RESUMEN
Granulosa cells (GCs) play crucial roles in oocyte maturation. Through gap junctions and extracellular vesicles, they mediate the exchange of molecules such as microRNAs and messenger RNAs. Different ovarian cell types exhibit unique gene expression profiles, reflecting their specialized functions and stages. By combining RNA-seq data from various cell types forming the follicle, we aimed at capturing a wide range of expression patterns, offering insights into the functional diversity and complexity of the transcriptome regulation across GCs. Herein, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing datasets present in public databases, with a unique and standardized workflow., By combining the data from different studies, we successfully increased the robustness and reliability of our findings and discovered novel genes, miRNAs, and signaling pathways associated with GCs function and oocyte maturation. Moreover, our results provide a valuable resource for further wet-lab research on GCs biology and their impact on oocyte development and competence.
Asunto(s)
Células de la Granulosa , MicroARNs , Transcriptoma , Humanos , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Femenino , MicroARNs/genética , Oocitos/metabolismo , Biología Computacional , Análisis de Secuencia de ARNRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease in women of childbearing age, and the incidence of PCOS has increased in recent years. However, the pathogenesis of this disease has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: The expression of miR-151a-3p in ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) was determined using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and flow cytometric assays were used to investigate the effect of miR-151a-3p on KGN cells. Luciferase reporter analysis and western blotting were used to verify the targeting of miR-151a-3p by Traf and Nck interacting kinase (TNIK). Western blotting (WB) was used to evaluate the protein levels. RESULTS: We found that miR-151a-3p was downregulated and TNIK was upregulated in the serum of PCOS patients. Low expression of miR-151a-3p promoted cell proliferation, colony formation and the G0/G1 transition and reduced apoptosis. Our results showed that low expression of miR-151a-3p promoted the expression of TNIK, which activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Overexpression of TNIK rescued the effect of miR-151a-3p in ovarian granulosa cells. Finally, our results showed that there was a significant correlation between the expression of miR-151a-3p and the expression of the target TNIK in PCOS patients and that miR-151a-3p promoted disease occurrence by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Low expression of miR-151a-3p promoted KNG cell proliferation by activating the TNIK-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The miR-151a-3p/TNIK/PI3K/AKT signaling axis may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing the progression of PCOS.
Asunto(s)
Células de la Granulosa , MicroARNs , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/genética , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/metabolismo , Femenino , MicroARNs/genética , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Humanos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular/genética , Transducción de Señal/genética , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Adulto , Apoptosis/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition characterized by a substantial decline or loss of ovarian function in women before the age of 40. However, the pathogenesis of POI remains to be further elucidated, and specific targeted drugs which could delay or reverse ovarian reserve decline are urgently needed. Abnormal DNA damage repair (DDR) and cell senescence in granulosa cells are pathogenic mechanisms of POI. Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is a key enzyme that regulates the deubiquitylation of DDR-related proteins, but whether USP14 participates in the pathogenesis of POI remains unclear. METHODS: We measured USP14 mRNA expression in granulosa cells from biochemical POI (bPOI) patients. In KGN cells, we used IU1 and siRNA-USP14 to specifically inhibit USP14 and constructed a cell line stably overexpressing USP14 to examine its effects on DDR function and cellular senescence in granulosa cells. Next, we explored the therapeutic potential of IU1 in POI mouse models induced by D-galactose. RESULTS: USP14 expression in the granulosa cells of bPOI patients was significantly upregulated. In KGN cells, IU1 treatment and siUSP14 transfection decreased etoposide-induced DNA damage levels, promoted DDR function, and inhibited cell senescence. USP14 overexpression increased DNA damage, impaired DDR function, and promoted cell senescence. Moreover, IU1 treatment and siUSP14 transfection increased nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), upregulated RNF168, Ku70, and DDB1, and increased ubiquitinated DDB1 levels in KGN cells. Conversely, USP14 overexpression had the opposite effects. Intraperitoneal IU1 injection alleviated etoposide-induced DNA damage in granulosa cells, ameliorated the D-galactose-induced POI phenotype, promoted DDR, and inhibited cell senescence in ovarian granulosa cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulated USP14 in ovarian granulosa cells may play a role in POI pathogenesis, and targeting USP14 may be a potential POI treatment strategy. Our study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of POI and a novel POI treatment strategy.
