Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Limor Man, Nicole Lustgarten Guahmich, Eleni Kallinos, Barbara Caiazza, Monica Khan, Zong-Ying Liu, Ritaben Patel, Carmen Torres, David Pepin, He S. Yang, Richard Bodine, Nikica Zaninovic, Glenn Schattman, Zev Rosenwaks, Daylon James
Summary: Superphysiologic levels of AMH may disrupt ovulatory function by accelerating follicle maturation and luteinization.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam J. Ziecik, Jan Klos, Katarzyna Gromadzka-Hliwa, Mariola A. Dietrich, Mariola Slowinska, Pawel Likszo, Katarzyna Knapczyk-Stwora, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Monika M. Kaczmarek
Summary: Different strategies are used for optimal reproductive performance or reproductive health management. Exogenous and endogenous gonadotropins have different endocrine properties, with hCG having a potent progestational/androgenic role and LH having an estrogenic/pro-developmental function. Sexual maturity significantly affects the endocrine and molecular environment of ovarian follicles, especially estradiol levels.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Luba Sominsky, Simin Younesi, Simone N. De Luca, Sophie M. Loone, Kylie M. Quinn, Sarah J. Spencer
Summary: The study reveals that ovarian follicles are resilient against short-term disturbances in circulating and ovarian monocytes, making them able to withstand acute changes in immune balance.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arumugam Anitha, Balasubramanian Senthilkumaran
Summary: This study highlights the role of sox19 in regulating ovarian growth and steroidogenesis in common carp, with elevated expression during spawning and gonadotropin induction. Transient gene silencing of sox19 resulted in downregulation of various ovary-related genes and a decrease in serum hormone levels. The findings demonstrate the importance of sox19 in the control of common carp ovarian functions.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Chalikkaran Thilakan Rejani, Ajit Kumar Navin, Thekkey Madathil Valappil Mumthaz, Venugopal Bhuvarahamurthy
Summary: The impact of a high-fat-high-fructose diet on ovarian function is still unclear. This study found that this diet resulted in reduced autophagy in the ovaries, leading to abnormal follicle differentiation and impaired fertility.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nirupama Sumangala, Sang-Choul Im, Juan Valentin-Goyco, Richard J. Auchus
Summary: Cholesterol has a significant impact on the biophysical and mechanical properties of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, but is often neglected in membrane protein studies. Our study found that cholesterol influences the functionality of the P450 19A1 complex, possibly serving as an additional regulatory mechanism in this catalytic system.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam J. Ziecik, Pawel Likszo, Jan Klos, Katarzyna Gromadzka-Hliwa, Katarzyna Knapczyk-Stwora, Olli Peltoniemi, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Monika M. Kaczmarek
Summary: Ovarian cysts can reduce reproductive performance in pigs, and the formation mechanism of lutein cysts is still unknown. This study compared the endocrine and molecular milieus of healthy preovulatory follicles, healthy and atretic-like follicles induced by gonadotropins, and gonadotropin-provoked and spontaneous ovarian cysts in gilts, and found significant differences in endocrine and molecular indicators and microRNA in the walls of cysts. The results suggest a novel mechanism of lutein ovarian cysts development in pigs and possibly other species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrycja Witek, Malgorzata Grzesiak, Marek Koziorowski, Maria Slomczynska, Katarzyna Knapczyk-Stwora
Summary: In this study, the effects of neonatal exposure to the insecticide methoxychlor (MXC) on ovarian follicles in adult pigs were investigated. The results suggest that MXC exposure may have long-term effects on the signaling pathways involved in follicle development in the ovaries of pigs. However, the effects of MXC vary at different stages of follicular development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hanna Ornes Olesen, Susanne Elisabeth Pors, Lea Bejstrup Jensen, Annika Patricia Gronning, Camilla Engel Lemser, Maria Thai Hien Nguyen Heimbuerger, Linn Salto Mamsen, Natalie Getreu, Soren Tvorup Christensen, Claus Yding Andersen, Stine Gry Kristensen
Summary: Daily administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 7-12 days post-transplantation can reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury and increase follicle survival in human ovarian xenografts. This treatment works by upregulating the antioxidant defense system and exerting anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiaotong Wang, Elaine Lee, Barbara F. Hales, Bernard Robaire
