in association with estradiol, suggesting that CC and letrozole may have direct effects on cumulus cells beyond their known mechanisms of action.
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Luongo FP, Dragoni F, Boccuto A, Paccagnini E, Gentile M, Canosi T, Morgante G, Luddi A, Zazzi M, Vicenti I, Piomboni P. SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Ovarian Cells: A Potential Negative Impact on Female Fertility. Cells 2022; 11:1431. [PMID: 35563737 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect female reproductive health. Here, we investigated the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the follicular microenvironment, in particular granulosa (GCs) and cumulus cells (CCs), thus providing evidence for a productive infection. GCs and CCs were recovered from women (n = 25) who underwent in vitro fertilization at the Assisted Reproductive Unit, Siena University Hospital. Follicular ovarian cells were co-cultured with SARS-CoV-2 and then analyzed by qPCR, immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, cell culture supernatant was used to infect VERO6 cells. We demonstrated the expression of cell host factors ACE2, TRPMSS2, BSG and CTSL, which are pivotal for the virus life cycle. Cultured GCs and CCs incubated with SARS-CoV-2 revealed productive SARS-CoV-2 infection at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-adsorption. Indeed, SARS-CoV-2 RNA, spike and nucleocapsid proteins were detected in GCs and CCs, and their cell culture supernatant successfully infected the standard VERO E6 cells. Finally, TEM showed full-size virions attached to the membrane and located inside the cytoplasm. This in vitro study reveals the susceptibility of human ovarian cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting a potential detrimental effect of COVID-19 infection on female human fertility.
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Gorczyca G, Wartalski K, Romek M, Samiec M, Duda M. The Molecular Quality and Mitochondrial Activity of Porcine Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes Are Affected by Their Exposure to Three Endocrine-Active Compounds under 3D In Vitro Maturation Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4572. [PMID: 35562963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thus far, the potential short- and long-term detrimental effects of a variety of environmental chemicals designated as endocrine-active compounds (EACs) have been found to interfere with histo- and anatomo-physiological functions of the reproductive system in humans and wildlife species. For those reasons, this study sought to examine whether selected EACs, which encompass the fungicide vinclozolin (Vnz), the androgenic anabolic steroid nandrolone (Ndn) and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA), affect the developmental competence and molecular quality (MQ) of porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) under 3D culture conditions. The COCs underwent 3D-IVM in the presence of Vnz, Ndn or CsA for 48 h. To explore whether the selected EACs induce internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in cumulus cells (CCs), TUNEL-assisted detection of late apoptotic cells was performed. Additionally, for the detailed evaluation of pro- and antiapoptotic pathways in COCs, apoptosis proteome profiler arrays were used. To determine changes in intracellular metabolism in COCs, comprehensive assessments of mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity were carried out. Moreover, the relative abundances (RAs) of mRNAs transcribed from genes that are involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as SIRT3 and FOXO3, and intramitochondrial bioenergetic balance, such as ATP synthase subunit (ATP5A1), were ascertained. Finally, to investigate the extent of progression of oocyte maturation, the intraooplasmic levels of cAMP and the RAs of mRNA transcripts encoding regulatory and biocatalytic subunits of a heterodimeric meiosis-promoting factor, termed cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDC2), were also estimated. The obtained results provide, for the first time, strong evidence that both Vnz and Ndn decrease the developmental competence of oocytes and stimulate apoptosis processes in CCs. The present study is also the first to highlight that Vnz accelerates the maturation process in immature oocytes due to both increased ROS production and the augmented RA of the CCNB1 gene. Furthermore, Vnz was proven to trigger proapoptotic events in CCs by prompting the activity of the FOXO3 transcription factor, which regulates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. In turn, Ndn was shown to inhibit oocyte maturation by inducing molecular events that ultimately lead to an increase in the intraooplasmic cAMP concentration. However, due to the simultaneous enhancement of the expression of TNF-β and HSP27 proteins in CCs, Ndn might be responsible for the onset of their neoplastic transformation. Finally, our current investigation is the first to clearly demonstrate that although CsA did not interfere with the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes, by inducing mitophagy in CCs, it disrupted oocyte metabolism, consequently attenuating the parameters related to the MQ of COCs. Summing up, Vnz, Ndn and CsA reduced not only the processes of growth and IVM but also the MQ of porcine COCs, which might make them unsuitable for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilization by either gamete co-incubation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