Asunto(s)
Senescencia Celular , Daño del ADN , Reparación del ADN , Células de la Granulosa , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria , Ubiquitina Tiolesterasa , Femenino , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/patología , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/metabolismo , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/genética , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Células de la Granulosa/patología , Senescencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Humanos , Ubiquitina Tiolesterasa/metabolismo , Ubiquitina Tiolesterasa/genética , Reparación del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Adulto , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Línea CelularRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In-depth understanding of dynamic expression profiles of human granulosa cells (GCs) during follicular development will contribute to the diagnostic and targeted interventions for female infertility. However, genome-scale analysis of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) in GCs across diverse developmental stages is challenging. Meanwhile, further research is needed to determine how aberrant lncRNA expression participates in ovarian diseases. METHODS: Granulosa cell-related lncRNAs data spanning five follicular development stages were retrieved and filtered from the NCBI dataset (GSE107746). Stage-specific lncRNA expression patterns and mRNA-lncRNA co-expression networks were identified with bioinformatic approaches. Subsequently, the expression pattern of SNHG18 was detected in GCs during ovarian aging. And SNHG18 siRNA or overexpression plasmids were transfected to SVOG cells in examining the regulatory roles of SNHG18 in GC proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, whether PKCÉ/SNHG18 signaling take part in GC glycolysis via ENO1 were verified in SVOG cells. RESULTS: We demonstrated that GC-related lncRNAs were specifically expressed across different developmental stages, and coordinated crucial biological functions like mitotic cell cycle and metabolic processes in the folliculogenesis. Thereafter, we noticed a strong correlation of PRKCE and SNHG18 expression in our analysis. With downregulated SNHG18 of GCs identified in the context of ovarian aging, SNHG18 knockdown could further induce cell apoptosis, retard cell proliferation and exacerbate DNA damage in SVOG cell. Moreover, downregulated PKCÉ/SNHG18 pathway interrupted the SVOG cell glycolysis by lowering the ENO1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our results revealed that folliculogenesis-related lncRNA SNHG18 participated in the pathogenesis of ovarian aging, which may provide novel biomarkers for ovarian function and new insights for the infertility treatment.
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Apoptosis , Glucólisis , Células de la Granulosa , ARN Largo no Codificante , Femenino , Humanos , Envejecimiento/genética , Envejecimiento/metabolismo , Apoptosis/genética , Glucólisis/genética , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Ovario/metabolismo , Ovario/patología , ARN Largo no Codificante/genética , ARN Largo no Codificante/metabolismoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence has highlighted the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure (POF). This study was designed to investigate the appropriate timing and molecular mechanism of UC-MSCs treatment for chemotherapy-induced POF. METHODS: Ovarian structure and function of mice were assessed every 3 days after injections with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and busulfan (BUS). UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) were infused into mice via the tail vein, respectively. Ovarian function was analyzed by follicle counts, the serum levels of hormones and ovarian morphology. The apoptosis and proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Label-free quantitative proteomics was used to detect the differentially expressed proteins in UC-MSC-derived EVs. RESULTS: After CTX/BUS injection, we observed that the ovarian function of POF mice was significantly deteriorated on day 9 after CTX/BUS infusion. TUNEL assay indicated that the number of apoptotic cells in the ovaries of POF mice was significantly higher than that in normal mice on day 3 after CTX/BUS injection. Transplantation of UC-MSCs on day 6 after CTX/BUS injection significantly improved ovarian function, enhanced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, whereas the therapeutic effect of UC-MSCs transplantation decreased on day 9, or day 12 after CTX/BUS injection. Moreover, EVs derived from UC-MSCs exerted similar therapeutic effects on POF. UC-MSCs-derived EVs could activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and reduce ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. Quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that clusterin (CLU) was highly expressed in the EVs of UC-MSCs. The supplementation of CLU proteins prevented ovarian granulosa cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Further mechanistic analysis showed that CLU-knockdown blocked the PI3K/AKT signaling and reversed the protective effects of UC-MSCs-derived EVs. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs-derived EVs on day 6 of CTX/BUS injection could effectively improve the ovarian function of POF mice. UC-MSCs-derived EVs carrying CLU promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. This study identifies a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism of UC-MSCs-mediated protective effects on POF, which pave the way for the use of cell-free therapeutic approach for POF.