Summary: Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers and can be found everywhere. Exposure to these chemicals may disrupt female sex hormone balance and affect female fertility. In this study, the effects of OPEs on KGN ovarian granulosa cells were investigated. OPEs altered the steroidogenic ability of these cells by dysregulating the expression of genes involved in steroid and cholesterol biosynthesis. These effects may have negative impacts on female reproduction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jesus Cadenas, Susanne Elisabeth Pors, Dmitry Nikiforov, Mengxue Zheng, Cristina Subiran, Jane Alro Botkjaer, Linn Salto Mamsen, Stine Gry Kristensen, Claus Yding Andersen
Summary: The stability of reference genes (RGs) in human ovarian cells and tissues varies, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate RGs for specific cell types or tissues in RT-qPCR analysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Saeed Alborzi, Tahereh Poordast, Elham Askary, Kefayat Chamanara, Ziba Zahiri Sorouri, Elnaz Hosseini Najar Kellaii, Siavash Pirzadeh Nahooji
Summary: Injecting vasopressin into the mesovarium during endometrioma cystectomy can reduce intraoperative bleeding and electrocoagulation points, but it does not have a significant effect on preserving ovarian reserve.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Sean D. Lawley, Joshua Johnson
Summary: Women are born with a large number of primordial ovarian follicles (PFs), but only a few of them will ever ovulate. Recent analysis suggests that PF growth activation (PFGA) is stochastic, and the oversupply of PFs at birth enables a steady supply of growing follicles. Extreme value theory analysis supports the hypothesis that the large endowment of primordial follicles ensures robust and reliable female reproductive aging.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Jennifer Shannon, Aishwarya Sundaresan, Orhan Bukulmez, Zexu Jiao, Kaitlin Doody, Sarah Capelouto, Bruce Carr, Laura A. Banaszynski
Summary: Understanding how gene regulatory elements influence ovarian follicle development is crucial for addressing issues such as decreased fertility with age and short-term graft function after ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The ATAC-seq technique can identify regulatory elements important for gene regulation and fertility, but challenges remain in obtaining data from frozen samples.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Linn Salto Mamsen, Jane Alro Botkjaer, Stine Gry Kristensen, Susanne Elisabeth Pors, Janni Vikkelso Jeppesen, Ajay Kumar, Bhanu Kalra, Erik Ernst, Claus Yding Andersen
Summary: AMH, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily produced by follicular granulosa cells in women, is thought to inhibit aromatase and play a role in ovarian steroidogenesis. This study found a negative correlation between follicle diameter and AMH forms, and variability in AMH isoforms between follicles of identical size within the same woman. The complex intrafollicular processing of AMH may pose challenges for developing an antibody-based AMH assay.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nathalie Soderhamn Bulow, Sven Olaf Skouby, Agnieszka Katarzyna Warzecha, Hanne Udengaard, Claus Yding Andersen, Marianne Dreyer Holt, Marie Louise Grondahl, Anders Nyboe Andersen, Negjyp Sopa, Anne Lis Englund Mikkelsen, Anja Pinborg, Nicholas Stephen Macklon
Summary: The use of letrozole during ovarian stimulation for IVF did not significantly decrease the proportion of women with premature progesterone levels above 1.5 ng/ml at the time of triggering final oocyte maturation. However, letrozole did significantly increase the proportion of women with mid-luteal progesterone levels above 30 ng/ml.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Christian F. S. Jensen, Lihua Dong, Murat Gul, Mikkel Fode, Simone Hildorf, Jorgen Thorup, Eva Hoffmann, Dina Cortes, Jens Fedder, Claus Y. Andersen, Jens Sonksen
Summary: Treatment for childhood cancer may lead to infertility in survivors, but there are options for fertility preservation such as sperm or testis tissue cryopreservation. Physicians should inform patients and parents about the reproductive effects of treatment and provide relevant choices. Fertility preservation options for pre-pubertal boys are limited globally, while preservation for pubertal boys is clinically proven.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dmitry Nikiforov, Marie Louise Grondahl, Julius Hreinsson, Claus Yding Andersen