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Sciorio R, Miranian D, Smith GD. Non-invasive oocyte quality assessment. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:274-290. [PMID: 35136962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is perhaps the most important limiting factor in female fertility; however, the current methods of determining oocyte competence are only marginally capable of predicting a successful pregnancy. We aim to review the predictive value of non-invasive techniques for the assessment of human oocytes and their related cells and biofluids that pertain to their developmental competence. Investigation of the proteome, transcriptome, and hormonal makeup of follicular fluid, as well as cumulus-oocyte complexes are currently underway; however, prospective randomized non-selection-controlled trials of the future are needed before determining their prognostic value. The biological significance of polar body morphology and genetics are still unknown and the subject of debate. The predictive utility of zygotic viscoelasticity for embryo development has been demonstrated, but similar studies performed on oocytes have yet to be conducted. Metabolic profiling of culture media using human oocytes are also limited and may require integration of automated, high-throughput targeted metabolomic assessments in real time with microfluidic platforms. Light exposure to oocytes can be detrimental to subsequent development and utilization of time-lapse imaging and morphometrics of oocytes is wanting. Polarized light, Raman microspectroscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering are a few novel imaging tools that may play a more important role in future oocyte assessment. Ultimately, the integration of chemistry, genomics, microfluidics, microscopy, physics, and other biomedical engineering technologies into the basic studies of oocyte biology, and in testing and perfecting practical solutions of oocyte evaluation, are the future for non-invasive assessment of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Miranian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Urology, and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Russo G, Notarstefano V, Montik N, Gioacchini G, Giorgini E, Polidori AR, Candela FA, Ciavattini A, Cignitti M, Carnevali O. Evaluation of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Protocols in Patients with Normal and Low Ovarian Reserve: Analyses of miRNAs and Selected Target Genes Involved in the Proliferation of Human Cumulus Cells and Oocyte Quality. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031713. [PMID: 35163635 PMCID: PMC8836191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031713] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte and the surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) are deeply linked by a complex bidirectional cross-talk. In this light, the molecular analysis of the CCs is nowadays considered to be precious in providing information on oocyte quality. It is now clear that miRNAs play a key role in several ovarian functions, such as folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and ovulation. Thus, in this study, specific miRNAs, together with their target genes, were selected and investigated in CCs to assess the response of patients with normal (NR) and low (LR) ovarian reserve to two different controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols, based on rFSH and hMG. Moreover, a Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) analysis was performed to evaluate DNA conformational changes in CCs and to relate them with the two COS protocols. The results evidenced a modulation of the expression of miRNAs and related target genes involved in CCs’ proliferation, in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, genomic integrity, and oocyte quality, with different effects according to the ovarian reserve of patients. Moreover, the COS protocols determined differences in DNA conformation and the methylation state. In particular, the results clearly showed that treatment with rFSH is the most appropriate in NR patients with normal ovarian reserve, while treatment with hMG appears to be the most suitable in LR patients with low ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Russo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (V.N.); (G.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (V.N.); (G.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Nina Montik
- Clinica Ostetrica Ginecologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale G. Salesi, Via F. Corridoni 11, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.M.); (A.R.P.); (F.A.C.); (A.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Giorgia Gioacchini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (V.N.); (G.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (V.N.); (G.G.); (E.G.)