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Vesículas Extracelulares , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Transducción de Señal , Cordón Umbilical , Femenino , Animales , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/terapia , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/metabolismo , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/inducido químicamente , Vesículas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Vesículas Extracelulares/trasplante , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/metabolismo , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/citología , Ratones , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Humanos , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Cordón Umbilical/citología , Clusterina/metabolismo , Apoptosis , Trasplante de Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/métodos , Ovario/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular , Busulfano/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (CDDP), while widely utilized in tumor therapy, results in toxic side effects that patients find intolerable. The specific mechanism by which CDDP inflicts ovarian damage remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the involvement of ferrostatin-1 (FER-1) and ferroptosis in CDDP-induced ovarian toxicity. This study established models of CDDP-induced injury in granulosa cells (GCs) and rat model of premature ovarian failure (POF). CCK-8 assessed the effects of CDDP and FER-1 on GC viability. FerroOrange and Mito-FerroGreen, DCFH-DA and MitoSox-Red, Rhodamine 123 and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measured Fe2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and the mitochondrial morphology in GC cells, respectively. Serum hormone levels; organ indices; malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione analyses; and western blotting were performed to examine ferroptosis's role in vitro. Molecular docking simulation was evaluated the interaction between FER-1 and GPX4 or FER-1 and NRF2. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to evaluate the interactions between FER-1 and GPX4, as well as FER-1 and NRF2. The findings revealed that CDDP-induced ovarian toxicity involved iron accumulation, increased ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to endocrine disruption and tissue damage in rats. These changes correlated with NRF2, HO-1, and GPX4 levels. However, FER-1 decreased the extent of ferroptosis. Thus, ferroptosis appears to be a crucial mechanism of CDDP-induced ovarian injury, with GPX4 as potential protective targets.
Asunto(s)
Cisplatino , Ciclohexilaminas , Ferroptosis , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Fenilendiaminas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Animales , Femenino , Ferroptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Ciclohexilaminas/farmacología , Ratas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Cisplatino/efectos adversos , Fenilendiaminas/farmacología , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Ovario/efectos de los fármacos , Ovario/metabolismo , Ovario/patología , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/inducido químicamente , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/metabolismo , Fosfolípido Hidroperóxido Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Humanos , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias/metabolismoRESUMEN
Ovarian aging results in reproductive disorders and infertility in mammals. Previous studies have reported that the ferroptosis and autophagy caused by oxidative stress may lead to ovarian aging, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we compared the morphological characteristics between the aged and young ovaries of pigs and found that the aged ovaries were larger in size and showed more corpora lutea. TUNEL assay further showed that the apoptosis level of granulosa cells (GCs) was relatively higher in the aged ovaries than those in young ovaries, as well as the expressions of autophagy-associated genes, e.g., p62, ATG7, ATG5, and BECN1, but that the expressions of oxidative stress and aging-associated genes, e.g., SOD1, SIRT1, and SIRT6, were significantly lower. Furthermore, the RNA-seq, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence suggested that phospholipid phosphatase 3 (PLPP3) protein was significantly upregulated in the aged ovaries. PLPP3 was likely to decrease the expressions of SIRT1 and SIRT6 to accelerate cellular senescence of porcine GCs, inhibit the expressions of SOD1, CAT, FSP1, FTH1, and SLC7A11 to exacerbate oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and arouse autophagy to retard the follicular development. In addition, two SNPs of PLPP3 promoter were significantly associated with the age at puberty. g.155798586 (T/T) and g.155798718 (C/C) notably facilitated the mRNA and protein level of PLPP3. In conclusion, PLPP3 might aggravate the oxidative stress of GCs to accelerate ovarian aging, and two molecular markers of PLPP3 were identified for ovarian aging in pigs. This work not only contributes to investigations on mechanisms for ovarian aging but also provides valuable molecular markers to postpone ovarian aging in populations.