Summary: Assessment of oocyte morphology can impact treatment outcomes, with certain abnormalities potentially affecting the results. Overall, morphology assessment is informative but not predictive, and combining artificial intelligence with oocyte morphology assessment may improve the accuracy of treatment outcomes.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Dam Kobbero, Michael Gajhede, Osman Asghar Mirza, Soren Kloverpris, Troels Ronn Kjaer, Jakob Hauge Mikkelsen, Thomas Boesen, Claus Oxvig
Summary: PAPP-A plays a key role in IGF signaling by cleaving IGFBPs. The structure of PAPP-A in complex with its inhibitor STC2 was reported, revealing a mechanism of proteolytic inhibition that could support the development of specific pharmaceutical agents for modulating IGF signaling.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jesus Catienas, Liv la Cour Poulsen, Linn Salto Mamsen, Claus Yding Andersen
Summary: In several mammalian species, oocytes from small antral follicles after in vitro maturation (IVM) are successfully used for procreation. Humans are the exception, mainly due to limited access to immature oocytes and unique regulation of oocyte maturation. However, recent findings suggest that human IVM can be developed, with factors such as oocyte diameter, follicle size, hormone levels, and cumulus-oocyte complex secretion influencing the maturation process. Furthermore, studies on signal transduction pathways and hormone levels during physiological conditions provide new insights for improving the current IVM platform. With continued research efforts, it is envisioned that a human IVM platform equally effective as in other mammalian species can be achieved. (Fertil Sterile 2023;119:550-9. (c) 2023 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Claus Oxvig, Cheryl A. Conover
Summary: PAPP-A and PAPP-A2 are specific proteolytic enzymes involved in IGF signaling regulation by cleaving IGFBPs and increasing IGF bioactivity. This molecular network plays a significant role in the IGF system, but its precise operation needs further investigation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cheryl A. Conover, Claus Oxvig
Summary: PAPP-A is a placental protein that was initially discovered in pregnant women and later found to be a metalloproteinase expressed by nonplacental cells. It regulates local insulin-like growth factor (IGF) activity by cleaving high-affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). This proteolytic regulation is important for cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival in normal and cancer cells.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Morten Krogh Christiansen, Kasper Kjaer-Sorensen, Natacha C. Clavsen, Sven Dittmann, Maja Fuhlendorff Jensen, Halvor Osterby Guldbrandsen, Lisbeth Norum Pedersen, Rikke Hasle Sorensen, Dorte Launholt Lildballe, Klara Mueller, Patrick Mueller, Kira Vogel, Boris Rudic, Martin Borggrefe, Claus Oxvig, Christian Aalkjaer, Eric Schulze-Bahr, Vladimir Matchkov, Henning Bundgaard, Henrik Kjaerulf Jensen
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of potential disease-causing variants in SQTS patients, with a focus on the SLC4A3 gene. Results showed that nonsynonymous variants in SLC4A3 were the most common cause of SQTS, highlighting the importance of including SLC4A3 in the genetic screening of SQTS or sudden cardiac death patients.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
J. Cadenas, L. C. Poulsen, D. Nikiforov, M. L. Grondahl, A. Kumar, K. Bahnu, A. L. M. Englund, J. Malm, G. Marko-Varga, I Pla, A. Sanchez, S. E. Pors, C. Yding Andersen
Summary: This study investigates the substances and signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of human oocyte maturation downstream to the effects of FSH and LH. The results reveal that human oocyte maturation is a multifactorial process involving several different signal transduction pathways. Various pathways, including those involving CNP, EGF-related peptides, TGF-beta family members, activins/inhibins, FF-MAS, and MDK, are potentially active, while the GDF9 and BMP15 pathways show less pronounced influence.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nathalie Soderhamn Bulow, Agnieszka Katarzyna Warzecha, Mette Villads Nielsen, Claus Yding Andersen, Marianne Dreyer Holt, Morten Ronn Petersen, Negjyp Sopa, Anne Zedeler, Anne Lis Englund, Anja Pinborg, Marie Louise Grondahl, Sven Olaf Skouby, Nicholas Stephen Macklon
Summary: LZ co-treatment during ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins for in IVF does not impact follicle recruitment, oocyte number and quality, embryo quality, or live birth rate (LBR).