| | - Anna Rita Polidori
- Clinica Ostetrica Ginecologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale G. Salesi, Via F. Corridoni 11, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.M.); (A.R.P.); (F.A.C.); (A.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Fulvia Antonia Candela
- Clinica Ostetrica Ginecologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale G. Salesi, Via F. Corridoni 11, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.M.); (A.R.P.); (F.A.C.); (A.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Clinica Ostetrica Ginecologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale G. Salesi, Via F. Corridoni 11, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.M.); (A.R.P.); (F.A.C.); (A.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Maurizio Cignitti
- Clinica Ostetrica Ginecologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale G. Salesi, Via F. Corridoni 11, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (N.M.); (A.R.P.); (F.A.C.); (A.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (V.N.); (G.G.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-071-2204940
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Li C, Lin L, Tsai H, Wen Z, Tsui K. Phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 maintains oocyte quality via mitochondrial dynamic rearrangement during aging. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13546. [PMID: 34995407 PMCID: PMC8844125 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decline in ovarian reserve with aging is associated with reduced fertility and the development of metabolic abnormalities. Once mitochondrial homeostasis is imbalanced, it may lead to poor reproductive cell quality and aging. However, Phosphoglycerate translocase 5 (PGAM5), located in the mitochondrial membrane, is associated with necroptosis, apoptosis, and mitophagy, although the underlying mechanisms associated with ovarian aging remain unknown. Therefore, we attempted to uncover whether the high phosphoglycerate mutant enzyme family member 5 (PGAM5) expression is associated with female infertility in cumulus cells, and aims to find out the underlying mechanism of action of PGAM5. We found that PGAM5 is highly expressed and positively associated with aging, and has the potential to help maintain and regulate mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic reprogramming in aging granulosa cells, ovaries of aged female mice, and elderly patients. PGAM5 undergoes activation in the aging group and translocated to the outer membrane of mitochondria, co‐regulating DRP1; thereby increasing mitochondrial fission. A significant reduction in the quality of mitochondria in the aging group, a serious imbalance, and a significant reduction in energy, causing metabolism shift toward glycolysis, were also reported. Since PGAM5 is eliminated, the mitochondrial function and metabolism of aging cells are partially reversed. A total of 70 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment were recruited in this clinical study. The high expression of PGAM5 in the cumulus cells is negatively correlated with the pregnancy rate of infertile patients. Hence, PGAM5 has immense potential to be used as a diagnostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia‐Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences National Sun Yat‐sen University Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Li‐Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences National Sun Yat‐sen University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology National Yang‐Ming University School of Medicine Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hsiao‐Wen Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences National Sun Yat‐sen University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology National Yang‐Ming University School of Medicine Taipei Taiwan
| | - Zhi‐Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources National Sun Yat‐sen University Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Kuan‐Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences National Sun Yat‐sen University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology National Yang‐Ming University School of Medicine Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Taipei Veterans General Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program College of Pharmacy and Health Care Tajen University Pingtung County Taiwan
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Turathum B, Gao EM, Grataitong K, Liu YB, Wang L, Dai X, Chian RC. Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism and autophagy in granulosa cells of women with endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:906570. [PMID: 35992117 PMCID: PMC9381821 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.906570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated metabolic profiles between cumulus cells (CCs) and mural granulosa cells (MGCs) derived from women with endometriosis to identify their correlations with oocyte quality. CCs and MGCs were collected from women with and without endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. The metabolomics of CCs and MGCs were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) followed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction to further confirm the genes involved in the metabolic results. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed differences in 24 metabolites of CCs and 71 metabolites of MGCs between groups. Among them, five metabolites were upregulated and 19 metabolites were downregulated in CCs with endometriosis, whereas three metabolites were upregulated and 68 metabolites were downregulated in MGCs with endometriosis. Metabolites related to sphingolipid metabolism, which included palmitic acid (PA) and docosahexaenoic acid, increased significantly only in CCs with endometriosis, whereas sphingosine and PA were significantly downregulated in MGCs with endometriosis compared with CCs and MGCs without endometriosis. Gene expression involved in ceramide synthesis (CERS1, SPTL1, and SMPD1) and autophagy (BECN1, LAMP, and PC3) were significantly higher in CCs with endometriosis according to FASN, BECN1, and LAMP protein expressions. However, gene expression involved in ceramide synthesis (SPHK1, ASAH1, and SGPP1) and autophagy (BECN1, LAMP, and PC3) were significantly lower in MGCs with endometriosis, whereas CERS1 and UGCG expression increased. There are differences in sphingolipid metabolites in CCs and MGCs with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis. These differences seem to be involved in the regulation of autophagic cell death in preovulatory follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongkoch Turathum