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Envejecimiento , Células de la Granulosa , Ovario , Estrés Oxidativo , Animales , Femenino , Ovario/metabolismo , Ovario/patología , Porcinos , Envejecimiento/genética , Envejecimiento/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Autofagia/genética , Apoptosis/genética , Senescencia Celular/genética , Fosfatidato Fosfatasa/metabolismo , Fosfatidato Fosfatasa/genéticaRESUMEN
In vitro embryonic technology is crucial for improving farm animal reproduction but is hampered by the poor quality of oocytes and insufficient development potential. This study investigated the relationships among changes in the gut microbiota and metabolism, serum features, and the follicular fluid metabolome atlas. Correlation network maps were constructed to reveal how the metabolites affect follicular development by regulating gene expression in granulosa cells. The superovulation synchronization results showed that the number of follicle diameters from 4 to 8 mm, qualified oocyte number, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were improved in the dairy heifers (DH) compared with the non-lactating multiparous dairy cows (NDC) groups. The gut microbiota was decreased in Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Alistipes, and Bifidobacterium, but increased in Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Fibrobacterota, Desulfobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota in the NDC group, which was highly associated with phospholipid-related metabolites of gut microbiota and serum. Metabolomic profiling of the gut microbiota, serum, and follicular fluid further demonstrated that the co-metabolites were phosphocholine and linoleic acid. Moreover, the expression of genes related to arachidonic acid metabolism in granulosa cells was significantly correlated with phosphocholine and linoleic acid. The results in granulosa cells showed that the levels of PLCB1 and COX2, participating in arachidonic acid metabolism, were increased in the DH group, which improved the concentrations of PGD2 and PGF2α in the follicular fluid. Finally, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, cytokines, and steroidogenesis-related genes in granulosa cells and the concentrations of steroid hormones in follicular fluid were determinants of follicular development. According to our results, gut microbiota-related phosphocholine and linoleic acid participate in arachidonic acid metabolism in granulosa cells through the gut-follicle axis, which regulates follicular development. These findings hold promise for enhancing follicular development and optimizing oocyte quality in subfertile dairy cows.
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Ácido Araquidónico , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Folículo Ovárico , Animales , Bovinos , Femenino , Ácido Araquidónico/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Líquido Folicular/metabolismo , Metabolómica/métodos , Metaboloma , MultiómicaRESUMEN
5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter widely distributed in mammalian tissues, exerting its effects through binding to various receptors. It plays a crucial role in the proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) and the development of follicles in female animals, however, its effect on porcine follicle development is not clear. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of 5-HT and its receptors in various parts of the pig ovary, as well as the effect of 5-HT on porcine follicular development by using ELISA, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and EdU assays. Firstly, we examined the levels of 5-HT and its receptors in porcine ovaries, follicles, and GCs. The findings revealed that the expression of different 5-HT receptors varied among follicles of different sizes. To investigate the relationship between 5-HT and its receptors, we exposed the GCs to 5-HT and found a decrease in 5-HT receptor expression compared to the control group. Subsequently, the treatment of GCs with 0.5 µM, 5 µM, and 50 µM 5-HT showed an increase in the expression of cell cycle-related genes, and EdU results indicated cell proliferation after the 0.5 µM 5-HT treatment. Additionally, the expression of genes involved in E2 synthesis was examined after the treatment of granulosa cells with 0.5 µM 5-HT. The results showed that CYP19A1 and HSP17ß1 expression was decreased. These results suggest that 5-HT might affect the development of porcine follicle by promoting the proliferation of GCs and inhibiting the synthesis of estrogen. This provides a new finding for exploring the effect of 5-HT on follicular development, and lays a foundation for further research on the mechanism of 5-HT in follicles.
Asunto(s)
Proliferación Celular , Células de la Granulosa , Folículo Ovárico , Receptores de Serotonina , Serotonina , Animales , Serotonina/farmacología , Serotonina/metabolismo , Femenino , Porcinos , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Folículo Ovárico/crecimiento & desarrollo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Serotonina/metabolismo , Receptores de Serotonina/genética , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is intricately linked to cellular fates such as senescence, apoptosis, and impaired granulosa cell (GC) differentiation, each of which contributes to ovarian dysfunction and follicular depletion. Autophagy is essential in preventing POF by maintaining cellular homeostasis through the degradation and recycling of damaged organelles and proteins, thereby preserving ovarian function and preventing follicular depletion. Recent studies have revealed that the targeted regulation and disruption of autophagy through various molecular mechanisms ultimately lead to the pathogenesis of POF. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the disruption in regulatory mechanisms of autophagy contributing to POF. Specifically, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms that can be targeted to restore autophagy homeostasis, offering therapeutic potential for the treatment of POF.