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengxue Zheng, Jesus Cadenas, Susanne Elisabeth Pors, Tasnim Esa, Stine Gry Kristensen, Linn Salto Mamsen, Cristina Subiran Adrados, Claus Yding Andersen
Summary: This study aimed to optimize the culture conditions for murine preantral follicles to improve their growth and survival. The results showed that altering the alginate concentration, adding estradiol, and increasing follicle-stimulating hormone concentration can promote the growth and development of preantral follicles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rasmus Hejlesen, Kasper Kjaer-Sorensen, Angela Fago, Claus Oxvig
Summary: By using the CRISPR/Cas system, three distinct zebrafish mb knockout lines were generated, all of which did not exhibit significant phenotypic changes during development. The validated knockout line, mb(Auzf13.2), showed no signs of genetic compensation or off-target effects in adult zebrafish, suggesting promise for investigating the biological role of Mb.
TRANSGENIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anne Skakkebaek, Kasper Kjaer-Sorensen, Vladimir V. Matchkov, Lise-Lotte Christensen, Jesper Just, Cagla Comert, Niels Holmark Andersen, Claus Oxvig, Claus Hojbjerg Gravholt
Summary: The genetic basis of the QT interval, which represents the time for heartbeat repolarization, is not fully understood. This study explores the contribution of the pseudoautosomal gene SLC25A6 to QT interval variation using human participants and zebrafish models. The results show that higher expression of SLC25A6 is associated with shorter QTc intervals, and pharmacological modulation of K-ATP channels can restore the interval duration. This indicates that SLC25A6 plays a role in QT interval variation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Pernille Bogetofte Thomasen, Alena Salasova, Kasper Kjaer-Sorensen, Lucie Woloszczukova, Josef Lavicky, Hande Login, Jeppe Tranberg-Jensen, Sergio Almeida, Sander Beel, Michaela Kavkova, Per Qvist, Mads Kjolby, Peter Lund Ovesen, Stella Nolte, Benedicte Vestergaard, Andreea-Cornelia Udrea, Lene Niemann Nejsum, Moses Chao, Philip Van Damme, Jan Krivanek, Jeremy Dasen, Claus Oxvig, Anders Nykjaer
Summary: SorCS2 is a receptor for PGRN that plays an important role in MN diversification and axon outgrowth, as well as affecting neuromuscular junction morphology and fish motility. Deficiency of SorCS2 disrupts cell-fate decisions of brachial MNs and leads to innervation deficits of posterior nerves. In addition, SorCS2 knockout mice exhibit slower motor nerve regeneration. The interaction between primitive macrophages expressing high levels of PGRN and SorCS2-positive motor axons is crucial for axon pathfinding.
Article
Physiology
Arimantas Lionikas, Ana I. Hernandez Cordero, Audrius Kilikevicius, Andrew M. Carroll, Guy S. Bewick, Lutz Bunger, Aivaras Ratkevicius, Lora K. Heisler, Mette Harboe, Claus Oxvig
Summary: This study suggests that STC2 inhibits muscle growth by inhibiting the activity of PAPP-A, a protease that promotes muscle growth through the IGF axis. Mice lacking STC2 showed increased muscle mass and larger muscle fibers. Functional overload increased muscle mass and the levels of IGF axis components, including IGF1, IGF2, IGFBP-4, PAPP-A, and STC2.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2023)