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Er-Meng Gao
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Khwanthana Grataitong
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yu-Bing Liu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Dai
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ri-Cheng Chian
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 10th People Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ri-Cheng Chian,
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Buratini J, Dellaqua TT, Dal Canto M, La Marca A, Carone D, Mignini Renzini M, Webb R. The putative roles of FSH and AMH in the regulation of oocyte developmental competence: from fertility prognosis to mechanisms underlying age-related subfertility. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:232-254. [PMID: 34969065 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab044] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility loss during female ageing is associated with increasing basal FSH and decreasing anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, together with compromised oocyte quality, presumably due to increased oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage, as well as reduced metabolic and meiotic competences. Basal FSH and AMH circulatory concentrations have been broadly utilized as IVF success predictors, regardless of fluctuations in prognostic accuracy; basal FSH and AMH perform better in pre-advanced maternal age (AMA: >35 years) and AMA patients, respectively. The relationships between FSH and AMH intrafollicular levels and IVF outcomes suggest, nevertheless, that both hormones regulate oocyte competence, supporting the hypothesis that changes in FSH/AMH levels cause, at least in part, oocyte quality degradation during ageing. To understand the reasons behind the fluctuations in FSH and AMH prognostic accuracies and to clarify their participation in mechanisms determining oocyte competence and age-related subfertility, a deeper knowledge of the regulation of FSH and AMH intrafollicular signalling during the female reproductive lifespan, and of their effects on the cumulus-oocyte complex, is required. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE An extensive body of information on the regulation of FSH and AMH intrafollicular availability and signalling, as well as on the control of folliculogenesis and oocyte metabolism, has been accumulated. However, these datasets have been explored within the relatively narrow boundaries of their specific subjects. Given the aforementioned gaps in knowledge and their clinical relevance, herein we integrate clinical and basic data, within a wide biological perspective, aiming to shed light on (i) the reasons for the variability in the accuracy of serum FSH and AMH as fertility markers, and on (ii) the potential roles of these hormones in mechanisms regulating oocyte quality, particularly those associated with ageing. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database encompassing the period between 1960 and 2021 was searched. Principal search terms were FSH, FSH receptor, AMH, oocyte, maternal age, cumulus, transzonal projections (TZPs), actin, OS, redox, reactive oxygen species, mitochondria, DNA damage, DNA repair, aneuploidy, spindle, meiosis, gene expression, transcription, translation, oocyte secreted factors (OSFs), cAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, natriuretic peptide C, growth differentiation factor 9, bone morphogenetic protein 15 and fibroblast growth factor. OUTCOMES Our analysis suggests that variations in the accuracy of fertility prognosis reflect a modest association between circulatory AMH levels and oocyte quality as well as increasing basal FSH inter-cycle variability with age. In addition, the basic and clinical data articulated herein support the hypothesis that increased intrafollicular FSH levels, as maternal age advances, may override the physiological protective influences of AMH and OSFs against excessive FSH signalling in cumulus cells. This would result in the disruption of oocyte homeostasis via reduced TZP-mediated transfer of cumulus-derived molecules essential for meiotic competence, gene expression, redox activity and DNA repair. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In-depth data analysis, encompassing a wide biological perspective has revealed potential causative mechanisms of age-related subfertility triggered by alterations in FSH/AMH signalling during the female reproductive life. Insights from new mechanistic models arising from this analysis should contribute to advancing our comprehension of oocyte biology in humans and serve as a valuable reference for novel AMA subfertility treatments aimed at improving oocyte quality through the modulation of AMH/FSH action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Robert Webb
- Division of Animal Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