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Autofagia , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria , Humanos , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/metabolismo , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/patología , Femenino , Animales , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/patologíaRESUMEN
The degenerative process of follicular atresia in hens naturally commences in granulosa cells, significantly impacting laying hens' reproductive performance. Past studies suggested that granulosa cell autophagy and apoptosis work together to cause follicular atresia. Recent research indicates that miRNA regulates granulosa autophagy and apoptosis, which contributes to the development of follicular atresia. However, the role of miR-302c-3p in follicular atresia and development remains unclear. In this study with the RNA-seq approach, we found that miR-302c-3p expression was significantly decreased in atrophic follicles, suggesting its involvement in the follicular atresia process. Following this, we performed in vitro studies to confirm that miR-302c-3p inhibits autophagy and apoptosis in chicken granulosa cells. Mechanistically, LATS2 is considered as the putative target gene of miR-302c-3p, and it has been demonstrated that LATS2 exerts a positive regulatory role in the modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in chicken granulosa cells. Furthermore, we verified the regulatory function of miR-302c-3p in chicken granulosa cells via the LATS2-YAP signaling pathway. Our results collectively demonstrates that miR-302c-3p targets LATS2 to modulate the YAP signaling pathway, impacting autophagy and apoptosis in granulosa cells leading to follicular atresia.
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Apoptosis , Autofagia , Pollos , Células de la Granulosa , MicroARNs , Animales , Femenino , Células de la Granulosa/fisiología , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , MicroARNs/genética , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Pollos/genética , Transducción de Señal , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Proteínas Señalizadoras YAP/metabolismo , Proteínas Supresoras de Tumor/genética , Proteínas Supresoras de Tumor/metabolismo , Atresia Folicular/genética , Atresia Folicular/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Background: Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for follicular development. Ovarian advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulation is related to GCs dysfunction. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) illustrates therapeutic capabilities for infertility-related disorders. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of ALA on AGEs-induced GCs hormonal dysfunction. Methods: The study was conducted from October 2021 to September 2022 at the Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Isolated GCs (n=50) were divided into control, human glycated albumin (HGA), HGA+ALA, and ALA treatments. Steroidogenic enzymes and AGE receptor (RAGE) genes were assessed by qRT-PCR. Steroid hormones and RAGE protein were evaluated using ELISA and Western blotting. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software (ver. 9), and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Our findings showed that HGA treatment significantly (P=0.0001) increased RAGE (by 140.66%), STAR (by 117.65%), 3ß-HSD (by 165.68%), and 17ß-HSD (by 122.15%) expression, while it decreased CYP19A1 (by 68.37%) expression. RAGE protein level (by 267.10%) was also increased in HGA-treated GCs. A significant decrease in estradiol (by 59.66%) and a slight and sharp elevation in progesterone (by 30.40%) and total testosterone (by 158.24%) levels was also observed. ALA treatment ameliorated the HGA-induced changes in steroidogenic enzyme mRNA levels (P=0.001) and steroid hormone secretion (P=0.010). Conclusion: This work shows that ALA therapy likely corrects hormonal dysfunctions caused by AGEs in luteinized GCs. This effect is probably achieved by decreased RAGE expression. Clinical research is needed to understand how AGEs and ALA interact in the ovary, which might lead to a more targeted ovarian dysfunction therapy.
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Productos Finales de Glicación Avanzada , Células de la Granulosa , Ácido Tióctico , Humanos , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología , Ácido Tióctico/uso terapéutico , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Productos Finales de Glicación Avanzada/farmacología , Receptor para Productos Finales de Glicación Avanzada , Células CultivadasRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to determine whether adipokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) can affect the functions of ovarian cells in cats. The addition of either MCP-1 or PAI-1 increased viability; promoted the accumulation of proliferation markers and progesterone and estradiol release; and decreased the accumulation of apoptosis markers in cultured feline granulosa cells. The present observations suggest that MCP-1 or PAI-1 can be physiological stimulators of ovarian granulosa cell functions.
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Quimiocina CCL2 , Células de la Granulosa , Inhibidor 1 de Activador Plasminogénico , Animales , Gatos , Femenino , Inhibidor 1 de Activador Plasminogénico/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/fisiología , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Quimiocina CCL2/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Proliferación Celular/fisiología , Estradiol/metabolismo , Estradiol/farmacología , Progesterona/metabolismo , Progesterona/farmacología , Apoptosis , Supervivencia CelularRESUMEN
Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs), a family of serine/threonine kinases, were found to be critical determinants of female fertility. SIK2 silencing results in increased ovulatory response to gonadotropins. In contrast, SIK3 knockout results in infertility, gonadotropin insensitivity, and ovaries devoid of antral and preovulatory follicles. This study hypothesizes that SIK2 and SIK3 differentially regulate follicle growth and fertility via contrasting actions in the granulosa cells (GCs), the somatic cells of the follicle. Therefore, SIK2 or SIK3 GC-specific knockdown (SIK2GCKD and SIK3GCKD, respectively) mice were generated by crossing SIK floxed mice with Cyp19a1pII-Cre mice. Fertility studies revealed that pup accumulation over 6 months and the average litter size of SIK2GCKD mice were similar to controls, although in SIK3GCKD mice were significantly lower compared to controls. Compared to controls, gonadotropin stimulation of prepubertal SIK2GCKD mice resulted in significantly higher serum estradiol levels, whereas SIK3GCKD mice produced significantly less estradiol. Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and StAR were significantly increased in the GCs of gonadotropin-stimulated SIK2GCKD mice. However, Cyp11a1 and StAR remained significantly lower than controls in SIK3GCKD mice. Interestingly, Cyp19a1 stimulation in SIK3GCKD was not statistically different compared to controls. Superovulation resulted in SIK2GCKD mice ovulating significantly more oocytes, whereas SIK3GCKD mice ovulated significantly fewer oocytes than controls. Remarkably, SIK3GCKD superovulated ovaries contained significantly more preantral follicles than controls. SIK3GCKD ovaries contained significantly more apoptotic cells and fewer proliferating cells than controls. These data point to the differential regulation of GC function and follicle development by SIK2 and SIK3 and supports the therapeutic potential of targeting these kinases for treating infertility or developing new contraceptives.
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Gonadotropinas , Células de la Granulosa , Ratones Noqueados , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas , Animales , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/metabolismo , Femenino , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Ratones , Gonadotropinas/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Aromatasa/genética , Aromatasa/metabolismo , Fertilidad/genética , Fertilidad/efectos de los fármacos , Estradiol/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Follicle development refers to the process in which the follicles in the ovary gradually develop from the primary stage to a mature state, and most primary follicles fail to develop normally, without forming a dense granular cell layer and cell wall, which is identified as atretic follicles. Granulosa cells assist follicle development by producing hormones and providing support, and interference in the interaction between granulosa cells and oocytes may lead to the formation of atretic follicles. Ferroptosis, as a non-apoptotic form of death, is caused by cells accumulating lethal levels of iron-dependent phospholipid peroxides. Healthy follicles ranging from 4 to 5 mm were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (DMSO) and treatment group (10 uM of ferroptosis inducer erastin). Each group was sequenced after three repeated cultures for 24 h. We found that ferroptosis was associated with atretic follicles and that the in vitro treatment of healthy follicles with the ferroptosis inducer erastin produced a phenotype similar to that of atretic follicles. Overall, our study elucidates that tRF-1:30-Gly-GCC-2 is involved in the apoptosis and ferroptosis of GCs. Mechanistically, tRF-1:30-Gly-GCC-2 inhibits granulosa cell proliferation and promotes ferroptosis by inhibiting Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1). tRF-1:30-Gly-GCC-2 may be a novel molecular target for improving the development of atretic follicles in ovarian dysfunction. In conclusion, our study provides a new perspective on the pathogenesis of granulosa cell dysfunction and follicular atresia.