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Kumar K, Venturas M, Needleman DJ, Racowsky C, Wells D. Extensive analysis of mitochondrial DNA quantity and sequence variation in human cumulus cells and assisted reproduction outcomes. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:66-79. [PMID: 34755183 PMCID: PMC8730313 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are relative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) variants in human cumulus cells (CCs) associated with oocyte reproductive potential and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Neither the CC mtDNA quantity nor the presence of specific mtDNA genetic variants was associated with ART outcomes, although associations with patient body mass index (BMI) were detected, and the total number of oocytes retrieved differed between major mitochondrial haplogroups. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CCs fulfil a vital role in the support of oocyte developmental competence. As with other cell types, appropriate cellular function is likely to rely upon adequate energy production, which in turn depends on the quantity and genetic competence of the mitochondria. mtDNA mutations can be inherited or they can accumulate in somatic cells over time, potentially contributing to aging. Such mutations may be homoplasmic (affecting all mtDNA in a cell) or they may display varying levels of heteroplasmy (affecting a proportion of the mtDNA). Currently, little is known concerning variation in CC mitochondrial genetics and how this might influence the reproductive potential of the associated oocyte. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a prospective observational study involving human CCs collected with 541 oocytes from 177 IVF patients. mtDNA quantity was measured in all the samples with a validated quantitative PCR method and the entire mtGenome was sequenced in a subset of 138 samples using a high-depth massively parallel sequencing approach. Associations between relative mtDNA quantity and mtGenome variants in CCs and patient age, BMI (kg/m2), infertility diagnosis and ART outcomes were investigated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Massively parallel sequencing permitted not only the accurate detection of mutations but also the precise quantification of levels of mutations in cases of heteroplasmy. Sequence variants in the mtDNA were evaluated using Mitomaster and HmtVar to predict their potential impact. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The relative mtDNA CC content was significantly associated with BMI. No significant associations were observed between CC mtDNA quantity and patient age, female infertility diagnosis or any ART outcome variable. mtGenome sequencing revealed 4181 genetic variants with respect to a reference genome. The COXI locus contained the least number of coding sequence variants, whereas ATPase8 had the most. The number of variants predicted to affect the ATP production differed significantly between mitochondrial macrohaplogroups. The total number of retrieved oocytes was different between the H-V and J-T as well as the U-K and J-T macrohaplogroups. There was a non-significant increase in mtDNA levels in CCs with heteroplasmic mitochondrial mutations. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although a large number of samples were analysed in this study, it was not possible to analyse all the CCs from every patient. Also, the results obtained with respect to specific clinical outcomes and macrohaplogroups should be interpreted with caution due to the smaller sample sizes when subdividing the dataset. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings suggest that the analysis of mtDNA in CCs is unlikely to provide an advantage in terms of improved embryo selection during assisted reproduction cycles. Nonetheless, our data raise interesting biological questions, particularly regarding the interplay of metabolism and BMI and the association of mtDNA haplogroup with oocyte yield in ovarian stimulation cycles. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by National Institutes of Health grant 5R01HD092550-02. D.J.N. and C.R. co-hold patent US20150346100A1 and D.J.N. holds US20170039415A1, both for metabolic imaging methods. D.W. receives support from the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishlay Kumar
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Venturas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Needleman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Dagan Wells
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Juno Genetics Ltd, Oxford, UK
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Han X, Zhang M, Yuan HJ, Wang GL, Zhao XY, Li ZB, Gong S, Tan JH. Expression profiling and function analysis identified new microRNAs regulating cumulus expansion and apoptosis in cumulus cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 28:6468626. [PMID: 34919712 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although miRNAs expressed in cumulus cells (CCs) may be used to select competent oocytes/embryos, only a limited number of such miRNAs has been reported. To identify more miRNAs that regulate cumulus expansion (CE) and CC apoptosis, we first established that mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in expansion-supporting medium supported full CE while undergoing mild apoptosis, whereas mouse oocytectomized COCs (OOXs) cultured in apoptosis-triggering medium underwent severe apoptosis while supporting no CE. RNA- and miRNA-sequencing and bioinformatics using CCs from these cultured COCs/OOXs identified candidate apoptosis- and/or CE-regulating miRNAs. Transfection of COCs/OOXs with miRNA mimic or inhibitor validated that miR-212-5p and 149-5p promoted CE by facilitating Has2 expression; miR-31-5p and 27a-3p promoted CE by increasing both Has2 and Ptx3 expression; and miR-351-5p and 503-5p inhibited CE by suppressing Ptx3 expression. Furthermore, miR-212-5p, 149-5p and Nov798 inhibited CC apoptosis, involving both Bcl2/Bax and Fas signaling. Analysis using in vivo matured COCs further verified the above apoptosis- and/or CE-regulating miRNAs, except for miR-149-5p. In conclusion, this study identified and validated new CE- and apoptosis-regulating miRNAs in CCs, which could be used as biomarkers to select competent oocytes/embryos and for elucidating how the oocyte-derived factors regulate CE and CC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Bin Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City, 271018, P. R. China