Asunto(s)
Ferroptosis , Células de la Granulosa , Proteína Quinasa 1 Activada por Mitógenos , Folículo Ovárico , Ferroptosis/genética , Femenino , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Animales , Proteína Quinasa 1 Activada por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Proteína Quinasa 1 Activada por Mitógenos/genética , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Ratones , Proliferación Celular , Regulación hacia Abajo , Apoptosis , Células CultivadasRESUMEN
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic ovulation dysfunction and overproduction of androgens. Women with PCOS are commonly accompanied by insulin resistance (IR), which can impair insulin sensitivity and elevate blood glucose levels. IR promotes ovarian cysts, ovulatory dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities in women patients, leading to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4), a secreted glycoprotein, exhibits significantly elevated expression levels in obese individuals with IR and PCOS. Whereas, whether it plays a role in regulating IR-induced PCOS still has yet to be understood. In this study, we respectively established in vitro IR-induced hyperandrogenism in human ovarian granular cells and in vivo IR-induced PCOS models in mice to investigate the action mechanisms of SFRP4 in modulating IR-induced PCOS. Here, we revealed that SFRP4 expression levels in both mRNA and protein were remarkably upregulated in the IR-induced hyperandrogenism with elevated testosterone in the human ovarian granulosa cell line KGN. Under normal conditions without hyperandrogenism, overexpressing SFRP4 triggered the remarkable elevation of testosterone along with the increased nuclear translocation of ß-catenin, cell apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Furthermore, we found that phytopharmaceutical disruption of SFRP4 by genistein ameliorated IR-induced increase in testosterone in ovarian granular cells, and IR-induced PCOS in high-fat diet obese mice. Our study reveals that SFRP4 contributes to IR-induced PCOS by triggering ovarian granulosa cell hyperandrogenism and apoptosis through the nuclear ß-catenin/IL-6 signaling axis. Elucidating the role of SFRP4 in PCOS may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for IR-related PCOS therapy.
Asunto(s)
Apoptosis , Células de la Granulosa , Hiperandrogenismo , Resistencia a la Insulina , Interleucina-6 , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico , Transducción de Señal , beta Catenina , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/metabolismo , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/patología , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/genética , Femenino , Animales , Humanos , Hiperandrogenismo/metabolismo , Hiperandrogenismo/genética , Hiperandrogenismo/patología , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/patología , beta Catenina/metabolismo , beta Catenina/genética , Ratones , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Interleucina-6/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas/genética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Línea CelularRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), expressed in both ovarian germ and somatic cells, is involved in the initial meiosis and primordial follicle formation of mouse oocytes. Using in vitro and in vivo experiments in this study, we explored the function and mechanism of CK1α in estrogen synthesis in mice ovarian granulosa cells. METHODS: A CK1α knockout (cKO) mouse model, targeted specifically to ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), was employed to establish the influence of CK1α on in vivo estrogen synthesis. The influence of CK1α deficiency on GCs was determined in vivo and in vitro by immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot assay. Transcriptome profiling, differentially expressed genes and gene functional enrichment analyses, and computation protein-protein docking, were further employed to assess the CK1α pathway. Furthermore, wild-type female mice were treated with the CK1α antagonist D4476 to elucidate the CK1α's role in estrogen regulation. RESULTS: Ovarian GCs CK1α deficiency impaired fertility and superovulation of female mice; also, the average litter size and the estradiol (E2) level in the serum of cKO female mice were decreased by 57.3% and 87.4% vs. control mice, respectively. This deficiency disrupted the estrous cycle and enhanced the apoptosis in the GCs. We observed that CK1α mediated the secretion of estradiol in mouse ovarian GCs via the cytochrome P450 subfamily 19 member 1 (CYP19A1). CONCLUSIONS: These findings improve the existing understanding of the regulation mechanism of female reproduction and estrogen synthesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
Asunto(s)
Aromatasa , Estradiol , Células de la Granulosa , Ratones Noqueados , Animales , Femenino , Ratones , Aromatasa/metabolismo , Aromatasa/genética , Caseína Quinasa Ialfa/metabolismo , Caseína Quinasa Ialfa/genética , Estradiol/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismoRESUMEN
The ovarian KGN granulosa-like tumour cell line is commonly used as a model for human granulosa cells, especially since it produces steroid hormones. To explore this further, we identified genes that were differentially expressed by KGN cells compared to primary human granulosa cells using three public RNA sequence datasets. Of significance, we identified that the expression of the antioxidant gene TXNRD1 (thioredoxin reductase 1) was extremely high in KGN cells. This is ominous since cytochrome P450 enzymes leak electrons and produce reactive oxygen species during the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis identified steroid biosynthetic and cholesterol metabolic processes were more active in primary granulosa cells, whilst in KGN cells, DNA processing, chromosome segregation and kinetochore pathways were more prominent. Expression of cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1), which are important for the biosynthesis of the steroid hormones progesterone and oestrogen, plus their electron transport chain members (FDXR, FDX1, POR) were measured in cultured KGN cells. KGN cells were treated with 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) or 10 µM forskolin, with or without siRNA knockdown of TXNRD1. We also examined expression of antioxidant genes, H2O2 production by Amplex Red assay and DNA damage by γH2Ax staining. Significant increases in CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were observed by either dbcAMP or forskolin treatments. However, no significant changes in H2O2 levels or DNA damage were found. Knockdown of expression of TXNRD1 by siRNA blocked the stimulation of expression of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 by dbcAMP. Thus, with TXNRD1 playing such a pivotal role in steroidogenesis in the KGN cells and it being so highly overexpressed, we conclude that KGN cells might not be the most appropriate model of primary granulosa cells for studying the interplay between ovarian steroidogenesis, reactive oxygen species and antioxidants.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes , Aromatasa , Enzima de Desdoblamiento de la Cadena Lateral del Colesterol , Células de la Granulosa , Humanos , Femenino , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Aromatasa/genética , Aromatasa/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Enzima de Desdoblamiento de la Cadena Lateral del Colesterol/genética , Enzima de Desdoblamiento de la Cadena Lateral del Colesterol/metabolismo , Tiorredoxina Reductasa 1/metabolismo , Tiorredoxina Reductasa 1/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Tumor de Células de la Granulosa/genética , Tumor de Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Tumor de Células de la Granulosa/patología , Esteroides/biosíntesis , Progesterona/metabolismo , Neoplasias Ováricas/genética , Neoplasias Ováricas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Ováricas/patologíaRESUMEN
During the development of animal organs, various adverse stimuli or toxic environments can induce oxidative stress and delay ovarian development. Paeoniflorin (PF), the main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has protective effects on various diseases by preventing oxidative stress. However, the mechanism by which PF attenuates oxidative damage in mouse ovaries remains unclear. We evaluated the protective effects of PF on ovaries in an H2O2-induced mouse oxidative stress model. The H2O2-induced mouse ovarian oxidative stress model was used to explore the protective effect of PF on ovarian development. Histology and follicular development were observed. We then detected related indicators of cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy in mouse ovaries. We found that PF inhibited H2O2-induced ovarian cell apoptosis and ferroptosis and promoted granulosa cell proliferation. PF prevented oxidative stress by increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels. In addition, the autophagic flux of ovarian cells was activated and was accompanied by increased lysosomal biogenesis. Moreover, PF-mediated autophagy was involved in clearing mitochondria damaged by H2O2. Importantly, PF administration significantly increased the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and antral follicles. PF administration improved ovarian sizes compared with the H2O2 group. The present study suggested that PF administration reversed H2O2-induced ovarian developmental delay and promoted follicle development. PF-activated mitophagy is crucial for preventing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial quality.
Asunto(s)
Glucósidos , Peróxido de Hidrógeno , Mitofagia , Ovario , Estrés Oxidativo , Animales , Femenino , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Glucósidos/farmacología , Ratones , Ovario/efectos de los fármacos , Ovario/metabolismo , Mitofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/metabolismo , Monoterpenos/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Hemo-Oxigenasa 1/metabolismo , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Quercetin has been shown to mitigate the cytotoxic effects of heavy metals. While copper is an essential trace element for bodily functions, excessive intake has been linked to impaired female reproductive function. Transcriptome analysis was employed to identify genes that are differentially expressed in response to high copper and were validated through qRT-PCR and western blotting. ATP content and Tunel were used to identify the damage of mitochondrial and cell apoptosis. PPI analysis revealed that MKI67, TOPII, ASPM, CASP3, PLK1, and TTK are central proteins within the network. Additionally, exposure to elevated levels of copper resulted in the dysregulation of 86 genes associated with mitochondria. Conversely, treatment with quercetin (QUE) in combination with high copper led to the normalization of 42 mitochondria-related genes previously affected by high copper levels. Furthermore, CuSO4 decreases ATP content and induces cell apoptosis, which can be reversed by QUE. Results suggest that elevated copper levels could lead to oxidative stress and apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial damage, while QUE has the potential to mitigate these effects, ultimately safeguarding granulosa cells and halting the progression of cell death. This study provides novel insights into the molecular pathways involved in female reproductive toxicity caused by excessive copper exposure.