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Konstantinidou F, Budani MC, Sarra A, Stuppia L, Tiboni GM, Gatta V. Impact of Cigarette Smoking on the Expression of Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Cumulus Cells Retrieved from Healthy Women Undergoing IVF. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313147. [PMID: 34884952 PMCID: PMC8658611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system represents a sensitive target of the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, with folliculogenesis as one of the ovarian processes most affected by this exposure. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of tobacco smoking on expression of oxidative stress-related genes in cumulus cells (CCs) from smoking and non-smoking women undergoing IVF techniques. Real time PCR technology was used to analyze the gene expression profile of 88 oxidative stress genes enclosed in a 96-well plate array. Statistical significance was assessed by one-way ANOVA. The biological functions and networks/pathways of modulated genes were evidenced by ingenuity pathway analysis software. Promoter methylation analysis was performed by pyrosequencing. Our results showed a down-regulation of 24 genes and an up-regulation of 2 genes (IL6 and SOD2, respectively) involved in defense against oxidative damage, cell cycle regulation, as well as inflammation in CCs from smoking women. IL-6 lower promoter methylation was found in CCs of the smokers group. In conclusion, the disclosed overall downregulation suggests an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in CCs triggered by cigarette smoking exposure. This evidence adds a piece to the puzzle of the molecular basis of female reproduction and could help underlay the importance of antioxidant treatments for smoking women undergoing IVF protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Konstantinidou
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.); (L.S.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Budani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Annalina Sarra
- Department of Philosophical, Pedagogical and Quantitative Economic Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.); (L.S.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gian Mario Tiboni
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.M.T.); (V.G.)
| | - Valentina Gatta
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.K.); (L.S.)
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.M.T.); (V.G.)
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Semplici B, Luongo FP, Passaponti S, Landi C, Governini L, Morgante G, De Leo V, Piomboni P, Luddi A. Bitter Taste Receptors Expression in Human Granulosa and Cumulus Cells: New Perspectives in Female Fertility. Cells 2021; 10:3127. [PMID: 34831350 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2RS) expression is not restricted to the oral cavity and the presence of these receptors in the male reproductive system and sperm provides insights into their possible role in human reproduction. To elucidate the potential role of TAS2Rs in the female reproductive system, we investigated the expression and localization of bitter taste receptors and the components of signal transduction cascade involved in the pathway of taste receptors in somatic follicular cells obtained from women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. We found that TAS2R genes are expressed in both cumulus (CCs) and granulosa (GCs) cells, with TAS2R14 being the most highly expressed bitter receptor subtype. Interestingly, a slight increase in the expression of TAS2R14 and TAS2R43 was shown in both GCs and CCs in young women (p < 0.05), while a negative correlation may be established between the number of oocytes collected at the pickup and the expression of TAS2R43. Regarding α-gustducin and α-transducin, two Gα subunits expressed in the taste buds on the tongue, we provide evidence for their expression in CCs and GCs, with α-gustducin showing two additional isoforms in GCs. Finally, we shed light on the possible downstream transduction pathway initiated by taste receptor activation in the female reproductive system. Our study, showing for the first time the expression of taste receptors in the somatic ovarian follicle cells, significantly extends the current knowledge of the biological role of TAS2Rs for human female fertility.
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Li J, Chen H, Gou M, Tian C, Wang H, Song X, Keefe DL, Bai X, Liu L. Molecular Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis of Oocytes and Cumulus Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735684. [PMID: 34552933 PMCID: PMC8450412 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is typically characterized by a polycystic ovarian morphology, hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and infertility. Furthermore, PCOS patients undergoing ovarian stimulation have more oocytes; however, the poor quality of oocytes leads to lower fertilization and implantation rates, decreased pregnancy rates, and increased miscarriage rates. The complex molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS and the poor quality of oocytes remain to be elucidated. We obtained matched oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) from PCOS patients, compared them with age-matched controls, and performed RNA sequencing analysis to explore the transcriptional characteristics of their oocytes and CCs. Moreover, we validated our newly confirmed candidate genes for PCOS by immunofluorescence. Unsupervised clustering analysis showed that the overall global gene expression patterns and transposable element (TE) expression profiles of PCOS patients tightly clustered together, clearly distinct from those of controls. Abnormalities in functionally important pathways are found in PCOS oocytes. Notably, genes involved in microtubule processes, TUBB8 and TUBA1C, are overexpressed in PCOS oocytes. The metabolic and oxidative phosphorylation pathways are also dysregulated in both oocytes and CCs from PCOS patients. Moreover, in oocytes, differentially expressed TEs are not uniformly dispersed in human chromosomes. Endogenous retrovirus 1 (ERV1) elements located on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 5 are rather highly upregulated. Interestingly, these correlate with the most highly expressed protein-coding genes, including tubulin-associated genes TUBA1C, TUBB8P8, and TUBB8, linking the ERV1 elements to the occurrence of PCOS. Our comprehensive analysis of gene expression in oocytes and CCs, including TE expression, revealed the specific molecular features of PCOS. The aberrantly elevated expression of TUBB8 and TUBA1C and ERV1 provides additional markers for PCOS and may contribute to the compromised oocyte developmental competence in PCOS patients. Our findings may also have implications for treatment strategies to improve oocyte maturation and the pregnancy outcomes for women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haixia Chen
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mo Gou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenglei Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huasong Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueru Song
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiaohong Bai
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Kim MJ, Kim YS, Kim YJ, Lee HR, Choi KH, Park EA, Kang KY, Yoon TK, Hwang S, Ko JJ, Kim YS, Lee JH. Upregulation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor of the Steroidogenesis Pathway in the Cumulus Cells Is Associated with the Maturation of Oocytes and Achievement of Pregnancy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092389. [PMID: 34572039 PMCID: PMC8465166 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092389] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The maturation of the oocyte is influenced by cumulus cells (CCs) and associated with pregnancy rate, whereas the influencing factors have not been completely elucidated in the CCs. In this study, we identified new regulators of CCs for high-quality oocytes and successful pregnancies during assisted reproductive techniques. CCs were collected from cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) in young (≤33 years old) and old (≥40 years old) women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. We screened for factors differentially expressed between young vs. old CCs and pregnancy vs. non-pregnancy using whole mRNA-seq-next-generation sequencing (NGS). We characterized the transcriptome of the CCs to identify factors critical for achieving pregnancy in IVF cycles. Women in the young and old pregnancy groups exhibited the up- and downregulation of multiple genes compared with the non-pregnancy groups, revealing the differential regulation of several specific genes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis in CCs. It was shown that the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor to the steroidogenesis pathway was upregulated in CCs with higher maturity rates of oocytes in the pregnancy group. In conclusion, a higher pregnancy rate is related to the signaling pathway of steroidogenesis by the LDL receptor in infertile women undergoing IVF procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Joo Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Young Sang Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Molecular Medicine, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea;
| | - Hye Ran Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Kyoung Hee Choi
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Eun A Park
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Ki Ye Kang
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
| | - Tae Ki Yoon
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 13496, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
| | - Jung Jae Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-881-7133 (J.J.K.); +82-2-2002-0300 (Y.S.K); +82-2-2002-0406 (J.H.L.)
| | - You Shin Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 04637, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-881-7133 (J.J.K.); +82-2-2002-0300 (Y.S.K); +82-2-2002-0406 (J.H.L.)
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea; (M.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (H.R.L.); (K.H.C.); (E.A.P.); (K.Y.K.); (T.K.Y.)
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Molecular Medicine, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.J.K.); (Y.S.K.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +82-31-881-7133 (J.J.K.); +82-2-2002-0300 (Y.S.K); +82-2-2002-0406 (J.H.L.)
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Emori C, Ito H, Fujii W, Naito K, Sugiura K. Oocytes suppress FOXL2 expression in cumulus cells in mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:85-93. [PMID: 32307529 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa054] [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: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulus cells and mural granulosa cells (MGCs) play distinct roles during follicular development, and normal development of these cell lineages is critical for the female fertility. Transcriptomic diversification between the two cell lineages is obviously a critical mechanism for their functional diversification; however, the transcriptional regulators responsible for this event have not been fully defined. In this study, we sought to identify key transcriptional regulators responsible for the differential gene expression between the two cell lineages. In silico analysis of transcriptomic comparison between cumulus cells and MGCs identified several candidate regulators responsible for the diversification of the two cell lineages. Among them, we herein focused on forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) and showed that expressions of FOXL2 as well as its target transcripts were differentially regulated between cumulus cells and MGCs. The lower expression of FOXL2 in cumulus cells seemed to be due to the suppression by oocyte-derived paracrine signals. These results suggest that FOXL2 is one of the critical transcription factors that determine cumulus cell and MGC lineages under the control of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Emori
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruka Ito
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Sugiura
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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